Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Illustrative of the country we represent, Team USA shines with increasing diversity. From athletes to medical staff to employees, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is core to the USOPC’s sustained success and how we measure our impact.
“Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a core part of our values and how we lead. Together with our community, we have made forward progress and continue exploring ways to create a more inclusive space where all people belong. There will always be opportunities to do more, and we will continue championing inclusion through the power of sport.”
– Nitra Rucker, Vice President of DE&I and Talent
Flame Program
In 2023, the USOPC celebrated the 30th anniversary of FLAME, a program designed to inspire people of color to pursue careers within the Movement. The program helps participants build their networks and provides educational opportunities, hospitality offerings and more. Over the past 30 years, more than 800 professionals have gone through the FLAME program. This past year, two FLAME Program Alumni were welcomed to the USOPC as full-time employees.
“The FLAME program was the turning point of my life as a young professional. It not only introduced me to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, it also gave me the opportunity to become part of the team behind the team. Because of FLAME, I networked with various individuals and departments, which ultimately led to an internship during the 2012 London Games. That internship led to a contracted position for the 2014 Sochi Games. Ten years later, I am back at the USOPC as a full-time employee gearing up for the Paris 2024 Games.”
– Mylan Murphy, Athlete Marketing Manager
Continued Advancements #
Increasing diversity and ensuring inclusivity in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement is a key measure of our success. In 2023, we saw continued improvement in representation.
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2023 Diversity Scorecard
Women in the Movement – including NBG and USOPC staff, athletes, coaches, board of directors, committee members and NGB members – increased by one percentage point
People of color in leadership positions – including board of directors and committee members – increased by three percentage points
People of color within NGB and USOPC staff increased by two percentage points
Women within NGB and USOPC staff increased by two percentage points
We saw 50% growth and increased engagement across our five USOPC-sponsored, team member-led Community Resource Groups (CRGs) in 2023. These groups provide forums for exchanging ideas and fostering learning and allyship in the workplace for National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and USOPC staff.
Further equity and inclusion efforts have come from across the organization including a Digital Accessibility Hub and Policy to equip staff members to improve the accessibility of digital content and a policy to support intellectually impaired athletes.
We also hosted the first annual DE&I NGB Summit in 2023 as part of the NGB Best Practices Summit. The event included four sessions covering the creation of inclusive environments within organizations, event site selection in the current legislative landscape, mental health for DE&I practitioners and a roundtable on opportunities for collaboration.
DE&I Choice Award #
In 2023, the USOPC announced two winners for our annual DE&I Choice Award – an award presented to NGBs for the creation of a DE&I best practice or initiative, as voted on by the USOPC DE&I Advisory Council and NGB peers – across two categories based on NGB size and budget. This year, the two teams recognized were:
USA Fencing
USA Fencing’s award-winning initiative, “Fencing the Gap,” aims to increase representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women and people with disabilities in fencing. The initiative offers scholarships, small grants and incentivized programs to lessen the financial burdens attached to competing in nationally sanctioned fencing tournaments.
USA Water Ski & Wake Sports
For the second consecutive year, the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports team was recognized with a DE&I Choice Award. This year, “Veterans Adaptive Learn to Water Ski Program” was awarded for its ski clinics that provide individuals the opportunity to improve their independence, well-being and quality of life through adaptive water skiing.
