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                              HHS Leaders, Leading with Purpose: Stories that Inspire Change
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HHS Leaders, Leading with Purpose: Stories that Inspire Change








  
  
    

  
      
**June 26, 2024**
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        By:  Senior    Representatives, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Labor

  
**Summary:**
  





HHS Leaders share personal DEIA Change Stories, showcasing their commitment to furthering DEIA principles across the Department.


      change stories landing page banner
DEIA at HHSThe Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), one of the largest civilian federal departments, is committed to enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans. With over 90,000 dedicated employees, HHS launched the DEIA Strategic Plan in 2022 in response to Executive Order 14035, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. These initiatives foster an inclusive workplace and advance our mission through collaboration and innovation.Introducing Change StoriesLeadership Change Stories embody our commitment to DEIA by highlighting the personal DEIA journeys of our leaders. These stories are not just narratives; they are powerful testimonies that underline the significance of change, affirm our leaders' dedication, and set a vision for successful DEIA integration across HHS.What are Change Stories?Change Stories are heartfelt accounts from HHS leaders sharing their personal journeys and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). These stories highlight the transformative impact of DEIA and reinforce our collective mission to foster an inclusive workplace.Why are they important?**Increase transparency and authenticity:**Real stories build trust and openness within our HHS family.**Promote inclusion and belonging:** Hearing from our leaders makes every employee feel valued.**Inspire organizational progress:**These narratives motivate us all to contribute to DEIA efforts.**Come back weekly** to dive into these inspiring stories and be part of this transformative journey. Click on each leader’s photo to read their full narrative and get inspired to reflect on your own DEIA journey.Meet Karen T. ComfortKaren T. Comfort, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesRead My StoryKaren T. Comfort, our new Chief Diversity Officer, shares her inspiring journey from visiting her mother’s office at HHS as a child to leading DEIA programs today. Her story reflects a lifelong dedication to public service and highlights the transformative impact of DEIA at HHS.“I take the charge of enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans personally. And it starts from within. My responsibility as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer is to lead DEIA efforts across HHS; to engage leadership, retain talent, and foster a culture of belonging that promotes the development of each HHS employee.”Meet Xavier BecerraHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra's Offical PortraitRead My StorySecretary Xavier Becerra shares how our DEIA values uphold the HHS legacy and advance our future.***“To unlock the full potential of our team, everyone must feel welcomed, valued, included, seen, heard, and respected. We all deserve, and benefit from, the feeling that we belong.”***Meet Robin D. Bailey Jr.Robin D. Bailey, Jr., Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human ServicesRead My StoryRobin D. Bailey Jr. grew up in Pacolet, SC, served in the Air Force for 5 years, and has 33 years in federal service. At CDC, he leads DEIAB efforts, driving cultural change and supporting a diverse, equitable workforce. His journey includes overseeing SNAP policy and advancing DEIAB milestones post-COVID-19.Meet Tiffany BrownTiffany Brown, JD MPH, Deputy Chief of Staff
CDC Executive Secretariat Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Department of Health and Human Services headshotRead My StoryTiffany Brown’s journey from facing high school skepticism to becoming CDC Deputy Chief of Staff showcases her resilience and commitment to DEIA. Overcoming initial discouragement, she excelled academically, graduating as a 4.0 honor graduate from Spelman College, and further pursued degrees in Biochemistry, Public Health, and Law. Inspired by systemic racism reflections in 2020, she emphasizes collective efforts to mirror the diversity of the populations served by HHS.Meet Cheryl R. CampbellCheryl R. Campbell, Assistant Secretary for Administration, Department of Health and Human Services headshotRead My StoryCheryl R. Campbell learned from her parents to always help others. Her father, a WWII veteran, faced prejudice but fought for freedom. Inspired by his resilience, she champions DEIA at HHS to ensure equity and inclusivity for 90,000 employees, fostering a supportive environment.Meet Rachel LevineAdmiral Rachel Levine
Assistant Secretary for Health & Head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
Department of Health and Human Services HeadshotRead My StoryAdmiral Rachel Levine, the first transgender Senate-confirmed appointee, leads DEIA efforts at HHS. Her career focused on inclusive healthcare and policy updates, ensuring equitable care for LGBTQI+ communities. She emphasizes the importance of SOGI data collection to address health disparities and promote community thriving. HHS champions DEIA through improved data practices, policy changes, and inclusive health initiatives.Meet Reginald MebaneReggie Mebane, Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Equity, CDC, and Linnet Griffiths, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity and Inclusion, HHS, present CDC’s Workplace Equity HeadshotRead My StoryInspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Reginald Mebane leads DEIA efforts at the CDC, fostering an inclusive culture. His journey from witnessing Memphis's 1968 sanitation workers' strike to directing the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Equity emphasizes education, respect, and systemic change. Mebane's initiatives include diverse hiring, mentoring, and policy reform to ensure equity and belonging. His leadership calls for active participation in DEIA, aiming for continuous improvement and collective progress.Take ActionEngaging in DEIA at HHS offers tangible benefits, including enhanced career development opportunities and a more inclusive work environment for everyone. Programs like peer-to-peer mentorship and partnerships with Employee Resource Groups, are designed to support professional growth and ensure equitable opportunities. Participating in these efforts will help to shape a culture of belonging, making HHS an even better place to work.Want to get involved with DEIA work at HHS? Email deiastrategicplan@hhs.gov***.***
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Related Blog Posts
    

      Change Story: Cheryl R. Campbell
  

Change Story: Tiffany Brown
  

Change Story: Robin D. Bailey Jr. Back to top
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