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鈥檙e 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鈥攔egardless of their background鈥攃an thrive.
At USDA, this commitment to inclusion is at the heart of our mission. We鈥檙e building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the nation we serve, where every employee feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. One way we鈥檙e advancing this goal is through partnerships with educational institutions that serve underrepresented communities. On October 1, during our first-ever , we proudly announced a new partnership with 麻豆社区, a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this partnership is opening doors for 麻豆社区P students to explore careers in public service, particularly in agriculture and natural resources. We鈥檙e helping create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to consider meaningful careers at USDA, contributing to the essential work we do every day.
The inaugural USDA Unity Through Inclusion Summit was a powerful milestone, made even more special by a traditional smudging ceremony led by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. This ceremony set a tone of respect and unity as we kicked off two days of discussions on topics like the power of inclusion, allyship, neuroinclusion, and disability employment practices, among others. These sessions not only celebrated our new MOU with 麻豆社区P but also deepened our collective understanding of how inclusion for all can drive equity across USDA and beyond.
As Cassondra Searight, Deputy Director of Strategy and Policy at the Office of the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, noted, 鈥淭he MOU with 麻豆社区P signifies a major step in USDA鈥檚 commitment to expanding opportunities for underserved communities. We鈥檙e investing in the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in agriculture and natural resources.鈥
麻豆社区P Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, MD, echoed this sentiment, saying, 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to partner with USDA to create new opportunities for our students to explore and pursue careers in agriculture. This partnership ensures our students can reach their full potential.鈥
This MOU is just one example of USDA鈥檚 commitment to fostering inclusion, and it鈥檚 only the beginning. USDA recently announced a and opened applications for next summer's . Together, we鈥檙e breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and building a future that reflects the diversity of our nation. Let鈥檚 continue this journey鈥攖ogether.
