The Biden-Harris administration organized a conference May 23 with the goal of fostering leadership among federal employees who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
According to a May 30 news release, this was the first such gathering of this size and by any administration since 2014. Hundreds of AA and NHPI public servants traveled from all over the nation to attend the federal gathering at the U.S. Department of Transportation's headquarters. The event was organized by the WHite House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and DOT.
“OPM recognizes that with each unique perspective in our workforce, we are better prepared to meet the diverse needs of the American people,” OPM Director Kiran Ahuja said in the release. “Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander federal employees contribute every day to the vital work of the federal government and support its mission to serve the American people. We are proud to celebrate AA and NHPI Heritage Month and recognize the talents they bring to public service.”
Participants examined the most pressing issues affecting AA and NHPI public servants during a fireside chat discussion and breakout sessions with Biden-Harris administration executives as they observed AA and NHPI Heritage Month with the theme "Visible Together," according to the release.
Michelle Kwan, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the U.S. to Belize, was the conference's first plenary speaker, the release said. She discussed how she continues to demonstrate leadership through the lenses of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility throughout her illustrious career in public service.
At all levels of the federal workforce, federal workers, OPM facilitators and subject matter experts also addressed methods to encourage career advancement, build leadership skills and expand the pipeline for AA and NHPIs, according to the release.
The all-day program was watched by hundreds more people virtually, the release reported. For the hybrid conference, more than 1,000 personnel from more than 100 government agencies registered together.
With 14% of candidates appointed or nominated to positions within the Biden-Harris administration identifying as AA or NHPI, as of December 2022, representation is evident throughout staffing at every level of the administration, including the three Asian American members of President Joe Biden's historically diverse Cabinet, the release said.
However, the situation is different for the federal government's civil service, the release reported. Asian Americans made up 6.49% of the whole federal workforce in 2021, while Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders made up 0.56%, according to OPM demographic diversity data. Only 4.68% of federal employees in the senior executive service were Asian Americans, and 0.16% were people of color.
