Equity

Joe Ricker, a man of many titles including colonel, veterans outreach coordinator, nonprofit founder, farm owner, consultant and beekeeper, has consistently dedicated himself to helping service members thrive. His collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been a key factor in his work. “Make a plan, stick to the plan, and USDA will have your back and help you,” he said. This support includes Monshi “Ram” Ramdass, the USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison, who has facilitated connections between Joe, disabled veterans and the resources they need.

Marco Antonio Alcantar Alvarez, a rising sophomore at California State University majoring in graphic design, was one of 14 students selected for an internship over the summer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) High School Equivalency Program (HEP)/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Established in 2023 with eight interns, this year’s intern cohort has nearly doubled in size.

October is a special month, full of opportunities to reflect on the beauty and strength found in our diversity. As we celebrate both Global Diversity Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re reminded of how different perspectives and experiences can shape a more inclusive future. These observances push us toward a shared goal: creating an environment where everyone—regardless of their background—can thrive.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA) supports rural communities through strategies that address environmental, economic and social aspects of agricultural sustainability. Additionally, SARA encourages its university faculty and students to engage in research, education and hands-on learning experiences in these communities.

This week, we celebrate National 4-H Week and the incredible impact the organization offers young people around the country. At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we pay special tribute to this observance as the 4-H Youth Development program is headquartered in USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This unique partnership with NIFA, the Cooperative Extension System through land-grant universities and the National 4-H Council empowers young people to lead for a lifetime.

Nearly twenty years ago, all that Dr. Circe Niezen, professor at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), knew about the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was the USDA approval sticker on her luggage for agricultural safety when she traveled from Puerto Rico to the continental United States.

Ally Huang, a senior at Pomona College in California, just completed an internship through the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As a public policy analysis major focusing on economics, she found that the experience enabled her to connect her educational background with a familiar cause: food security. During her internship with USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Albany, California, Huang focused on the policy aspects of recent state legislation regarding composting and food packaging. “I connected with the overall end goal to reduce waste,” she said. “I have always been really interested in sustainability and am mindful of it in daily life.”

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich history, cultural diversity, and contributions from Hispanic communities. USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is home to over 8,000 of the world’s best and brightest minds in agricultural science, data, and innovation. This month, REE is spotlighting several brilliant colleagues who are pioneering change at USDA and within their communities.

Known as the Farmer’s Lawyer, Equity Commission Agriculture Subcommittee member Sarah Vogel has been vocal on issues impacting rural and Tribal communities; farmers who are young, new, and beginning; women; and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and farmworkers. Vogel became passionate for those involved in the agriculture industry through her upbringing in North Dakota where the linkage between family farms and the vitality of small towns is strong. Over the past two years, Vogel has been integral in ensuring the voice and needs of underserved people are heard, even urging USDA to bring the Equity Commission to Bismarck, North Dakota.

Herminia Gomez serves as a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) liaison, working closely with Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the Northeast. HSIs are colleges and universities where the total Hispanic enrollment is at least 25% of the total student population. USDA partners with these institutions to connect students, faculty and staff with professional development, workforce development and educational opportunities.