Black History Month: Atlanta Universities Host Historic Student Education Panels Representing Black Indigenous People of Color Serving in Key Federal Government Leadership Positions

Contact: Jay Ivey
Jay.Ivey@usda.gov
706-510-5318

ATHENS, Ga., Feb. 28, 2023 – In recognition of Black History Month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Georgia State Executive Director Arthur Tripp, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 4 Director Antrell Tyson, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman recently participated in a series of historic panel events. The Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Appointees engaged with students from Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Georgia State University. This is the first time in history that students have been able to engage with a panel consisting entirely of BIPOC presidential appointees leading these agencies, demonstrating the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“USDA provides many career opportunities for the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture,” said Tripp. “It is critical that we engage our young people at a time in their life when they are making decisions about their future careers. These panels allowed us the opportunity to reach a diverse cross-section of students and encourage them to choose a career dedicated to public service and dedicated to feeding the world.”

Regional Director Tyson stated, “the nearly 90,000 individuals who comprise the Dept. of HHS around the world all recognize the importance of their roles in enhancing the health and well-being of all Americans. Whether you have a love of medicine, a passion for service, are intrigued by technology, or interested in policy making, HHS has a position for you. We have entered a new era in American government when diversity of people, ideas, and backgrounds are both welcomed and valued.”

“From tackling the climate crisis to advancing environmental justice, what happens at EPA changes the world,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “Our mission is stronger when our workforce looks like the world. We must attract, hire, and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds to ensure that the environment is well positioned to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges now and into the future.”

These events provided an opportunity for students at the respective universities to learn about career opportunities with the federal government. Students in attendance had varied interests, including business, political science, English, and law. The panelists shared their inspiring journeys, perspectives, and tips for college students who have an interest in working in public service. Topics of conversation focused on advice for students navigating future careers and overcoming adversity. Following the panels, the students were able to meet and network with the federal government leadership delegation, as well as staff from the three federal agencies.

USDA offers employment opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in the agricultural, science, technology, math, environmental, management, business, and other fields. Visit our USDA Agencies Career Grid to see which agencies employ your field of interest. For information on internship opportunities and related hiring information for students, visit USDA’s careers website. From the classroom to the workplace, the USDA supports student engagement, recruitment, retention, and agricultural workforce development.

The career opportunities at the Dept. of Health and Human Services are as diverse as the people we serve. Currently, some of the most urgent positions to be filled are in IT, consumer safety, nursing, accounting, dentistry, nutrition, law, and health system administration. We welcome interested individuals with varying levels of experience to explore jobs at www.hhs.gov/careers.

It takes people with many different backgrounds and skillsets to address the multifaceted challenges EPA faces every day. Whether you are enforcing environmental regulations or conducting research, at EPA, you can leverage your specialized job skills into meaningful work for your community, your state, and your nation.

For more information about job opportunities with the federal government or to apply for employment visit usajobs.gov, a one-stop shop for federal jobs and employment information.