Doria Watson
Kansas Department of Corrections

Doria Watson has worked for the Department of Corrections for approximately 6 years. After working in banking for over 20 years, Doria decided on a career in human resources. She has a love for working with people and a passion for creating change.

In addition to the normal HR responsibilities, Doria actively works on several initiatives for the Kansas Department of Corrections. One such initiative is Diversity. The Kansas Department of Corrections strategic plan called for active recruitment of minorities, primarily people of color and those with disabilities. Doria’s idea of recruitment is to focus as much on retention - “understanding the culture and why people leave” as to that of recruitment.

With that in mind, the Kansas Department of Corrections like to focus on “cultural competence” adding the educational component of understanding rather than just recognizing our similarities and differences. Taking that a step further, KDOC challenges their employee to take some responsibility in the diversity initiative. Doria strongly feels that when a person is offended due to cultural, racial etc differences, the offended individual has two options 1) walk away offended, leaving the other person ignorant of the offense and possibly offending others or 2) stepping forward and discussing the offenses, therefore educating that person on how they have offended and the impact of their statement or behavior.

Doria recognizes being an African-American she is no expert on different races, cultures etc. and acknowledges there is diversity within her race, her family and her culture. She believes it takes all of us working together to educate each other. There is not one human person that knows, understands and can teach it all. It will take all of us working together, bringing our pieces together to grow into being culturally competent people.

Some of the things that the Kansas Department of Corrections has done to facilitate cultural education is as follows:

• Brown bag lunches of speakers sharing the cultural & food dish. These speakers are employees from various backgrounds and countries
  
• Diversity bulletin boards highlighting the various diverse groups and celebrating various holidays
  
• Annual Cultural Competence celebration statewide at all facilities and parole regions highlighting the “educational component” in addition to foods, cultural apparel, decorations and memorabilia etc
  
• Cultural mementos given to all employees as a reminder to celebrate are coworkers
  
• Diversified the interview boards as much as possible
• Implemented non-traditional recruitment techniques
• ACTIVE participation with the State Diversity Network

Doria Watson is quick to acknowledge her passionate belief in the cultural competent efforts is not just hers alone, but shared by the management of the Kansas Department of Corrections where she receives continual support.