“Throughout our industry, when colleagues ask me why Jefferson is so proud to support the Coalition for Racial & Ethnic Equity in Development (CREED), my answer is clear: Who you are matters. Your village, your community, and your identity matters. International development creates the greatest impact when programs reflect, celebrate, and promote racial and ethnic equity throughout each intervention.

“USAID Administrator Samantha Power’s endorsement of CREED emphasizes the critical importance of holding the Agency accountable to the communities with which USAID partners. True accountability in international development prioritizes local ownership of ideas, strategies, project design, and implementation. Jefferson joins Administrator Power in recognizing that racial and ethnic diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to success when promoting democracies, developing economic opportunities, and delivering humanitarian assistance to peoples facing crisis and conflict.

“The CREED Pledge for Racial & Ethnic Equity (REE) shows our industry commitment to fair access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals without bias or discrimination. I urge all of us within the international development community to embrace CREED’s mission and lend your support by signing our REE pledge.

“The principles within CREED’s Pledge for REE are the foundation for Jefferson’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Council. Through our DEIA Council, Jefferson dedicates our employees and resources to ensure that racial and ethnic equity is embodied in our policies, systems, and company culture. Jefferson continues to educate our industry about the importance of the REE Pledge and promote our broader mission advancing racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion across the globe.”