MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER I. INTRODUCTION On January 25, 2021, Fasha Reid (“Plaintiff”) commenced this action against the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (“Defendant” or “OCFS”) and Finger Lakes Residential Center (“Finger Lakes”).1 Dkt. No. 1 (the “Complaint”). Plaintiff alleges discrimination and retaliation claims against Defendant under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§2000e et. seq. (“Title VII”). Id. at 1.2 On March 26, 2021, Defendant filed an Answer to the Complaint. Dkt. No. 8. Presently before this Court are Defendant’s motion for summary judgment pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Dkt. No. 42 (the “Motion”), Plaintiff’s Opposition, Dkt. Nos. 46-49, and Defendant’s Reply thereto, Dkt. No. 50. For the reasons stated herein, Defendant’s Motion is granted. II. BACKGROUND Plaintiff is an African American woman who was employed by OCFS as a Youth Division Aid Two (“YDA2″) at Finger Lakes from August 29, 2019 to May 16, 2020.3 See Dkt. No. 1 at
14, 21, 29. OCFS is an executive agency of the State of New York (“State”), which sets and enforces policies concerning the well-being and safety of children, families, and communities. Dkt. No. 42-8 at 2; Dkt. No. 46 at 2. OCFS’ Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (“DJJOY”) is responsible for the supervision and treatment of court-placed youth. Dkt. No. 42-8 at 3; Dkt. No. 46 at 3. DJJOY is responsible for the operation, supervision, and management of 11 residential facilities, including Finger Lakes. Dkt. No. 42-8 at 4; Dkt. No. 46 at 4. Finger Lakes is a facility located in Lansing, New York, which houses adjudicated male juvenile delinquents, predominantly between the ages of 13 and 18. Dkt. No. 42-8 at 5; Dkt. No. 46 at 5. On May 16, 2020, Plaintiff was terminated from her position at Finger Lakes. Dkt. No. 42-8 at 95; Dkt. No. 46 at 95. Defendant alleges that Plaintiff was terminated from her position due to Plaintiff’s unsatisfactory job performance. Dkt. No. 42-8 at