American Diversity Month

July 8, 10:00am – 11:00am ET

Join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Devon Westhill, and our 2020 Keynote Speaker Johnathan Holifield, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as USDA kicks off American Diversity Month.

July 13, 10:00am – 11:30am ET

Join Deputy Assistant Secretary Westhill; Michael Jones, CEO of Fresh Communities Holding Corporation; and additional panelists for a discussion of the impact of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and 1890 Land Grant Universities on U.S. agriculture. Additionally, you will hear from current HSI/1890 students, alumni, and USDA employees on minority contributions in agriculture.

July 15, 1:00pm – 3:00pm ET

Participants will join one of three mentoring groups to discuss four topic areas, followed by a Q&A period. Advance registration is required.

Mentoring Groups:

• Senior Career (GS-14 – SES) Topics: Diversity in Government, Leadership Expectations, SES Advice, and Leaving a Legacy
• Mid-Career (GS-11 – GS-13) Topics: Diversity in Government, Leadership Skills, Career Evolution, and Personal Barriers
• Early Career (Interns – GS-09) Topics: Diversity in Government, Applying for Jobs, Building a Reputation, and Charting a Career Path

July 20, 10:00am – 11:30am ET

This presentation, “Eliminating Barriers in Recruitment and Hiring,” will address equity initiatives, accountability, and awareness about holding unconscious beliefs regarding social stereotypes. Opening remarks will be led by Dr. Karlease Kelly, Chief Learning Officer in USDA’s Office of Human Resources Management, to be followed by a panel presentation with leaders in government and private industry.

July 22, 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET

This presentation will provide participants with a better understanding of barriers and challenges facing First Generation Professionals (FGP). Join to hear from Keynote Speaker Horace Hodge, USDA Liaison at Prairie View A&M University, and Tinisha Agramonte, Director of the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

You will receive an email with the viewing link the morning of the event.

July 27, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET

This event will highlight the significant contributions of current employees who previously served as interns with USDA. Opening remarks will be led by Adriano Vasquez, Civil Rights Director for the Foreign Agricultural Service, followed by a panel presentation with USDA leaders who will provide timely advice and best practices for current interns.

You will receive an email with the viewing link the morning of the event.

July 29, 10:00am – 11:00am ET

Help USDA close our month-long celebration of diversity with USDA’s Associate Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Winona Lake Scott who will recognize USDA’s Shining Stars who were nominated by their peers across the Department because of their work involving diversity or agriculture in or outside USDA. Join to hear from our Keynote Speaker Joon S. Park, ARS Deputy Administrator for Administrative & Financial Management & REE Mission Area Business Center Chief Operating Officer and currently Acting Director of USDA Office of Budget & Program Analysis, and from our Summer Interns on Diversity and Inclusion. This event will be pre-recorded.

You will receive an email with the viewing link the morning of the event.