News Release

Washington, DC -- U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James, speaking at the 2003 National Conference of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Orlando, FL, described the many programs that President George W. Bush and OPM have implemented to "give everyone an equal shot at success." In addition, James was presented with LULAC's prestigious Judicial Award, an honor bestowed for her leadership of the federal work force.

"To those of us who are deeply concerned with issues of equal opportunity and empowerment, improving Hispanic representation in the federal work force remains a critical goal," said James. "When President George W. Bush asked me to build a federal government that represents all of America, he wasn't stating a wish, he was voicing an imperative."

These efforts are showing movement, but there is much more work to be done. In an OPM report scheduled for release at the June 26 meeting of the Interagency Task Force on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government, OPM reports that federal agencies are hiring a larger percentage of Hispanic-Americans than ever before, with Hispanic hiring up 58.1 percent in FY 2002. This growth is three times the historical rate, and governmentwide, there are 38 percent more Hispanics among newly hired employees than in the overall federal work force.

James said that OPM is being proactive in attracting Hispanic-Americans to the federal civil service and then preparing them for advancement. She cited various strategic outreach efforts, including the placement of Spanish-language public service announcements with Hispanic media outlets, upcoming regional hiring fairs and increased employment links between OPM and Hispanic organizations.

James discussed the latest OPM initiatives designed to build a diverse work force. Two very important steps the agency has taken include the appointment of a Diversity Advisor to direct programs affecting Hispanics and other groups working for the federal government, and the aggressive recruitment of traditionally underrepresented communities for participation in it new SES Career Development Program.

In closing, James stressed the historic relationship LULAC has with OPM, and she thanked its members, many of whom are federal employees, for the work they and their agencies have done to create a diverse federal work force. "I am interested in working in close partnership with organizations that are dedicated to open dialogue, constructive engagement and results."

For more information on OPM Hispanic initiatives, you may go to www.opm.gov.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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