Saving Lives Every Day! - July 2023

Employee Monthly Newsletter                                                                      July 2023

Message from Director Robinson

Hello Team DMV! I hope everyone has been staying safe and keeping cool and hydrated during these hot summer months. Thank you for reading our July 2023 employee newsletter. I hope you find this month's content informative, fun and engaging. Remember, this newsletter is for you and your feedback is always welcome. This month's issue features several announcements, including: ✅ Farewell to Deputy Mayor Lucinda Babers ✅ Exciting Information About Your Colleagues ✅ Zumba Hosted by the Wellness Committee ✅ Correspondence Team in the Community ✅ Facts & Trivia ✅ News You Can Use Around the District and much more...

Lastly, as we completed a soft launch of our new secure credential on Sunday, July 16, I would like to thank EVERYONE for all their efforts, dedication and hard work. This may have been challenging for everyone, but we all stood up to the task and we're truly saving lives every day! ❤️ -Gabriel

"You have to want it. You have to plan for it. The hard part isn't getting your body in shape, the hard part is getting your mind in shape." ~Amby Burfoot

Farewell to Deputy Mayor Lucinda Babers

Lucinda Babers was appointed by Mayor Bowser as the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure on March 5, 2019. She previously served as the Director of #TeamDMV, where she led the agency in significant and innovative changes, including the closure and opening of three service centers, elimination of passenger vehicle safety inspections, creation of a more secure credential (along with central issuance) and implementation of REAL ID and Limited Purpose Credentials. Under her direction, #TeamDMV added numerous online services—and received several Customer Service and Communication Awards from AAMVA.

Prior to being confirmed as Director, Lucinda served as the Deputy Director for #TeamDMV from 2003 until 2006. As Deputy, she was responsible for the review and revision of customer service processes that led to the DC Federation of Citizens Association unanimously recognizing #TeamDMV for the Greatest Improvement in Public Service for 2006.

Lucinda served on WMATA's Board of Directors since 2021 and had the honor to serve DC residents under four other Mayors and mentors.

After a successful career of dedicated service to DC Government, Lucinda states, "although I will no longer be in DC, I will continue to be a big advocate for statehood for Washington, DC, and I will follow District Government as they move the city forward…ensuring all residents have a Fair Shot!"

Retirement's a new stage in life, Doing what you want is certainly nice, Enjoy your reprieve from the daily grind, And embrace all the moments you're sure to find. Cheers to you, Lucinda! Happy Retirement!! 🦋💜 View photos from Lucinda's Retirement Happy Hour

Welcome to Team DMV

About Your Colleagues

Congratulations Lawanda

Congratulations to Lead Legal Instrument Examiner, Lawanda Kearney. She recently received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. 🎓❤️

Zaida's Military Duty

As an Army Reservist, Zaida, who is the newest member of #TeamDMV's human resources staff, trains once a year in different readiness exercises. This year, the mission was to transport fuel in different military bases, "being me, one of the 18 Truck - Tanker drivers," says Zaida. This was a successful mission with zero accidents. As part of the DC DMV family too, Zaida feels proud to accomplish this activity with the best attitude every day, motivating the rest of her team and applying all safety measures to maintain all routes and places; that her team arrived with fuel, in a safe environment for not just military, but civilians too.

Living our DC DMV slogan: “Saving Lives Every Day," everywhere I go!

Thank you, Zaida for your service! ❤️

Lajuan Hawkins & Denise Sedgwick:
Over 70 Combined Years of Dedicated Service

Please join members from Adjudication Services for a retirement party honoring Lajuan and Denise on Saturday, August 19, from 1-4 pm at Joe's Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab. ❤️❤️

Please RSVP by Friday, August 11. More details

What's Happening at #TeamDMV

The Wellness Committee Brings You...

Join the Wellness Committee every Wednesday, from 5:30-6:30 pm at the SW Service Center for Zumba with Zaida. To register, please email Zaida Espinoza. The first session will begin on Wednesday, July 26. 🕺💃

Learn more

2023 Senior Symposium

On Wednesday, June 28, #TeamDMV Correspondence members, with assistance from the Support Services team, participated in the 2023 Senior Symposium, hosted by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the DC Department of Aging & Community Living, at Ballou Senior High School in Ward 8. Over 2,600 of DC's active seniors were in attendance and listened to remarks from Mayor Bowser, participated in line dancing and much more, while receiving some of DC DMV's awesome giveaways. "DC's seniors love our giveaways, and they can wipe us out at every senior event we participate in," says Lead Correspondence Management Specialist Michelle Small. "At times, we have to inform them there's only one goodie bag per person [lol]."

Turn up your speakers and watch this virtual tour of the event.

DC DMV Host New Secure Credential Training for Local Law Enforcement Agencies

On June 12-13, DC DMV welcomed local law enforcement agencies to the New Secure Credential training, held at the MPD Training Academy in Southwest DC. Special thank you to Jared Camarata from Thales Group and Administrative Services members Zainab Al-Shammary, Gledion Goci, DeChelle Hampton and Kellye Underwood for all of their hard work in putting these trainings together. ❤️

View photos from the training

Employee Spotlight

Meet Dana Rivas, Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamRhodeIsland. Dana has been with DC DMV since 2015 as a LIE. Dana has a positive attitude, she’s calm under pressure and always willing to assist internal and external customers. Dana is also a team player who takes great pride in suggesting team-building exercises, including planning games, employee potluck lunches and after work socials. Dana brings her positive energy to all her customer service interactions, with a focus on helpful and thorough resolutions when assisting customers.

Thank you, Dana for being a wonderful asset to DC DMV and for always being a shining star! 💖💖

#KudosDCDMV

(Compliments from our Social Media Fans)

"A huge shoutout to the @dcdmv for being the best run DMV in possibly the entire country. @nysdmv could learn a thing or two from you guys!! #WeAreDC @DMOIDC" ~Adam Prinzo

"@dcdmv thank you very much to Mr Cruz at SW center for this wonderful help yesterday. he was so patient & kind helping elderly family members. we really appreciate his service!" ~Elaine Filadelfo

"12 minutes to get my license changed to DC @dcdmv. Thank you. Just wow. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻" ~Briony Varda [compliment for Sierra Weaver]

"DC's leadership has failed this city big time, but I'm happy to report positive news from the city's frontline. A less than 24-hr turnaround to correct an error by the friendly manager(s) of the @dcdmv Twitter account and their IT folks. Thank you!" ~Loren Glaser [compliment for Marcus Jackson and Kellye Underwood]

"You always hear bad things about the dmv, but I’ve been to the @dcdmv south[west] branch twice and the employees are wonderful. It’s never quick cause the lines are long, but the staff is professional, helpful and most importantly kind." ~Courtney Salvagni [compliment for Deidre Allen]

Rakonda Cobb (July 1) | Christopher Dina (July 2) | Valerie Warren-Ali (July 3), Jacqueline Rutherford (July 3) | Arfan Alam (July 4) | Tionna Middleton (July 5), Dana Rivas (July 5) | Dulce Macias (July 9) | Verlez Washington (July 10) | Nancy Morales (July 11) | Emma Boone (July 12), Christina Green (July 12) | Derrick Batie (July 13), Terrie Jackson (July 13), Valerie Oxendine (July 13) | Timothy Jackson (July 14) | Charles Young, Jr. (July 15) | China Hyde (July 19) | Keith Jones (July 23) | Mattie Hawkins (July 24) | Tyrina Gordon (July 25) | Jonas Cruz (July 26) | Hanae Lyons (July 27) | Nicole Cash (July 31)

Facts & Trivia

HRs Corner

Update your resume and sharpen up your skills. -Future #TeamDMV positions coming soon.

Financially Fit DC at Work Presents: Know Your Retirement

Join the Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB) on Friday, July 28, from 11 am - 12 pm to learn the difference between the 401(a) and 457(b) plans and how they work. Register

News You Can Use Around the District

The School Year Internship Program provides work-readiness skills, project-based learning, life skills, leadership development training and work opportunities for District youth ages 14 - 21. The goal of the program is to help prepare District youth to successfully transition from high school into postsecondary education, advanced training, unsubsidized employment or a career in the military.

Learn more

Scholarships and Grants for Students

Are you looking to go back to school and need financial assistance as a DC resident? The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) manages financial assistance programs for DC residents who are enrolling in college and help pay for educational expenses. The awards programs include DC Futures, DCTAG and Mayor's Scholars. You may be eligible for all three awards, but it will depend on the criteria that varies by program including the high school you attended, your choice of college or university, cost of attendance, age, family income and college major.

Learn more

Wind Me Up Chuck!

Join DC DPR to celebrate a musical legend that took the spirit and culture of DC across the world. Tell a friend that the biggest celebration of Go-Go music in DC returns on Saturday, August 19, from 2-7 pm for Chuck Brown Day. Enjoy refreshments, giveaways and hear from artists from the DC region as they commemorate a legend, Chuck Brown.

Learn more

Find a Summer Meal Site

For more information, please visit OSSE's website.

Free Weekly Veggies DC residents, stop by DC DPR's weekly veggie giveaway, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until November 30 (weather permitting). You can get free fresh and organic produce: kale, collards, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, herbs, flowers and more! Learn more

Have Some Exciting News to Share?

Have some exciting news to share with your colleagues? It can be a family recipe, birth announcement, vacation, sporting event, prom or graduation, etc.

Send your photos and a small write-up to Kellye.Underwood@dc.gov by Friday, August 11, 2023.