Alexis Cortes
Human Resources Specialist – Equal Employment Opportunity
Department of Administrative Services
DAS EEO Center of Excellence
1. What do you do?
As a Human Resources Specialist – EEO within the DAS EEO Center of Excellence, my role is to ensure compliance with affirmative action and equal employment opportunity laws and regulations for my assigned agencies. This includes providing various EEO services such as conducting mediations or investigations into complaints of discrimination or harassment based on legally protected classes, writing and reviewing Affirmative Action plans, monitoring the recruitment and hiring process, attending career fairs, and any other tasks pertaining to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.
2. Why do you work for the State of Connecticut?
I work for the State of Connecticut because I’ve always been drawn to careers that support people and work towards a larger cause. After earning my Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from UConn, I was really impressed to discover the variety of opportunities the State offers in these areas. Specifically, having the opportunity to work on projects and initiatives that support equal employment opportunities and workplaces free of harassment and discrimination was something that appealed to me as an applicant, and continues to do so as a professional in this field.
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job has to be working with my team. We are a small group, but we are mighty and all work very hard to ensure our work is done right, on time, and has real value to the agencies and employees we work with. Since I started my role, I have built lasting friendships and working relationships, and I have learned so much from everyone. Having such supportive and collaborative coworkers makes even the toughest challenges we face more manageable and rewarding in the long run.
4. What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy paddle boarding (when the weather permits!). It’s such a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. I also love spending quality time with my two cats, Lechuga and Yuca, who never fail to keep me entertained. When I am in the mood to explore, I am always on the lookout for new restaurants and cuisines to try. Recommendations are welcome!
5. Where is your favorite place that you have traveled?
My favorite place I have traveled to so far is the Grand Canyon. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to hike a few miles down the South Kaibab Trail with my partner, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. One of my goals is to one day hike all the way to the bottom. Honorable mention to Sedona, Arizona as well!
6. What would you tell someone who is interested in working for the state?
Read the job posting! One of the many benefits of working with the State is that the job postings listed on the Online Employment Center (OEC) are incredibly transparent. The postings provide information ranging from who the job is open to, the location, whether the position is fully in-person or hybrid, the purpose/function of the position, and specific qualifications the role requires. Everything you need to know is right in the posting itself.
7. Where is your favorite place in Connecticut?
My favorite place in Connecticut would have to be the Rails to Trails walking/biking trails in Vernon, CT. It is such a peaceful spot, and I must have walked hundreds of miles on the trails when I lived in Vernon. It’s the perfect place to clear your mind and enjoy nature and there are locations all throughout CT!
8. If you could choose one superpower, what would it be, and why?
My superpower would definitely be the ability to alter time. There never seems to be enough time in the day, so it would be amazing to pause, rewind, or speed things up whenever needed so that I could do it all.
9. Who inspires you and why?
Grassroots activists inspire me because they are working around the clock fighting for the causes they believe in, often with little to no resources. Despite these challenges, they keep moving forward to make meaningful impacts within and for their communities. Their dedication, resilience, and passion for progress and change are truly remarkable and inspire me to do the same in my day-to-day life.
10. Tell us your favorite fun fact.
I am a huge fan of reality game shows! It’s become a fun tradition for my partner and me to keep up with some of our favorites like Next Level Chef, The Great Pottery Throw Down, Survivor, Traitors, Deal or No Deal Island, and more. We have a blast dissecting the drama, strategy, and twists in the games.
