Eunice Laverne Byrd
LaVerne Byrd is the Vice Chair of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. The purpose of the Council is to act as an advisor and catalyst to the U.S. Census Bureau on diversity issues. In her role as Vice Chair, Ms. Byrd provides strong leadership to the Council and ensures the advancement of its purpose and goals such as reviewing policies, practices, and procedures regarding the U. S. Census Bureau’s organizational systems (i.e., hiring, retention, promotion, quality of work life programs, training, etc.) that impact the workforce. In addition, Ms. Byrd monitors and provides recommendations on diversity management at all levels (internal and external) of the agency; facilitates communications to improve awareness about diversity issues and initiatives throughout the agency and Department of Commerce; and promotes diversity awareness, understanding, and activities.
Under Ms. Byrd’s leadership, the Diversity and Inclusion Council has established approximately 50 employee Affinity Groups (AGs) that promote awareness of issues effecting employees of the group; provide employee support systems; and advocate for issues negatively affecting group members. The AGs are a valuable tool in implementing the Council’s Strategic Plan in the areas of recruitment and retention. Ms. Byrd is a devoted advocate for Census AGs and supports AG Leaders by approving funding for training opportunities.
Ms. Byrd is also a member of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Labor Management Council, which works collaboratively to enhance the work/life balance of the Census Bureau. Ms. Byrd worked diligently to bring Telework and flexible work schedules to the Bureau. She also serves on the Department of Commerce’s Labor Management Forum where she is dedicated to the exploration of pay equity between genders and she is a member of the Department of Commerce’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.
Ms. Byrd actively serves as 1st Vice President of AFGE Local 2782, Women’s Coordinator for Council 241, and is the Local Political Coordinator representing employees at the Census Bureau. Ms. Byrd is active in the community and serves on the Board of the Prince George’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), an organization that advocates for children in foster care involved in the juvenile court system.
Ms. Byrd works as a Survey Statistician in the Economic Indicators Division at the U.S. Census Bureau and has a B.S. in Business Administration.
Ms. Byrd believes strongly in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
