We Are Our Sister's Keeper

Let me tell you a story that I hear far too often. A woman of color begins her career at a federal agency. Let's call our woman of color, Chaka.

Chaka puts her nose to the grind and sets her sights on a senior position ...one day. She comes armed with a college degree. Often, she has a professional degree, as well. Chaka started a career in public service because she wants to make an impact on national policy.

Chaka looks around her agency and sees virtually no women of color in leadership. Her peers invite her to Happy Hour but she is not comfortable with drinking in front of her co-workers. Plus, after work, she wants to go home, take a bubble bath, unwind and take off the "The Mask."

Though experienced and capable, Chaka's peers are leading projects, while she is too often designated as “backup." Yes, Chaka chimes in at work meetings. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She's the contract officer's representative (COR) for an agency effort. Still, she is not selected to present a panel at the conference.

She leads a committee in her sorority. Her melodious voice can be heard at Bible study on Wednesday night. She is no wall flower.

Chaka hears her non-Black or non- Brown colleagues with easy banter with the leaders of her agency, but she is unsure of how to break through the formalities.

She may have climbed her grade ladder with sheer grit and determination, but she feels she is at a plateau.

Chaka knows she needs a mentor and yet, her e-mail to a woman of color in leadership went unanswered. She is a woman without a home in a foreign land, so to speak.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a report on diversity in the federal workplace in February 2018. OPM is the mother of human resources for the cadre of individuals who work in the executive branch of the United States government.

Not surpsingly, OPM found that the racial composition of the federal workforce is disproportionate to the gender and racial diversity of the country.

African Americans make up some 14% of the United States population, but only 4% of the most senior ranks of goverment -- the GS 15 and Senior Executive Service (SES).

There is a stark need for African American and Latina women at the tables of decision making in public boardrooms.

A diverse and inclusive civil service leadership sector is vital with public initiatives executed that affect communities of color across the nation.

From the support to small businesses and contracting, to culturally-appropriate policies impacting individuals of color in education, housing, health, human services, and transportation among others, it is important that all voices are heard.

As the Baby Boomers exit the workforce, there is a lack of a social and professional structure for grooming the next generations of African American leaders.

Black Women who Inspire, Succeed and Excel (B-WISE, LLC) seeks to serve as a bridge to support the growth, emotional support, professional development and aspirations of African American and Latina women in federal service. I heard the stories. Now, I want to be part of the solution. We are our sisters' keepers.