The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made an extraordinary move to create and hire a qualified candidate for the department’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. This vision aligns with the United States government’s own equity initiatives and the USDA’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategic plan.
Since Dr. Jewel Bronaugh’s departure from the USDA as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, the USDA has been in need of another advocate to lead the equity commission. The charge of the commission is to advise the USDA on its DEIA strategic plan to increase diversity and equity within the USDA’s policies and practices. However, it’s one thing to talk and voice an educated point or well-needed advice to an entity like the USDA — it’s another to work within a group and ensure you have the position and power to make a difference with that advice.
The USDA, prior to Bronaugh’s departure, spoke of this type of advocate, one who could be the person to speak of change while also enacting it.
According to the USDA’s March news release on the position, the newly installed Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer position will lead the USDA in its effort “to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across the department.” This position will also slip into the place of Bronaugh, ensuring the USDA’s DEIA Strategic Plan is implemented.
The department has appointed L’Tonya Davis to fill the position as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the USDA. She is set to replace acting CDIO, Leslie Weldon, making the position permanent under Davis. Davis will continue the work of Weldon, who had been an integral part of building the DEIA strategic plan and aiding in launching this position.
“Throughout her career, Ms. Davis has demonstrated a strong commitment to hiring and developing a workforce that reflects the rich and diverse tapestry of America and to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “USDA is working to provide equitable service and mission delivery to all, including the dedicated employees who are at the heart of the service we aim to provide. Our workforce will benefit from Ms. Davis’ leadership and her commitment to ensuring our programs benefit every American.”
Davis will lead the USDA into the future by advocating for the Equity Commission’s 37-page interim report, addressing personal and professional experiences and expertise of the commission as well as an in-depth review of the policies and practices of the USDA. The hope, when the report is finalized, is to have recommendations that can be applied to the USDA’s current programs and practices, as well as develop others that hopefully will increase access and equity among underrepresented agriculturalists and consumers.
The USDA has also tasked Davis to prepare and support the department in reflecting the diversity of American agriculture among those employed by the USDA. Davis must also be committed to aiding the department in sustaining that diversity by identifying strategies to recruit and retain a strong, diverse workforce within the USDA.
Those who are employed by the department and who sit in positions that make a huge impact on the agriculture industry must reflect the diversity of those agriculturalists and consumers they serve. Those in positions in the USDA who share the background and identity of those they serve will bring the perspective of under-represented stories and backgrounds to the table when discussing and enacting policies and practices.
Davis’ position is among many that will begin to sprout amongst federal departments and agencies. According to Executive Order 14035, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Federal Workforce, the federal government is called to be a model employer for the nation in attracting a talented and diverse workforce. Positions like Davis’ are stated in the EO to be fundamental in this process.
“CDO [Chief Diversity Officer] or DIO [Diversity and Inclusion Officer] positions should be established as soon as practicable, in adherence with personnel policies and regulations, budget realignment processes, and internal governance processes.”
The EO also clearly states how positions like Davis’ also have the power to lead in DEIA Strategic Plans in collaboration with their senior officials.
“Agencies should seek opportunities to comparably align CDOs or DIOs to report to the agency head and to most effectively coordinate and lead DEIA strategic priorities.”
Davis, along with her current and future colleagues entrusted with the title of CDIO, CDO, or DIO, have an important mission. Systemic discrimination cannot be uprooted overnight, however, when money toward a position is allocated and someone is solely dedicated to make a workforce more equitable, we are on the right track of hiring and retaining people who reflect the whole story of the company we serve. Our world is changing, the tapestry has more patterns, prints, and textures. Our workforce must reflect the people we serve, or injustice and discrimination will always win over the underrepresented of us. The action the USDA has made will eventually root out discriminatory practices, and offer a fair path for all agriculturalist to participate in our growing future.
Bre Holbert is a past National FFA President and studied agriculture science and education at California State-Chico. “Two ears to listen is better than one mouth to speak. Two ears allow us to affirm more people, rather than letting our mouth loose to damage people’s story by speaking on behalf of others.”
