About the Bureau

Census employees connect through Yammer.

“We should acknowledge differences, we should greet differences, until difference makes no difference anymore." - Dr. Adela A. Allen, Educator

Diversity is defined as all of the ways in which we differ. Among these differences exist visibly apparent characteristics such as race, gender, age, ethnicity, and physical ability and less obvious characteristics such as field/HQ, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, introvert/extravert, survey/administration, union affiliation, educational background, geographic location, and work experience. Effectively managing diversity means including people with differences in the design and implementation of programs and valuing their contributions.

The Census Bureau is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse world-class workforce that reflects the population we serve and measure. Through our diverse culture we can draw upon relevant features of individual backgrounds and better serve customers. Public cooperation is essential to Census work. It is our mission to be the preeminent collector and provider of data with respect to the various differences in and of the people and economy of the United States.

Diversity and Inclusion Office
DIO.diversity.office@census.gov
(301) 763-4060

Contact: Sheila D. McLaughlin, 301-763-9928

Champion: Carol Rose

CSCG was formed to create an organization that will promote excellence by sharing information, enhance our skill level through training, change the perception of our group, improve operational efficiency, network, and explore the future of our profession with the Census Bureau.

Contact: Brenda S. Holmes 301-763-8589

The American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) Affinity Group is an inclusive group committed to serving as a knowledge base resource for the Census Bureau. We promote awareness of diverse AIAN cultures and experiences while supporting efforts that produce meaningful statistics about our communities.

Contact: David Chan 301-763-9173

Champion: Brian McGrath

The Census APANet (Asian and Pacific American Network) is a volunteer employee organization formed in late 2001. We were chartered and formally recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau in April 2002. Our goals include promoting and effecting the full and equitable participation of Asian Pacific American employees by enhancing their career, professional and personal development and publicizing their contributions, accomplishments and capabilities. Membership is open to all current and former U.S. Census Bureau employees who support the goals of the organization.

Contact: Patricia J. Fisher, 301-763-3187

Champion: Steve Jost

The Association for Persons with Disabilities at Census is an assembly where people may openly and freely discuss the concerns and needs of persons with disabilities. We aim to foster a greater awareness and sensitivity for the concerns of those with disabilities within the Census Bureau; to assist Census Bureau employees with disabilities in reaching their fullest potential, unhampered by discrimination or any other restrictive barrier; and to enlighten and advise regarding the special issues of persons with disabilities at the Census Bureau.

Contact: Chuck Coleman, 301-763-6068

Champion: Steve Jost

Association of Autistic Census Employees (AACE)'s mission is to establish an autistic space where autistic census employees may discuss their concerns with assurances of safety and confidentiality and without expectation of conforming to neurotypical norms. AACE will represent the special issues of autistic persons at the agency while increasing awareness of neurodiversity within the Census Bureau. The membership is open to all current and/or retired employees of the Department of Commerce with a diagnosis of or reason to believe they should have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. Regular meetings shall be held at least monthly.

Contact: Cindy Espinoza, 301-763-7721

The Bilingual English and Spanish Taller (BEST) is a U.S. Census Bureau affiinity group that brings together English and Spanish learners to facilitate fun and informal language exchange.

Contact: Diane Barrett , 301-763-4208

Champion: Enrique Lamas

BIG is an employee support and advocacy organization whose primary mission is to promote and enhance educational and training opportunities for African Americans in government. We at the Suitland Federal Center Chapter (SFCC) further engage to maintain unity and development of African Americans in public service at the Census Bureau , as well as in our Nation's Capital and throughout the region.

Contact: Sean Kinn 301-763-8939

Champion: Brian McGrath

Census Acquisition Professionals (CAP)'s goal is to bring together acquisitions professionals from all areas of the Census Bureau, and provide opportunities for: team building, knowledge sharing, networking, and improving operational efficiency. Membership is open to federal employees only.

Contact: Jimmie Scott 301-763-4265

Champion: William (Bill) G. Bostic, Jr.

The Census African American Managers Group (CAAMG) is a recognized voluntary employee organization established in 1996 to promote full diversity at the Census Bureau with specific focus on the inclusion of African Americans. Our organization assists the Census Bureau in developing policies and strategies for recruitment and full representation of African Americans in all aspects of the Census Bureau work life. This includes initiatives and programs that impact employee development, recognition, upward mobility, and contributions to products and services. Membership is open to all current and retired Census employees at the management level (14 and above) who have a commitment to the mission of the group.

Contact: Angela Andrade 301-763-4917

The Census Bible Fellowship (CBF) is a multicultural group of current and former Census Bureau employees, along with their friends and family who gather together to study the Holy Bible. The style of the study is expositional. This involves reading the passages and seeking to explain the meaning of the Scripture in its full context. The studies include overviews of biblical history, geography, language (Greek and Hebrew), ancient culture and politics. Participation in the bible studies is open to all Census employees. Whether you are a Christian or are simply curious about the contents of the Holy Bible, we encourage you to join us at one or all of our weekly study sessions. Study sessions are held every Tuesday through Thursday from 12-1pm. Our monthly meetings are every second Thursday of the month from 12-1pm.

Contact: Steve Klement 301-763-6598

Champion: Theodore (Ted) A. Johnson

Census Bureau Veterans Group (CBVG) is a voluntary employee group of military veterans assembled to help raise awareness of veterans issues to senior leaders and support the organization's business practices by assisting with the recruitment of highly qualified veterans for employment at the bureau. Additionally, the group provide a network for veterans to share information on issues affecting veterans in and outside the workplace.

Contact: Jerry Douglas Imel, 301-763-4410

Champion: Brian McGrath

The Census Bureau Welfare and Recreation Association (CBWRA) was organized in 1950 to promote the health and well-being of employees and to provide athletic, social and other events and programs of an entertaining or educational nature. You can participate in the clubs sponsored by CBWRA (see the website) and take advantage of our many discounts--movie tickets, fruit, nuts, and more. You can rent camping and recreation equipment. Flu shots are available in the fall. A Weight Watchers program is conducted during lunch time. Check out our current events for all the latest news.

Contacts: Bill Lloyd 301-763-3963 and Jeff Hayes 301-763-5986

Champion: Brian McGrath

Census Chorale is dedicated to providing quality musical selections that reflect the diversity and traditions of all Census employees. The Chorale has performed in locations, such as Main Commerce, the White House, and the US Capitol. Chorale provides musical entertainment for events such as the CBRWA-sponsored Annual Holiday Program, Graduations for the Census Corporate University (CCU), Award functions, Swearing-in ceremonies for senior management officials and a variety of special agency events, such as the new building dedication. Membership in the Chorale is open to all Census employees, no auditions are required to join or perform with the group. Sight-reading sheet music is not a requirement for participation.

Contact: Cheryl V. Chambers 301-763-3572

Champion: Lisa Blumerman

Census Civility and Business Etiquette Group (CCBEG) serves as a resource for employees interested in sharing resources, reference materials, best practices, and other ideas aimed at improving workplace relationships, reducing stress, and increasing productivity.

Contact: John D. Epps 301-763-2747

The Census Cycling Club was established in 2013 by a group of Census Bureau employees. Our mission is to provide a network of support for cyclists at the Suitland Federal Center. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds interested in cycling to work, participating in recreational and sport cycling outside of work, and advocating for transportation programs and infrastructure that makes it safer and more convenient to travel.

Contact: Kristin McCue, 301-763-1835

The Census Health Research Group (CHReG) is an organization of Census employees who are interested in research related to health, health care and health insurance. CHReG plans to meet monthly and maintain a listserv and a SharePoint site to facilitate sharing information on new research findings, data sources, and conferences. We hope to attract an inter-disciplinary group of researchers who will enhance Census’s data and research in this area by learning from each other. Planned meeting activities include presentation of participants’ own work, discussion of outside papers of interest, and discussion of data needs for understanding the effects of health care reform.

Contact: Rosanna Torres 301-763-2513

Champion: Brian McGrath

Census Latino Employee Organization (CLEO) is a voluntary employee organization dedicated to the professional development of its members. It is a network for Hispanics to identify issues of concern to Hispanic employees and to bring them to the attention of Census Bureau executive staff. Individual members unite with the larger Hispanic community in the Census Bureau for professional and career development. CLEO is an open organization and welcomes support from individuals that endorse our objectives

Contacts: Terry Pennington, 301-763-7243 and Suzanne Dorinski, 301-763-4869

Champion: Brian McGrath

Census SAS Users Group (CenSAS) is an organization of Census employees who want to share their SAS knowledge with one another. CenSAS provides a forum for the exchange of information and promotion of new ideas concerning SAS and related products, to assist members in developing SAS skills, to inform the SAS Institute of products and services our members are interested in, and to provide opportunities to polish writing, presentation, and leadership skills of our members. CenSAS meets monthly, maintains a listserv for asking and responding to technical questions, maintains a second listserv for making announcements related to meetings and software releases and has a strong group presence on Yammer. CenSAS welcomes new members, regardless of level of SAS expertise. Join and learn!

Contact: Cathy A. Ayoob, 301-763-4961

Champion: Theodore (Ted) A. Johnson

The C.W.E.T. Shop Fitness Center's mission is to promote wellness and improve your quality of life both at work and away from work. The state-of-the-art facility offers an abundance of natural light with a view of the campus from one of the many pieces of cardio or strength equipment.With 13,000 square feet, the C.W.E.T. Shop also offers a Group Exercise Studio for over 20 classes per week, locker rooms with 24 showers and a shared conference room with the Health Unit for periodic Lunch and Learn presentations. The professional staff are equipped to assess all of your fitness needs with free evaluations and programs. Our services also include personal training, massage therapy, locker rental, towel service and more!

Contact: Charles Clark, Jr., 301-763-4060

Serves as a change agent, promoting awareness and an understanding of the importance of recognizing, valuing, and managing individual differences and similarities in support of Census Bureau programs and its goal of being an employer of choice and a workforce that represents America.

Contact: Bibi Z. Khan, 301-763-5495

Champion: Eloise K. Parker

The Empowering Women at Census is a secular nonprofit, nonpartisan and noncommercial organization that shall be supported by census employees and is open to all census employees. We, the Empowering Women at Census, is an Affinity Group that strive to provide support through training, lectures, and events that highlight issues related to women at the Census Bureau. We the Empowering Women at Census Affinity group focuses on networking, education and awareness, research, recruitment and retention, community outreach and to openly discuss issues and solutions. In addition, we the Empowering Women at Census will work collaboratively and in partnership with other Affinity Groups and the Census Bureau management to successfully carry out our mission.

Contact: Flo Tyler, 301-763-4256

Champion: Shirin Ahmed

The Census Women Count Chapter of FEW works to end sex and gender discrimination, to encourage diversity for inclusion and equity in the workplace, and to promote the advancement and professional growth of women through networking, mentoring and training. We strive to ensure that women are an integral part of the strong and capable workforce guided by the Census Bureau’s mission. Membership is open to anyone who shares the objectives of the organization. Government contractor employees are welcome.

Contact: Richard Lee , 301-763-5325

Champion: Brian McGrath

The Green Mountain People (GMP) is the Census Bureau's Outdoor Club, founded in 1989, hosts a wide variety of fun and interesting year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, tubing, rafting, kayaking, backpacking, and canoeing. Census Bureau employees, contractors, family, and friends are invited to participate. Do you appreciate the outdoors? Do you enjoy meeting new people? If so, consider joining us on our adventures!!!

Contact: Marguerite Molnar , 812-218-3473

This group will provide employees the support and motivation to achieve their healthy living goals i.e. lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, reduce the junk foods/snacks intake, etc. During the meetings, the group will work together toward achieving their goals through discussions about what has worked, what has not worked, and new ideas on different topics. The group will be utilizing different apps and websites to track progress and to help the group stay focused on their goals. The NPC Health Unit and the DOC Health and Wellness Programs website are additional resources that will be used.

Contact: Kiyona Miah 301-763-1238

Champion: Stephen L Buckner

Our network provides a forum for Census employees self-identified as “Millenials” (Generation Y) to serve as an outlet for transparency, professional collaboration, and openness. We facilitate professional networking and career development opportunities to shape our vision of leadership, which ultimately enhances the Census' business practices of recruiting, retaining and developing our generation's current and upcoming leaders. We strive to promote innovative forms of communication within and by the agency, utilizing the full spectrum of Web 2.0 technologies to maintain a high-quality workforce and guide our generation of employees today and in the future.

Contacts: Cynthia Shipley 301-763-3534 and Michael Snow 301-763-9912

Champion: Frank Vitrano

GLOBE resurrected as an employee organization in 2011. We aim to educate employees and managers about issues of concern to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Federal employees; serve as a resource to Census Bureau staff involved in the design, collection, and dissemination of quality data; and contribute to Bureau employee welfare and morale to foster a climate of diversity and inclusion. GLOBE strives to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in the Bureau based on sexual orientation, actual or perceived, and gender identity and expression, including, but not restricted to employment, assignment, promotion, performance evaluation, partnership rights, and benefits. We hope to enhance awareness in the workplace that sexual orientation and gender identity and expression are unrelated to an employee’s job performance; facilitate good working relationships among all Bureau employees; and foster social, entertainment and recreational events, cultural and educational pursuits, and professional development that will further the employment issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender employees. Membership is available to all active and retired Bureau employees.

Contact: Jeffrey Rosenthal, 301-763-3625

Champion: William (Bill) G. Bostic, Jr.

Toastmasters is the fun, proven way to improve your skills in presentation, leadership, organizational and networking. Members actively participate by serving a variety of meeting roles and/or presenting one of the four major types of speeches. Whether the member is giving an informative, demonstrative, persuasive, or special occasion speech, Toastmasters techniques are proven to develop and enhance members’ skills, as well as allow them to safely take risks and receive constructive feedback.

The Census Bureau hosts three Toastmasters clubs that meet on different days. The Census Bureau’s Toastmasters Clubs are a part of the Toastmasters International network and utilizes Toastmasters’ leadership and communication training programs. Club members advance their leadership and speaking abilities by completing projects in educational manuals. Club members may participate in speech contests and winners continue competing through the area, division, and district levels. They may even compete at the international level.

The Census Bureau recognizes Toastmasters participation as official training, and members’ achievements are recorded in CHRIS.

• Suitland Federal Toastmasters (Tuesdays) – Janet Freas, 301-763-1839
• Presidential Speakers Toastmasters (Wednesdays) – Tahira Murphy, 301-763-1425
• Fast Forward Toastmasters (Thursdays) - Jacquelyn Symonds, 301-763-7661