# DLA Energy honors HBCU graduates

/ Published Feb. 24, 2023
FORT BELVOIR, Va. , 
More than 125 employees from around the world joined online with the over 70 headquarters employees to celebrate Defense Logistics Agency graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities during a Black History Month Program at the McNamara Headquarters Complex on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Feb. 22.

HBCUs are institutions that were established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans and, according to the U.S. Department of Education, have contributed substantially to the progress Black Americans made in improving their status.

“Don’t let today just be about awareness and celebration,” said Gabriella Earhardt, DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity in her opening remarks. “Make every day an enrichment day where we come together and embrace that we all share and strive for excellence.”

The DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Development Team hosted the energetic and thought-provoking event which included a panel of HBCU graduates who provided insights on how they have leveraged their HBCU experience to support the warfighter and DLA mission.

Panel members included DLA Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer Adarryl Roberts (Fayetteville State University graduate), DLA Accounting Officer Karen Opie-Toler (Saint Paul’s College graduate), DLA Energy Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Committee and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Ella Warren (Fayetteville State University graduate), and Department of Energy Office of Economic Impact and Diversity’s Minority Educational Institution Office Program Manager Trina Bilal (Howard University graduate). DLA Energy Educational Partnership Program Manager Laceenis Fordham (Cheyney University graduate) moderated the panel discussion.

Opie-Toler shared her experiences about integrating into situations as a minority. Adaptability and initiative helped her prepare and thrive in diverse settings, she said.

“Knowledge is power,” Opie-Toler said. To break down barriers at work, she took the time to educate herself, conduct research, understand policies and programs, and help others.   

Warren shared Opie-Toler’s sentiment of being prepared. She encouraged the audience to forge their own path and not expect others to show them the way.

Warren explained that programs like Black History Month events can produce tangible results because they show respect and a desire to learn about people, their different backgrounds and personal histories.

“That enables more conversations and to build understanding of what it truly means to be diverse,” Warren said. “We need to accept people for who they are and not what they are.”

Roberts, who earned his appointment in the Senior Executive Service and selection as the DLA Program Executive Officer on November 4, 2019, reminded the audience that changing a culture is a long-term investment.

“You can’t be your own worst enemy,” Roberts said. “If you want inclusion, you have to be inclusive.”

Ditu Kasuyi, Chief of the DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Development and Intern Office, said Black history is American history.

“We celebrate Black History not just in the month of February, but we celebrate it every day when we honor each other as professionals.”  

To close the event, the song “Be A Light” was played and audience members were given a small battery-powered candle as a reminder to be an encouragement to one another.