Yia Thao Human Rights Specialist

Yia T. - Human Rights Specialist

Q: How do you support the mission of your organization?

YT: I support the mission of my organization by working with companies that contract with the City of Saint Paul to create equal employment opportunities policies and procedures in their hiring practices.

Q: What do you do as a Human Rights Specialist?

YT: There are different aspects to a Human Rights Specialist role. My role is to work with companies and help them create or develop an Affirmative Action plan. In addition, I am in charge of enforcing the City’s construction workforce inclusion goals, which includes working and communicating with contractors to include women and minorities in City-assisted construction projects.

Q: What skills or abilities are essential to being successful in your job?

YT: The majority of my work involves working with customers and businesses in the construction industry. It is important to have the knowledge and understanding of the different phases and types of businesses that are involved with construction. Specifically for compliance, it is imperative for me to understand contracts, enforcement, and rules and regulations. My analytical skills help me work with multiple databases and software, and my public speaking skills help me in presenting to contractors about Affirmative Action plans.

Q: Why did this type of work interest you, and how did you get started?

YT: I enjoy helping diverse communities and making the City’s resources available to them. Currently as the Human Rights Specialist, I get to help a very diverse group of individuals, communities, and companies in the areas of equal access to employment, housing, education, public accommodation, businesses, and contracting.

To learn more or apply to become a Human Rights Specialist, click here.

Last Edited: June 11, 2018