Profiles of African Americans at EPA: Tracy White
Profiles of African Americans at EPA
Tracy White, Program Analyst
Office of Mission Support
Washington, DC
Where were you born?
I was born in Monroeville, AL.
What brought you to EPA?
As an undergraduate student, I majored in environmental science because I wanted to learn more about how we impact the environment and what we can to do to protect it and ourselves. I always wanted to work here and was fortunate to get a job with EPA.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
During my ten years with the agency, I've held a variety of positions in different offices. Recently, I joined the Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach, where I focus on diversity and inclusion efforts at the EPA. I contribute to our office's quarterly report that gives a quick overview of diversity in EPA's workforce. I serve as the liaison for four of the ten Special Emphasis Programs Managers Advisory Councils. In this role, I also work with these groups in planning their respective celebrations during Asian American-Pacific Islander Month, Women's History Month and Native American-Alaskan Native Month.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I received my masters in soil science from Alabama A&M University.
What message would you like to send other Black/African Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
Personally, I'm inspired by a quote by the American writer Ralph Ellison: "Education is all a matter of building bridges." A college degree doesn't necessarily guarantee a job in your major, but it is a critical step for entering the workforce. College is the gateway to the "real world."
While I'm partial to the environmental protection field, I think that to be successful in any career choice, you first must be passionate about that field. In addition to taking the required science courses for environmental protection majors, I would also encourage students to take courses in policy and business administration/management, particularly if they want to pursue a career in government. Regardless of your ultimate career choice, you should always strive to make the environment better for the future.