Breaking barriers, honoring diversity and advancing inclusion: USDA Partners with University of North Carolina at Pembroke to Expand Opportunities for Tribal Students

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.

At USDA, this commitment to inclusion is at the heart of our mission. We're 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're advancing this goal is through partnerships with educational institutions that serve underrepresented communities. Last week, during our first-ever Unity Through Inclusion Summit, we proudly announced a new partnership with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this partnership is opening doors for UNCP students to explore careers in public service, particularly in agriculture and natural resources. We're 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 UNCP 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, "The MOU with UNCP signifies a major step in USDA's commitment to expanding opportunities for underserved communities. We're investing in the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in agriculture and natural resources."

UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, MD, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We're 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."

This MOU is just one example of USDA's commitment to fostering inclusion, and it's only the beginning. USDA recently announced a new cadre of Tribal College Liaisons and opened applications for next summer's Tribal Policy Internships. Together, we're breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and building a future that reflects the diversity of our nation. Let's continue this journey-together.