As the U.S. faces a unique set of 21st-century challenges, Truman as an organization is uniquely suited to offer expertise on national security challenges with foreign policy implications. Recently, I was asked to represent Truman at the Pentagon with the Secretary of the Air Force to offer comments on the 2025 budget. I was asked to attend this roundtable due to my subject matter expertise in arms control and international security. A portion of the roundtable discussed budgetary needs of Space Force and my research is concentrated on the militarization of space. It was an incredible opportunity to have a seat at such a table offering insights about space assets and looming threats.  As a relatively new Truman, class of 2023, that experience drew me closer to the community.

Being blunt for a second, oftentimes as a Black woman security expert, I am often asked to offer commentary and analysis on diversity issues. I’ve done social justice, DEI+ work since the early 2000s and will continue to do so, I also have substantive expertise to offer. As the problem’s been diagnosed for decades, how do we actually get to equity, justice and belonging?

Tapping into the deep expertise of Truman is how the commitment to diversity and inclusivity is realized. As I get invited to roundtables, I am often the sole Black person of any gender in attendance. This should not be. Truman has an opportunity to normalize diverse representation in these elite and influential spaces. We all have a stake in our country’s success, and we must meet 21st-century challenges by genuinely including diverse solutions. This is not a time to retreat from what makes the U.S. strong, unique, and resilient. To have a truly inclusive and equitable future for our sprawling community, members must feel seen and heard as practitioners and experts.