On Thursday, September 12, 2019, the Office of Civil Rights hosted the inaugural “First Generation Professionals” (FGP) Summit at the Department of Commerce. This first of its kind federal event highlighted people who are the first in their immediate families to enter the professional work environment (i.e. their parents held traditional blue-collar positions or those that did not require a college degree). This essential group of trailblazers, many of whom may be represented in the group of federal professionals that you serve, may face obstacles and barriers which cause them to be overlooked and underutilized, preventing them from equitable access and opportunities to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions.

The Summit showcased a fireside chat with the Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission, Jay Clayton, and our keynote speaker, Madam Treasurer Jovita Carranza, where she spoke about her climb from a night-shift box handler at UPS to the highest-ranking Latina in the history of that company, and now the Treasurer of the United States. We also heard from featured speaker Rukayatu "Ruky" Tijani ESQ, Founder, The First Generation Purpose Project and a panel of FGPs who discussed how they navigated unwritten rules, managed self-doubt, gained a sense of belonging, and overcame “class” biases, as well as the lessons learned and tips for success.

Special thanks to Hunter Marsh who volunteered his time and talent and produced, engineered, and arranged the musical score for the Summit! 

If you missed out on the FirstGen Summit, don't worry! We have included the entire program in the videos below. Enjoy!

Welcome Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Karen Dunn Kelley

Remarks by Tinisha Agramonte, Architect of the FGP Initiative and featured speaker Rukayatu "Ruky" Tijani ESQ, Founder, The First Generation Purpose Project

First Generation Professionals Panel

Fireside Chat with U.S. Treasurer Jovita Carranza and the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Jay Clayton

Recognition of Paul M. Witt, TSgt.

Recognition of Organizations: I'm First!, Kevin Durant Foundation, Community Scholars