EDI strives to advance diversity and inclusion at NIH and ensure that the civil rights of all of our employees are protected. The Sexual & Gender Minority (SGM) Employment Portfolio is directed at ensuring that this constituency remains a successful part of a broader diversity and inclusion strategy for the NIH.
Portfolio GOALS and VALUES
In service of the mission, we are guided by the following beliefs:
- Sexual and gender diversity adds value to our workforce and to scientific research
- All persons deserve equal access to employment opportunity - irrespective of sexual orientation/gender identity
EDI is committed to fostering a workplace atmosphere that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans*, intersex, queer, two-spirit, and gender non-conforming employees, patrons, and research. The term sexual and gender minority” (SGM) more broadly references LGBTIA+ and other populations whose sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and reproductive development is considered outside cultural, societal, or physiological norms.
EDI works in partnership with the Office of Human Resources (OHR), the Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity (COSWD), and NIH leadership to support the SGM Employment Portfolio. Together, we develop collaborations to advance the representation of our SGM employees in all occupations of the NIH workforce and to support this constituency in achieving their fullest potential.
The SGM Employment Portfolio is an EEO program that works to ensure that equal opportunity for SGM employees are present in all aspects of the agency’s programs and services. Among its goals, the Portfolio seeks to:
- Improve employment and advancement opportunities for SGM employees
- Identify systemic barriers to opportunity for SGM employees
- Monitor agency progress in eliminating discriminatory practices that adversely impact SGM employees
- Cultivate a more welcoming environment for SGM employees and patrons
- Collaborate in strategic partnerships with Institutes and Centers (ICs) to recruit and retain members of the SGM community
- Educate and increase awareness of issues pertaining to SGM populations
- Provide guidance and support to supervisors, managers, and employees
- Our trainings further understanding and challenges regarding perceptions of sex, sexuality, gender, and human difference in a safe atmosphere.
Check here regularly for training:
MEET THE Engagement Committee
- Christina Barnett, Supervisory Management Analyst, NIH Ethics Office, OD
- Evan Ibrahim, Management Analyst, Workforce Management Branch, Office of the Director, Executive Office
- Tommy Berry, Management Analyst, Administrative Management Branch, NIDCD
- Charlee Bryan, Manager, Center for Cancer Research( CCR) Clinical Administrative Resource (ARC) Center, NCI
- Brandon McCullough, Workforce Development Team Lead, All of Us Research Program, OD
- Courtney White, Administrative Officer, NIMH
- Kyle Hartwig, Chief Corporate Recruitment, NIH Human Resources
- Louis Choporis, Chief of the Ethics and Management Analysis Branch, Office of Administrative Management, NCATS
- Sharon Milgram, Director, Office of Intramural Training & Education
- Shauna Clark, Associate Director, Office of Equity & Inclusion, Center for Cancer Research, NCI
- Susannah Allison, Program Officer at National Institute of Mental Health
- Vanessa White, Program Analyst, Office of AIDS Research
MEET THE STRATEGIST
Monique Robinson is the Principal Strategist for the Sexual and Gender Minorities Portfolio in the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Monique is a Florida native and graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the School of Business & Industry. Monique has over 17 years of experience as a therapeutic specialist and healthcare sales professional with Eli Lilly and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals. Before joining NIH she was on the front lines in the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic working countless hours with CVS pharmacist at clinics administering vaccines and answering questions from patients directly. While also working under the American Pharmacist Association specifically as a partnership development coordinator at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCP) developing newly certified pharmacy technicians.
Since joining the EDI in March of 2021 Monique has supported DID’s admin needs, detailed as an EEO Counselor, served as the Acting Principal Strategist for the Blacks Portfolio and worked on special projects for the Native American portfolio. Monique is also a member of EDI’s training cadre where she is responsible for conducting training during the New Employee Orientation, SafeZone and Prevention of Workplace Harassment for Clinicians. Monique is also a 2023 NIH Director's Awards Recipient.
Outside of work, Monique enjoys new dining experiences, hosting social events, serving the community, skydiving and spending time with family.