McKenzie Gauthier
Title: Human Resources Associate - EEO
Department of Administrative Services -
EEO Center of Excellence
1. Can you share your current role and key responsibilities within the State of Connecticut?
I am a Human Resources Associate – EEO within the DAS EEO Center of Excellence. My role includes ensuring compliance with affirmative action and equal employment opportunity laws and regulations for my assigned agencies, which include the Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. I provide various EEO services to these agencies, including conducting mediations, career counseling, investigations into complaints of discrimination or harassment based on legally protected classes, writing and reviewing Affirmative Action plans, monitoring the hiring and recruitment process, attending career fairs, and various other tasks pertaining to affirmative action and EEO.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career with the State of Connecticut, and what has been your journey here?
I attended my undergrad in Massachusetts and graduated in May of 2023. During that time, I knew I wanted to move back to Connecticut after graduation, and I started searching for jobs on LinkedIn in March of 2023. I kept finding job postings for the State of Connecticut and that is really when I became interested, as it never crossed my mind prior. After reading more about careers for the State of Connecticut, I started filling out my master application and applied in April of 2023. I started my career with the State of Connecticut in July of 2023. I have always wanted to contribute positively to a larger cause, and this is exactly what I am able to do every day here. I have the opportunity to work on projects and initiatives that support EEO and workplaces free of harassment and discrimination.
3. What achievements at the State of Connecticut are you most proud of, and what impact have they had?
Some achievements at the State of Connecticut I am most proud of are when I can help people. A lot of the time, people come to us in a time of need, whether they have a complaint of discrimination or harassment, questions about their career paths, or even at career fairs when job seekers have questions about how to apply and ask about what my day-to-day looks like working for the State of Connecticut. I am always there to assist anyone in a time of need, and that is what is so fulfilling about this job.
4. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of your work, and how do they enrich your life?
Outside of work, I am always doing something with my car. I have a show car (2021 Subaru STI) that I bring to car shows across the state, and you can always find me washing my car or building my car. I have spent endless hours upgrading performance parts and exterior parts to make my car my dream car. This enriches my life because I have met so many new friends by going to these car shows, and everyone is always offering to lend a hand when you need it. The car community is a great community.
5. Could you share a memorable travel experience and what made that destination special for you?
Last year, I traveled to Colorado with my family because my youngest brother was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. We were dropping him off for basic training for six weeks and would not be able to communicate with him besides writing letters. We spent a few days together as a family before we dropped him off for basic training and went to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Spending that time with my brother before dropping him off for basic training was very special to me.
6. What advice would you give to someone considering a career with the State of Connecticut?
I would strongly urge anyone considering a career with the State of Connecticut to do it! But also, to read the job posting, everything needed to be known about the job is located within the job posting, and can provide a lot of answers to what to expect within that specific role.
7. What’s your favorite spot in Connecticut, and what makes it special to you?
My favorite spot in Connecticut is Highland Lake. This is my favorite spot because I grew up there and have so many memories of learning how to ice skate and wakeboard when I was younger. It will always have a special place in my heart.
8. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to make a difference?
If I could have any superpower, I would choose the ability to heal. This superpower would allow me to heal those who are physically hurt or sick or are suffering mentally, because sometimes the wounds we cannot see hurt the most. I would make a difference by healing those who may not have access to proper medical care and taking suffering away.
9. Who is the person you admire, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?
The person I admire the most is my mom. She has been a constant source of strength, guidance, and inspiration in my life. One quality that inspires me is her resilience. No matter what challenges she faces, she never gives up and always finds a way to keep going. Seeing how strong and resilient my mom is, motivates me to work hard and be a better person.
10. What’s an interesting or fun fact?
A fun fact is that I have three bunnies. My bunnies are very spoiled; they get a salad for breakfast every single morning, and they have their own room filled with toys.
