2021 BIG NTI Opening Plenary

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT

National

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® INC.

TRAINING INSTITUTE (NTI)

42nd Annual Virtual National Training Institute August 23-27, 2021

Opening Plenary

T R A I N I N G M AT T E R S : R O A D M A P T O SECURING YOUR CAREER GOALS "Training Matters - Roadmap To Securing Your Career Goals!’'

WWW.BIGNET.ORG AUGUST 23-26, 2021 W W W. B I G N E T. O R G

Covenant

I regard myself and you as being created in the image of God. I see your beauty I sense your power.

I celebrate your potential.

I support your prerogative to sing your song.

I share your pursuit of the highest quality of life.

I will tell your truth, and I will have your trust.

I will listen to you with my heart.

And I shall speak to you with my smile.

I shall care enough to confront you and to comfort you.

In you I see God, and in God I see you.

You’re my friend and I love you.

2021 THEME: TRAINING MATTERS: ROADMAP TO SECURING YOUR CAREER GOALS

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A Message from the National President

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

A Message from the National President,

Greetings 2021National NTIPresident Registrants, Presenters, Agency Leaders, and Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. Sponsors, Greetings 2021 NTI Registrants, Presenters, Leaders, and Sponsors, Let's make historyAgency together!

That's exactly what we will be doing August 23 -26, 2021, as Blacks In Government (BIG) hosts its That's first exactly ever Let's make history together! what we will be doing August -26, 2021, as virtual National Training Institute (NTI).23Of Blacks In Government (BIG) hosts its first ever course, one of BIG's goals and objectives is to virtual National Training Institute (NTI). Of provide educational opportunities forand our course, one of BIG's goals objectives is to educational opportunities for our members. And, it provide is indeed my honor to be members. And, itas is indeed my honor toto be leading this fine organization we continue leading this fine organization as we continue to deliver on that deliver promise despite on that promise despitecontinuing continuing concerns with the COVID-19 virus and its concerns with variants. the COVID-19 virus its it would have been irresponsible for us Your safety is our highest and priority, and to host a large person event whichpriority, is annually upwards attendees and at variants. Your safety is inour highest and itof 1,000 would have been times has been 3,000- 4,000. But we've always known how to turn lemons into irresponsible for us to host a large in person event which is annually upwards lemonade, so we are ready to do that in historic proportions. of 1,000 attendees and at times has been 3,000- 4,000. But we've always In fact, we are used to making history. We stand on the shoulders of giants who known how to turn lemons into lemonade, so we are ready to do that in historic created this organization in 1975 and just as they did with five like-minded employees at proportions. the Health, Education, and Welfare Department in Rockville, MD, we continue to highlight where the government falls short in diversity, equity, and inclusion and we

In fact, we are used to making history. standleadership on the toshoulders of giants continue to work hand in hand We with agency address the gaps.

We alsowho continue to fillin voids in career development networking not only created this organization 1975 and just astraining, they mentoring, did withandfive like-minded the NTI Education, but also throughand our Darlene Young Leadership Academy (DYLA), our MD, Now employees at thewith Health, Welfare Department in Rockville, Generation programs, our Future Leaders In America's Government (FLAG) program we continue to highlight where the government falls short in diversity, equity, and all around the country through the efforts of our Regional Councils and chapters. and inclusion andOur we toa work handwithin in hand with itagency leadership NTIcontinue though holds special place BIG because brings us together from to country to share knowledge and experiences. will do that just the same address the gaps.across We the also continue to fill voids in career We development training, this year, albeit virtually. And, we are pulling out all of the stops to deliver on that. mentoring, and networking not only with the NTI but also through our Darlene So, IAcademy close by saying,(DYLA), like the Biden Administration, we hit the ground running in 2021our Young Leadership our Now Generation programs, delivering on promises. Promises made, promises kept! And, it is with great pride that Future Leaders In America's Government (FLAG) program and all around the we deliver a premier government training event like none other. country through the efforts of our Regional Councils and chapters. Our NTI Regards, though holds a special place within BIG because it brings us together from across the country to share knowledge and experiences. We will do that just the same this year, albeit virtually. And, we are pulling out all of the stops to deliver on that. Shirley A. Jones, Esq. Nationallike President So, I close by saying, the Biden Administration, we hit the ground running in 2021 delivering on promises. Promises made, promises kept! And, it is with great pride that we deliver a premier government training event like none other.

Regards,

Shirley A. Jones, Esq. National President

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Program PROGRAM

Mistress of Ceremony: LaShan L. Haynes National Protocol Administrator President, EPA William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter, Region XI

Processional Call to Order

Presentation of Colors

National Anthem

Invocation

Introduction of Dais Greetings

LaShan L. Haynes National Protocol Administrator Oxon Hill Young Marines American Legion Post 196, Forestville, MD Linda R. Gray Workforce Development Executive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Honorable Dr. Ethel Crisp, President New Kemet Harambe Chapter, Region V LaShan L. Haynes Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire President, Blacks In Government, Inc. Honorable Gary Blackmon Chair, National Board of Directors Renaee Allen President, Regional Council, Region XI Stephan Matthews Host City Coordinator 1st Vice President, Regional Council Region XI

Video Remarks

Mr. Shane Canfield, CEO Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) Ms. Jean Parvin Bordewich, Program Officer William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Ms. Kiran Ahuja, Director U.S. Office of Personnel Management

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Program

PROGRAM (continued)

The Hill We Climb b Amanda G man

Mr. Caleb Clark 2019 BIG National Oratorical Champion

Introduction of Keynote Speaker Keynotes Address

Special Presentation Closing Remarks

LaShan L. Haynes Nigel Simon, Director Office of Program Management Office of Land and Emergency Management U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire Paula E. Davis Chair, National Training Institute

Benediction

Honorable Dr. Ethel Crisp

squire , Inc.

kmon ctors

Allen on XI

thews inator on XI

, CEO EPA)

Officer dation

ector ment

BIG Guiding Principles: Be Accountable Commit to Excellence Act with Integrity Take Responsibility Work As A Team Remain Loyal and Dedicated 3

Keynote Speaker KEYNOTE SPEAKER NIGEL SIMON, DIRECTOR OFFICE OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT and SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICIAL OFFICE OF LAND AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Nigel Simon career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spans over 20 years where he has served in a variety of leadership roles. Nigel currently serves as the Director of the Office of Program Management and the Senior Information Official in the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM). He served as the acting Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator (PDAA) for OLEM from January 2017 to July 2019. Nigel o ide di ec leade hi and o e igh o e OLEM billion ann al budget and manages several offices e on ible fo managing he EPA eme genc , hazardous and solid waste management programs. OLEM represents approximately 16% of the total agency budge and a a e of he agenc em lo ee .

Prior to his appointment to the Senior Executive Service in December 2012, he served as the Director of the Information and Management Division in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (OCIR) before going on to Capitol Hill as a fellow.

Nigel completed two short-term mission assignments in Botswana and Cameroon, West Africa as part of the United Nations Environmental Program and the EPA. He was an active member of the EPA Response Support Corps and was deployed to Mississippi as part of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Cleanup.

Throughout his career at EPA, Nigel has been unyielding in his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Nigel is a former Black Employment Program Manager and is one of he e ec i e on o fo EPA William D. Ba be Cha e of Black In Government (BIG). He also serves as the National Executive Champion for the Hispanic Initiatives at EPA. Nigel is a member of Equality EPA and was featured in the EPA I Ge Be e na ional ideo cam aign. He c en l e e a Co-Chair of the SES SL/ST People of Color Network.

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Before coming to EPA, Nigel was a military policeman in Maryland and the U.S. Virgin Islands Army National Guard units. He was deployed to Fort Clayton, Panama. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Virgin Islands and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central College in Iowa. Nigel and his husband live in Prince Georges County, Maryland and are the proud parents of three adopted children.

NATIONALExecutive EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE National Committee

National President* Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

National 1st Vice President Ms. Deena Sheppard

National Secretary* Ms. Paula E. Davis

National Executive Vice President Dr. Lynwood Townsend

National 2nd Vice President Ms. Faye Rashid

National Corresponding Secretary Ms. Tracy Clements

National Assistant Treasurer Mr. Duane Hill

National 3rd Vice President Ms. Mazella Thomas

National Treasurer* Honorable B. Faye Stewart

Immediate Past National President Honorable Dr. Doris P. Sartor

*- Denotes Members of the National Board of Directors

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National Appointed Officers, Standing/ NATIONAL APPOINTED OFFICERS, STANDING/SPECIAL National Appointed Officers, Standing/ Special Committee Chairpersons COMMITEES CHAIRPERSONS NATIONAL APPOINTED OFFICERS, STANDING/SPECIAL Special Committee Chairpersons COMMITEES CHAIRPERSONS

National Standing Committees Chairpersons Finance Chair: Ms. Rochelle Bryant National Standing Committees Chairpersons Program and Planning: Dr. Vera A. McKethan and Ms. Adrianne Callahan Finance Chair:Mr. Ms.R.Rochelle Bryant Communications and Public Relations: Chris Jones and Ms. Marie Perry ProgramLegislative and Planning: Dr. Vera A. McKethan and Ms. Adrianne Callahan Review: Honorable Beverly Johnson Communications and Public Relations: Mr. Jackson R. Chris Jones and Ms. Marie Perry Membership: Mr. Jerry Legislative Review: Honorable Evaluation: Ms. Phaedra D. Beverly Ponds Johnson Membership: Mr. Jerry Jackson Legal Review: Ms. Adiya McDuffy, Esq. Ms. Phaedra D.Melinda Ponds Deloatch-Speight National Training Institute: Evaluation: Ms. Paula Davis and Mrs. Legal Review: Ms. Adiya McDuffy, Esq. Affirmative Employment/Equal Employment Opportunity: Ms. Alice Mercer National Training Institute: Ms. PaulaDr. Davis and Mrs. Melinda Deloatch-Speight Health and Wellness: Beverly Lyn-Cook Affirmative Employment/Equal Employment Opportunity: Ms. Alice Mercer Health and Wellness: Dr. Beverly Lyn-Cook

National Appointed Officers National Appointed Officers National Delegates Assembly: Honorable David Groves Historian/Librarian: Ms. Lauren Merritt-Taylor National Delegates Assembly: Honorable David Groves Parliamentarian: Honorable J. David Reeves Historian/Librarian: Ms. Lauren Merritt-Taylor Presidential Advisor: Honorable Gerald R. Reed Parliamentarian: Honorable J. David Reeves Strategic Planning Liaison: Mr. Melvin Porter Presidential Advisor: Honorable Gerald R. Reed Strategic Planning Liaison: Mr. Melvin Porter

National Special Committees Chairpersons National Special Committees Chairpersons

Building New Leaders for the NOW Generation: Ms. Alesia Smith Conference Registration: Ms. Faye Wilkes Building New Leaders for the NOW Generation: Ms. Alesia Smith Conference Academy Registration: Ms. Faye Wilkes Barideaux Darlene H. Young Leadership (DYLA): Mr. Johnny Darlene H. Young Leadership Academy (DYLA): Future Leaders of American Government (FLAG):Mr. Ms.Johnny Kathy Barideaux Best Future Leaders American Program: Government Kathy Best Military VeteransofEmphasis Mr.(FLAG): MarcusMs. Brooks Military Veterans Emphasis Program: Mr. Marcus Brooks National Corporate Sponsorship: Ms. Tekia Winder National Corporate Sponsorship: Ms. Tekia Winder Project BIG Vote: Mr. Walter Jones Project BIG Vote: Walter Protocol Administrator: Ms. Mr. LaShan L.Jones Haynes Protocol Administrator: Ms. LaShan L. Haynes Telecommunications Mr. James Somerville Telecommunications Mr.Bob James Somerville Photography Team: Mr. Wilson Photography Team: Mr. Bob Wilson

National Assistant Treasurer National Assistant Treasurer Mr. Duane Hill Hill Mr. Duane *- Denotes*-Members of the National Board ofBoard Directors Denotes Members of the National of Directors

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Immediate Past Past National President Immediate National President Honorable Dr. Doris P. Sartor Honorable Dr. Doris P. Sartor

New N

National Board of Directors NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Honorable Gary L. Blackmon Denver Center Complex Chapter Chairperson

Mr. Edward Wilson Los Angeles/Long Beach Area Chapter Vice Chairperson

REGION I

Ms. Atricia Irons Greater Boston Chapter

Ms. Jacqulyn D. Allen Greater Boston Chapter

REGION II

Ms. Joanne Palmer NY Elite Chapter

Ms. Esther Seabrook Lower Manhattan Chapter

REGION III

Ms. Dale Scott New Cumberland-Susquehanna Chapter

Ms. Johnita Pitts Susquehanna Chapter

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National Board of Directors NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

REGION IV

Mr. James C. Causell, Sr. CDC.ATSDR Chapter

Mr. Famous Johnson East-Central Savannah River Chapter

D

REGION V

Ms. Patricia Thompson Chicago Midwest Chapter

Ms. Shirron-Brown Mills Lake Erie Chapter

REGION VI

Honorable Ms. Katherine Cage Houston Area Chapter

Ms. Gwenda J. Lowe Dallas Metroplex Chapter

REGION VII

Ms. Robin McDaniel-Beck Greater Kansas City Chapter

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Ms. Christine Wilder St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter

HH

National Board of Directors NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(continued)

REGION VIII

Honorable Gary L. Blackmon Denver Center Complex Chapter

Mr. Michael Smith Denver Federal Center Chapter

REGION IX

Mr. Kenneth Pearson Ventura County Chapter

Mr. Edward Wilson Los Angeles/Long Beach Chapter

REGION X

Ms. Patricia Ly Port of Seattle Chapter

Ms. Erin Smalls Puget Sound Chapter

REGION XI

Ms. Marion V. Allen HHS WDC College Park Complex Chapter

Ms. Glynis M. Hill EPA William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter

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“The Hill We Climb” A Poem by Amanda Gorman When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?

The loss we carry. A sea we must wade.

We braved the bell of the beast.

We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions what “just” is isn’t always justice.

If we bridg

It’s b

It’s t

We’v

Wou And

But w

In hi its ey

And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it.

This

Somehow we do it.

We

Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished.

We

We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.

But w ours

So, w how

And, yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.

We bruis

We are striving to forge our union with purpose.

We inact

To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.

And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.

We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.

We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.

We seek harm to none and harmony for all.

Let the globe if nothing else, say this is true.

Our

But o

If we chan

So le

Ever won We

That even as we grieved, we grew.

We revo

That even as we hurt, we hoped.

We

That even as we tired, we tried.

We

That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.

We

Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.

Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.

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And diver

Whe The

For t

If on

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n

fig

If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made.

It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit.

It’s the past we step int and how we repair it.

We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation, rather than share it.

Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

And this effort very nearly succeeded.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.

In his truth, in this faith we trust, for, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.

This is the era of just redemption.

We feared as its inception.

We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour.

But within it we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves.

So, while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe, now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?

We will not march back to what to was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.

We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.

Our blunders become their burdens.

But one thing is certain.

If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.

So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.

Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.

We will rise from the golden hills of the West.

We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.

We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.

We will rise from the sun-baked South, We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover.

And every known nook our nation and every corner called our country, our people divers and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.

When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and unafraid.

The new dawn balloons as we free it.

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.

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