African American Women’s Network: The art of advocacy, the practice of justice

WASHINGTON, D.C.— As we wrap up Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of advocacy through the lens of the agency’s African American Women’s Network.

“AAWN aims to create excellent experiences for AAW in the Forest Service by providing a safe ecosystem that recognizes we are not a monolith but a beautifully complex community of disparate experiences, talent, interests and passions.” – Erika L. Davis, AAWN charter member and president, 2022-2024

The canvas—In search of representation

In 2022, AAWN began with a blank canvas and has since created a work of art while advocating for employees and making a profound impact on our organization and community.

At the time of AAWN’s charter, Black women represented only 1.4% of the Forest Service’s workforce. The challenge of underrepresentation was recognized at every level of government, and the Forest Service committed to being a beacon of change. 
Heeding the call to lead, the founders of AAWN drew lessons from the past as they volunteered to stand at the forefront of driving positive departmental change through advocacy. With support and encouragement from the African American Strategy Group, AAWN emerged.

“AAWN has given rise to a community, but we’re more than a network. It’s a space for empowerment and growth, where we have meaningful conversations and share stories and insights. The collective strength has become a support system and catalyst for personal and professional growth and advancement. We celebrate wins and uplift one another. We’ve cultivated an environment that’s about thriving and prospering.” – Shamina Dillard, AAWN charter member and vice president, 2022-2024

A palette of perspective

Committed to giving voice to under-represented women, AAWN kicked off its efforts by capturing and the voice of the employee. During a series of listening sessions, AAWN gathered the information needed to make real change. And African American women were heard, contributing solutions for employees, the agency and the community at large. Based on the engagement and excitement from this first effort, AAWN joined forces with AASG, with support by the Urban and Community Forestry program, to extend the listening session effort and to amplify the voices of African Americans in the Forest Service.

A picture of growth

Beyond advocacy, AAWN is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of our employees. Listening to the voice of the people, AAWN executed bi-monthly professional development webinars, empowering individuals to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for advancement. AAWN also extended invitations to women to attend professional development events, including the Federally Employed Women National Training Program. These activities sparked meaningful conversations, purposeful career development actions and hope.

“Many are called to do or be something other, the proverbial box. We support African American women glowing more brightly by feeding them a steady diet of love acceptance and authenticity.” – Erika L. Davis, AAWN charter member and president, 2022-2024

Strokes of insight

Growth and change transcend the workplace. The history of injustice that has afflicted women and all people of African descent is sobering. AAWN, along with AASG, gathered members to learn from the past so that they could lead into the future.

“When I think of the work I’ve done with AAWN, I think about legacy. Though legacy makes us think of the past, our legacies are being created today. What can I do today to make things better tomorrow? What mark do I want to leave in this space? I’m so proud that AAWN will be a part of my Forest Service legacy. ” – Shamina Dillard, AAWN charter member and vice president, 2022-2024

A splash of inclusion

Community is the cornerstone of AAWN’s efforts to drive change and amplify voices. The women of AAWN are building an infrastructure to encourage connection, nurture relationship, and celebrate accomplishments. Inclusive in nature, AAWN has extended the network to Black women across USDA, and continue to seek opportunities to engage, educate and execute change. Through intentional collaboration with Forest Service agencies and employee resource groups, courage to try new and innovative strategies, and a commitment to service and sisterhood, AAWN is model of tangible change through advocacy.

As AAWN executes its 18-month strategic plan, including the USDA-wide Forum Feb. 29 at the intersection of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, AAWN stands ready to continue doing the work to bring about representation and change within the Forest Service.

AAWN is united in its commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all—during Black History Month and beyond.