Purpose:

At Goddard Space and Flight Center (GSFC), the role of the Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) is to assist the Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) in pinpointing and eradicating any barriers that may hinder the outreach, recruitment, and/or employment of Native Americans. Through the eradication of any barriers that an employee may face, we strive to build an equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees can contribute to the success of GSFC and work to their full potential.

Overview:  

The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity - Goddard (ODEO) aims to protect the civil rights of all employees and further equity, diversity and inclusion at Goddard. The Native American Advisory Committee was created to serve as a collaborative partner with the SEPM and act as their eyes and ears in the GSFC community and share any concerns or issues raised in the workplace with the SEPM. 

The function of Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) is to assist in strengthening the outreach, recruitment, retention, and advancement for members of the Native American community at GSFC. Advisory committees serve as a partners that assist the SEPM in educating and advising changes at all levels of the Center’s leadership. The communication between the EOPO and Center leadership ensures equity, diversity and inclusion is not only aspiration, but is an actuality for all GSFC employees. GSFC is a workplace that values equal employment opportunity, creating an environment free of harassment and discrimination, and is built upon leadership that embraces inclusion of all employees.

Bi-annually Goddard’s NAAC present accomplishments and areas of improvement to the Center’s leadership team. In addition NAAC works alongside the Native American Program Manager to aid in identifying and developing resolution strategies that promote the participation and advancement of Native American employees at Goddard.

Several members of the NAAC, including the Native American Program Manager, also work closely with the NASA’s Minority University and Research Education Project for American Indian and Alaskan Native STEM Engagement (MAIANSE), as well as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE). In addition, NAAC members have participated in the national conference hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).

At GSFC, our devotion to diverse populations exceeds federal laws. We are dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout all facets of each individual’s identity. We believe our employees are our greatest assets, thus it is our duty to ensure each employee is given the opportunity, tools and resources to enhance his/her career beyond identity barriers. The NAAC plays a significant role in fulfilling the EOPO’s mission of cultivating a culture of equity, fairness and inclusion where diverse talent is empowered and leveraged to advance GSFC’s mission and operations.

Point of Contact at EOPO:

Name: Tamara Jackson, Program Manager

Email: Tamara.Jackson@nasa.gov

Advisory Committee Leadership:

• Orson John, Chair
• Andrew Falcon, Senior Champion