HHS Leaders, Leading with Purpose: Stories that Inspire Change

Karen T. Comfort, our new Chief Diversity Officer, shares her inspiring journey from visiting her mother’s office at HHS as a child to leading DEIA programs today. Her story reflects a lifelong dedication to public service and highlights the transformative impact of DEIA at HHS.

“I take the charge of enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans personally. And it starts from within. My responsibility as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer is to lead DEIA efforts across HHS; to engage leadership, retain talent, and foster a culture of belonging that promotes the development of each HHS employee.”

Secretary Xavier Becerra shares how our DEIA values uphold the HHS legacy and advance our future.

“To unlock the full potential of our team, everyone must feel welcomed, valued, included, seen, heard, and respected. We all deserve, and benefit from, the feeling that we belong.”

Robin D. Bailey Jr. grew up in Pacolet, SC, served in the Air Force for 5 years, and has 33 years in federal service. At CDC, he leads DEIAB efforts, driving cultural change and supporting a diverse, equitable workforce. His journey includes overseeing SNAP policy and advancing DEIAB milestones post-COVID-19.

Tiffany Brown’s journey from facing high school skepticism to becoming CDC Deputy Chief of Staff showcases her resilience and commitment to DEIA. Overcoming initial discouragement, she excelled academically, graduating as a 4.0 honor graduate from Spelman College, and further pursued degrees in Biochemistry, Public Health, and Law. Inspired by systemic racism reflections in 2020, she emphasizes collective efforts to mirror the diversity of the populations served by HHS.

Cheryl R. Campbell learned from her parents to always help others. Her father, a WWII veteran, faced prejudice but fought for freedom. Inspired by his resilience, she champions DEIA at HHS to ensure equity and inclusivity for 90,000 employees, fostering a supportive environment.

Admiral Rachel Levine, the first transgender Senate-confirmed appointee, leads DEIA efforts at HHS. Her career focused on inclusive healthcare and policy updates, ensuring equitable care for LGBTQI+ communities. She emphasizes the importance of SOGI data collection to address health disparities and promote community thriving. HHS champions DEIA through improved data practices, policy changes, and inclusive health initiatives.

Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Reginald Mebane leads DEIA efforts at the CDC, fostering an inclusive culture. His journey from witnessing Memphis's 1968 sanitation workers' strike to directing the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Equity emphasizes education, respect, and systemic change. Mebane's initiatives include diverse hiring, mentoring, and policy reform to ensure equity and belonging. His leadership calls for active participation in DEIA, aiming for continuous improvement and collective progress.

Explore the compelling story of Christina Ballance, Executive Director of the National Labor and Employee Relations Office. Christina’s journey is shaped by her experiences growing up with stories of political tensions in Cuba. These experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities afforded by American democracy—freedoms she is now committed to upholding and expanding within HHS.

From transforming labor-management relations at HHS to fostering collaboration between unions, management, and employees, Christina’s story is a powerful example of how leadership and empathy can drive meaningful change. Her efforts have paved the way for a more inclusive workforce, aligned with the broader mission of HHS to improve the health and welfare of all Americans.

Dia D. Harris’ journey is one of perseverance, mentorship, and a deep commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). As the inaugural Chief Equity Officer of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Dia’s story is not just one of personal achievement but also of a return to his roots. From his early days in the Head Start program, which now falls under the ACF umbrella, to his current role, Dia’s life has come full circle. His experiences, both personal and professional, have uniquely shaped his approach to fostering equity and inclusion in all facets of his work.

Robert S. Tagalicod’s journey is shaped by a family legacy of justice and service, driving his commitment to DEIA at HHS. As Chief of Staff in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, Robert leverages data to remove barriers and ensure the HHS workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. His leadership focuses on creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, guided by his personal experiences as a gay, Asian Pacific Islander American. Robert’s work aims to embed DEIA deeply into HHS’s culture, fostering a more equitable and effective organization.

RADM Denise Hinton, inspired by her military family's values of service and integrity, leads DEIA efforts as Deputy U.S. Surgeon General. She is committed to diversifying the U.S. Public Health Service and ensuring equitable healthcare for underserved communities. Her work focuses on breaking barriers, mentoring future leaders, and promoting inclusion within HHS and beyond.

LaKeisha McClendon, inspired by her Baltimore upbringing and community, leads DEIA efforts as Director of the FDA’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace through strategic planning, mentorship, and eliminating barriers within the FDA and HHS. Her work focuses on breaking down systemic challenges, enhancing diversity across leadership roles, and promoting a culture of belonging. With a data-driven approach, she is committed to ensuring that every employee has a voice and the opportunity to succeed.

Samantha Illangasekare, inspired by her parents’ academic legacy and her passion for public health, serves as the Deputy Director of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Her work is grounded in advancing equity and improving the well-being of children, families, and communities. Through rigorous, data-driven research and evaluation, Samantha guides ACF’s strategic direction in areas such as domestic violence prevention, healthy relationships, and fatherhood programs. Her commitment to diversity and evidence-based policy is at the heart of her leadership in shaping ACF’s research and data strategy.