Aug 28, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is advancing its leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) across the federal sector. On August 22, 2024, L’Tonya Davis, USDA’s first permanent Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, addressed HR professionals at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Training for Excellence Symposium. This year’s event, themed “To the Stars and Beyond,” focused on equipping 1,000 HR leaders with the skills needed to address the evolving needs of the nation’s Veterans.

Davis was invited to deliver leadership training on the intersection of DEIA and human resources. Her session emphasized the operational advantages of integrating human-centric principles into HR practices and offered actionable insights to elevate the employee experience, highlighting how doing so can increase productivity, foster innovation, and improve efficiency.

“L’Tonya’s training really shifted how I view DEI(A),” said one attendee. “Her insights made me reconsider how approaching the day-to-day can drive better outcomes for our Veterans.”

As part of the training, Davis highlighted USDA’s data-driven initiatives, including the DEIA Strategic Plan and new efforts introduced since the establishment of the Office of the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (OCDIO) in May 2023, such as the Inclusive Hiring Toolkit. These initiatives are all about attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that mirrors the communities USDA serves. This alignment not only boosts how well the agency functions but also enhances the services provided to the public.

“DEIA isn’t about checking boxes,” Davis shared. “It’s about improving our ability to serve the American people and making sure we establish ourselves as a destination employer comprised of a team that genuinely understands and reflects the communities we serve.”

The symposium also offered an opportunity to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and networking while reaffirming a shared commitment to inclusive and accessible resources for Veterans. Through her presentation, Davis highlighted USDA’s journey, showcasing the department’s dedication to building strong public sector partnerships and establishing USDA as a leading example of culture and inclusion.

“Events like this remind us that true progress is collaborative,” Davis added, “We’re not just changing how we work; we’re strengthening our ability to connect with and support every American.”