Deputy Secretary Bronaugh, in collaboration with the Employee Resource Group, Military Spouse Association, and in honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, will welcome USDA employees and express our appreciation to the families of our military and veteran employees.

When: Friday, May 6, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

Register

Military spouses are recognized under President Biden’s Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce, as well as First Lady Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative. Research shows military spouses are a versatile workforce, yet they face the highest unemployment rates in the country at 22%, and for those who are employed, a 26% wage gap is experienced when compared to their civilian counterparts. Military spouses face unique challenges related to employment, job retention and work/life balance as a result of military mission priorities of their service member, resulting in frequent moves, deployments and mission critical responsibilities that affect the military spouse/military family unit. Employee veterans and military spouses comprise roughly 10% of USDA’s workforce. 

We are heartened by the progress USDA is making on strengthening our workforce and workplace through our values of respect and dignity, equity and inclusion, trust and integrity, service and results, and science leadership. This includes exploring and making strides on recruitment of diverse talent, supporting promotions, accountability and opportunities for professional development, and ensuring for an inclusive and healthy organization. Join us at this event as we recognize the importance of empowering spouses and ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to thrive in all facets of their lives, including in the community, in the workforce and at home.

To help celebrate National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we would like to provide our USDA military spouses a certificate of appreciation signed by Secretary Vilsack following our military spouse appreciation event. If you are a current, former, or retired military spouse and interested in receiving a certificate, please send an email to msa.admin@usda.gov by April 22, 2022. Thank you!

AGENDA

• 1:00-1:15    Deputy Secretary Bronaugh—Welcome and Appreciation Remarks     
• 1:15-1:30    Military Spouse Association Board—Welcome and Appreciation Remarks     
• 1:30-1:45      Interagency Veterans Advisory Council Speaker(s) 
  • Amy Bontrager—Director, White House Leadership Development Program, Executive Board Officer & Co-Director, Military Spouse Advocacy for Interagency Veterans Advisory Council
  • Alissa Bookwalter—Deputy Director, United States Digital Service—White House, Executive Board Officer & Co-Director, Federal Military Family Workforce Network for Interagency Veterans Advisory Council      
• 1:45-2:15    USDA Military Spouse Salute
• 2:15-2:30    Closing Remarks

This is a virtual event and will take place using ZoomGov. 
 
An American Sign Language interpreter and closed caption services will be available. 
 
Participants must register for this event.