Diversity and Inclusion at the FBI
Different backgrounds. One mission.
The FBI is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization's core values.
We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people.
We also understand we have work to do. We stand committed, as today’s FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
“One of the FBI’s priority initiatives is to build a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We all make better decisions when we have the benefit of different perspectives.”
- FBI Director Christopher Wray
Diversity Programs at the FBI
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The FBI’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was created in 2012 to provide guidance and implement programs that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that allows all employees to succeed and advance.
Culture at the FBI
As an FBI employee, you can get involved in a Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) or an Employee Resource Group (ERG). Employees can also serve as diversity and inclusion coordinators and participate in the Cross-Cultural Mentoring and Sponsorship Program.
DACs champion issues, solutions, and topics that affect underrepresented communities within our workforce. ERGs are informal, employee-led groups that connect employees with shared interests. Diversity and inclusion coordinators serve as extensions of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion within their local office. The Cross-Cultural Mentoring and Sponsorship program pairs mentors and mentees who represent different genders, ethnicities, or races to enhance networking opportunities and increase diversity in leadership.
Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce
Our attorneys, intelligence analysts, victim specialists, special agents, forensic accountants, civil engineers, and others represent every walk of life, color, race, religion, gender, orientation, ability, and talent. Each employee brings a unique skillset, lived experience, and perspective to their work—and this allows the FBI to most effectively achieve our mission on behalf of the American people.
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer and prioritizes the recruitment and retention of diverse, qualified talent across all positions. Interested in joining us? Visit FBI Jobs to see available positions and learn more about working at the FBI.
The Beacon Project
This effort began as a national community engagement initiative to enhance the FBI’s relationship with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and provide pathways to FBI employment through the Collegiate Hiring Initiative, the Honors Internship Program, and other entry-level opportunities.
The Beacon Project 2.0 expanded these efforts to more Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and began building relationships to recruit more Asian Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and women.
Cultivating partnerships with our Beacon schools helps us build trust with, and better represent, the communities we serve. The Beacon Project aims to foster genuine, long-lasting relationships between the FBI and the various underrepresented communities, strengthen our culture of inclusion, and diversify our workforce in service of our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.
From Our Beacon Partners
“The FBI is an anchor to the Jackson area. We’ve partnered in many ways, but today was even more important that we sign this agreement and that we open up this opportunity to colleges across the nation, especially historically Black colleges, (which) offer the value proposition of our students to the world.” —Carmen J. Walters, President, Tougaloo College
“We are collaborating to build those pipelines that will help the FBI meet their programmatic goals while offering law enforcement opportunities to our students.” —Thomas K. Hudson, President, Jackson State University
Our Work
In the News
FBI Continues Outreach and Recruiting at HBCUs
FBI leaders and executives from 25 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) met in Mississippi as part of a program created to strengthen community ties and improve the diversity of the FBI.
Community Outreach Seeks to Improve Hate Crime Reporting
In FBI field offices nationwide, agents and community outreach specialists are working every day to boost reporting in support of a comprehensive effort to combat hate crimes.
50th Anniversary of Female Special Agents
50 years after the first women entered the Training Academy, female agents are leading and shaping the FBI.
Additional links and resources
- Beacon Project Connects FBI, Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Behind the Scenes with Our Summer Interns
- Jennifer L. Moore Named Executive Assistant Director of the Human Resources Branch
- Larissa L. Knapp Named Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch
- Brian C. Turner Named Associate Deputy Director
