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Diversity Initiatives
The OEIG is committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where diversity of thought, experience, and background are encouraged and an employee’s value and development are prioritized.
To assist with this mission, the OEIG has an internal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA) Working Group that is comprised of OEIG employee volunteers from each unit who work together to brainstorm, research, and implement steps to make the OEIG an inclusive and equitable working environment that celebrates diversity. The Working Group focuses on four areas: mentorship and development, recruitment and hiring, training, and employee connection. All employees are welcome to join and/or submit ideas and suggestions. Each year, the Working Group publishes a report outlining its work and accomplishments.
OEIG Connect
The DEIA Working Group also facilitates discussions throughout the year for employees to talk about issues related to marginalized groups and identities, such as race, gender, and ability. For those wanting to participate, the issue will be disseminated along with information about the topic before the Connect meeting. At the meeting, everyone has an opportunity to share experiences and ideas in a safe place to connect and learn from one another.
"Working at the OEIG, I have always found a strong sense of team unity. Even though we come from diverse backgrounds and have our own unique experiences, we are all driven by a common goal—to detect and deter fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in Illinois state government. I am proud of the work we do and the ability to bring about meaningful change."
– Deputy Inspector General, Investigations Division
OEIG Mentorship Program
The DEIA Working Group also runs the OEIG Mentorship Program which is a voluntary program open to all employees. The program is designed to provide support, guidance, development, leadership, and community for both mentees and mentors through a program of one-on-one mentorship and group mentorship activities. The goals of the Mentorship Program include:
- supporting newer employees in understanding the organization's mission, structure, processes, and values;
- sharing skills and knowledge among employees;
- providing support in locating and accessing organizational resources;
- fostering open communication and dialogue; and
- bringing employees together to establish a network of professionals.
"As an employee of the OEIG, I feel lucky to work in an office that has employees with different backgrounds. My co-workers all have different types of experience in investigations and this has added to the quality of our cases."
– Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Investigator,
Investigations Division