NASA announced Monday that it has created two new positions to "advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)." Bill Nelson, the space agency's administrator, announced that Steve Shih will serve as the agency's first diversity ambassador while Elaine Ho will serve as associate administrator for the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA Headquarters located in Washington. Both will start their new positions immediately.
These new positions, Nelson said in the press release issued by NASA, are the necessary step for space agency workers to reflect "all of America and to inspire partners throughout our nation."
Now, more than ever, NASA is leading all of humanity on an unprecedented journey of discovery, exploration and innovation. To be successful in our missions, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility must continue to be at the forefront. Steve and Elaine’s leadership will help NASA continue to ensure our workforce reflects all of America and to inspire partners throughout our nation – for the benefit of all humanity.
What do NASA's new jobs entail?
As reported by the space agency, Shih's job as diversity ambassador will be to work with NASA's various partners, including the federal government, the private sector, academia and other non-governmental organizations. His mission will be to "learn and promote best practices for NASA to recruit, hire, engage, and retain the most talented individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences."
Ho will join Shih as associate administrator of the Office of Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity. It's a job she has experience in since she also worked in the space agency's STEM Engagement Office. She led "a wide-ranging portfolio of projects benefiting students, universities, and educational institutions across the country to inspire, engage, and educate the Artemis Generation."
