The Center for Equal Opportunity (CEO) is proud to announce that Ladisa Onyiliogwu, a distinguished alumna of our 2022 Civil Rights Fellowship, has been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Ms. Onyiliogwu, who holds a Master of Arts in Government from Johns Hopkins University, now holds the second-highest leadership position within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR). In this role, she will collaborate with Assistant Secretary Devon Westhill, a former CEO President and General Counsel, to shape and implement civil rights policies that impact millions of Americans.
The OASCR plays a critical role in ensuring civil rights compliance across the USDA’s extensive portfolio, which oversees over $150 billion in annual programs—from SNAP benefits to farm loans—touching nearly every American community.
The USDA’s official announcement specifically highlighted Ms. Onyiliogwu’s valuable training at CEO, stating:
“Ms. Onyiliogwu was a member of the inaugural class of the Center for Equal Opportunity Civil Rights Fellowship in 2022…. Her work is grounded in an abiding commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, the fair treatment of the law, and the affirmation of individual rights for all Americans.”
Proven Impact: CEO Alumni in Leadership
Ladisa’s appointment demonstrates the immediate and tangible impact of CEO’s talent development program. Our alumni are now making significant contributions across various sectors:
- Executive and Legislative Branches: Holding key positions at the Department of Justice, USDA, Department of State, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Agency, and Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Judiciary: Serving as law clerks in both state and federal courts.
- Military & Public Safety: Working as Judge Advocate Generals and prosecutors.
- Advocacy: Actively shaping policy through drafting amicus briefs, authoring influential op-eds, and founding new litigation non-profits to advance our shared mission for equal opportunity.
Indeed, CEO’s expanding alumni network has become a trusted resource for identifying exceptional candidates for key roles within the federal government and beyond.
Cultivating Future Leaders
CEO is dedicated to cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to reinvigorating equal opportunity for all Americans, both through the democratic process and civil society. Ladisa’s inspiring journey, from our inaugural 2022 class to the upper echelons of the USDA, showcases the effective pipeline we are building.
As we begin the selection process for our 2026 Civil Rights Fellowship, your continued support remains vital to ensuring this program’s lasting impact.
