Photo By 1st Lt. Ashley Goodwin | From left, Zanetta Adams, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, U.S. Army...... read more read more
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LANSING, Mich.—Since joining the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG), Chief Warrant Officer 3 Thais Taylor has always been a vanguard of promoting equal opportunity. From 2015 to 2020, Taylor served as the State Equal Employment Manager (SEEM) and distinguished herself in multiple ways, earning recognition from the NAACP. During her tenure as SEEM, she promoted civil and human rights of Michigan National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and Michigan National Guard civilians and community members.
“As the Michigan SEEM, Chief Taylor improved equal and fair treatment of civilians and service members through multiple cultural programs,” said Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “She recognized and supported our diverse members across race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, national origin and their contributions to our American democracy, its’ history, and culture.”
The NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award salutes those who continue to promote equality in the Armed Service and displayed outstanding accomplishments and leadership by promoting the tenets of civil and human rights, equal opportunity, human relations and or public service.
“Chief Taylor worked closely with the Michigan adjutant general and the human resources office in helping eliminate barriers in the workplace,” said Lt. Col. Frank Laurence, the MIARNG equal opportunity manager. “Her work to develop protocol in support of woman’s breastfeeding and lactation areas at all MING work sites resulted in enhancing policies to advance the progress of a mother’s privacy and childcare, which benefits the Michigan National Guard by returning the service member to duty more quickly.”
During her tenure as SEEM, Michigan National Guard senior leadership entrusted Taylor to undertake the mission of improving leadership and mentorship capabilities of senior noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers.
“Chief Taylor quickly implemented the Leadership Challenge Program I & II at Fort Custer Training Center, located in Battle Creek,” said Laurence. “Participants were surveyed on personality, communication styles, and emotional intelligence, helping them have better awareness of service members they lead daily.
Taylor played a crucial role in ensuring there is equal treatment and employment opportunities throughout the Michigan National Guard and thereby enhanced unit cohesiveness, military readiness, and mission accomplishment.
“It was an honor to ensure there was fair treatment for all, no matter their rank or position,” said Taylor. “Earning this award only solidifies the investment we have of Michigan National Guard members as we continue to eliminate unlawful discrimination.”
Since leaving the State Equal Opportunity Manager position, Taylor continues to improve opportunities for all service members in her current assignment as Warrant Officer Strength Manager. She identifies accomplished young men and women to recruit as Warrant Officers, the technical experts in their career field that play an important role in advising senior leaders and commanders.
“As a mentor to Soldiers and Airmen, I attempt to provide additional opportunities for talented members with potential and desire of entering the Warrant Officer Candidate Program, thus displaying a high degree of expertise, leadership, and mentorship,” she said. “This work makes the Michigan National Guard more competent, inclusive, and representative of the communities it serves.”
The Michigan National Guard sees diversity as a strength and the resulting workplace environment attracts and maintains the most talented members that drive the organization to success. The foundational values of people, integrity, diversity, and ethical behavior can empower members who choose to give their best and continue to grow the organization.
“Taylor was no exception in providing critical feedback to senior leaders as they develop policies and provide opportunities for service members to reach their maximum potential,” said Laurence.
National Guard leadership strives to build a culture of inclusion, often times relying on its experts in the equal opportunity office to discuss potential concerns and lend an ear.
“Chief Taylor displayed exceptional character as a role model to other service members, acting as leader, mentor, and friend,” said Rogers. “She provides her time to listen to the concerns of others and is resolute in providing valuable guidance to subordinates, peers, and senior leaders.”
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2022 12:43 |
| Story ID: | 432794 |
| Location: | LANSING, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 317 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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