WASHINGTON D.C. - Truman Center for National Policy 501(c)(3) is pleased to welcome Raquel Gonzalez as Senior Visiting Fellow for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. In this role, Raquel will expand Truman’s recruitment outreach to underrepresented communities, design DEIJ training for national security leaders, and support diverse Truman members in the process of joining the federal government.

“Raquel has a strong track record of advocating for inclusive change and helping communities to realize that change,'' said Truman’s President & CEO, Jenna Ben-Yehuda. “Taken together with her own public service, Raquel offers a rare combination of talents uniquely suited to supporting the Truman membership of which she is a part.”

Raquel consults with organizations to maximize employee engagement and programmatic impacts. Over the past five years, she has helped four nonprofits design leadership development programs for next-gen leaders. She also spent four years in the New York State government, leading operations, policy-planning, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Earlier in her career, Gonzalez served as an appointee during both terms of President Barack Obama’s Administration at four federal agencies and the White House, supporting strategy, policy, and personnel.

“I am excited to build on Truman's impressive record of centering equity, increasing diversity, and championing inclusive cultures in the national security space,” said Gonzalez. “I am honored to be entrusted with this important work. It is a privilege to partner with the incredibly talented and committed professionals at Truman to advance our shared vision for making national security accessible to, and representative of, all of us.”

As a first-generation college graduate, Raquel believes that community engagement is essential in supporting underserved populations. She holds a B.A. in Community Studies, a dual M.A./M.S. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution, and professional certificates in positive leadership and diversity and inclusion.