Why Choose USAID? 6 Black Staffers Explain How Their Career Decisions Impact Themselves and the World

In honor of Black History Month, six of USAID’s passionate employees talk about why they work at the world’s premier development agency and how their unique skills and perspectives are making an impact around the globe. Meet?Bettina, Tyrone, Erin, Jesse, Brioni, and Hope.?

Bettina Boateng

Senior Development Outreach Communications Advisor?

USAID Malawi

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Years at USAID: 5.5 years

“I'm a former broadcast news anchor turned ‘good news’ communicator. Overseas, USAID's impact is a recognizable beacon of hope, help, and humanitarian kindness. Our Agency's emblem alone, two hands clasped in a solid embrace, communicates united partnerships wrapped in a spirit of good. USAID truly aids. And, from Washington to the field, I have the honor of serving with so many insightful, intelligent people who desire to help in various ways and be a part of partnerships focused on goodwill for all. I choose to work with USAID because our work makes a difference and it shows, especially here in Malawi.”

“I am proud of my contributions to the She Sells Shea project, which illuminated the story of one woman, Rita Dampson, a hard-working, humble mother who, like so many women, puts service and others before self, linked over 1,000 women with global shea consumers. She reminds me of many women I serve with at USAID. Women who juggle work, life, families, and at times tissues, all while helping others in hopes of truly making a difference.”

Tyrone Miles

Executive Support Specialist

Bureau for Management and Executive Secretariat

Hometown: Olney, Md.

Years at USAID: 24 Years

“I work at USAID because I love the mission, I love the diversity, and I love to share with people who we are and our mission, as most people do not know what USAID is.”

“The project I am most proud of is helping with USAID’s move to the cloud. In 2012 USAID started its transition to the cloud by moving agency applications like email, documents and messaging to a cloud based environment.?

Fast forward eight years, the pandemic hits and all the hard work that took place in 2012 bared its fruit. USAID was much more nimble and prepared for the move to telework than most agencies because of the previous foundation we laid from our transition to the cloud. While other agencies were trying to pivot during the pandemic, we were able to keep working and following through on our mission of helping people the world over. ”

Erin Brown

Deputy Director

Bureau for Management, Office of Management Policy, Budget, and Performance

Hometown: Baton Rouge, La.

Years at USAID: 11 years

“Working for USAID provided me the opportunity to both serve my country and fulfill one aspect of my life's purpose which is to positively impact the lives of those who are the most marginalized.”

“I am most proud of my time as acting chief DEIA Officer because I was able to build coalitions in the design and execution of the Agency's DEIA program, generate excitement about what was in the realm of the possible, successfully advocate for resources, and position the program for a smooth transition to our current Chief DEIA Officer. Seeing the Agency rally to advance DEIA both in Washington and overseas was inspirational.”

Jesse L. Patterson III

Senior Policy and Health Equity Advisor

Bureau for Global Health

Hometown: Elkins Park, Pa.

Years at USAID: 11 years

“I began my professional career at USAID straight out of college because I believe in USAID's mission. I knew from day one that USAID will likely be the place that I retire from.”

“During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was detailed to the COVID-19 Unit where I served as the director for Health and Occupational Safety. I take pride in the recommendations I made to USAID leadership to keep USAID facilities closed at the beginning of the pandemic, which therefore reduced the likelihood of occupational exposures to COVID-19 for our domestic workforce. I wasn't always successful with my recommendations, but I was successful with some of the important ones.”?

Brioni Estela James Sanchez

Acting Senior Advisor for Advancing Racial and Ethnic Equity

Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation, Inclusive Development Hub

Hometown: Spokane, Wash.

Years at USAID: 15 years

“Having worked for the U.S. Peace Corps and the Inter-American Foundation at the grassroots level, I chose USAID for its mission, culture, and geographic scope. I shared USAID's mission to promote equity, reduce poverty, and provide humanitarian assistance. I was also attracted to the culture of inclusion, innovation, respect, and teamwork. Having worked primarily in the Latin American and Caribbean Region, I was interested in learning about development challenges and solutions across other regions. As such, USAID offered the opportunity to contribute development efforts and advance U.S. foreign policy priorities – a win-win proposition.”

Hope Williams

Manager EFM Unit

Office of Human Capital and Talent Management, Center for Overseas Human Capital Initiatives

Hometown: Baltimore, Md.

Years at USAID: 7 years

“In 2014, after … learning about the development and diplomacy sphere, I took a leap of faith to join my spouse in Kabul, Afghanistan. It was there where my worldview widened. I have worked in other federal agencies, yet here in USAID there is a holistic approach that allows a person to live out their professional careers by combining their passions and purpose. While there may be ebbs and flows along the way, USAID fosters an enabling environment to show up and contribute from where you are. Daily, this is my perspective—and why I continue to listen, learn, and lift as I climb in service to a purpose greater than myself.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:?Corey Fraze is a Senior Communications Specialist in the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs.