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Employee Monthly Newsletter August 2024 |
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Message from Director Robinson
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Happy back-to-school month, #TeamDMV! 🏫🍎📚🎓 May all your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews have an exciting 2024-25 school year!
Thank you for reading our August 2024 employee newsletter. I hope you find this month's content informative, fun and engaging.
A few announcements:
✅ I would like to take the time to say thank you to Mrs. Odessa Nance for her 41 years of excellent and dedicated government service. Also, thank you to Salvador Casco for his 25 years of dedicated government service. See the tribute to Odessa and Salvador.
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✅ I am working with my staff on an employee listening tour. I'll be coming into the service centers and Inspection Station to attend your morning meetings. This will allow teams to speak directly to me and ask any questions you may have. If there are questions that are a little more sensitive, I encourage you to send them to me directly and anonymously. You will have the opportunity to do so before the meeting and I'll be prepared to answer the question during the meeting. I want to hear from the team!
✅ Customer Service Training: Employees attending Customer Service Training should please arrive on time on the day you're scheduled to attend. For questions, please contact Tuychi Meliboev, training specialist, at Tuychi.Meliboev@dc.gov.
Also, as we embark on our next series of Customer Service Training, it’s critical that we ensure the highest level of decorum and respect in our interpersonal communications with our customers. Our customer base includes diverse backgrounds, which also extends throughout our workforce. It’s important that we carry that same level of respect to our peers, managers and subordinates as well. Name calling, referring to others using pejorative terms based on one’s race, color, ethnicity, assumed citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, physical/mental/cognitive disability, socio-economic status, job classification or any other designation, is strictly prohibited.
As we work under high demands, instances of high influx of workloads and surges of customer issues, we sometimes disagree and have differences of opinion. Those disagreements must always remain within the realm of professionalism. If you feel that the lines of professionalism will be crossed, then pause on that conversation until emotions subside and both parties can communicate reasonably. We must make a collective effort to conduct business with logic, critical thinking and management of one’s emotions to secure the fibers of respect within #TeamDMV. That is what makes us the great team that we are. Employee morale starts with the “man in the mirror;" it starts with you.”
✅ Active Shooter training is here. Next up is Adjudication on Wednesday, August 21, Deanwood/CDL on Wednesday, August 28 and Georgetown on Wednesday, September 4. 95 M Street training has been rescheduled for a later date. Other trainings are currently being scheduled including CPR, State-to-State and Insurance Lapse training. Note that the Active Shooter training is mandatory for all DMV employees. Upon attending, please sign your name on the available sign-in sheet to receive credit.
Lastly, as we celebrate Labor Day on Monday, September 2, I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday, while spending time with friends and family.
Have a wonderful and safe August, #TeamDMV. 💖💖
-Gabriel
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“When the sun is shining [you] can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble is too difficult to overcome.”
-William Rudolph
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We Want to Hear From You!
Some of our best ideas have come from you, #TeamDMV! Our employee suggestion box was created to help listen to you as we continue improving our agency. Whenever you want to share your feedback, just submit your suggestion here. You can submit anonymously or include your name and it will go directly to Director Robinson. Your questions, comments, complaints and compliments are welcomed!
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Stephanie Stelle-Braxton
Joining #TeamDMV as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamSouthwest, Stephanie previously worked at the DC Board of Elections. A native Washingtonian, she is most proud of purchasing her home. 🏡
Welcome Stephanie! 💖🙌
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Cherie Franklin
Joining #TeamDMV as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamBenningRidge, Cherie previously worked at the Federal Reserve Board. A hardworking employee and a team player, Cherie is working forward to grow in her career. 🙌
Welcome Cherie! 😊💖
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Larry McCammon
Joining #TeamDMV as a Hearing Examiner at #TeamAdjudication, Larry previously worked at the New York City Department of Education as a Title IX Attorney. He was born and raised in Kansas and calls DC his second home. He loves to paint and roller skate in his spare time. Larry is most proud of his 23 years of military service in the US Coast Guard and 24 years of marriage to his intelligent and powerful wife. 🪖💍💒
Thank you for your service, Larry! 🙌💖
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Marcus McCuiston
Joining #TeamDMV as the Senior IT Project Manager at 95 M Street, Marcus previously worked at the DC Department of Human Resources. A proud long-term resident of DC for over 20 years, Marcus is married with three wonderful children. He attended Howard University ❤️💙 (YOU KNOW) and enjoys traveling and spending time doing outdoor activities with his family. Marcus is most proud of his family, receiving a degree from Howard and his involvement in the community.
Welcome Marcus! 🙌💖
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Wanda Patten
Joining #TeamDMV as an Investigator at 95 M Street, Wanda previously worked at the DC Department of Corrections. A native Washingtonian and product of the DC Public School System, Wanda has served the citizens of DC for more than 25 years. Her professional experience includes administrative and criminal investigations, security programing and executive level management. Wanda is most proud of the service awards she earned from the Justice Department, Executive Leadership Certification at GW University and being the mother of three amazing daughters.
Welcome Wanda! 🎊📜💖
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Joe Ratliff
Joining #TeamDMV as an Investigator at 95 M Street, Joe previously worked at the DC Office of the Inspector General as a Criminal Investigator. He would like his colleagues to know that he's a laid-back individual and when not conducting investigations, he's riding on his three-wheel motorcycle. He also loves to travel and just may have visited every state.
Joe's most proud accomplishments are being married to his wife for 45 years and becoming a Special Agent with the US Department of the Treasury.
Welcome Joe! 💖🏍️
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Shonell Reed
Joining #TeamDMV as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamSouthwest, Shonell previously worked at the DC Department of Corrections. She enjoys traveling and being a listening ear.
"Each job I have held was geared towards the betterment of the customer we served," said Shonell. "I am very happy to be able to continue to serve DC residents."
Welcome Shonell! 💖💖
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Jessica Spells
Joining #TeamDMV as Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamSouthwest, Jessica previously worked at BJ's and Amazon. Jessica would like her colleagues to know that once she's comfortable around a person, she's a social butterfly 🦋 and ask lots of questions. She is most proud of receiving her degree, while being a mother to her wonderful son and working two jobs.
Welcome Jessica! 💖🙌🎓
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Emma Steinmetz
¡Hablo español! Joining #TeamDMV as the Communications Specialist at 95 M Street, Emma previously worked at Apple. "I was an Apple genius and also worked as a creative freelancer in multiple capacities," said Emma. Although born in the US, Spanish is her first language. Part of Emma’s childhood was spent going back and forth between South America and the US to spend time with extended family there. Those years were treasured and helped foster her love for family, meaningful community, good coffee and adventure.
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She's excited to be working at DC DMV and is looking forward to meeting everyone! 🤝 Also, if you have any coffee recommendations, please let her know! ☕️
She is most proud of graduating Cum Laude (with honors) with a Communications and Public Relations Emphasis Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Vanguard University of Southern California.
Welcome Emma! 📷🎨💖
Patricia Warren
Joining #TeamDMV as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamDeanwood, Patricia previously worked at Truist Bank. She's a team player, dependable and a fun person. Patricia is most proud of assisting others to grow. 🙌
Welcome Patricia! 💖💖
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Myia Washington
Joining #TeamDMV as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamRhodeIsland, Myia previously worked at Premium Title & Escrow, LLS. She is fun, kind, caring, smart, funny and a great listener. Myia is most proud of becoming a mother and a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (AGGIE Pride). 💙💛🎓
Welcome Myia! 😊💖
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Ebony Williams
Joining #TeamDMV as a Legal Instrument Examiner at #TeamGeorgetown, Ebony joins us from a non-profit agency based in DC. She is the mother of a wonderful son, loves helping others, loves to learn and is excited to be on this new journey with DC DMV. Ebony is most proud of her family, graduating from college and completing the Diverse Leadership Certificate Program at Spelman College. 💙🤍
Congratulations Ebony! 🎓🙌
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Life Begins Now So Enjoy EVERY Minute!! |
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Mrs. Odessa Nance
41 Years of Excellent & Dedicated Government Services
On Wednesday, July 31, Director Robinson hosted the 95 M Street morning meeting and delivered a retirement presentation honoring Mrs. Odessa's 41 years of excellent and dedicated government service. Odessa's last day with #TeamDMV was Friday, August 2. "My husband has been waiting for me," said Odessa.
"Odessa has been an icon on the HR Team for as long as I've been in this government for 20 years almost," said Director Robinson. "I am just so proud that my phone call to start my career in the District government came from Odessa Nance. She implemented the phone call that started my career in this government and I am just so honored as the director get to bid her farewell!"
Watch Director Robinson's and Associate Director Bernard's tribute messages to Odessa
See photos of Odessa's celebration
Mr. Salvador Casco
25 Years of Dedicated Government Service
On Wednesday, July 24, Director Robinson hosted the Georgetown morning meeting and delivered a retirement presentation in honor of Mr. Salvador Casco for his 25 years of dedicated government service, at #TeamGeorgetown. Mr. Casco’s last day with #TeamDMV was Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and we wish him well during his next wonderful phase in life.
"[In the photo above to the left], here is the picture we spoke about of you and I working at the Brentwood Service Center (it was DMV Hat Day)," said Director Robinson to Salvador. "The picture was taken on November 17, 2005. I was 27 years young and you were in your 40s. Thanks for the great memories and enjoy your retirement."
See photos from Salvador's celebration
To Mrs. Odessa and Mr. Salvador,
You are about to board
A really long flight
So put your seat belt on
Clutch the armrest tight
The flight will take you to
A beautiful destination called RETIREMENT
Life's longest vacation!
Happy Retirement,
Your #TeamDMV Family 💖✈️🏖️
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We're so glad to have you back and wish you a speedy recovery, Patrick! #TeamDMV missed you very much so! We all hope that you're continuing to get well and stronger! It's great to have you back in the office!
"I am glad to be back," said Patrick. "I was trained by the best and I am ready to help assist DC residents, while promoting public safety."
"Patrick is a standard bearer," said Inspection Station Manager Greg Simpson. "Can't wait to have him back. He's well-deserving of this dedication, an outstanding employee and an unbelievable great person!"
We love you, Patrick!! 💖💖
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What's Happening at #TeamDMV |
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Seen Across DC:
DC DMV’s IID Program 'It Could Cost More Than You Think'
The Communications Team has launched a marketing campaign for the Interlock Ignition Device (IID) Program. The exciting campaign includes radio ads across the greater DC metro area, WMATA Metrorail and bus ads, social media content and more. Additional communications resources about the IID Program for DMV staff can be found on the following internal channels:
Thank you to IID Program Coordinator Anthony Almanzar and the Communications team (Chiderah Monde, Emma Steinmetz and honorary member Kellye Underwood) for their hard work. We look forward to seeing and hearing our messaging around the city! If you spot a DMV ad or hear us on the radio let us know! Email photos or messages to DMV PIO Chiderah Monde.
Employee Spotlight: Meet Deangelo Baucum
#TeamDMV's employee spotlight is a great opportunity to highlight employees for their outstanding work and dedication.
For August, we are recognizing Deangelo Baucum, Motor Vehicle Inspector at the Inspection Station. 💖💖
"Deangelo demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to both his team and our customers, making a positive impact across DC DMV 👊," said Vehicle Services Administrator Rakonda Cobb.
"I cannot express how much of a valuable resource Deangelo is to our team and to me," said Inspection Station Supervisor Tyronica Best. "He is helpful toward everyone at the station and that makes working with him meaningful and effective. We are fortunate to have Deangelo on #TeamDMV!"
Check out Deangelo's employee spotlight video!
Congratulations Biggest Losers Winners
#TeamDMV participated in the Biggest Loser Contest from April 2 - July 2, 2024, which provided contestants an opportunity to work on better eating regimens and structured workouts sessions. There could only be one team and one individual winner! 🏆🥇
The rules were simple: shed as many pounds as possible during the 13-week competition to ensure individual and team success. Throughout the challenge, Wellness Leader Montii Osei-Djan tracked the participant weigh ins, using a method for percentage loss on a weekly basis. Week-to-week challengers were swapping places as new results placed them either ahead or below teammates.
To keep identities unknown, participants used pseudonyms. The mysterious Beyonce Swift took first place for 12 out of the 13 weeks. Other participants were determined to catch Beyonce Swift!
Prizes and Winners
🏆 Individual first place: $400
🏆 Team Prize: Health bags with collateral donated by DCHR
🏆 All participants received a certificate of appreciation and a jump rope as a reminder to continue to jump into their fitness journey.
🥇 Individual winner: Beyonce Swift (known to #TeamDMV as Terrance Butler, supervisor at #TeamDeanwood)
🥇 Team winners (tie): #TeamDeanwood and #TeamGeorgetown (both teams won four times during the challenge).
Read the interview between Montii and Beyonce Swift to see what it took to win #TeamDMV’s Biggest Loser Challenge.
Have a Great School Year, Summer Youth Employees
🎶 It's so hard to say goodbye!
This year's summer youth program ended with a bang! A time was had as staff members said their goodbyes to Amari, Michael and Parris. Summer youth employees enjoyed a pizza party with cake, ice cream and goody bags (thank you Jeanette) to celebrate, which was attended by Processing Center, Support Services and the Inspection Station employees. Lasting memories were created and we wish you the best Amari, Michael and Parris!
See photos from the celebration
[in the photo above from left to right: Michael Ross, Amari Dogan and Parris Collick]
It Was a Birthday Celebration!
On Wednesday, July 24, members of the Communications/Correspondence Team surprised PIO Chiderah Monde with a birthday celebration. "My team asked if I could come downstairs as I thought they wanted to hold a team meeting," said Chiderah. "When I walked into the room, all I saw were balloons, a cake and decorations. They were even playing Afrobeats music! I was so very surprised. Thank you to everyone who helped to make my birthday special."
Chiderah's birthday was on Friday, July 26! 🎂🎁🎈
See Chiderah's birthday celebration video
Deangelo Baucum (August 1) | Gina Walton (August 2), Tomika Barkley (August 2) | David Best (August 4), Tracey Jackson (August 4), Eduardo Portillo (August 4) | Rachelle Johnson (August 5), Franklin Norris (August 5), Tanika Sewell (August 5) | Montii Osei-Djan (August 7), Claude Thomas (August 7) | Jamie Edwards (August 9) | Yolanda Deloatch (August 11) | Oscar Fuentes (August 13) | Natorie Ashton (August 14) | Carleshia Kidwell (August 16) | Marcel Dixon (August 17), Alicia Roshell (August 17) | Joseph Davis (August 18), Dora Prince (August 18) | Donald Lynch (August 20) | Talayna Clements (August 21) | Oscar Ventura Flores (August 26), Demaria Corley (August 26), Walter Wadley (August 26) | Lamar McIntyre (August 27) | Brandie Douglass (August 29)
Kudos #TeamDMV
(Compliment(s) from our Social Media Fans)
"@dcdmv I’d like to give a BIG shoutout to the Operator who helped me this morning (July 23) at the Benning Road location. Unfortunately I didn’t catch her name, but she was at Counter 4 and I was there between 8:30 & 9:00. EXCELLENT #CustomerService!" ~R. J. Dantzler
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Celebrate National Wellness Month by prioritizing self-care and promoting healthy habits and routines. Between work deadlines, family obligations and many other stressors it can be all too easy to put health and wellness on the back burner. Research has shown that self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Enhance your well-being and earn rewards by making small changes to boost your mental wellness and physical fitness. Join DCHR's exclusive webinar series and summer challenges.
Participate in the Summer Wellness Challenge: Self-Care Series to focus on self-care and discover new ways to nurture your mind, body and soul. Watch DCHR's on-demand webinars, like Movement 101 and Soul Healing Meditation, to enter raffles for wellness marketplace gift cards.
Stay active and embrace the spirit of the Summer Games with the District-Wide Go Gold Physical Activity Challenge, ending on Sunday, August 26. Compete for your health and wellness and win fantastic rewards.
#TeamDMV, let’s shine a light on our health through insightful webinars and exciting challenges. Together, we can promote wellness at work for every member of our DC government community, fostering a vibrant and thriving environment for everyone! ❤️🩹⚕️
For wellness resources and more information, visit DCHR's website.
August 2024 CLD Virtual Course Series
View the virtual Center for Learning and Development (CLD) training courses available in August 2024. Please register for these trainings in PeopleSoft. Learn more
Financially Fit DC at Work: Credit Scene
Join the Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB) on Friday, August 30, from 11 am - 12 pm to learn how your credit score is calculated, the habits that keep your credit score improving and more. Register
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Ready. Set. Play 📝
What an exciting time of the year to be a sports fan! The 2024 Summer Olympics were AMAZING! Held in Paris, France through Sunday, August 11, #TeamUSA lead overall with 126 total, include 40 gold medals. 🥇
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Let's play: Which states have the most Olympians on #TeamUSA? 🤔🥇🥈🥉
The answer to the question from the July 2024 employee newsletter trivia question is THE John Wall!
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News You Can Use Around the District |
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National Night Out
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, that takes place annually on the first Tuesday in August. Each year, the Metropolitan Police Department actively joins thousands of DC residents, DC government, nonprofit agencies and other community leaders to celebrate National Night Out. From community cookouts to open houses – block parties, candlelight vigils and athletic events – DC was up for its annual celebration of America’s Night Out Against Crime. In addition to the numerous activities at the kickoff event, communities across DC – in all seven police districts – scheduled NNO events during the late afternoon and evening hours.
The NNO campaign involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from 9,500 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.
National Night Out is designed to:
🚓 Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
🚓 Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
🚓 Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
🚓 Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
[in the photo above is Management Analyst Kellye Underwood. 📷 Support Services Specialist Angela Brighthart]
There's always something to do! Mayor Bowser presents Jazz in the Park. 🎺🎷🎻🎸🎹
Enjoy free performances from local artists in scenic open spaces. Grab a chair or a blanket and come out.
🗓️ Tuesdays and Thursdays
🗓️ August 20, August 22, August 27, August 29 | dates are also available in September
⏰ 6 - 8 pm
📍 Shepherd Park Field | 1500 Kalmia Rd NW
Learn more
It's officially Back to School Month. ✏️📚🍎🏫
Bring the whole family to celebrate the season at Back to School Day at RFK. 🏟️
Activities include book bags and school supplies giveaway, food, music, 360 camera, arcade, game truck, haircuts, immunizations and much more!
There will be everything your family needs to get ready for another great school year.
🗓️ Friday, August 23
⏰ 12 - 4 pm
📍 The Fields | 401 Oklahoma Avenue SE
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Have Some Exciting News to Share? |
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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.
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