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Commemorating Women’s History Month with DHS Employees

Release Date: April 2, 2012

Posted by Secretary Janet Napolitano

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with more than 250 DHS employees about what DHS is doing to support women in our workforce and develop the future leaders of DHS – both women and men.

I was joined by Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Caryn Wagner, Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Connie Patrick, Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs Betsy Markey, and Chief Human Capital Officer Catherine Emerson, all of whom participated in a panel discussion to discuss their career paths and some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

As President Obama said, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate progress and “reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the rights, security, and dignity of women in America and around the world.”

At DHS, we uphold that commitment through our work to combat human trafficking, protect immigrants who are victims of domestic violence and other crimes, and ensure parents have the tools they need to keep their children safe online, and in many other ways.

We also uphold that commitment within our own workforce, by doing all we can to recruit qualified and talented staff, and by helping create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to advance and thrive.

One way we are doing this is through leadership development programs, such as NextGen. Developed for mid-career employees, NextGen provides training, executive coaching, and engagement with senior executives.

Another great example of the work we’re doing to develop young talent is the Transportation Security Administration’s Associates program, geared toward our front line workers. It supports those who want to build their skills by taking classes at community colleges. And women are participating in that program at a very high rate.
In addition, we are developing other programs to put talented new employees on the fast track to leadership.

Whether it’s the Border Patrol Supervisory Agent who leads an elite Search, Trauma and Rescue team in rough desert terrain; the scientist who tests nuclear detection equipment; or the agent in charge of intelligence collection along the Southwestern border, I am proud to serve alongside so many remarkable women from across DHS.

Learn more about DHS career and internship opportunities.

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.
Last Updated: 11/12/2021
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