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MyUSDAEVERY DAY IN EVERY WAYA Progress Report for Employees on USDA’sCultural TransformationVolume 2, Issue 11USDA’s CulturalTransformationAction ItemsSeptember 2012Secretary’s Message: An Update on the BudgetLEADERSHIPRECRUITMENT MER FOCUS& COMMUNITYOUTREACHInside this isUSDA’s Future Stars2FNCS “Feds FeedFamilies” Olympics3Department Regainsthe Crown on “FedsFeed Familes” Goal!3DM Prepares FutureLeaders4FNS Sponsors Diversity 5TrainingForest Service ReachesOut to NativeAmerican Youth7National Work & Family Month Celebration8USDA’s First Supervisor “Shining Star”8USDA Intern DayCelebration9I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the statusof the Department’s funding forFiscal Year (FY) 2013 which begins October 1, 2012, and issuesraised by a potential sequestration on January 2, 2013. In addition I would like to briefly addressthe failure by Congress to act oncomprehensive, multiyear Food,Farm and Jobs legislation or anextension of programs authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.In February, 2012 the Presidentreleased the Administration’sproposed budget for FY2013. As you likely know, todate Congress has not passedany full year appropriations billsthat fund Federal agencies for FY2013. However, on September22, the Senate approved a Continuing Resolution (CR) previously passed by the House whichprovides funding for the Federalgovernment through March 27,2013. The President signed it onSeptember 28. The CR providesfunding for most Departmentprograms to continue at a levelthat is equivalent to 0.6 percentabove the amount provided for inFY 2012. Entitlement programs,including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, arefunded under the CR at a ratethat maintains current programlevels.Despite enactment of the CR,there is a significant level of uncertainty surrounding fundinglevels that will ultimately be provided for the Department’s activities during FY 2013. This is duein part to the potential for anacross-the-board reduction,known as a sequestration, under terms of the Budget ControlAct of 2011. Absent furtherCongressional action, a sequestration will occur on January 2,2013. It is estimated that asequestration would reduce theDepartment’s budget by morethan 3 billion in FY 2013alone.To add to this uncertainty, Congress has not taken action topass multiyear, comprehensiveFood, Farm and Jobs legislation.Beginning October 1, the authority or funding provided under the 2008 Farm Bill for USDAto operate a number of programs has expired, and the authority and funding for additional programs will expire overthe coming months. Not onlydoes this create uncertainty interms of USDA programs, itleaves thousands of farmingfamilies exposed at a time whenU.S. agriculture is fighting tomaintain the tremendous momentum it has built over thepast three years.With the uncertainties of finalCongressional action on theDepartment’s FY 2013 budgetrequest and the sequestration,it is critical that all offices andindividuals remain vigilant toensure that there are absolutelyno unnecessary expenses byUSDA offices.Because of your efforts, USDAhas been a leader in savingtaxpayers’ dollars through theBlueprint for Stronger Serviceand the Administrative Solutions Project. This includes areduction to USDA’s travel ex-penses alone by approximately45 percent in 2012 from 2010levels, a highly commendableeffort. We must continue theseefforts to operate at the minimum level necessary to delivercritical services, while maintaining the flexibility that couldbe needed to absorb furtherpotential cuts later in the fiscalyear. I expect that your work toreduce operational expensessuch as contracts, travel, supplies, and conferences willcontinue throughout FY 2013.I am confident that all of us willcontinue to deliver historicresults and outstanding service to the American people atthis critical time, even withsignificant uncertainty andunder these fiscal constraints. I will continue to update you on Congressionalactions as they occur regardingfunding for the Department forFY 2013, the possibility of asequestration, and the statusof USDA’s authorizing legislation. In the meantime, I wouldlike to take this opportunity toexpress my sincere appreciation for your continued serviceto the Department and theAmerican people.Sincerely,Tom Vilsack
MyUSDAPage 2USDA’s FUTURE STARS!Throughout the newsletter, we are pleased tohighlight future ―movers and shakers‖ of USDA.Our Interns!We are proud of all of our interns and encouragethem to strive to be the very best in their chosenfields.Colin Beckford, a Maryland resident, is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance, at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He excels in his studies and maintains several on-campus leadership roles. Beckford interned with Rural Development’s (RD) Office of the Deputy Administrator for Operations & Management. Duringthe 2012 Summer Intern Program, he worked on several projects, including updating and redesigning various Microsoft SharePoint websites and was an integral member of the Cultural Transformation Day Planning Committee. Aftergraduation, his goals are to strengthen his work experience in the Federal Government while pursuing a Masters inBusiness Administration and later obtain a Juris Doctorate with a focus in Corporate Law. The sky’s the limit for Colin!USDA Establishes Partnership with the Consortia ofAdministrators for Native American Rehabilitation, Inc.On August 28, 2012, the USDA andthe Consortia of Administrators forNative American Rehabilitation, Inc.(CANAR) came together and signed aMemorandum of Understanding(MOU).The MOU allows USDA and CANAR toenhance their goals by giving qualityservices to American Indians andAlaska Native persons with disabiliSigning the MOU, Treva Roanhorse, President,ties. The new partnership will proCANAR and Dr. Gregory Parham, Acting Assisvide outreach and education andtant Secretary for Administration, USDAunite CANAR to USDA’s critical jobmission by increasing hiring numbers of individuals with disabilitiesapplying to USDA job announcements. Adfrom student employment to permaditionally it will provide on-the-job trainingnent job opportunities. The MOUprograms, activities, special communityalso offers guidance on preparingevents, and collaborative efforts betweenSchedule A documentation and onUSDA and CANAR. This joint relationshipBy Francesca YabraianOHRM Diversity Program Specialistbetween USDA and CANAR strengthens USDA’s Diversity Program andwill serve as a rich resource to benefit Secretary Vilsack’s Cultural Transformation Initiative. Further, it willprovide the necessary strategies andsupport for Human Resources Managers, Recruitment Managers, andDisability Program Managers acrossUSDA to effectuate the hiring of persons with disabilities, allowing themrepresentation in USDA’s workforce,especially American Indians andAlaska Native individuals.Current or former nursingmom with a success storyto share?Send us an email to:wellness@dm.usda.gov
Volume 2, Issue 11Page 3USDA GETS TOP HONORS IN 2012 FEDS FEED FAMILIES FOOD DRIVE!by Susan Carter, Acting Communication Coordinator, Office of the Assistant Secretary for AdministrationThe Department of Agriculture regains bragging rights.USDA is back atop the throne, taking the crown awayfrom the Department of Defense in this year’s FedsFeed Families food drive. USDA collected an impressive 2,772,825 pounds of food with the help of employees, volunteers, and partners from across thecountry. That great work is 154 percent of the 1.8million pound goal and was accomplished during severe drought.Kudos goes to all of the USDA agencies, offices, andorganizations that made the win possible. The topthree are Risk Management Agency that got 345 percent of their goal, with a strong showing from Departmental Management weighing in with a total of20,472 pounds and Food, Nutrition, and ConsumerServices rounding out third with 11,554 pounds.Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Merrigan proudly “showing off” fooditems donated by employees of the Office of the Secretary.A big shout out to Sue Bussells, who’ll be joined bymore than 150 USDA employees who’ll also be recognized in the OPM Hall of Fame for contributing 250 pounds or moreto Feds Feed Families. She contributed just under three-thousand pounds of food as an individual donation, totaling outat 2,822 pounds.Congratulations to all and thanks for your efforts!FNCS Medals at USDA’s Feds Feed Families Olympicsby Susan Siemietkowski,, Food, Nutrition & Consumer ServicesMove over Michael Phelps and Misty May Trainor. In early August members of FNCS became medal winners as well,earning silver in the food hat competition and bronze in miniature golf at USDA’s Olympic themed ―Food-Raiser‖ inWashington, DC, to benefit Feds Feed Families. FNCS also fielded teams in the ring toss, relay race and food sculpturecontests. Participants donated over 1300 pounds of nutritious food. Feds Feed Families and this type of activity reinforces USDA’s and FNCS’ commitment to Cultural Transformation (CT) specifically, to CT’s ―Community Outreach ― pillar.From left to right: Under Secretary Kevin Concannon and Brenda Lisi pose behind a replica of London’s Tower Bridge constructedfrom donated food items; Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton cheers on TEAM FNCS at the August 9 th event; Richard Bumpers,Susan Siemietkowksi and Troy Meyers, along with Dan Christenson, won a team bronze medal in miniature golf; and In the spirit ofthe London games and British tradition, Molly McClanahan shows off the silver medal winning “food” hat that she made with hercolleagues, Kristen Caulley and Catherine Benvie.
Volume 2, Issue 11Page 4DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT PREPARES FUTURE LEADERS THROUGHPROFESIONAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (PEP)On August 15, 2012, Departmental Management held agraduation ceremony for forty summer interns who completed the Professional’s Excellence Program (PEP). Dr.Gregory Parham, Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration, was the keynote speaker. The Program was designedby the Office of Cultural Transformation. The goal was toinitiate a transformational process for mentoring and cultivating today’s young leaders, strengthening their understanding of the USDA, and preparing them for opportunitieswithin the Department.By Kathryn Quillen, Office of Cultural TransformationDr. Gregory Parham, Dr. Alma C. Hobbs, and Oscar Gonzaleslisten as Delonte Gamble shares his personal quote.Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr. Gregory Parhamcongratulates an intern on completing the PEP while Dr. Alma C.Hobbs, Associate Assistant Secretary for Administration, and OscarGonzales, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration look on.This is the first year of the PEP, which delivered a frameworkof competence to high-performing students in the form ofweekly one-hour seminars, team projects, and group mentoring. The Program supports several key pillars of the Cultural Transformation initiative, including the Department’sefforts to attract a diverse workforce that has experiencewith various mission areas. The Program was also created tosupport a culture that promotes employee retention by giving participants the chance to gain work-related experienceand to learn about the various agencies within USDA.On-boarding efforts to familiarize participants with USDAcontinued throughout the entire Program in the form ofguest speakers who serve in a variety of capacities with theDepartment. The PEP supports the Department’s commitment to engaged learning that benefits not only studentsbut strengthens its mission of improved succession planning. This year’s PEP program was very successful and isexpected to continue to meet future student, Departmental,and public needs.Interns prepare to receive graduation certificates.Torrie Mitchell is a Marylandresident and began her career withthe USDA shortly after high school in2007. Having started her internshipas a Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) Intern in theOffice of the Assistant Secretary forCivil Rights. She is currently makinga positive impression in Rural Development’s Office ofOperations & Management under the Student CareerExperience Program (SCEP). Having focused in thearea of media production, Mitchell graduated fromBowie State University, Bowie, MD, last spring with aBachelors of Arts in Communications. She continuesher studies at the University of Maryland pursuing aMaster’s degree in Technology Project Management.She plans to remain at USDA to one day become aSenior Leader. Move over y’all – here comes Torrie!
Page 5MyUSDA2012 NRCS American Indian Heritage Poster Artwork Presented to Choctaw Nationby Jacqueline Padron, OHRM Diversity Program SpecialistThe Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS) recognized and celebrated the many different cultures,which we have the opportunity to offerour services and programs to, includingAmerican Indians. November is designated American Indian Alaskan NativeHeritage Month. This provides an opportunity to make people aware of thehistory of American Indian and AlaskanNatives and their contributions to theworld. One way NRCS celebrates on anational level is to sponsor a contestfor American Indian artists, with thewinning artwork being produced into aposter and distributed nationwide.June 6, the winning artwork was selected for the 2012 American IndianHeritage poster that will be releasedduring American Indian Alaskan NativeHeritage month in November. The titlefor this year was ―Our Past, Present, andFuture” with the theme being "Tell meand I’ll forget. Show me and I may notremember. Involve me and I’ll understand." This year’s winner of the American Indian Heritage Poster contest isKathy Sturch, of Durant, Oklahoma.Sturch is a member of the Choctaw Nation.―Selecting the artwork is just one of themany steps involved to develop theposter that will be released duringAmerican Indian Heritage month in November, and will be distributed to allNRCS offices in the 50 states plus theCaribbean and Pacific Basin,‖ said National American Indian/Alaskan NativeSpecial Emphasis Program Manager Dr.Carol Crouch.― Although the poster willnot be released until November,NRCS Oklahoma decided to presentthe winning artwork to the ChoctawNation during their annual ChoctawFestival‖ said Jamey Wood. Crouchadded, ―Not all winning artwork ispresented to the artist’s Tribe; however, NRCS leadership felt that presenting the artwork to the artist’sTribe provided the opportunity forthe Choctaw tribal members to enjoy the artwork, as well as, recognize Choctaw artist, Kathy Sturch.‖The Choctaw Nation has an art museum located within their 1884Capitol Building in Tuskahoma,Oklahoma. The museum housesvintage clothing, tribal documents,Choctaw pottery and jewelry and isa Choctaw art gallery.FNS’ “Walking Each Other Home” Diversity TrainingOffered to Several USDA Agencies in Puerto Ricoby Susan Siemietkowski,, Food & Nutrition ServiceOn August 29, a presentation of the artwork was made to Chief Gregory E. Pyle,in his office, at Choctaw Nation Headquarters in Durant, Oklahoma. Presenting the artwork was Jamey Wood, Assistant State Conservationist for NRCS. Alsopresent were; Dr. Crouch, National AI/ANSEPM; Ann Colyer, Choctaw NationNRCS Liaison; Valerie Hannon, NRCSdistrict conservationist for the NRCS Durant field office and Choctaw administrative staff. Chief Pyle and NRCS will beworking together to plan an autographsigning of the poster with poster artistKathy Sturch in November.Photo Left to Right:Kathy Sturch, Choctaw Artist,Jamey Wood, II, NRCSChief Gregory Pyle, Choctaw NationOn September 7th, Food & Nutrition Service’s (FNS) Caribbean Areaoffice and FNS University collaborated to present the “Walking EachOther Home” diversity training to USDA staff in San Juan, PuertoRico. FNS facilitators Vince Loran and Henry Bourgeois offered threesessions for local staff from several mission areas from FNS, the Natural Resources and Conservation Service, the Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service, the International Institute of Tropical Forestry ofthe Forest Service, the National Agriculture Statistics Service, RuralDevelopment, and the Farm Service Agency.The training for more than 70 participants was held at a Forest Servicefacility which is part of the Botanical Gardens complex at the Universityof Puerto Rico. The workshop focused on the goal of building relationships and the importance ofrespecting, valuing, and appreciating fellow workers. Such activity directly supports Cultural Transformation’s development and diversity/inclusion pillars. All participants expressed great satisfaction with the session andthe wonderful opportunity toAttendees engage in a communicationsparticipate as ―ONE USDA‖.exercise that focuses on empathic listening.
Page 6MyUSDALaura RodriguezThis summer, she worked in the Office of Human Resources Management's Diversity, Recruitment, and Work/Life Division as the Student Programs Assistant. In her role, Rodriguezcoordinated the summer intern activities consisting of touring Washington, DC’s historical attractions. She is a resident of Chevy Chase, MD and a junior at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.When it comes to being active, the list goes on and on for this young lady — from Teaching Assistant for the Department of Mathematics, Vice President of the Dance Club (ballet), to Ambassador for the Office of Admissions. This semester, Rodriguez will study abroad at L'Institutd'études politiques de Paris (known as Sciences Po) in Paris, France, studying Economics, Political Science, and French. Shoot for the stars, Laura!Summer Interns Take it to the Streets and Experience DCBy Wenndy Carrasco, Student Programs ManagerOffice of Human Resources Management, (OHRM)Diversity, Recruitment & Work/Life DivisionThis summer, the Diversity, Recruitment and Work/Life Division coordinated extracurricular activities in theDC metro area for USDA interns.These activities included touring theU.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, thePentagon, and the White House. Thetours were organized to afford students the opportunity to learn andexplore the contents of buildings thathelp shape the Federal Governmentand the nation.Approximately 500 summer internshad the chance to explore this historiccity and network with other internsand employees. The Pentagon tourwas the most popular among our interns. ―The tour guides were funnyand great at walking backwards,‖ saidKenneth Nakamoto, AMS Intern.At the White House, everyone enjoyedthe chance to wander through thenotable rooms on the first floor. Eachhad a unique story. ―It was a wonderful experience to walk through somuch history,‖ said Tamara Johnson,OHRM Intern.Laura Rodriguez, OHRMIntern, shared ―As one ofmany who live in the area,yet never took the opportunity to explore Washington,DC, it was incredible to experience all the history ineach of the buildings.Washington, DC, has somany hidden secrets andwonders.―For summer interns notliving or going to school in the Washington, DC metro area, it was a greatway to get a feel for thehistoric city and to networkwith other USDA internsscattered throughout themetropolitan area.These activities serve as anopportunity for hiring managers, division directors,and other USDA employeesto get involved with our programs. For suggestionsand/or feedback, please send towenndy.carrasco@dm.usda.gov.Touring the Library of Congress, inOur office is always open to suggesterns learned the number of books,tions and feedback to improve ourresearch archives, movies, films, and summer intern activities.even art that is stored and showcasedthroughout several of its buildings.For Victor Lamas, FAS Intern, this wasthe most impressive tour.Visitor’s area of the PentagonOutside the Library of CongressYou can contact the staff ofMy USDA via email at:MyUSDA@dm.usda.gov andbe sure to visit the USDACultural TransformationWebsite.
Volume 2, Issue 11Native American YouthGet Behind-the-ScenesLook at Forest ServiceCareersBy Susan BlakePublic Affairs SpecialistNational Forests in FloridaPage 7First stop for the group, Munson HillsOff-Road Bicycle Trail south of Tallahassee, Florida. This popular mountain bike trail was renovated withAmerican Recovery and ReinvestmentAct funds in 2011. National Forests inFlorida Heritage Program ManagerRhonda Kimbrough gave an overviewof the site and the preliminary processes that went into expanding andrenovating the trail. ―I wanted them tounderstand all the componentsthat have to come together in order to prepare a site for renovation, which include archaeologicalsurveys. A lot of care is taken tomake sure we’ve crossed our t’sand dotted our i’s,‖ saidKimbrough.renovated in 2011 with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.To cap off the day, Forest Service employees led a group hike through therenovated trails.The National Forests in Florida havebeen involved with the program since1994 and, over the years, employeeshave stepped up to the plate to speakabout careers in the Forest Service.―It’s kind of like giving them a day inthe life of a Forest Service landscapearchitect,‖ said Landscape ArchitectKristen Johnson. Johnson was one offive employees of the National Forestsin Florida that gave insight into theirspecialized field of work to a group ofNative American teenagers from theFlorida Indian Youth Program. Sponsored by the Florida Governor’s Council on Indian Affairs, this annual event As the group eased further into thegives the youths the opportunity to forest, they headed over to Troutconsider careers in natural resources. Pond. The wheelchair accessiblenature trail is a pier that extends into the lake and scenicNathan Wadlinger from the Lumbee Tribe ofviews of the pond surroundedby cypress and pine trees. Un- North Carolina reads an interpretive sign atthe Big Dismal Sinkhole at Leon Sinks Geologiderneath a picnic shelter, stucal Area recreation site.dents were given an overviewof the recreation site planning byCivil Engineer Toni Addison. ―I want―We just want to give them an opportuto impart my excitement, experinity to talk to people working in difference, and career with the ForestService to young adults. I’m always ent professions,‖ said Training Coordiglad to give of my time to help oth- nator Rick Whitfield of the Florida GovFrom the left, Kaitlin Billy from the Seminoleernor’s Council on Indian Affairs. ―LikeTribe of Florida and Trey Kinard from the Crow ers find their way in life,‖ said Addi- all of us, you start out thinking I wantson.Tribe of Montana listen intently as Civil Engito do one thing, then you’re exposed toneer Toni Addison explains recreational siteThe final stop, Leon Sink Geological something else and you change yourplanning at Trout Pond on the ApalachicolaArea, a unique geological site also mind.‖National Forest near Tallahassee, Florida.ARMED SERVICES BLOODDRIVESOct. 24th – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Dec. 27th– 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Online Registration is Available.Registered donors may log in and new donors maycreate a profile by visiting: www.militarydonor.com/index.cfm. Enter sponsor code (USDA), and follow theinstructions for scheduling an appointment.For further assistance, contact Charlene Raley, USDAMedical Services, at (202)720-3893 or charlene.raley@dm.usda.gov, or Vikki Fernette, ASBP, at(301) 295-2109 or victoria.fernette@med.navy.mil.Kimble Brown, Jr.is from Salisbury, Maryland. Heis currently a senior, Ag-BusinessMajor in the 1890 Scholars Programat the University of Maryland EasternShore. This summer, Brown workedwith Rural Development’s (RD) Support Services Division, analyzingFreedom of Information Act requests. This was his third summerwith RD, enabling him to see theagency through different aspects, previously working with theBudget Division and directly with customers from the Delaware State Office. Brown is thankful for the opportunity tobecome an 1890’s Scholar and looks forward to starting hiscareer with USDA after graduation. YAY!
Volume 2, Issue 11Page 8Join USDA’s National Work & Tell us about Telework—Take the Telework Survey!Family Month Extravaganza! In October, all USDA employees will have the opportunity toby Mika J. CrossUSDA Work/Life &Wellness Program Managerworklife@dm.usda.govOn July 30, 2012,Senate Resolution 533 designating October 2012 as “National Work & FamilyMonth” was passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate. Dedicating amonth to work and family issues encourages employees across the nation topause once a year and reflect on theprogress already made on the journey towork-life effectiveness, to celebrate, andthen raise the bar moving on to evenmore pervasive progress.This year, USDA is planning an excitingline-up of free, interactive eventsthroughout the month of October to celebrate National Work & Family Month. Besure to check the Work/Life and Wellness community homepage frequentlyfor updates on events and activities andcontact your Agency Work/Life Coordinator to plan ways for celebrating at yourwork specific work location!Here’s how you can join in on the fun:Post your personal photos, testimonials and blog posts on how USDA’sWork/Life Programs have had a positive impact on your life on our Work/Life and Wellness community;Tune in to Deputy Secretary Merrigan’sStory Exchange to listen to her discussions about Telework and USDA’sNursing Mothers Program;Register in AgLearn to attend the―Balancing Work and Family‖ webinaron October 11th from 12:30-1:30 ESTmore details will follow soon!Nominate your Supervisor for the“Supervisor Shining Start” by sendingan email to worklife@dm.usda.gov .complete OPM’s first Telework Satisfaction Survey. The surveyis designed to capture key perceptions and experiences aboutthe current USDA Telework Program and will be used to makestrategic program enhancements for the future. The surveyby Mika J. Crosslink will be emailed and will only take a few minutes to comUSDA Work/Life &plete. All employees, including USDA leadership, are encour- Wellness ProgramManageraged to take the survey— even if you do not currently participate in Telework. Be on the look-out for the October email,and feel free to contact us at telework@dm.usda.gov with any questions.Meet September’s“Supervisor ShiningStar”USDA’s first ―Supervisor Shining Star‖ goes toRaymond Covino,Covino, District Conservationist forNRCS in Windham County, Connecticut. He is Raymond Covino describes thea firm believer that for employees to succeed, negative effects of conventionaltillage on soil health at a recentthey must be provided the appropriate toolsfield workshopand be supported. For his staff, Covino hascreated an atmosphere where work/life and wellness is a priority. Quiteconscientious of his employees’ workloads, strengths, and needs, thismonth’s ―Supervisor Shining Star‖ strives for a setting where everyone hasthe necessary means required to exceed performance expectations.Covino actively promotes a healthy and happy working environment. Heoffers support to new parents with part-time work opportunities and ensureda lactation space was created within the workplace for nursing mothers . Ateam player, he covers the office while encouraging his employees to takepower walks during their lunch breaks — giving them an opportunity to reenergize as well as exercise. This forward-thinking supervisor has promoteda work environment that inspires NRCS employees to achieve optimum performance. Thank you, Ray!Nominations Still Open for the ―Supervisor Shining Star‖We will be accepting nominations throughout October for the ―SupervisorShining Star‖! If you have a shining example of a supervisor or managerwho makes work/life balance a priority, consider submitting their name andphoto today by sending an email to: worklife@dm.usda.gov with the following information:1. Your Name and Organization2. Your Supervisors Name, Position, Title, and Organization3. How long as a supervisor and how many people he/she currently supervises4. Description of Category for nomination; telework, wellness, and/orwork/life balance5. Description of the impact the supervisor/manager has had on you oryour organization
Page 9MyUSDANational Disability ObservanceOctober 17, 201210:00 - 11:00 amJefferson Auditorium, Washington, DCDepartment-Wide Event2012 USDA Intern DayAudience members andinterns had the opportunity to hear USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack andDeputy Secretary Dr.Kathleen Merrigan speakat the 2012 Intern Dayand Panel Discussionheld in Washington, D.C.,on Wednesday, July 11,2012. [Photos by BobNichols, Office of Communications.]Ends Summeron Positive NoteBy Wenndy Carrasco,Student Programs ManagerOHRM Diversity, Recruitment & Work/Life DivisionThe Intern Day and Panel Discussionis an annual event for all summerinterns to honor their hard work andcontribution to USDA. This year, ourtheme was “Transforming USDA’sTomorrow Today”, and interns werehonored by the presence of SecretaryTom Vilsack and Deputy SecretaryKathleen Merrigan, along with DeputyAssistant Secretary of AdministrationOscar Gonzales, and Associate Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr.Alma C. Hobbs.Secretary Vilsack’s address to thestudents showed his enthusiasm anddedication to the Student Employment Programs (SEPs) and their future at USDA. He emphasized theimportance of being involved in publicservice by tying the USDA intern’sexperience with his own when campaigning for Joe Biden in his youth;―People less qualified than you endup governing you.‖ Paraphrasing aquote from Theodore Roosevelt, Secretary Vilsack stated how important itis to ―spend your life in a worthycause, to give everything you’ve got,to know at the end of the day that youare not a cold and timid soul whodoesn’t know neither victory nor defeat. Working for the public, workingin a department of government, making a difference in people’s lives, improving the world, protecting the envi-ronment; all worthy causes and something you can be proud of
and public needs. By Kathryn Quillen, Office of Cultural Transformation Torrie Mitchell is a Maryland resident and began her career with the USDA shortly after high school in 2007. Having started her internship as a Student Temporary Employ-ment Program (STEP) Intern in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. She is currently making
