By Annika Moody, ODNI Office of Strategic Communications
Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Dr. Stacey Dixon delivered keynote remarks and participated in a fireside chat at the second annual GeoSpectrum Conference at Gallaudet University’s Kellogg Conference Hotel, Nov. 15.
The conference, co-hosted by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and Gallaudet University, is part of an ongoing partnership designed to increase research, engagement and recruitment opportunities in STEM fields.
“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that aids in the educational experience of Gallaudet students by bringing them closer to the geospatial-intelligence mission,” said Dixon. “In turn, it also opens up new opportunities for NGA to further invite great talent into its workforce.”
During her keynote, Dixon stressed the importance of a diverse workforce and the commitment that the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and the Intelligence Community have to attaining that goal.
“When it comes to diversity and inclusion within the Intelligence Community, I always stress that it must go beyond demographics,” said Dixon. “It extends to the need for diversity of thought, diversity of backgrounds, and diversity of experiences and perspectives, and it is something we need to be committed to each and every day.”
The fireside chat, moderated by Tom Temin from Federal News Network, included Dixon, NGA Deputy Director Tonya Wilkerson, and Gallaudet University President Roberta Cordano. The panel discussed opportunities in the IC for all majors, steps that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the IC are taking to improve accessibility and the traits and perspectives the deaf community can bring to the table to provide advantages in national security.
The theme of the event was Diversity and Equity in Analysis: The Power of Visualization. Dixon asked the audience to visualize different job fields in the IC and then to visualize themselves as a part of that team. “We need you,” said Dixon.
“We can only succeed in our mission if our team reflects the diversity of the nation and constantly looks to promote an environment where we can all be successful – not in spite of our differences, but because of our differences,” said Dixon.