Plant Protection Today: USDA’s Julie Hong-Sakowski Supports White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

USDA’s Julie Hong-Sakowski gathered with other federal colleagues at the annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific

Cover Photo: USDA’s Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance National Operations Manager Julie Hong-Sakowski (back row, left) gathered with other Federal colleagues at the second annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Federal Employee Leadership Development Conference in Washington, DC.

A Professional and Personal Journey of a Lifetime

By Sharon Lucik

Last fall USDA’s Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance (SITC) National Operations Manager Julie Hong-Sakowski decided to step back from her regular responsibilities safeguarding U.S. agriculture and natural resources, and take on something new. That’s when she learned she was selected for a temporary detail to support The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI).

“I was shocked to be selected to serve on this Initiative,” said Hong-Sakowski. “It was an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful for the experience.”

During the detail, Hong-Sakowski served on the WHIAANHPI Interagency Working Group (IWG), which was responsible for assisting with a whole of government approach to managing issues faced by AA and NHPI communities. Their work included developing a foundational document to address language access and other barriers that hamper access to government benefits and services. The IWG’s efforts will help Federal agencies develop best practices and guidance to address language access needs.

According to the U.S. Census, approximately 68 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home. The data also show there are higher rates of limited English proficiency in certain communities. WHIAANHPI is dedicated to working with other White House Initiatives to improve access to government resources.

Hong-Sakowski grew up in a multilingual immigrant household, which became an asset when starting her USDA career. As a SITC officer, she frequently used her knowledge of English, Cantonese, Taishanese, and Mandarin to build bridges with stakeholders. “My lived experience informs who I am today. I’m more cognizant of the negative perception associated with government employees from immigrant communities and try very hard to counter that perception.”

Before Hong-Sakowski returned to her SITC post in April, she attended the second annual AA & NHPI Federal Employee Leadership Development Conference in Washington, DC. This sold-out event focused on developing leadership skills and competencies at all levels of the federal workforce.

“WHIAANHPI was an opportunity for me to grow my leadership skills outside of USDA and be part of a community that highlights the invaluable contributions of AA and NHPI communities across all sectors,” said Hong-Sakowski. "This experience inspired me to apply what I learned at WHIAANPI to my SITC role.”

President Biden’s Executive Order 14031 (signed May 2021) established the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (Commission) and reinvigorated WHIAANHPI, establishing both under the Department of Health and Human Services. EO 14031 and EO 13985 (signed in January 2021) are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s national strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunities for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.