Our Diversity is Our Greatest Strength

As the first-ever Chief Diversity Officer of the Democratic National Committee, my role is to identify and build a pipeline of diverse talent across every field of politics. We work hard to employ the best, brightest, and most diverse team possible at the DNC. We also strive to engage and organize with diverse communities at every level, from Congressional caucuses to community groups.

Here’s an important thing to remember:

Diversity won’t just happen.

Diversity won’t just take care of itself. Some people think words on paper are enough. But our colleagues at the RNC have tried that route, and we’ve seen how their 2016 outreach efforts have gone.

That’s why the Democratic Party has made diversity in hiring and vendor relationships a priority. We know that our party is made stronger when we reflect the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make our country great.

Over the past five years, we’ve seen increases in both the number of women and the number of people of color employed at the DNC. Women now make up nearly half of DNC employees, and people of color are more than one-third.

Additionally, the DNC and the Democratic National Convention Committee have focused effort in seeking diverse suppliers and vendors. In 2015, one-quarter of the dollars spent by the DNC went to minority-owned businesses. And so far, four out of five contracts awarded by the Convention have gone to minority-owned firms.

As part of our commitment to lifting up women business owners and business owners of color, the DNC maintains a supplier diversity directory with over 600 vendors. Last November, the DNC hosted its first annual Supplier Diversity Fair, attended by 160+ minority/female owned businesses, including more than 50 new vendors seeking to do business with the DNC. Business owners also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from other committees including the DGA, DCCC, DSCC, DPC, and the Convention.

As he often does, our president said it best when it comes to why diversity matters:

“What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth. The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations… That’s what makes America great.”

-President Obama

We must continue to challenge our working environment. We must always be looking to go farther, learn more, and understand better. As a nation, our diversity is our strength. We are at our greatest when we are opening doors and starting dialogues, not when we’re building walls and being bullies. The Democratic Party understands that, and we have built a team that’s ready to support all Americans in 2016 and beyond.