Often, in our professional experiences, we are reminded that diversity begets excellence.  People from vastly different walks of life, with varying perspectives, skills, and passions can often formulate the best solutions as people discuss, debate, and compromise to identify what works.  However, while many of us value and embrace diversity we may still find ourselves in professional and sometimes recreational spaces that lack cultural diversity.  Unfortunately, while we prepare to officially usher in the presidency of the first African American, Barack Obama, we must remember that there is still much work to be done to ensure that opportunities on Capitol Hill, the next Administration, and otherwise reflect the diversity represented throughout our great country.

A 2006 article published by Diversity Inc., reported that only 6 percent of the 4,100 Senate employees were people of color.  At the time of publication, there were no people of color in senior positions.  While statistics were not included for the US House of Representatives, congressional staffers reported that offices outside of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus also lacked diversity.  In response to this article and the lack of diversity on the Hill, Senator Harry Reid (NV) published a “Diversity Hiring Resources” booklet.  Senator Reid and others continue to work to reverse this startling trend.  Since 2006, there have been no further reports on diversity; however, many minority staffers still cite a lack of diversity on both sides of the Capitol.

To ensure and increase diversity on Capitol Hill, in K Street lobbying shops, and under the new Administration, IMPACT has developed IMPACTConnection.com—a premier online resource where professionals of color can connect with one another as well as to opportunities in and around Washington DC. IMPACTConnection.com is the perfect compliment to recent initiatives designed to ensure that young professionals of color are considered when hiring opportunities arise.  As you think through your professional development and look for opportunities on and around Capitol Hill we encourage you to leverage the power of technological connectivity by utilizing IMPACTConnection.com to make connections of your own.

We are also pleased to announce IMPACT’s title sponsorship of a collection of inauguration events hosted by Young and Powerful in the Nation’s Capitol! Be on the look out for our inauguration newsletter coming soon.

This month’s IMPACT Leader, I. Lanier Avant, serves as an example of young professionals of color excelling in policy related positions.  As the youngest Committee Staff Director on Capitol Hill, Lanier is a frequent reminder of the capacity and talents that young professionals possess as well as their ability to succeed in the halls of Congress.  In addition, Lanier’s boss, Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) has provided a stellar model for what diversity can look like on Capitol Hill—with the youngest and most diverse committee staff (the Committee on Homeland Security). 

 

IMPACT Leader: Lanier Avant

Staff Director, House Committee on Homeland Security

I. Lanier Avant has more than eight years of public policy experience, with a focus in homeland security, agriculture and trade.  Before his appointment as Staff Director of the Committee on Homeland Security by Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, Avant served as Deputy Staff Director for the Committee while continuing his role as Representative Thompson’s Chief of Staff.  He has also served as Rep. Thompson’s Legislative Director and Communications Director.  During his tenure at the Committee, Avant has worked to enhance the oversight activities of the Committee by focusing the Committee’s resources on each directorate and component office of the Department of Homeland Security.  During the 110th Congress, he managed a robust agenda that included more than 130 congressional hearings that exposed important Departmental deficiencies.  Avant has also worked to improve the legislative efficiency of the Committee by streamlining its priorities and reinforcing areas of critical need for its legislative operation. He has also strengthened the Committee’s relationships with the leadership of the House, the Department, private industry, the labor community, the academic community and a range of other advocacy groups.

 

IMPACT Announces Coalition and Meets with Obama-Biden Transition Project Members

 

 

 

 

 

Recognizing the contributions that young professionals have and will continue to make to the political changes in our country, IMPACT convened a coalition of young professionals to meet with members of the Obama-Biden Transition Project to ensure that young professionals of color, ages 21 to 40, are placed throughout the Administration, are used as a resource to foster future outreach to this demographic and have their interests reflected in the development of Administrative policy and practice.

 

IMPACT Launches IMPACTConnection.com
To address the ongoing issues of the lack of diversity on Capitol Hill and in the private sector as well as to provide an entrée to the incoming Administration for young professionals of color, IMPACT launched www.IMPACTConnection.com.  The website has the following capabilities:

• Customizable Profile Pages
• Ability to dislpay a personal Video Introduction
• Interactive Web Chat Interview for Employers
• Forum Discussion on Current Issues

Don’t delay, upload your bio, resume, and profile TODAY!

 

IMPACT Your Community
IMPACT named Title Sponsor for Collection of Young & Powerful Presidential Inauguration Events

IMPACT is proud to support the inaugural activities of The Young & Powerful Group.  Activities are scheduled to begin on January 17, 2009.  The Young and Powerful Group consists of young professionals dedicated to raising the political, economic, and social awareness of the community through building grassroots support for civic engagement opportunities and rising leaders dedicated to the mission of Young and Powerful.  The organization also provides tools to create viable networks through social and professional development opportunities for members. 

The Young & Powerful Group cordially invites you to celebrate President-Elect Obama's Inauguration in Washington, D.C. and join us for the Ultimate Collection of Inauguration Events. Come socialize and celebrate with other emerging young professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the nation.  Each event is anchored by themes of Vision, Hope, Change and Redemption.  

Click here for event information or to purchase tickets.  Discounted advanced tickets are limited, so secure your Ultimate Collection Package today!  For more information about Young & Powerful Group events, group rates, or partnerships please contact 1-877-464-0188. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Angela Rye: angela.rye@impact-dc.com.