Together We Make A Difference

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Diversity Memo

March 13, 2013

Dear HHS Colleagues,

Our Department is charged with protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services for those who are least able to help themselves.  We fulfill that important mission best when we draw from the talents of all parts of our society, and when our workforce reflects the communities we serve.

I am committed to HHS having a workforce that reflects our nation’s rich diversity and leading the way in providing employment opportunities for all.  My goal is to create a climate of innovation, opportunity, and success within the Department that capitalizes on the cultural, professional, and ethnic diversity of our workforce.  To make sure diverse perspectives are represented in our workforce, HHS will be re-committing in the second term to strengthening our recruitment, promotion, and retention practices, with a specific emphasis on workforce diversity and succession planning.

This effort will include:

  • A Diversity and Inclusion Council comprised of representatives from the Operating Divisions and Staff Divisions and Employee Resource Groups.  The Council will be charged with ensuring the accountability and implementation of the Department’s Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and advising me on matters related to promoting workforce diversity.  It is my intention to appoint Council Co-Chairs, and I would welcome your suggestions.
  • Improved engagement and partnerships with national diversity organizations and Employee Resource Groups, including, the Hispanic Employment Organization, Federally Employed Women, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Employees of the Federal Government, Federal Asian Pacific American Council, Society of American Indian Government Employees, and Blacks In Government, as well as Employee Unions.
  • Increased outreach through the use of social media, our regional offices, programs such as VA for Vets, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program, and other programs targeting greater opportunities for diversity and inclusion.
  • Increased efforts to recruit, promote, and retain members of underrepresented groups, in particular Hispanics, veterans, and persons with disabilities.  While hiring is one important step in this process, unless we retain talented diverse employees, we won’t make much progress.

I know there is a substantial hiring pool of talented and qualified workers that can help further our work.  Our ability to attract, develop, and retain a talented, diverse workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission as a Department.  I am asking all HHS employees to be part of this effort – to commit to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Each of us has opportunities and the responsibility to make our fellow employees feel valued and respected.  With your support and participation, we can ensure that our mission is more successful, and that workforce diversity and equal opportunity are two of our greatest strengths.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Sebelius