the crew, and expedited the cutter’s return to operations.” Rear Adm. Dana L. Thomas, director, Health, Safety and Work-Life for the Coast Guard, also voiced her appreciation for Ontiveros-Lopez and the award nominees from other districts. “I applaud all of the nominees for their accomplishments and their commanding officers for taking the time to submit well-deserved nominations,” said Thomas. “The 2021 awardees demonstrated outstanding professionalism in carrying out their duties,” said Thomas. “Bravo Zulu for a job well done.” � The district-level recipients are: • Alexandra Rockwell Sec. Field Office , SW Harbor, 1st District • Carmen Pulotu CGC Seneca, Portsmouth, 5th District • Carla Banducci CG Air Station, Borinquen, 7th District • Patricia Lapointe and Kristen Bolsenga Sector New Orleans, 8th District • Amanda Hoover, Sector Sault Ste. Marie, 9th District • Savannah Lee and Jaime Saladis CGC Munro, Alameda, 11th District • Claire Thomas CG Air Station Sitka, 17th District Reservist leverages skills to develop diversity and inclusion video series Story by Lt. David Chenlo, Pacific Area (PAC-15) The Coast Guard strives to be an employer of choice with a diverse and inclusive workplace that mirrors the communities we serve. Coast Guard members are leading from the front, developing initiatives and ideas to honor and celebrate differences amongst Coast Guard members while increasing awareness of diversity and inclusion issues. Chief Petty Officer Matthew Masaschi, a reserve public affairs specialist serving on active duty orders at Pacific Area in Alameda, California, took the opportunity to do just that. In September 2021, Masaschi was approached by the Pacific Area Staff Leadership and Diversity Advisory Council for his help to develop a video series about diversity and inclusion topics. The goal of the series was simple: to have Coast Guard members talk candidly about diversity and inclusion topics, such as micro-aggressions and privilege, to help Coast Guard members become more inclusive leaders. However, the LDAC leadership needed guidance to execute a video series, as no one on the team had any experience with a video project. “Chief Masaschi’s willingness to take on this project and work with the LDAC to leverage his skills were crucial in developing the diversity and inclusion video series” said Cmdr. H. Kawamoto, the diversity action officer for Pacific Area. Masaschi provided advice on all details of the interviews from content to production. He flipped an empty conference room into a high-tech filming studio overnight, setting up high- quality sound and video. He fine-tuned every aspect of the video, including lighting, sound, and the use of multiple cameras that transition smoothly and professionally from angle to angle. Masaschi also served as the subject matter expert, providing advice to interviewer and interviewees on conducting an engaging interview. Beyond the film room, he spent countless hours editing each video by creating a unique introduction clip and sorting through various takes to arrive at the best possible product. With the chief’s assistance, the LDAC filmed the first video in December with Vice Adm. Michael McAllister. The video, which focused on inclusive leadership, reached viewers throughout the Coast Guard, garnering positive feedback. “The first video provided a unique opportunity to hear from the Pacific Area Commander on inclusive leadership as it laid the foundation for other diversity and inclusion topics to be discussed,” said Kawamoto. Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi, left, tries out the interviewee’s chair with the host of the video series, Petty Officer 1st Class Aldrich Adams. The chief assisted with lighting, sound, and content. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Upshaw. The Pacific Area Staff LDAC and Masaschi filmed three more videos on the topics of generational diversity, emotional intelligence, and micro-aggressions. Four additional videos are planned to cover other important issues including: oppression, identities and intersectionality, privilege and marginalization, and biases. Reservists like Masaschi bring exceptional skills that can be leveraged to benefit the Coast Guard. In this case, his work increased awareness of diversity and inclusion topics. “It’s an honor supporting the Pacific Area Staff’s LDAC program through producing these pertinent diversity and inclusion videos.” said Masaschi. “The focus for each video highlights topics critical for us to grow individually, which can help us all foster a culture of respect within our service and within our communities.” See the LDAC’s diversity and inclusion video series at https:// www.dvidshub.net; search “Coast Guard Pacific Area Staff Leadership Diversity Advisory Council (LDAC) Diversity and Inclusion Video Series.” � Issue 3 • 2022 � RESERVIST 25
