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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) to promote USDA as a top employer for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) college students. This collaboration aims to enhance recruitment efforts and ensure a diverse workforce within the Department. The MOU was signed by USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) Director Dr. Lisa Ramirez and CAPAL Managing Director Shaima Ahmad, marking a new chapter in their 30-year partnership.
The agreement, signed during Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week, underscores USDA’s commitment to diversity and equity. It aims to make USDA internship opportunities more accessible to Asian Americans, contributing to a more inclusive workforce reflective of America’s demographics. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week, established by Congress in 2007, seeks to expand educational opportunities for underrepresented groups.
CAPAL offers internships for AANHPI students interested in federal service, and the MOU outlines the terms of partnership to ensure equal access to opportunities and career advancement. Through this collaboration, USDA and CAPAL seek to empower the next generation for public service roles in various fields such as agriculture, food, and natural resources. The MOU will be overseen by USDA’s OPPE, which focuses on addressing challenges in underserved communities and connecting them with USDA resources.
In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to transforming the country’s food system towards Sustainability and equity. This includes supporting local food production, fair markets for producers, access to nutritious food, and investments in rural infrastructure and clean energy. The Department is dedicated to promoting diversity and removing systemic barriers in its workforce.
For more information, visit www.usda.gov.
USDA is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all as a provider, employer, and lender.
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Sophie Müller completed her studies at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, earning a degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in agroecology. Her research explored the interactions between crops and their environment, particularly in relation to organic farming systems. Sophie is now a research scientist, focusing on agroecological practices that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact in agriculture.
