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Cal OES’ Commitment to Equity

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) was created in 2022 to strengthen fairness, access, and inclusion in all that we do here at Cal OES.

We make sure that equity, justice, inclusion, transparency, and accountability are part of our policies, programs, and services, both inside our agency and in the way we serve communities across California.

Click here to read more about Executive Order N-16-22 on Equity

Mission Statement

To integrate equity into all aspects of emergency management, foster community resilience, and put diversity into purposeful and meaningful action.

We celebrate the power of diversity within our organization and communities.
We build belonging by inviting and respecting all voices.
We create policies that support diverse leadership and lived experiences.
We foster practices where everyone feels secure, valued, and authentic.
We believe our best work comes from mutual respect and trust.

Vision Statement

We envision a prepared, resilient, and safe California for all, where every community has the resources it needs to thrive in the face of emergencies.

Every community has what it needs to thrive during emergencies.
Everyone deserves access to emergency services, no matter the barriers.
Our programs address social, cultural, economic, and language needs.
We see diversity as a strength and a shared responsibility to take care of one another.
We strive for a workplace where differences are valued, and communities are connected.

Portrait of Monisha Avery, Chief Equity Officer at Cal OES. Monisha is wearing glasses and a business attire, the background is neutral.

Leading Equity at Cal OES

Monisha Avery serves as the inaugural Chief Equity Officer in the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion following her appointment on October 15, 2022. Prior to coming to Cal OES, she served as Deputy Director at the Center for Data Insights and Innovation at the California Health and Human Services Agency and held multiple positions at the Office of the Patient Advocate at the California Health and Human Services Agency from 2015 to 2020, including Deputy Director and Acting Director. She has a strong commitment to the work of equity and a lifetime in public service, starting with a career in social work. She has more than 30 years of combined experience at the state, county and community level. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento.

Whole Community Engagement

Listos California is a statewide program that helps communities prepare for and recover from disasters in ways that are inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant.

The program has succeeded in reaching millions of Californians who otherwise wouldn’t have access to lifesaving emergency preparedness information. Providing tools to help vulnerable Californians not only survive, but also thrive post-disaster, is what makes Listos California so vital.