DEIA at NIST

VCAT Update

Presented by the

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

February 2022
DEIA at NIST| Agenda

• DEIA At-A-Glance

• Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

• DEIA Executive Orders

• DEIA Strategic Crosswalk

• NIST DEIA Strategic Plan

• Next Steps

DEIA at NIST | Slide 1 
DEIA at NIST| DEIA At-A-Glance

DEIA at NIST | Slide 2 

Executive Orders

EO 13985 Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government

EO 13988 Preventing Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

EO 14008 Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

EO 14019 Promoting Access to Voting

EO 14020 Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council

EO 14031 Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

EO 14035 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce

EO 14041 White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through HBCUs

EO 14045 White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

EO 14049 White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening TCUs

EO 14050 White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans

Memorandums

OPM Agency Opportunities to Establish Chief Diversity Officer Pursuant to Executive Order 14035

PM Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World

NSM-3 Revitalizing America’s Foreign Policy and National Security Workforce, Institutions, and Partnerships

NSPM-33 United States Government-Supported Research and Development National Security Policy
DEIA at NIST| DEIA At-A-Glance

DEIA at NIST | Slide 3 

Employee Resource Groups

• Adventures in Science

• American Physical Society Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance [APSIDEA]

• Association at NIST of Hispanic Americans [ANHA]

• Association of NIST Asian-Pacific Americans [ANAPA]

• Boulder Association of Women in Science [BAWS]

• Book Club

• Caregiver Group

• DISTEM FORUM

• DOC WSTEM

• Employee Resource Group Council

• Engineering Laboratory Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging [DIB] Council

• Information Technology Laboratory Diversity Committee

• Lactation Support Group

• Material Measurement Laboratory Equity and Inclusivity Working Group

• NIST Association for Black Staff [NABS]

• NIST Chapter of Sigma XI

• NIST Pride

• NIST Softball Club

• NCNR DEI Working Group

• Physical Measurement Laboratory Diversity and Inclusion Committee

• Postdoctoral and Early-Career Association of Researchers [PEAR]

• Prayer Group

• Project Diversity

• Smart Grid and Cyber-Physical Systems Belonging Initiative and Diversity, 

Equity, Integrity, and Technology SuperCluster

• Standards Alumni Association [SAA]

• Standards Employees Benefit Association [SEBA] and Fitness Center

• Steering Group for Equity in Career Advancement [SGECA]

• Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day [TODSTWD]

• The Parents Network

• Toastmasters Club

• Veterans Affinity Group

• Viet-NIST

• Volunteer Club

• Women in STEM [WiSTEM]
DEIA at NIST| ODEI

DEIA at NIST | Slide 4 

• Over the last six months, key steps have been taken to formalize the agency’s DEIA capability – to include reorganizing the Equal 

Employment Opportunity and Accessibility Office [EEOAO], which was formerly known as the Civil Rights and Diversity Office 

[CRDO]. Additionally, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity launched with the recruitment of the agency’s inaugural 

Chief Diversity Officer [Dr. Sesha Joi Moon]. 

• As ODEI works to establish a permanent infrastructure, 120-day rotational assignments have been leveraged to build capacity 

through temporary staffing solutions, which has included a Senior DEI Strategist [Dr. Jeanita Pritchett] and two [2] DEI Statistical 

Research Analysts [Dr. Juan Fung and Dr. Carina Hahn]. 

• Upon completion of the NIST Branding Study, ODEI plans to officially introduce the office to the workforce through the launch

of a refreshed website and snake logo – as well as a broadcast message to share the state of DEIA at NIST. 

• The establishment of ODEI coupled with the Chief Diversity Officer position with direct line of sight to agency leadership, aligns 

with the current administration’s DEIA agenda, as well as the forthcoming DOC Strategic Plan FY22-FY26 and NIST Strategic 

Plan FY20-FY25.
DEIA at NIST| ODEI

DEIA at NIST | Slide 5 

DR. JEANITA PRITCHETT

Senior DEI Strategist

Academic Program Manager

IAAO

DR. JUAN FUNG

DEI Statistical Research Analyst

Economist

EL Applied Economics Office

DR. CARINA HAHN

DEI Statistical Research Analyst

Social Scientist

ITL Image Group
DEIA at NIST | DEIA Executive Orders

• On January 20, 2021, Executive Order [EO] 13985 was released 

on “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved 

Communities Through the Federal Government.” 

• Whereas EO 14035 on “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and 

Accessibility in the Federal Workforce” is internal-facing as it 

focuses on fostering a welcoming work environment that 

reflects all segments of society, EO 13985 is external-facing as 

it endeavors to address inequities in service delivery across 

historically underserved populations.

• As a first action item in support of EO 13985, DOC submitted 

the “Department of Commerce 200-Day Assessment Report” 

in August 2021 – which was met with department-specific and 

general feedback from OMB in September 2021.

DEIA at NIST | Slide 6 
DEIA at NIST | DEIA Executive Orders

• As a next step, cabinet-level agencies were tasked with developing an 

Equity Action Plan, which should address the barriers and opportunities 

that were identified in the 200-Day Equity Assessment Report.

• As part of the DOC DEIA Council, also known as the DOC Equity Council, 

the Race and Ethnicity Committee will lead the development of the 

department’s equity action plan – which is being co-chaired by the ODEI 

staff. The council also includes subcommittees on gender equity and 

sexual orientation, workplace culture, accessibility, environmental justice, 

immigrant and international affairs, underserved communities and 

businesses, and LGBTQ+.

• The Race and Ethnicity Committee, which launched in October 2021, 

consists of both department and bureau-level representatives – to include 

the chairs for the Culture Committee and Gender Committee to ensure 

strategic alignment across the department’s implementation plans for EO 

14035, as well as EO 14020 on “Establishment of the White House Gender 

Policy Council” and EOs 14031, 14041, 14045, and 14050 on initiatives to 

advance equitable opportunities for HBCUs, Asian Americans, Native 

Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Black Americans. 

DEIA at NIST | Slide 7 
DEIA at NIST | DEIA Executive Orders

• The template for the Equity Action Plan includes the following sections:

• Executive Summary

• Summary of Early Accomplishments

• Priorities for Action

• The provided priorities should not exceed 3-5 actions, which should 

address the following key areas:

• Barriers to Equitable Outcomes

• Action and Intended Impact on Barrier

• Tracking Progress

• Accountability

• Per EO 13985, at least one action must advance civil rights and another 

must address procurement and contracting. 

• DOC received feedback on the department-level plan, which was 

submitted to OMB for draft review in November 2021 – with the final 

submitted on January 20, 2022. The Race and Ethnicity Committee will 

track progress against the plan twice per year – alongside departmentlevel bi-annual equity assessments.

Department of Commerce 

Equity Action Plan Ranked Themes

Priority 1 Outreach and External Engagement

Priority 2 People and Processes*

Priority 3 Procurement and Contracting

Priority 4 Data and Technology

Priority 5 Legislation and Policy [Civil Rights]

DEIA at NIST | Slide 8 
DEIA at NIST | DEIA Executive Orders

• On June 25, 2021, EO 14035 was released on “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, 

and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce”, which directs federal agencies 

to develop a strategy that will help achieve gender equality by fostering 

economic growth and employment.

• In August 2021, NIST identified its DEIA Implementation Team – which was 

followed by the submission of its DEIA Survey in September 2021. NIST 

received feedback on its DEIA Self-Assessment, which was submitted to 

OMB in October 2021 – which was captured through a maturity model. 

The self- assessment identified three key high-impact areas of opportunity 

– to include recruitment, promotion, and culture. 

• In November 2021, a government-wide DEIA Strategic Plan was recently 

released, which will inform the development of the cabinet and|or

subcomponent-level strategy – which is due by March 23, 2022, to include 

a draft to DOC by March 1. 

• In January 2022, NIST is scheduled for an engagement with GAO on the 

agency’s science and technical human capital management – particularly 

as it relates to addressing challenges in the recruitment and retention of a 

diverse and highly qualified workforce.

DEIA at NIST | Slide 9 
DEIA at NIST | DEIA Executive Orders

• The Government-Wide DEIA Strategic Plan’s mission statement is to “work 

collaboratively to drive innovation and organizational outcomes, draw 

from the full diversity of the nation, and position the Federal Government 

to serve as a model employer that values and promotes equity for all 

Americans.” Its vision statement is ”to advance and embed diversity, 

equity, inclusivity, and accessibility throughout its workforce.” 

• The plan provides a maturity model with roadmaps to drive progress 

against the following key priorities – chief diversity officers, safe 

workplaces, paid internships, partnerships and recruitment, professional 

development and advancement, pay equity, training and learning, and 

data collection, as well as addressing the needs of individuals with 

disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and LGBTQ+.

• As a next step, large bureaus such as NIST are awaiting guidance on our 

requirement to develop a subcomponent-level plan – or provide inputs as 

part of the department-level plan. In the interim, ODEI advises to proceed 

with identifying key stakeholders to serve on the NIST DEIA Strategic 

Planning Team. 

• On January 5, 2022, OPM issued a memorandum on “Agency 

Opportunities to Establish Chief Diversity Officer Pursuant to Executive 

Order 14035.”

DEIA at NIST | Slide 10 
DEIA at NIST | DEIA Executive Orders

• On March 8, 2021, EO 14020 was released on “Establishment of the White 

House Gender Policy Council”, which directs federal agencies to cultivate a 

federal cadre that is reflective of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

• In June 2021, the White House Gender Policy Interagency Working Group on 

Science and Technology launched, which was tasked to develop strategies on 

women’s health and rights, gender-based violence, women’s economic 

security and labor force participation, safety, justice and dignity, women and 

girls’ education and leadership, and climate.

• In October 2021, the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality was 

released and DOC is exploring cascading themes – to include valuing 

women’s paid work, valuing women’s unpaid work, and expanding 

innovation. 

• NIST representatives have been appointed to subcommittees to develop sets 

of principles that align to each theme based on the following key areas –

gender and intersectionality [Dr. Sesha Joi Moon and Dr. Jeanita Pritchett], 

pathways and success [Dr. Marla Dowell], culture change [Mary Theofanos]. 

These principles will be captured as part of the White House Gender Policy 

Implementation Plan on Science and Technology in June 2022.

DEIA at NIST | Slide 11 
DEIA at NIST| DEIA Strategic Crosswalk

DEIA at NIST | Slide 12 

Government-Wide

Biden-Harris 

Management Agenda N|A

• Strengthening and Empowering the Federal Workforce 

• Delivering Excellent, Equitable, and Secure Federal Services and Customer Experiences

• Managing the Business of Government to Build Back Better

National Security 

Memorandum 3

Revitalizing America’s Foreign policy 

and National Security Workforce, 

Institutions, and Partnerships

• Integrity

• Transparency

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

• Modernization

• Service

• Accountability
DEIA at NIST| DEIA Strategic Crosswalk

DEIA at NIST | Slide 13 

Government-Wide

FY21 

DEIA Strategic Plan

EO 14035: Diversity, Equity, 

Inclusion, and Accessibility in the 

Federal Workforce

• Safe Workplaces

• Chief Diversity Officer

• Data Collection

• Promoting Paid Partnerships

• Partnerships and Recruitment

• Professional Development and Advancement

• DEIA Training and Learning

• Advancing Equity for Employees with Disabilities

• Advancing Equity for LGBTQI+ Employees

• Pay Equity

• Expanding Employment for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

FY21 

Gender Equity Strategy

EO 14020: Establishment of the 

White House Gender Policy Council

• Improve Economic Security and Accelerate Economic Growth

• Eliminate Gender-Based Violence

• Expand Access to Health Care

• Ensure Equity in Education

• Promote Equity in Justice and Immigration Systems

• Advance Human Rights

• Elevate Equity in Humanitarian Relief

• Promote Equity in Climate Change

• Close Gender Gaps in STEM

• Advance Participation in Democracy
DEIA at NIST| DEIA Strategic Crosswalk

DEIA at NIST | Slide 14 

Department of Commerce

FY22-FY26 

DOC Strategic Plan N|A

• Drive US Innovation and Global Competitiveness

• Foster Inclusive Capitalism and Equitable Economic Growth

• Address the Climate Crisis

• Expand Opportunity and Discovery through Data, Technology, and Research 

• Provide 21st Century Service with 21st Century Capabilities

FY21 

DOC Human Capital 

Operating Plan

N|A

• Conduct Workforce Analysis

• Empower and Engage Commerce Employees

• Improve Internal and External Service Delivery Processes

• Maximize Employee

FY21

DOC Equity Action Plan

EO 13985: Advancing Racial 

Equity and Support for 

Underserved Communities 

Through the Federal 

Government

• Outreach and External Engagement

• People and Processes

• Procurement and Contracting

• Data and Technology

• Legislation and Policy
DEIA at NIST| DEIA Strategic Crosswalk

DEIA at NIST | Slide 15 

Department of Commerce [cont’d]

DOC DEIA Council

EO 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government

EO 14031: Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

EO 14045: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

EO 14050: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black 

Americans

• Race and Ethnicity

EO 13988: Preventing Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

PM: Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World

• Gender Equity and Sexual 

Orientation 

EO 14035: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce

PM: Agency Opportunities to Establish Chief Diversity Officer Pursuant to Executive Order 14035

• Workplace Culture

EO 14019: Promoting Access to Voting • Accessibility

EO 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

EO 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government

EO 12898 Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

• Environmental Justice 

EO 14031: Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

EO 14045: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

• Immigrant and International 

Affairs 

EO 14041: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through HBCUs

EO 14045: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

• Underserved Communities 

and Businesses 

EO 13988: Preventing Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

PM: Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World

• LGBTQI+
DEIA at NIST| DEIA Strategic Crosswalk

DEIA at NIST | Slide 16 

National Institute of Standards and Technology

FY20-FY25

NIST Strategic Plan N|A

• Advance US Measurement Science and Innovation

• Maximize Stakeholder Impact

• Create Infrastructure for a 21st Century Research Institution

• Build a One-NIST Culture

FY21 

NIST DEIA Self-Assessment

EO 14035: Diversity, Equity, 

Inclusion, and Accessibility in the 

Federal Workforce

• Recruitment

• Hiring 

• Promotion 

• Retention

• Professional Development and Training

• Pay and Compensation

• Reasonable Accommodation

• Safe Workplaces and Sexual Harassment

• Culture

• Religious Accommodation 
DEIA at NIST| NIST DEIA Strategic Plan

DEIA at NIST | Slide 17 

• In support of EO 14035, the NIST DEIA Strategic Plan is due to OMB by March 23, 2022. In an effort to conduct an inclusive and 

transparent strategic planning exercise, a planning team was established, which consists of leaders from across the agency and 

employee representatives from each directorate – to include representatives from the Employee Resource Group Council. 

• Based on ODEI’s assessment of the state of DEIA at NIST using both qualitative and quantitative data, to include a series of 

listening and learning sessions across the agency, as well as the evolving sphere of DEIA at the NIST, DOC, and OMB level – and 

across the discipline as a whole – a short list of nearly thirty [30] potential goals were identified. The planning team was then 

charged with reducing the short list to a finalized set of proposed priority areas and goals for action planning. Now, the 

planning team is currently leveraging working groups to develop a set of manageable, measurable, and feasible externally and 

internally-facing action items to help drive these priority areas and goals in both the short-term [2-4 years] and long-term [5+

years].

• ODEI will host an office hours on February 14, 2022, to share this briefing with the full workforce and upon completion of the 

plan, will host another to share the plan’s components – which will be followed by subsequent office hours to share the 

agency’s progress against its DEIA priority areas and goals. 
DEIA at NIST| NIST DEIA Strategic Plan

DEIA at NIST | Slide 18 

NIST DEIA STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKING GROUPS

• Diversity Working Group – This working group will focus on enhancing HR policies, processes, and|or practices. 

• Equity Working Group – This working group will focus on recruiting talent from minority-serving institutions and|or

programs, as well as enhancing pay and promotion policies, processes, and|or practices. 

• Inclusion Working Group – This working group will focus on establishing accountability mechanisms for DEIA goals, as well 

as diversifying FACAs and the NIST Portrait Gallery. 

• Accessibility Working Group – This working group will focus on enhancing the hybrid work environment, as well as creating 

a safe and inclusive workplace for employees – to include those who identify as Hybrid Workers, LGBTQ+, Speakers of 

Other Languages, Caregivers, and Individuals with Disabilities. 

• DEIA Working Group – This working group will focus on institutionalizing DEIA at NIST – to include Employee Resource 

Groups. 

• Stretch Working Group – This working group will focus on enhancing Associateships and the Alternate Personnel 

Management System. 

• Outreach and External Engagement Working Group – This working group will focus on driving inclusive economy through 

external service delivery across underserved communities and disadvantaged businesses. 
DEIA at NIST| Next Steps

DEIA at NIST | Slide 20 

NISTDEIA@nist.gov