Latest news with #Vasquez
Technical.ly
2 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
Still doing the work: How DEI leaders are adapting to political pushback
As national pressure mounts against DEI programs, some organizations are removing terminology, rewriting job descriptions or folding initiatives altogether. But others are adapting, embedding DEI principles throughout their work and refusing to walk away. Experts addressed these themes during 'What Happens to DEI Strategies Now?,' a panel at the 2025 Builders Conference. Sylvie Gallier Howard, founder of Equitable Cities Collaborative, said she's seen organizations across sectors retreat from public-facing DEI branding. Some, particularly those reliant on federal funding, have even received direct warnings: Don't list DEI as a line item, or risk losing support. 'It's this weaponization of DEI,' Howard said. 'A lot of people I know are saying they're scrubbing those words from their websites, from their literature, because they're afraid of losing funding or becoming a target. They consistently tell me, 'We're still doing the work, we're just not using the words publicly.'' That rebranding might mean swapping language on websites or external communications, explained Alyssa Vasquez from the professional training firm Cultured Enuf. Just because the wording changes doesn't mean the mission is different, she said. These moves are made out of necessity and fear of losing funding from the federal government. Vasquez emphasized that these shifts don't have to signal a retreat — but leaders must be intentional in how they implement work policies. 'My hope is that [companies] shift from 'token' to real strategies integrated into talent management. We help them integrate real questions in interviews about experiences: 'Have you been led by a woman of color? Have you had a Black woman as a supervisor?'' Vasquez said. 'Because if [the answer is] never, that may cause issues. Focusing on day-to-day, making it about competencies, not token hires — that's the direction I'd like to see.' Embedding DEI across operations Vasquez and Howard shared how they're navigating this moment with their own businesses. Howard, whose firm includes 'equitable' in the name, said she's had potential clients question whether she'll rebrand. Even if she won't, she admits that not everyone can make such a firm choice. 'What's the opposite of 'diversity, equity, inclusion?' 'Homogeneity, inequity, exclusion?'' she said. 'Is that what we want? I think we who can stand up, must. But some can't. We have to acknowledge that.' Vasquez, who works nationally across sectors, said she chooses her clients carefully. In early conversations, she's upfront about the kind of work she does — and if an organization can't integrate with it, she walks away. But she acknowledged not everyone has that ability. 'If we're not aligned, that's a red flag,' Vasquez said. 'If you have the privilege, you can do that. Not everyone does.' Howard noted that in her economic development experience, strategies like supplier diversity or equitable small business funding are being reframed around geography, income or disinvestment — still equity, just with a different lens, she said. There are organizations that are doubling down. Vasquez praised the School District of Lancaster as an example of leadership in DEI. 'Maybe they shift job titles, but they're not retreating from the actual pillar of equity. That's real leadership,' she said. If DEI is seen as a standalone program — or a quick post-2020 fix — it will always be vulnerable to political shifts. But when it's baked into operations, it becomes part of how an organization functions and survives. Vasquez cited the interview process and retention strategy as examples of where this integration matters. It's also important organizations and companies work together toward these goals. 'A big part of this is forming coalitions for advocacy,' Howard said, 'to do it carefully but not give up.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Linda fire chief seeks seat on Yuba board
Retired Linda fire chief and U.S. Air Force veteran Rich Webb announced that he will run for Yuba County Board of Supervisors, District 1, representing the Linda and Edgewater communities. 'My entire adult life has revolved around service and giving back to this community I love,' Webb said. 'First through my service in the Air Force, then through 34 years as a local firefighter, and now as a volunteer for local service groups and organizations that support survivors of tragedy and our first responders.' Webb's career began at 20 years old when he enlisted in the Air Force, where he trained as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician. After his active duty service, he became a civilian firefighter at Beale Air Force Base and volunteered for the Linda Fire District. He was awarded Yuba County Fireman of Year in 1986, nominated for the Department of Defense Civilian Firefighter of the Year in 1987, promoted to Linda fire captain in 1990 and appointed Linda fire chief in 2000. He served as chief for 20 years and retired in 2020. Currently, Webb is the president of the Yuba Sutter Trauma Intervention Program, where he volunteers to provide support for survivors of tragedy in the region. He is the vice president of Marysville Kiwanis and has been a member for 17 years. Webb also volunteers for the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank and Adventist Health and Rideout, serves on the Yuba County Measure K Citizens' Oversight Committee, and as president of the Yuba County Community Services Commission, working to reduce poverty in the county. Webb is seeking the board seat of current District 1 supervisor Andy Vasquez, as he is not seeking reelection. Vasquez, who has served on the board since 2009, has endorsed Webb. 'Rich's background in public safety, his decades of service to Yuba County, his professionalism and his calm, level-headed demeanor are unmatched, and make him the perfect candidate to lead us into the future,' Vasquez said. Webb said that if he is elected as supervisor, he will continue to support business development and infrastructure improvements in Linda, prioritize county funds for public safety, work to decrease homelessness and transient activity, and 'strive to bring back a sense of community to Linda through neighborhood events and more activities for our youth and seniors.' 'Through decades of good planning and our amazing partnership with the Yuba Water Agency, Linda is thriving and Yuba County has the opportunity to become the top business, residential and tourism destination in the region,' Webb said. 'Now more than ever, it is critical that we elect leaders with a proven track record of leadership, professional success and giving back. I would be honored to continue to serve our community as your next supervisor.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Socorro ISD earns district certification from National Institute for STEM Education
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Socorro Independent School District said it is the most recent district in the country to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence – District (NCSE-D) STEM certificate. Socorro ISD announced the recognition on Tuesday, May 27, in a news release. Socorro ISD said the district is the first in West Texas and one of only three in Texas in the nation to earn the district STEM certification. The certificate, which comes from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE), recognizes districts for their commitment to continually improving districtwide systems and structures that support STEM educators and their students, Socorro ISD said. 'We are extremely honored to earn the national STEM certification, which validates the hard work and dedication among our faculty, staff and administrators to ensure that our students are receiving meaningful instruction and hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and math,' Socorro ISD Interim Superintendent James Vasquez said. 'Our highly qualified teachers, campus and district leaders are achieving outstanding results integrating STEM instruction across all areas of student learning.' Socorro ISD said NISE, which is headquartered in Houston, Texas, was conceived by seasoned, practicing educators and is based on thousands of hours of research, professional development, curriculum design, and educational leadership. Using an online platform and supported by a dedicated NISE STEM leadership coach, educators and district leaders work together to refine district operations and instruction to further strengthen STEM practices and the district's overall STEM culture, Socorro ISD added. Socorro ISD said that as part of earning the NCSE – District Certification, along with over two years of sustained visioning, planning, and implementing STEM education system, three campuses also earned the NCSE – Campus Certification, and 97 teachers and administrators earned the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST). Escontrias STEAM Academy was the first school in West Texas to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence – Campus Certification in July 2023, the district said. The district added that Sierra Vista STEAM Academy earned the certification in August 2024, and Montwood High School earned the certification in January 2025. 'I commend the district academics team and our STEM-certified schools who worked diligently to make this national certification a reality for our students and district,' Vasquez said. 'It demonstrates that SISD is a leader in STEM education dedicated to providing students the knowledge, skills and resources to excel in our competitive, science and technology-based society.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball 2-Start Pitcher Rankings: Solid options to target, including ones with long-term upside
This may be the best week for two-start pitchers to this point in the 2025 fantasy baseball season. There are three men atop the list who have plenty of long-term potential. And that trio is followed by several starters who have at least one appealing matchup. Things are less exciting on the hitting side, as 28 teams have six games this week, which makes for a balanced schedule across the league. [Smarter waivers, better trades, optimized lineups — Yahoo Fantasy Plus unlocks it all] Weathers has looked great in two starts since returning from a season-opening IL stint, allowing two runs over 10 innings and posting a 9:1 K:BB ratio. Even more impressive, both outings came against the Cubs, who lead the Majors in runs scored. There is a real chance that the left-hander will be rostered in most leagues by the middle of June, which makes him an exciting streamer for a week with midlevel matchups. Birdsong fared well in his first start since transitioning from the bullpen, allowing five hits and one unearned run across five innings. Even more impressive, the right-hander who sometimes has control issues did not issue a walk. Birdsong's strikeout skills give him plenty of upside, and he has more long-term potential than most of the pitchers on this list. Normally a high-strikeout hurler, Bradley has emerged from a month-long dip in his strikeout rate by collecting 18 whiffs across his past three starts. Now that the strikeouts are back, the right-hander can be considered in most leagues for a two-start week with average matchups. He could wind up remaining on rosters for the long haul. Taillon sometimes surrenders long balls, but his struggles reached an extreme level when he allowed eight homers across his past three starts. To make matters worse, the homers can't be blamed on park effects and two of the starts came against a below average Marlins lineup. I would normally recommend benching the veteran until he gets back on track, but his home start against the 9-44 Rockies is so appealing that I would roll him out in 12-team leagues. By mostly keeping the ball in the yard (5 HR), Vasquez has managed to minimize the damage (3.49 ERA) that comes with an inability to dominate the strike zone (27:26 K:BB ratio) or keep the bases clean (1.43 WHIP). I would normally leave a pitcher with this skill set off the list, but his matchups are so favorable — the Marlins rank 21st in runs scored and the Pirates place 30th — that I need to recommend him as a high-floor play in 12-team leagues. Martinez is coming off two of his best starts of the season (13 IP, 1 ER), albeit against two of the weakest offenses in baseball (CWS, PIT). Still, the right-hander deserves credit for doing two things in the past month that lead to success, as he has allowed two walks in his past four starts and hasn't surrendered a homer since April 16. He would rank high on this list if not for a scary matchup against a potent Cubs lineup. Fedde has plenty of similarities to Vasquez, having danced around a poor K:BB ratio (34:25) to post respectable fantasy numbers (3.77 ERA, 1.27 WHIP). And similar to Vasquez, Fedde finds himself on this list solely because he's scheduled to face two teams that are among the bottom-10 in runs scored. Since allowing nine runs in his 2025 debut, Paddack has posted a 2.59 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across nine starts. He has benefited from a .245 BABIP over that nine-start stretch, but his 33:15 K:BB in those games is good enough to get him into 12-team lineups for a two-start week with reasonable matchups. Despite having shown modest dominance over the strike zone (42:21 K:BB ratio in 55.2 innings), Heaney has been a fantasy asset who has logged a 2.91 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Still, I hesitate to use him this week, as the D-backs are a tough matchup (5th in baseball in runs scored), and the Padres were doing well offensively prior to a mid-May slump. Backed by baseball's worst offense, Heaney has limited upside. The wheels are starting to come off for Sears, who outperformed his skill set for about six weeks before allowing 10 runs over nine innings in his past two starts. Going forward, managers should use the lefty's lifetime 4.32 ERA and 1.24 WHIP as a guideline for expectations, which puts him squarely in the streamer category. With average matchups this week, Sears is a fringe option in 12-team leagues. Williams has had more success since the calendar flipped to May, producing two wins, a 2.25 ERA and 29 punchouts in four starts. He still isn't a finished product, as he walked 12 batters in those four outings, but at least there are signs that he could be a viable fantasy option in the coming weeks. His matchups this week are difficult — the Dodgers rank third in runs scored and the Angels are the 6th highest scoring offense in May — which keeps him down on this list. Lorenzen has been the definition of a streamer, logging respectable ratios (3.77 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) and a modest 7.9 K/9 rate. His ceiling is low for two starts against offenses that rank among the top half of the league in runs scored, but he has enough of a floor to be considered in leagues that are deeper than 12 teams. In order, here are the best streamers for the week, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in brackets. Cade Horton vs. COL (Tuesday, 20) Dean Kremer vs. CWS (Saturday, 6) Michael Wacha vs. DET (Friday, 48) Landen Roupp @DET (Wednesday, 17) Dustin May @CLE (Tuesday, 39) José Soriano @CLE (Friday, 27) Clarke Schmidt @LAA (Wednesday, 49) Jackson Jobe vs. SF (Wednesday, 42) Luis L. Ortiz vs. LAA (Friday, 17) Logan Evans vs. WSH (Tuesday, 7) Shane Smith @NYM (Tuesday, 26) Tomoyuki Sugano vs. STL (Tuesday, 35) Gunnar Hoglund @TOR (Saturday, 9) Hunter Dobbins @ATL (Saturday, 8) Noah Cameron vs. CIN (Wednesday, 28) Jacob Lopez @TOR (Thursday, 0) Cubs vs. Rockies: Sure, this series won't take place at offense-inducing Coors Field, but a Rockies pitching staff that ranks last in baseball with a 5.73 ERA will be no match for the league's highest scoring team. Most Cubs are widely rostered, but those in 10-team leagues should make sure that Michael Busch, Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner are in their lineups. And in 12-team leagues, Matt Shaw (52%) is a good option from the waiver wire. Rays vs. Twins, @Astros: Although there are some formidable starters on the docket, the Rays should provide fantasy managers with a few solid options by virtue of being the only team that is facing four right-handed starters over the next four days. Left-handed hitters Jonathan Aranda (48%), Brandon Lowe (54%), Chandler Simpson (30%) and Kameron Misner (2%) are the men to add.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘A huge victory': Vasquez touts nixing of public lands sell-off in Congressional bill
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) and Ryan Zinke, a Republican from Montana, on May 7, 2025 announced a new bipartisan public lands caucus. (Photo courtesy U.S. Rep. Vasquez's office) The Republican reconciliation bill that cleared the United States House of Representatives by a narrow margin this week no longer authorizes the sale of thousands acres of public land in Utah and Nevada. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), who co-founded the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus earlier this year, said the removal of that provision represents a 'huge victory' for all Americans concerned about public lands being sold to the highest bidder. Vasquez said in a statement he started the caucus with U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Montana Republican, to beat back these attacks on public lands. 'We committed to working across party lines to sit down and ensure the integrity of our land management system. We've worked together across the aisle to prevent this unprecedented public lands sell-off,' Vasquez said. 'We will continue to work together to ensure our lands are public, accessible and well managed.' U.S. Reps. Vasquez (D-N.M.) and Zinke (R-MT) launch new bipartisan public lands caucus The provision would have gutted protections for 500,000 acres of land near Zion National Park, along with critical habitat for threatened desert tortoises and other areas designated by Congress for conservation, according to New Mexico Wild, a conservation advocacy group. That could have meant the lands were turned into 'golf courses, luxury resorts or strip malls,' the group said in a statement Thursday. Environmental groups nationally have applauded the removal of the provision, which Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) and Mark Amodei (R-Nevada) sponsored. New Mexico Wild's executive director Mark Allison said the bipartisan pushback was a factor in maintaining the land's protections, but he warned that this is the first of many fights in coming days to stave off efforts to privatize public lands. 'The fact that House Republicans were forced to retreat shows that when we unite to defend our birthright, politicians listen,' he said in a statement. 'But make no mistake — this fight is far from over. The same forces that tried to sneak this land grab through would love nothing more than to come after New Mexico's public lands next time.' The reconciliation bill now heads to the Senate.
