As the United States takes a hard look at racial injustice and inequalities, the stark imbalance within the ranks of America’s foreign policy agencies – from the State Department to USAID to the other development agencies – shows that we are not keeping up in this arena. While many have made commitments with the best of intentions, it is time for critical changes to bridge the gap of diversity and increase the recruitment and promotion of a diverse workforce and senior ranks of America’s foreign policy personnel.

Simply put, we have to do far better to ensure the face of America to the world looks like America.

I am pleased to see the recent hearings on Capitol Hill on this subject and the State Department’s plans for a new diversity task force. It is now time that America takes action to build a stronger and more diverse foreign policy professional community – both in and out of government. As advocates, we commit to doing our part to lift up and engage this next generation.