EPM instructor, Abre' Conner, esq. appointed to US EPA's HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council

Join us in congratulating EPM Instructor, Abre' Conner, esq. on her appointment to US EPA's HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council!

The establishment of EPA's HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council supports President Biden's Executive Order 14035, which seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce. This Executive Order underscores the importance of a federal workforce that reflects the full diversity of the American people. The HBCU-MSI FAC aligns with this vision, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping the EPA's policies and practices.

The HBCU-MSIs are those institutions of higher education that serve minority populations and include HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPISIs) . The advisory council is a part of a comprehensive effort to advance equity in economic and educational opportunities for all Americans while protecting human health and the environment. The HBCU-MSI FAC duties are to advise and provide recommendations to the Administrator on: 

• How to leverage the expertise within HBCU-MSIs to advance the Agency’s mission.
• Identifying the resources and support that these institutions need in order to thrive for generations to come.
• How the agency can better leverage the expertise within HBCU-MSIs.
• Opportunities to help diversify the agency’s workforce and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders.

Council Members have been selected because they:

• Have a strong affiliation with HBCUs and/or MSIs or the communities they serve and represent, including through education, work, or partnerships. 
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the student continuum from college to career. 
• Demonstrate notable commitment to environmental issues with extensive involvement, knowledge, or engagement with relevant material and/or affected communities. 
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Federal, state, and local government operations and systems. 
• Demonstrate a notable commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, including for underserved communities. 
• Demonstrate an ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representative from diverse constituencies. 
• Demonstrate potential for active and constructive involvement in HBCU-MSI Advisory Council work. 

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan Announces Members of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council

Read the full press release.