Hi, I’m Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo.

America’s diversity is a competitive advantage, but only if we give everyone an opportunity to participate and fulfill their potential.

That means women. That means people of color. That means people who live in rural areas and on tribal lands.

At the Commerce Department, we’re centering equity in all the work we do.

We’re implementing policies and programs designed to reach historically underserved communities, businesses, and individuals.

We’re creating a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace at our department.

We’re building systems to collect data and measure our progress.

And we’re setting up the infrastructure to institutionalize our commitment to equity for years to come.

Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, we have new investments that are helping to get the job done.

Using a half billion dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration has launched the Good Jobs Challenge.

This program will help Americans develop the skills they need to get good quality jobs, while also providing wraparound services like childcare and transportation during their training.

And through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration will invest billions to close the digital divide and bring high-speed, affordable Internet to every American.

But we can’t do this work alone. Businesses, educational institutions, and communities are all essential to creating a more equitable economy.

Join us, and together we can ensure all Americans have the tools and support they need to succeed.