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.
Gomez has served in her current role as a USDA HSI liaison based at LaGuardia Community College, City Colleges of New York in New York, N.Y. since 2023. There, she works with Hispanic communities to help them access USDA programs. In this role, she enjoys empowering students and underserved communities by sharing information about educational and professional opportunities. “I often speak with students who have a lot of skills and do not realize it,” she said. “Those students are persistent, resilient, creative, and speak multiple languages. With those skills, they can do anything.”
Gomez’ work week varies. She collaborates with HSI faculty, staff and partners at her homebase college and in the region to keep them informed and share insights about the agriculture industry. She may conduct meetings with university stakeholders to discuss USDA grants available for their institutions or meet with regional nonprofit leaders to explore ideas for collaboration. She also works closely with students during one-on-one meetings to develop their federal resumes and offer guidance on applying for federal employment through the USAJobs website. She has organized orientation events to promote USDA internship programs like HEP/CAMP and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program. Both programs encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers at USDA and in the agriculture sector.
Additionally, she has promoted the USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship to HSI faculty and staff so they, too can learn about USDA resources and opportunities for scientific collaboration. Gomez has also secured USDA speakers for events on campus and often sits on career panels to discuss employment at USDA. “The work is engaging, fun and it is impactful,” she said.
Gomez constantly encourages high school and college students to consider careers at USDA to create a more diverse workforce that reflects the United States. A more representative workforce will enhance USDA’s work to promote food security and sustainable food systems. “I didn’t grow up knowing anyone who worked in government, so I hope always to be a resource for anybody exploring federal employment,” she said.