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equity


Savi Horne: Stewarding Land Access and Environmental Justice

April 22, 2024 Cecilia Hernandez, Designated Federal Officer, USDA Equity Commission

For Savonala “Savi” Horne, every day is like Earth Day, a day celebrated on April 22 annually since 1970 as a call to mobilize millions of Americans to drive positive action for our planet. As the Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers, Land Loss Prevention Project...

Equity Initiatives

Reflections from the Road: USDA Co-Hosts Inaugural Regional Equity Convening in Michigan

April 19, 2024 Cecilia Hernandez, Designated Federal Officer, USDA Equity Commission

On March 26, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held the first Regional Equity Convening at Carhartt Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan in partnership with Carhartt and the State of Michigan. Regional leaders and local stakeholders from across the Midwest were invited to learn about the...

Equity

Charlie Rawls: Amplifying Diverse Voices in the Process of Advancing Equity for All

April 15, 2024 Cecilia Hernandez, Designated Federal Officer, USDA Equity Commission

With a legal lens and knack for paying attention to detail, Equity Commission Member Charles (Charlie) Rawls has been the go-to source to help capture the essence of the Equity Commission’s intentions. With his firsthand experience working on civil rights reforms at the Department of Agriculture as...

Equity

E. Kika De La Garza Science Fellow Finds Community in Fellowship

April 04, 2024 Carrie Knight, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

Dr. Samuel Discua is a postdoctoral researcher at University of Arizona Yuma in the Department of Entomology, where he studies the ecology and management of insect pests associated with leafy greens and melons in Arizona cropping systems. Yuma and the rest of the state lead national lettuce crop...

Equity Initiatives

Echándole Ganas: Giving it My All to Honor Legacy and Elevate Voices

March 28, 2024 DFO Cecilia Hernandez

With the end of Women’s History Month coinciding with César Chávez Day, I’ve been reflecting on my personal and professional experience and the journey that has taken me to my current role as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Designated Federal Officer (DFO) of the Equity Commission. It is also...

Equity Initiatives

2501 Program Recipient Helps Heirs Connect with Important Resources

March 21, 2024 Carrie Knight, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

In 2020, The Center for Heirs Property Preservation (CHPP) in Charleston, South Carolina was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2501 grant to support its mission of helping families keep their property and put it to work for them. The 1990 Farm Bill created the 2501 Program to support...

Equity Initiatives

Establishing the Equity Commission with USDA Senior Advisors Drs. Dewayne Goldmon and Gbenga Ajilore

March 18, 2024 Cecilia Hernandez, Designated Federal Officer

In January 2021, day one of the Biden-Harris Administration, the President issued Executive Order 13985 that charged the Federal Government, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with advancing equity for all, and making the necessary changes to ensure underserved communities are properly...

American Rescue Plan Equity Initiatives

Ertharin Cousin: Improving Social Equity in the Food and Agriculture Industry

February 16, 2024 Cecilia Hernandez, Designated Federal Officer, USDA Equity Commission

True sustainability in the agriculture industry starts with equity. When we take steps to recognize the challenges members in our community face around issues of equity – when we are committed to providing all farmers and farmworkers an equal chance of success and prosperity—we are building a...

Equity Initiatives

USDA Women in Science Share Advice with the Next Generation

February 09, 2024 Megan Guilfoyle, Public Affairs Specialist, Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area

At USDA, we harness the power of agricultural science to transform the world. To create a future that is more sustainable, prosperous and equitable for everyone. This requires a diverse scientific workforce that is driving innovation forward. Women voices and perspectives are a crucial part of this...

Research and Science

Shari Rogge-Fidler: Encouraging Next-Generation Farmers to Get Engaged and Seize Opportunity

January 04, 2024 Cecilia Hernandez, Designated Federal Officer, USDA Equity Commission

As a fifth-generation farmer, Shari Rogge-Fidler sees the opportunity ahead for the future generation in agriculture and feels excitement for USDA’s engagement in the industry. It’s what encouraged her role in the Equity Commission on the Agriculture Subcommittee.

Equity Initiatives
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