Diversity and Inclusion Division

Dr. Dickerson is primarily responsible for overseeing the administration of the Affirmative Employment Programs and managing a robust diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility portfolio.

Dr. Dickerson is a highly skilled professional with a significant role in overseeing the NIH’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility program. With a deep understanding of affirmative employment principles and a strategic approach to diversity, Dr. Dickerson plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing initiatives that focus on ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for members of the NIH community. He serves as a member of the EDI Training Cadre, which affords him the opportunity to conduct training in the areas of equal employment opportunity compliance, civil treatment, new employee orientation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and anti-bullying.

Dr. Dickerson continues to be a featured presenter at major conferences. He has been a speaker at the annual Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Agency Forums for the Blacks in Government National Training Institute and the Federally Employed Women’s National Training Program. In addition, Dr. Dickerson has presented on both ADR and anti-bullying across DHHS and other federal agencies. He is an exceptional leader, collaborator, and motivator known for his ability to inspire and drive teams toward success. His skills extend beyond leadership to include being an accomplished speaker and trainer, where he effectively communicates complex ideas and empowers others.

Previously, Dr. Dickerson served as a DHHS Senior Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist. In this role, he acted as an advisor to EEO specialists and senior managers throughout the 11 DHHS operating divisions, and he monitored and promoted the DHHS ADR Program. His primary responsibility involved issuing final agency decisions based on the merits of individual complaints on behalf of the DHHS Secretary.

Dr. Dickerson is an International Coaching Federation certified Executive and Life Coach. Dr. Dickerson holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Kingdom Builders School of Theology, a Master of Theology (Leadership) from Lancaster Bible College, and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Lu oversees the implementation of the NIH-wide strategic plan. His responsibilities include guiding the development and execution of policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment within NIH. Dr. Lu ensures that the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) goals are integrated across NIH divisions and works closely with leadership to monitor progress, address challenges, and promote a culture of equity and accessibility in all aspects of the organization’s operations.

With 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Lu brings cross-functional expertise in strategic initiatives, organizational change, and DEIA at the intersection of education, public health, and government.

Before joining NIH, Dr. Lu had an extensive career in executive and academic roles at research-intensive universities across the United States, including Johns Hopkins University; the University of California, San Diego; and The University of Texas at Austin. His published work on science identity, organizational culture, and equity in access and opportunities spans book chapters, policy briefs, peer-reviewed academic journals, and popular media.

Dr. Lu is a proud alumnus of several notable programs, including the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Fellowship, the American Council on Education Fellowship, and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies National Leadership Academy. A former middle school science teacher, he won the Toyota International Teacher of the Year award for his pedagogy on environmental sustainability.

His comprehensive skill set includes strategic planning, inclusive leadership, collaborative partnerships, change management, and effective communication.

Dr. Lu holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy and a B.S. in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as an M.A. in secondary science education from Loyola Marymount University. He also possesses the Inclusive Workplace Culture Specialty Credential from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Mrs. Nixon heads the Affirmative Employment Branch, which includes the MD-715 report, the Racial and Ethnic Equity Plan (REEP), and the State of the IC initiative.

Mrs. Nixon is a senior management professional with more than 20 years of experience. She has a proven track record of successfully implementing highly complex projects, consistently delivering them on time and within scope. She possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills, along with exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.

Before joining EDI, Mrs. Nixon was a program manager in the Workforce Development Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Mrs. Nixon’s comprehensive skill set includes strategic planning, communication, stakeholder management, and project management.

Mrs. Nixon holds a Master of Public Health degree from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Bennett College.

Mr. Rice is a dedicated professional at the forefront of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at NIH. Currently serving as the branch director for the Special Emphasis Portfolios Branch within EDI, Mr. Rice brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity for all employees at NIH.

Mr. Rice's journey in advocacy began in high school when he dedicated his summers to working at camps for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. His passion for disability inclusion grew stronger during his college years at the Catholic University of America, where he was instrumental in establishing the university’s first American Sign Language (ASL) program. This initiative created an inclusive living environment for both hearing and Deaf students, fostering mutual learning and understanding.

Navigating life as a Deaf individual since the age of 4, Mr. Rice has a profound personal and professional commitment to the disability community. His tenure at EDI started with his role as the principal strategist for people with disabilities, in which he led significant initiatives to enhance accessibility and inclusion. He has been a pivotal figure in revising the NIH mission statement to reflect a more inclusive ethos, spearheading a workforce complaint program, and developing career development training programs.

From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Rice served as the president of Deaf in Government (DIG), where he championed the empowerment of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing federal employees. Under his leadership, DIG addressed communication barriers, resolved accessibility issues, and promoted an inclusive work environment through networking and professional growth opportunities.

Mr. Rice's notable contributions include leading the Deaf NIH Employee Resource Group, which provides vital support for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals at NIH. He is also at the forefront of an accessibility project aimed at transforming NIH into a fully inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

A graduate of the Catholic University of America with a bachelor's degree in psychology, specializing in the social stigmas surrounding intellectual disabilities, Mr. Rice combines his academic background with his professional expertise to drive cultural change within organizations. His multifaceted commitment to advocacy, leadership, and cultural change reflects a profound dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible world.

In her role, Ms. Alexander leads efforts at EDI to ensure that individuals from underserved populations have access to equal opportunities concerning all parts of the workforce life cycle at NIH. She is responsible for the formulation and implementation of strategies to identify and remove barriers through the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) for Native American Communities at NIH.

Ms. Alexander leads the Native American Employment Portfolio and chairs the Native American Engagement Committee.

As a public health professional, researcher, and bioinformatician with more than a decade of experience, Ms. Alexander has created activities, launched initiatives and programs, and provided consultations to progress DEIA within the workforce life cycle at NIH.

Prior to joining EDI, Ms. Alexander worked as a health analyst within NIH at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the All of Us Research Program. Ms. Alexander has also held positions within academia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Her comprehensive skill set includes proficiency in bioinformatics, data science, implementation and evaluative research, public health, curriculum development, project management, and wet and dry laboratory research.

Ms. Alexander holds a Master of Arts in biomedical informatics, a Bachelor of Arts in biological science, and graduate certificates in DEIA and public health.

As the principal equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategist for the Black Employment Portfolio, Ms. Atkins leads initiatives to advance equal employment opportunities for Black employees, working to identify and address systemic barriers within the workplace.

Ms. Atkins is an accomplished and results-oriented leader with a wealth of expertise in program management and organizational leadership across the federal sector. Her proven track record in managing diverse teams and overseeing complex projects instills confidence, as she excels in program restructuring to drive organizational growth and enhance leadership capabilities. Her adept use of advanced qualitative and quantitative methods ensures that programs are effective and aligned with strategic business objectives.

Her collaborative efforts with 27 Institutes and Centers focus on promoting inclusivity, and her leadership has been instrumental in managing the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Town Hall for the Black Portfolio and establishing the inaugural Speed Mentoring Event at the Blacks in Government (BIG) National Training Institute for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency Forum.

Ms. Atkins' exceptional contributions to DEIA strategic planning have not gone unnoticed. Her significant impact and leadership in advancing DEIA initiatives have been recognized with two prestigious NIH Director's Awards, a testament to her professional excellence and dedication.

Previously, Ms. Atkins was a diversity and inclusion (DI) program analyst at the U.S. Census Bureau, where she played a crucial role in advancing the Bureau's DEIA efforts. She developed and implemented comprehensive policies for large-scale DI programs, launched special observance campaigns, and introduced the agency's first Crucial Conversation Series to address barriers to racial equity. Her contributions significantly enhanced the collection and analysis of DI data, advancing workforce inclusivity.

Ms. Atkins has strategic insight and skill in guiding organizations through transformative change. Her strategic planning and change management expertise enables her to lead complex projects precisely, ensuring alignment with overarching business goals and driving substantial organizational growth. She excels in cross-functional collaboration, seamlessly coordinating efforts across diverse teams to achieve cohesive results. Ms. Atkins is a proficient program manager with a track record of implementing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Ms. Atkins holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in business analysis from American Public University and holds a Federal Project Manager (FAC-P/PM) certification. She is also on the cusp of completing her Certified Diversity Practitioner (CDP) certification, underscoring her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion.

As a portfolio strategist for people with disabilities, Ms. Dazé advises on recruitment, retention, and engagement of NIH employees; participates in NIH and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services disability committees; and manages special projects. She is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Previously, beginning in 2019, Ms. Dazé served as a project specialist within the Division of User Fee Management at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where she was actively involved in the Advisory Committee for Employees with Disabilities (ACED). Her dedication to ACED led her to become the chairperson for the Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations Subcommittee (ARAS), which focuses on overcoming workplace barriers for people with disabilities. Among her notable achievements are meetings with the FDA commissioner, developing a guide for new employees on accessibility and reasonable accommodations, and serving on panels and presentations about employees with disabilities.

Before joining the FDA, Ms. Dazé began her government career at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2015.

Ms. Dazé tracks accessibility issues, manages Part J of the MD-715, conducts ableism training, and organizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month. She also serves on several NIH committees to prioritize accessibility.

Ms. Dazé holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Gallaudet University.

In her current role, Dr. Fletcher is an expert in aging. Her responsibilities include workforce and organizational diversity, research data analysis, program planning, and evaluation. She recommends programs, policies, and practices to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion at NIH.

As a social scientist, she has a diversified professional background, having worked for state, federal, not-for-profit, and private organizations and held several roles in publishing, marketing communications, and research. Before joining NIH, Dr. Fletcher served as a social scientist for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, interagency recovery coordination advisor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, partnership coordinator for the Census Bureau, assistant vice president and marketing manager for JPMorgan Chase, and director of marketing and public affairs for Queens Hospital Center. Additionally, she was an adjunct professor in communications and aging studies.

Dr. Fletcher is a strong advocate for inclusivity and combating ageism. She takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining perspectives from communication, gerontology, public policy, social change, and design thinking to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for older adults. She is an active member and contributor to various organizations, such as the Aging and Public Health Section of the American Public Health Association, the Gerontological Society of America, and the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization Committee on Ageing. Previously, she served as the vice chair and public art commissioner for the Arts and Science Council and on various age-related and community boards.

Dr. Fletcher has presented social science research at national and international conferences, advocating for a more inclusive, anti-ageist, and equitable society for older adults.

Dr. Fletcher is skilled in analysis planning and development, project management, information dissemination, and maintaining effective collaborative and working relations with related institutions at NIH and other federal and non-government organizations to develop the program area.

Dr. Fletcher's holds a B.A. from Oakwood University; an M.A. in communication arts from the New York Institute of Technology, an M.S. in gerontology from Hofstra University; and a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies of public policy and social change from Union Institute and University.

Dr. Fletcher holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University, a Design Thinking certificate from Union Institute and University, and a Credentialed Professional Gerontologist from the National Association for Professional Gerontologists. She is also a Sigma Phi Omega – Gerontology and an American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer.

Mr. Fraser advises senior leadership on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) plans and programs, ensuring alignment with the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for DEIA. He coordinates and develops sustainable internal and external communication initiatives, and he assesses the impact of these communication programs to refine and enhance their effectiveness. He also informs senior leadership and key stakeholders on potential DEIA issues.

Mr. Fraser is a seasoned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional with more than a decade of experience driving positive change. His career spans both local community engagement and federal service at NIH. Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, Mr. Fraser is committed to creating equitable opportunities for all. His expertise lies in developing and implementing DEI strategies, building strong partnerships, and empowering diverse communities.

Mr. Fraser, who worked as a program specialist at the Center for Scientific Review, currently serves as chair of the Partners in Review Committee (PIRC). In February 2020, EDI named him a Black History Month Game Changer for his pivotal role in creating the committee. PIRC aims to enhance communication and foster working relationships between extramural support staff and scientific staff. The committee comprises senior staff and professionals in administrative, human resources, and scientific fields.

During his time at NIH, Mr. Fraser has had the privilege of serving as the first vice president of the Blacks in Government NIH chapter for 2 years and as the president of the Caribbean Association at NIH (CANIH) for more than 5 years.

Mr. Fraser provides a blend of strategic thinking, change management, and data analysis skills to develop and implement effective DEI initiatives. Expertise in DEI theories, coupled with a deep understanding of organizational culture and legal compliance, is essential. Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution abilities are crucial for fostering inclusive environments and driving organizational change.

Mr. Fraser holds an associate's degree in arts in business administration from Montgomery College and a degree in computer science from the University of Maryland University College. Additionally, he completed leadership training at Morgan State University's Darlene Young Leadership Academy. This combination of business, technical, and leadership education has equipped him with a comprehensive skill set for his roles at NIH.

Ms. Gosine serves as a subject matter expert on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community and guides partners to recruit, retain, and engage NIH employees at all levels of their careers.

With nearly 20 years of experience in marketing strategy; client management; and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Gosine collaborates with partners across NIH and other federal agencies to drive cultural competency, belonging, and career advancement opportunities for the AA and NHPI community at NIH. A lifelong learner, she approaches her work with curiosity and strives to find ways that cultural perspectives can support NIH in achieving its mission of health equity for all.

Before joining NIH, Ms. Gosine served as a program manager for the global media agency dentsu. As the former leader of the company’s Multicultural Business Resource Group, she successfully oversaw the growth and strategy for more than 10 employee resource groups across the United States and Canada and worked with global partners to help the company achieve its EDIA goals. She contributed notably to the company’s annual DEIA Report, the first ever of its kind published in the advertising industry.

Before pivoting to DEIA, Ms. Gosine led successful fundraising campaigns and strategies for clients, including nonprofit organizations such as Northwell Health and the National Foundation for Cancer Research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her team played a critical role in fundraising for several hospitals in Queens, New York, one of the areas hit hardest by the pandemic.

Ms. Gosine started her career developing digital and traditional marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, such as Walmart, Wells Fargo, and AARP. Her ability to lead high-performing and cross-functional teams, paired with stellar partnership management, resulted in her company consistently exceeding annual client revenue goals.

Her comprehensive skill set includes strategic planning, partnership management, team building, project management, marketing strategy, community engagement, data analysis, and budget management.

Ms. Gosine holds a Bachelor of Science in both marketing and supply chain management from the University of Maryland R.H. Smith Business School; a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business; and a Management Accelerator Program Certificate in Business Strategy and Problem Solving from McKinsey and Company.

Danny Housier is a diversity and inclusion strategist in EDI. He coordinates the production of the annual Management Directive 715 (MD-715) Report, which outlines the efforts to make NIH a model equal employment opportunity program. Mr. Housier serves as a liaison between EDI and several institutes while also helping to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility activities across the agency.

Mr. Housier began his career in the federal government as a Presidential Management Fellow assigned to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Office of Workforce Planning and Development. He completed two fellowship rotations within NCI and received a Director’s Award for his work in support of the institute’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Plan. He finished his fellowship while on rotation as a part of the EDI team and then converted to a full-time employee with EDI’s Diversity and Inclusion Division.

Previously, he worked in the higher education and public service fields, with stints in university alumni relations and emergency management.

As a member of the University of Virginia (UVA) Alumni Clubs and Global Engagement team, Mr. Housier supported the development, implementation, and marketing of more than 300 regional events to engage alumni, parents, and friends in the life of the university. He served as a lead planner for global UVA alumni events that featured high-profile faculty, staff, and university leadership. Mr. Housier advised 19 alumni clubs and more than 200 volunteers throughout all phases of the annual event planning, marketing, and outreach process. He also served as the department lead for outreach to diverse communities and alumni interest groups.

As a member of the Emergency Management team at UVA, Mr. Housier developed emergency operations plans, annexes to the UVA Critical Incident Management Plan, building emergency action plans, emergency procedures posters, and safety guides. He also collaborated with university, local, regional, and state agencies to prepare for planned and unplanned threats. In addition, he documented emergency response efforts and effectively utilized after-action review processes to revise and continually improve incident action plans.

Mr. Housier holds both a Master of Education in higher education administration and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from UVA.

Ms. Holloman is a diversity and inclusion strategist in EDI. She coordinates the production of the annual Management Directive 715 (MD-715) Report, which outlines the efforts to make NIH a model equal employment opportunity program. Ms. Holloman serves as a liaison between EDI and several institutes, while also helping to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility activities across NIH.

With extensive experience in planning and executing large-scale initiatives, Ms. Holloman has partnered with high-level Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agency officials to make significant contributions to the HHS Agency Forum by organizing the Federally Employed Women and Blacks in Government Speed Mentoring Event for more than 80,000 employees.

She developed and implemented the Employee Engagement Program, which utilizes the EDI Employee Engagement Model. This comprehensive program features a suite of services designed to enhance employee well-being, including wellness activities, workstyle assessments, and team-building exercises. Ms. Holloman plans and facilitates annual EDI staff and leadership retreats, focusing on cultivating a culture of high morale and excellence among EDI employees.

Ms. Holloman has been responsible for reviewing new NIH Manual Chapter policies to evaluate their potential disparate impacts, ensuring equitable practices across all Institutes. In her previous role, she planned NIH-wide wellness events for 35,000 employees, which included 5K runs, health fairs, and wellness talks, to contribute to the promotion of the NIH Health and Wellness program. She developed the NIH Wellness Newsletter, which features wellness articles, upcoming events, and fitness tips. The newsletter achieved approximately 800 hits on the NIH Wellness website. Furthermore, Ms. Holloman played a vital role in the implementation of the Surgeon General’s “Step It Up” campaign at NIH, a collaborative effort with the NIH U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers. This initiative was recognized with the 2018 HHS Green Champion Award.

Ms. Holloman has exceptional expertise in project management, event coordination, agency collaboration, employee engagement, leading committees, and strengths coaching.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of the District of Columbia, and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland University College. She also is a Certified Gallup Clifton Strengths Coach and has obtained a Contracting Officer Representative II Certification.

Ms. Kaufman is a lawyer with more than a decade of professional experience in gender justice.

Ms. Kaufman ensures that NIH prioritizes gender equity by cultivating an empowering work culture where women can excel in their careers. She serves NIH women by chairing the NIH Women’s Engagement Committee, developing and executing yearly campaigns for Women’s History Month, hosting and producing the What Women Want…At Work podcast, authoring articles for The EDI Pulse that center gender equity, conducting barrier analysis on NIH demographic data as well as disparate impact assessments on NIH policy, and providing expert guidance to internal and external partners.

Ms. Kaufman serves as the principal strategist for the Women’s Employment Portfolio within EDI. In her role, she oversees the NIH Employee Resource Group program as team lead, provides civility and inclusion training to NIH leaders, and serves as a collateral duty equal employment opportunity counselor.

Ms. Kaufman earned her J.D. at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where she served on the executive board for the University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender, and Class and co-organized a symposium on racial justice. While in law school, Ms. Kaufman served as president for the school’s Women’s Bar Association chapter and as president for the school’s If/When/How chapter. During this time, Ms. Kaufman worked with Pro-Choice Maryland; the Women's Law Center of Maryland; the Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise (ROAR) Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore; and the Center for Reproductive Rights as a law clerk. During her third year, Ms. Kaufman was selected as a fellow in the Rose Zetzer Fellowship Program for her strong intellectual interest in and commitment to women and leadership issues. Upon graduation, Ms. Kaufman received a William P. Cunningham Service Award for her work as a student attorney with the school’s Gender Violence Clinic.

Prior to law school, Ms. Kaufman worked in communications and fundraising for several community-based nonprofit organizations serving women and girls. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Ms. Kaufman is skilled in strategic planning, talent development, project management, multimedia communications, employee engagement, and policy analysis.

Ms. Kaufman obtained her certification as an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2022; her certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University in 2023; and her certification as a Civil Treatment Workplace Facilitator from ELI Learning in 2024.

Christopher Jackson joined the Division of Scientific Equipment Instrumentation Services (DSEIS) as a Program Support Assistant in 2018. In this role, he is responsible for procurement, administrative tasks, and customer service. Chris will join Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) as an Administrative Management Team (AMT) member in January of 2022. He is creative, hardworking, enthusiastic, passionate, determined, and eager to learn new skills.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Chris began his government career with the United States Department of the Interior (National Park Service) as a park ranger in the summer of 2010. Among his responsibilities there, he used his multi-language skill (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language) to engage the diverse community in park programs and initiatives, including Park Partners. Also, he served as the volunteer coordinator for all the parks in the National Capitol Parks East region.

In 2010, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with a minor in Spanish from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia. Today with his unique set of creative and interpersonal skills, he uses his ability to connect with a mixed group of people through American Sign Language, Spanish, and Tagalog (Filipino language).

When he is not working at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Chris enjoys exercising at the gym, shopping, traveling, and being of service to others as a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and as a volunteer with the National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI) where he participates in deaf meet-up groups. Chris’ personal and professional philosophy of life is... Strength +Shared Knowledge × Determination ÷ by Consistency = Success.

As a portfolio strategist for the Hispanic community, Ms. Sauceda Kramer is a subject matter expert who provides guidance to our partners on recruiting, retaining, and engaging NIH employees at all career levels. She participates in several committees serving the Hispanic community across NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, she contributes to the MD-715 Part I report, advocates for the Hispanic community, and handles special projects for NIH. Ms. Sauceda Kramer is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to NIH’s mission.

Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and raised in Arizona, Ms. Sauceda Kramer has dedicated her career to advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting equitable practices. Her impactful work in the nonprofit sector includes strategic collaboration with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, playing an essential role in securing suitable homes for unaccompanied minors. Ms. Sauceda Kramer served as the primary liaison among key stakeholders, families in home countries, sponsors, and external agencies, and her deep involvement and commitment are evident in the comprehensive and timely support she delivered to the youth. She has expertly managed admission processes, assessments, and Individual Service Plans (ISP), coordinating critical documentation and facilitating the youths’ transition to appropriate housing.

Prior to her nonprofit tenure, Ms. Sauceda Kramer’s distinguished service in the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom showcased her exceptional leadership and logistical skills. As a supervisor and direct aide to military leadership, she efficiently managed daily operations and was a crucial liaison between the U.S. Army and Iraqi civilians. This experience honed her ability to lead and coordinate complex initiatives, skills she has seamlessly transferred to her subsequent professional endeavors.

Ms. Sauceda Kramer is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology; the Society for Human Resource Management; the National Latinx Psychological Association; and divisions 19, 35, 44, and 45 within the American Psychological Association.

Her professional philosophy centers on fostering inclusive environments and advocating for underserved communities, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact through her work. She is a staunch advocate for education, passionate about educating others and continuous learning.

Ms. Sauceda Kramer excels in strategic planning, leadership, and logistical coordination. She is adept at consulting with leaders to implement organizational changes and resolving community-specific issues. She has extensive experience in fostering inclusive environments, developing mentorship programs, and conducting diversity and inclusion training. Her skills also include managing daily operations, liaising between diverse groups, and creating strategic partnerships. Additionally, Ms. Sauceda Kramer is proficient in developing customized interventions, assessments, and training for process improvement, and she possesses a strong ability to lead and coordinate complex initiatives.

Ms. Sauceda Kramer graduated from St. Andrews University magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She holds a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in military psychology from Adler University and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in industrial and organizational psychology, focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

As the principal equity, diversity, and inclusion strategist for the Sexual and Gender Minority Employment Portfolio, Ms. Robinson leads initiatives to advance equal employment opportunities for LGBTQIA employees, working to identify and address systemic barriers within the workplace.

As a health care and medical sales professional with more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Robinson enhanced revenue and market share growth, launched new product campaigns, developed patient education programs, ensured thought leaders shared prescribing ideas, and led teams to maximize patients’ medical needs.

Prior to joining NIH, Ms. Robinson worked as the partnership development coordinator with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) at the American Pharmacists Association. She also worked as a certified and licensed pharmacy technician with major commercial retail pharmacies, serving hundreds of customers daily and vaccinating them against COVID-19.

Ms. Robinson served as a health care representative with Eli Lilly and Company and a therapeutic specialist with Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, where she promoted neuroscience and diabetic portfolios. Over her 14-year career, she led in sales and marketing, presenting prescribing information to hundreds of psychiatrist and nurse practitioners, leading to positively impacting thousands of patients.

Ms. Robinson was promoted to strategist and awarded the 2023 NIH Director’s Award for her outstanding efforts as a member of the DEIA Listening Sessions Team, nominated by the Office of the Director.

Her comprehensive skill set includes strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, commemoration month event planning, event coordination, team collaboration, and project management.

Ms. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

In her role, Ms. Smith works to promote a workplace ethos of inclusion where diverse talent is capitalized on to enhance health discovery and increase novelty and ingenuity across NIH. Through implementation and evaluation of the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), Ms. Smith examines the root causes of issues and suggests innovative, practical solutions that mobilize agency diversity and improve recruitment, retention, engagement, and advancement across the agency.

With nearly 15 years of experience in the areas of health equity, public health analytics, and project oversight, Ms. Smith works with NIH’s Offices, Institutes, and Centers on efforts designed to mitigate and eliminate institutional barriers to equal employment and support workforce diversity and inclusion.

Prior to joining NIH, Ms. Smith worked as a federal contractor with the National Library of Medicine’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Council on its institution-wide Racial and Ethnic Equity Plan. Additionally, Ms. Smith worked with the NIH Office of Science Policy to support efforts that ensure that NIH policies evolve in tandem with rapidly advancing science. Ms. Smith also supported the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development on the development of a comprehensive strategic outreach plan aimed at increasing community engagement.

Moreover, Ms. Smith served as a program manager at Morehouse School of Medicine’s Satcher Health Leadership Institute’s Health Policy Division. With the Georgia Department of Public Health, Ms. Smith worked to develop a multi-year, comprehensive, statewide HIV prevention plan. Also of note, Ms. Smith worked with the University of Maryland School of Medicine to conduct complex psychosocial assessments with HIV-positive patients on a 5-year NIH grant. Ms. Smith has also worked with the American Psychological Association, Thomson Reuters Healthcare, and the Howard University/DC-Baltimore Research Center on Child Health Disparities.

Ultimately, Ms. Smith seeks to use her analytical problem-solving, organizational, and oral and written communication skills toward fostering a culture of inclusion where diverse talents are utilized toward advancing health discovery.

Ms. Smith has a Master of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in human development from Howard University.