FDA Supports Hispanic Action Agenda 

Develops Diversity Databank 

By Rosamelia Lecia


Closing the Gap, Hispanic Agenda for Action • October 1998


Development of a Diversity Databank is just one of the ideas 

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pursued in sup 

port of the Hispanic Agenda for Action (HAA). It helps the 

FDA—the world’s oldest and most respected consumer protection 

agency—identify scientists and professionals from Hispanic and other 

underrepresented groups for employment within the agency. 

Located in the Office of the Commissioner since its establishment in 1995, the Diversity Databank is an integral part of FDA’s 

vision, “To provide superior public service by developing, maintaining and supporting a high-quality, diverse workforce,” said Dr. Jonca 

Bull, special assistant to the Commissioner. The databank assists FDA 

managers in identifying qualified minority 

professionals seeking full- and part-time emscientists and clinicians. Consumer representatives serve as special 

government employees for terms lasting from two to four years. Appointees must comply with conflict of interest and other government 

requirements. 

HAA Activities 

FDA also supports the HAA through conference participation, 

student recruitment and training and special outreach efforts, including follow-up regional meetings from the September 1996 HHS Hispanic Health Symposium. 

One key has been the involvement of 

FDA’s senior management, who have been “FDA’s vision is ployment, as well as candidates for member- thoroughly briefed on the overall scope of 

ship on FDA advisory committees and boards. to provide superior public service by HAA and the development of recruitment 

With the support and collaboration of developing, maintaining and initiatives for addressing underrepresentation 

FDA offices in Human Resources and Man- of Hispanics at the agency. 

agement Services, External Affairs, and the supporting a FDA supported and participated in 

Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil high-quality, diverse work force.” conferences, discussing such issues as HAA, 

Rights, the Diversity Databank maintains an 

active outreach program with minority professional organizations and academic institutions. 

Candidates in the Diversity Databank have granted FDA permission to include information that will allow the agency to monitor 

applications from underrepresented groups. 

However, submission of a résumé or curriculum vitae to the Diversity Databank does not constitute an application for employment 

which requires responding to a specific FDA vacancy announcement. 

Increasing Consumer Representation 

FDA actively recruits minorities, women, and people with disabilities to serve on its advisory committees. Consumer representatives serve on 32 chartered advisory committees and 16 panels, and 

the disciplines they represent vary. They include consumer advocates, 

college professors, lawyers, nurses, physicians, microbiologists, biologists, pharmacists, engineers, and veterinarians. 

The primary roles of advisory committees are to provide independent expert scientific advice in the evaluation of regulated products. They also help the agency make sound decisions based upon the 

reasoned application of good science. 

“Public participation is an integral and vital component to FDA’s 

decision-making process,” said Charles Gaylord, acting associate commissioner for consumer affairs. “Consumers who serve on the Agency’s 

advisory committees provide a point of view that is necessary to ensure 

a proper balance with industry and scientific views.” 

Consumer representatives have important roles in committee deliberations. Their role is to lead discussions on key issues 

from the perspective of consumers while the other committee members focus on issues from the perspective of 

tobacco, recruitment, mentoring, and public participation at FDA. The conferences 

included the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations, National Council of La Raza, League of United 

Latin American Citizens, IMAGE, National Hispanic Medical Association, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), 

and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. 

FDA also hired four HACU interns over the past three years and 

provided support to the InterAmerican College of Physicians and 

Surgeons’ Summer Youth Program. Approximately 200 students 

visited FDA and were provided information on job opportunities, 

tobacco, food safety and FDA’s responsibilities. 

The agency is expanding outreach regarding its vacancy opportunities by advertising in publications such as Hispanic Business magazine. FDA is also sponsoring a two hour seminar, “Merging Paradigms: Cross-Cultural Mentoring Perspectives” as part of Hispanic 

Heritage Month. 

To apply to be a member of an advisory committee, submit a résumé 

with cover letter to FDA, Office of Consumer Affairs, 5600 Fishers Lane, 

Room 16-85, Rockville, MD 20857. Individuals who would like more 

information should call (301)827-5006. 

For more information on the Diversity Databank, contact Dr. Jonca 

Bull, MD, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner, 5600 Fishers Lane, 

Room 14B-03, Rockville, MD 20857, or call 301-827-3350. 

The Diversity Databank Web site is www.fda.gov/diversity. Our 

Web site provides up-to-date information on current FDA job openings as 

well as a link to the Resumix site, which provides help in résumé 

preparation. 

Rosamelia Lecia is director of FDA’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights.

Office of Minority Health Resource Center U.S. Department of Health and Human Services