Somos Uno: Bay Pines VA Equal Opportunity champions

Israel Baez II, Alexander Bestard, Jovany Morales-Estada and Obed Muniz lead Bay Pines VA’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) mission. As part of VA’s ongoing support of inclusion, diversity, education and access, this team and its heritage serves as the staff who help make our mission of serving those who served a reality.

Israel Baez II, Army and Air Force Veteran

“My journey of 17 and a half years with the military began right out of high school in 1991 and took several detours before ending in 2013. I come from a family of Veterans dating back to World War II, so I view my job as a blessing. My team supports the workforce who provides world-class service to those who served,” Baez said.

The New Jersey native started his military career as a cavalry scout and went on to serve in four other military occupational specialties in both the National Guard and active duty before leaving the service as an infantry officer. When Baez returned from his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was stationed at Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, Texas. It was there he assumed the duty of an equal opportunity leader.

“Growing up, I assumed most places were as racially and culturally diverse as the South Jersey/Philly areas. Getting out into the world was eye-opening and allowed me to understand diversity and inclusion even if I didn’t know how to formally conceptualize it,” he added. “When I ended my military service, I saw EEO as a potential career field worth consideration. I have done it ever since and never looked back.”

Baez’s appreciation for equal opportunity has deepened, and he is proud to lead a team that consistently works to promote diversity and inclusion in ways that resonate with staff and surrounding communities who benefit from their services.

Alexander Bestard, Air Force Veteran

“I chose to work at VA because being here invokes a special feeling. When I was discharged I was left with a void in my soul. I chose to pursue a career that allowed me to continue to work alongside as well as serve Veterans,” Bestard said.

A primary component of cultivating an equitable workplace is ensuring that there are opportunities for education. Throughout the year, Bestard joins his team in organizing several events that celebrate federally recognized heritage months. The commemoration of these observances allows staff to gain a deeper understanding of each other.

“I absolutely feel like my job translates to my daily life. I believe the work enriches my life and reinforces my morals, my ability to resolve conflicts, my understanding and my continued desire to be fair and equitable,” he added.

Left to right above, Equal Employment Opportunity program manager Israel Baez II and EEO specialists Alexander Bestard, Jovany Morales-Estada and Obed Muniz

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Bay Pines VA joins the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Read Morales-Estada and Muniz’s stories here.