Pride Month Spotlight: Andrew Niquette, Division Chief - Publications

The month of June marks the celebration of Pride Month, a whole month dedicated to recognizing LGBTQ+ culture and history, support of LGBTQ+ rights, and uplifting the voice of the LGBTQ+ community. As a part of our mission of diversity and inclusion, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary proactively supports all of our proud Auxiliarists who have answered the call to serve as America’s Volunteer Guardians and as an integral force multiplier of Team Coast Guard.

A five-year member of the Auxiliary joining when he was 19, Andrew Niquette, who is both AUXPA1 and AUXOP qualified, currently serves as the National Division Chief – Publications, overseeing the Auxiliary’s largest national division, which produces the Navigator annual magazine and the Navigator Express e-magazine. Never imaging to dive into the world of public affairs, he was appointed as the Flotilla Staff Officer – Publications in Savannah, Georgia. AUX Niquette's dynamic and contemporary newsletter design of Savannah Underway led to several appointments as a Publications Officer, including as Branch Assistant - Navigator Express, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine, as the Layout/Design Editor. During his tenure, AUX Niquette spearheaded a complete modern overhaul to Auxiliary national publications, and in the process, produced 12 editions of Navigator Express and has contributed dozens of articles to various Auxiliary and active-duty publications. AUX Niquette served in this role for over two years before his promotion as Branch Chief - Publications Support, where he served for a year until his current appointment as the Auxiliary's National Division Chief - Publications. Throughout the years, AUX Niquette has also served in various other appointed offices on the national, district, division, and flotilla levels.

A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, we interviewed AUX Niquette on the highlights of Pride Month:

What does Pride Month mean to you as an Auxiliarist?

To me, Pride Month is simply a highlighted extension of our mission to be all-inclusive to everyone that has taken the leap to become America's Volunteer Guardians. Our diversity efforts and commitment to showcasing this diversity at all levels of the Auxiliary never starts or ends on any particular day or month, because pride is absolute. But what Pride Month accomplishes for us all is showing our peers, our teams, and our leaders that no matter our pronouns, orientations, or identities, it will never negate any of our abilities to contribute our various backgrounds and talents to #TeamCoastGuard.

How can your fellow Auxiliarists show respect and inclusiveness during Pride Month, and always?

The ability for all of us, no matter any of the factors that define us as diverse, to be who we truly are without the fear of retaliation is a staple topic we can all relate to in some form. We are in the year 2023, where our technological, scientific, and societal advancements continue to progress in such large strides, sometimes it is hard for us to keep up! Yet somehow, we continue to experience the harsh realities of discrimination, almost as some sort of buffer to all of the

amazing advancements we make on a daily basis. Respecting someone's incredible commitment and passion for the Auxiliary also means respecting who they identify as a person, full stop. We are all volunteers to this organization, and the most beautiful part of that is we all have something of value to bring to the table. For some of us, just with a bit more flair.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate Pride Month in the workplace?

Any opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our members should always be welcomed with embracing arms! What Pride Month's (tagging along to other months aimed at celebrating diversity) true purpose consists of is to celebrate a group of people who have historically been oppressed, neglected, or abused by governments and society, which in many parts of the world, the LGBT community certainly still is. And instead of harnessing the harsh reality of how those of us who identify as LGBT in some sort of negative way, we instead use Pride Month to spread and celebrate the most important thing that we fight for every day of our lives: love.

Interview and photo illustration by Deborah Heldt Cordone, AUXPA1

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year's theme, selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, is "Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity," which builds on a leadership advancement theme.

As we celebrate this month, we remember that the Coast Guard Auxiliary is stronger together with a diverse and inclusive workforce, with all members valued for their skills and contributions.

Today, we spotlight Jihwan Baek, an Auxiliarist since 2008. Serving out of 054-22-01 (Flotilla Curtis Bay), she currently holds the positions of International Affairs Outreach, Branch Chief-INDOPACOM and Public Affairs Photo Corps, Branch Assistant-Archivist. She is certified as an Auxiliary Interpreter and has earned the advanced AUXOP award.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month mean to you?

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month resonates deeply within my being, carrying profound significance. It stands as an exuberant tribute, casting a radiant light upon the extraordinary contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in shaping our society. This momentous month ignites an unyielding fire within me, a fire that reminds me of the power of my unique identity, one that is not merely acknowledged, but fervently celebrated. It infuses me with an indomitable sense of empowerment, a firm pride in being Asian American. With joy in my heart, I offer my skills and services through my lens, eager to be an integral part of organizations that fervently raise awareness. Together, we kindle the flames of change, illuminating the path towards a brighter future, where diversity is embraced, celebrated, and woven into the very fabric of our collective existence.

Who is your inspiration?

My inspiration is not confined to a single individual; rather, it arises from the collective tapestry of people I've encountered throughout my life. Each person, whether they brought goodness or challenges, has left an indelible mark on my spirit. Yet, it is through my volunteer career that I have found extraordinary inspiration. The camaraderie of fellow shipmates and the unwavering dedication of those with profound spirits of service have truly awakened my passion. Witnessing their selflessness and deep commitment to making a difference gratifies me with hope and belief in the innate goodness of humanity. I encourage each reader to embrace the power within to inspire others because it can create a ripple of inspiration that shapes a better world.

What does it mean to you to be in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Being an Auxiliarist means much more than volunteering—it signifies a steadfast commitment to serving my country in a unique and impactful way. My journey commenced 15 years ago, driven by a deep longing for meaningful influence. Little did I know that it would guide me to the pinnacle of my career as a Branch Chief within the International Affairs Directorate, where I discovered my true passion and purpose.

In my role, I embrace daily growth and challenges that transcend limits, enabling personal and professional development. By willingly devoting my time, being part of this remarkable team enriches me beyond measure.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Auxiliarists, entrusted with demanding responsibilities, is a humbling honor. It is also a testament to the profound meaning of dedication and service, molding our characters and purposes. Through my journey in the Auxiliary, I have learned that genuine fulfillment arises from what we give and gain—the wisdom, growth, and great sense of purpose accompanying our extraordinary expeditions.

Diversity would like to start sharing the experiences which helped local units compete for the NACO's Three Star Award for Excellence in Diversity Management. This might include members working a booth at a cultural event, descriptions of events or meetings with community leaders which helped to build trust within your local diverse community, descriptions and photographs of local outreach recruitment activities. Selected submissions will be posted on the Diversity web site and the Diversity Facebook Page. Please submit photographs and/or brief descriptions of events and activities along with relevant goal category and action item to the ANACO-DVd, at kennethejacobs@aol.com

The latest edition of the PAD Bulletin is available for viewing from the Diversity Web Site.

This edition is dedicated to "Core Values."

Source [Ken Jacobs, ANACO-DVd]

As a result of NEXCOM adopted revisions, new standards for earning this prestigious award have increased.
Please note that effective January 1, 2012 the requirements have expanded and for more detailed information you can learn about the changes from your DSO-DV.

Awards for 2011 actions are based on the criteria in affect in 2011, awards for 2012 actions will be based on the new criteria.

Source {Don Lloyd, ANACO-DV]