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What is the current state of diversity in leadership and public management in the United States?

Ali Walaron

Well well well, let's talk about diversity in leadership and public management in the land of the free - the United States!

First off, let's get the facts straight. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, from 2007 to 2018, the representation of women and minorities in senior-level positions in the federal government increased. However, they still remain underrepresented in leadership positions. For example, in 2019, women made up only 23.7% of Congress, and people of color made up only 11.3%.

Now, let's talk about some examples of diversity in leadership in the U.S:

- Kamala Harris: Our very own Madam Vice President, the first woman, Black woman, and South Asian woman to hold this position!
- Stacey Abrams: Known for her voter mobilization efforts, she was the first Black woman to be a major-party nominee for governor in any state in the U.S.
- Deb Haaland: The first Native American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and now, the Secretary of the Interior.

These trailblazers (and many others) show us that progress is being made, but there's still a long way to go. Representation matters and it's important to see ourselves reflected in leadership.

But what about public management? Well, a study by the US Office of Personnel Management showed that while diversity and representation have improved over the years, there are still gaps. For example, minorities remain underrepresented in certain fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

However, there are initiatives being taken to address this. The Office of Personnel Management has launched strategic plans to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce. And in the private sector, companies like Intel and Microsoft have made commitments to improve diversity and inclusion in their workforce.

So, in conclusion, while progress is being made, there is still work to be done in terms of diversity in leadership and public management in the United States. Let's continue to celebrate and support those who are breaking barriers, while also pushing for more representation and inclusivity in all aspects of society. After all, diversity makes us stronger and better equipped to tackle the challenges we face together as a nation.