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Guidance on building better digital services in government

Guidelines for Digital.gov event presenters

This checklist is for people preparing to present at a Digital.gov event. You may find these guidelines helpful when presenting at other meetings and events, too.

Preparing your presentation

• Make your points relevant to federal employees, the primary audience for our events.
• Follow Digital.gov Community Guidelines . Don’t express your political or religious views, or use inappropriate language.
• Use plain language in both your slides and speech.
• Follow the “less is more” principle. Use fewer slides, fewer images, and less text.
• Expect some re-work after submitting slides. Be available to make edits.

Presentation slide requirements

• Submit slides 5 days before the event to [email protected] . Copy the event hosts.
• Submit slides in PowerPoint file format (.pptx).
• Keep the file size under 25 MB.
• To optimize images, select an image, then click File from the main menu. From the list of options, click on Compress Pictures . In the pop-up dialog box, select On-screen (150 ppi) in the drop-down list for Picture Quality , and make sure All pictures in this file. is selected for Apply to .
• Run the accessibility checker in PowerPoint before submitting slides to Digital.gov; remediate all errors and warnings, including “reading order.” Reach out to your agency’s 508 Program Manager if you need any help.
• Meet accessibility requirements, including:
• Use large text.
• Use typefaces (fonts) that are easy to read like Source Sans Pro or Merriweather.
• Limit the amount of text to include only your main points. Avoid extra text that you don’t plan to speak to.
• Use text that has a readable color contrast against background colors.
• Avoid complicated visuals such as patterned backgrounds, and overlapping photos or graphics.
• Don’t include visuals that you won’t be speaking about.
• Include slide numbers on every slide.
• Include alt text for every image.

Watch these presentations training videos for more information on creating accessible presentations.

• Link to government websites by default.
• Follow the GSA Linking Policy if you link to any non-government sites; all non-government links will require additional review and approval.
• Recommend and link to books, papers, or studies published by the federal government only. Do not recommend or link to content published by other organizations.
• Do not include video clips in the presentation; embedding or linking videos will require additional accessibility features.
• Do not include any potentially sensitive or personally identifiable information (PII), including the presenter’s geographic location, age, birthday, etc.
• Do not use copyrighted images, pictures, graphics unless your agency owns the image rights.
• Do not name (endorse) commercial products, services, or non-federal organizations.
• Do not use non-government logos such as Google, Twitter, Microsoft, etc.
• Use your .gov or .mil emails if you provide contact information for presenters. Do not list non-government company names or contact information.
• Share official agency accounts if you provide any social media accounts. Do not use non-government accounts such as your personal LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.

Day of presentation

• Dress professionally (business casual).
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Keep your camera on. This allows people to see you, including those who lip read.
• Only share the approved presentation slides; do not show other content during your presentation.
• Announce the slide number instead of saying "Next slide."
• To meet Section 508 requirements for accessibility, provide “audio descriptions” as follows:
• Say your name each time you begin to speak, or announce the new speaker when there is a speaker change.
• Describe all images on the slides.
• Speak to the text on the slides including any links referenced on the slides.
• Describe the information that is important for understanding the content.
• Try not to read your slides word-for-word.

Read these tips on how to create accessible multimedia content and make audio descriptions for more information.

Additional guidelines for presenters who aren’t federal employees

• We’ll send you Model Release and Gratuitous Service forms. Complete and return them to us as soon as you receive them.
• Do not advertise or appear to advertise your organization or its products or services.
• When referring to your role, state that you’re a contractor with XYZ federal agency. Do not identify your company by name.
• Share official agency accounts if you provide any social media accounts. Do not use non-government social media accounts.
• Use your .gov or .mil email if you provide your contact information. Do not list your private company contact information.

Join 60,000 others in government and subscribe to our newsletter — a round-up of the best digital news in government and across our field.

Digital.gov

An official website of the U.S. General Services Administration

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Public Speaking – Presentation Skills: How to be an Exceptional Presenter

Course description.

This 1 day local government course is designed to provide government employees with the skills to become more effective presenters of information in small settings, workplace meetings, and large forums.  The focus is upon three specific types of presentations: spontaneous, extemporaneous, and prepared-informative presentations.  The students in this class will learn by doing, receiving immediate feedback, as well as being provided with a model to self-evaluate as they use the techniques taught in this course back at their day-to-day jobs serving the public. 

Students will learn how to use non-verbal communication to enhance the delivery of their message, how to plan and prepare for a presentation, and how to objectively evaluate their presentations in order to work toward constant improvement.   This course is beneficial to any employee who might present information to the public, other government employees, or elected officials.  The skills provided in this course are vital to professional development and advancement.

POST Certification: 9070-21714 Course Certification Hours :  8

Course Tuition: $199

POST Reimbursement Plan IV:  Tuition for POST Reimbursable agencies is $199. While tuition, student travel and per diem reimbursement are normally reimbursable via Training Reimbursement Request (TRR) for this course, POST has temporarily suspended tuition and travel reimbursement for all POST Plan IV courses, with the exception of contract classes and those outlined in Attachment A of the POST Bulletin No. 2017-39. This course is not listed as an exempt course.

POST Non-Reimbursable agencies : Tuition is $199. There is no reimbursement for tuition, travel and per diem.

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellations received more than ten (10) business days prior to the start of the class will not be charged. If payment has already been made, it will be refunded. Cancellations received ten (10) or less business days before the start of the class will be charged at full price. This late cancellation charge compensates GTA for the non-refundable costs incurred prior to the start date of the course.

No Shows:  A No Show on the day of the class will result in a full charge for the class.

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Make Presentations (Complete Resources - Printable)

$1,650.00 inc GST

BSBCMM411: Make Presentations

Replaces superseded unit BSBCMM401: Make a presentation

This complete training and assessment resource suite contains the following items:

• Resource Instructions.
• Learner Guide.
• PowerPoint Presentation.
• Fully Mapped Formative Revision Questions & Model Answers.
• Fully Mapped Formative Practical Training Tasks.
• Fully Mapped Summative Theory Test & Model Answers. Unless a mandated assessment instrument is required.
• Fully Mapped Summative Practical Test (both Learner & Assessor Versions) Unless a mandated assessment instrument is required.
• Assessment Plan Document.
• Audit Mapping Document.
• Training & Assessment Strategy Template Document.
• Industry Consultation Template Documents.
• Validation & Moderation Process Documents.
• Session Plan Template Document.
• Training Logbook Document (where applicable).
• Training Sign-off Document.

All files are delivered in electronic format as a .zip containing editable Microsoft Office files (docx, pptx).

This suite of resources is covered by our update and audit warranties.

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Bsbcmm411_ppt, make presentations (presentation - powerpoint), bsbcmm411_tp, make presentations (training resources - printable), participate in sustainable work practices (complete resources - printable), your product has been added.

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Effective Oral Presentations: An Introduction

• Build your confidence as an oral communicator.
• Learn how to select and develop the content for your presentation.  
• Use the "B.E.S.T." formula to organize a presentation for maximum impact.  
• Discuss how to stick to the topic and avoid rambling.  
• Overcome nervousness, anxiety, and your fear of speaking before others.  
• Project control and confidence to your listeners.  
• Understand how to work with others to give a group presentation.  
• Learn how to enhance your career through presentations.  
• Receive numerous opportunities for hands-on, classroom practice!!!

If you feel uncomfortable speaking in front of others, then this is the course for you.  This course is designed to help you gain confidence in your ability to give effective briefings and presentations at work. To continue moving forward in your career, this is a skill that you must develop. The course is conducted in a hands-on, friendly, and supportive atmosphere to maximize learning.    

Course includes lunch, continental breakfast, refreshments, certifi cate, and all course materials.

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Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Spreadsheets Training Videos

How to make an accessible spreadsheet in microsoft excel.

The Accessible Electronic Document Community of Practice (AED CoP) created this series of videos to explain and demonstrate the minimum steps needed to ensure your Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is Section 508 conformant.

Module 0: Introduction & Background

Learn the minimum steps needed to ensure your Microsoft Excel worksheet is Section 508 conformant.

Module 1: Using Built-in Features to Organize Content and Ensure Logical Reading Order

Learn how to use built-in features (cell styles, heading levels, and data table formats) to ensure that spreadsheets and workbooks are structured in a logical reading order..

Module 2: Ensuring the Contrast Ratio Between Text and Background is Sufficient

When choosing the color palette for your slide designs, close attention must be given to ensure there is a strong color contrast between the foreground and background. See examples of good and bad color contrast, and the how to use tools to determine if your spreadsheet has sufficient contrast.

Module 3: Ensuring Color and Other Visual Characteristics are Also Described in Text

Discover how to use visual characteristics, such as color, size, shape, and location to convey meaning when creating your worksheet.

Module 4: Making Vital Background Information Accessible

Learn how to ensure that vital information, created as a watermark or placed in the Header or Footer of the slide, can be accessed by assistive technology.

Module 5: Using Built-In Features to Create Data Tables

Discover how to use the built-in table features so assistive technology can read the information in data tables in a meaningful manner.

Module 6: Adding Alternative Text to Images and Other Objects

Assistive Technology cannot infer meaning from images and other objects, such as pictures, images of text, images of tables, shapes, and icons with hyperlinks. Learn how to apply “alt text” to objects to ensure equal access to the information.

Module 7: Creating Links with Unique and Descriptive Names

Learn how to add links to a worksheet so that each link has a unique and descriptive name that allows assistive technology users to determine the destination, function, or purpose of links.

Module 8: Ensuring Descriptions of Embedded Audio, Video and Multimedia Files are Accurate

Learn how to embed audio-only, video-only or multimedia files into your worksheet so individuals with disabilities have comparable access to the information.

Module 9: Excluding Flashing Objects

Flashing objects cannot be considered accessible because they can cause seizures and, therefore, should never be used. Warning : This video demonstrates a type of flashing object that should never be used.

Module 10: Saving in the .xlsx Format with a Descriptive Filename

Discover how a descriptive file name identifying the worksheet or its purpose helps everyone, including people with disabilities, locate, open, and switch between documents.

Related Training Videos

• How to Make an Accessible Document in Microsoft Word
• How to Test and Remediate PDFs for Accessibility Using Adobe Acrobat DC
• How to Author and Test Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations for Accessibility

Before You Go

We're always working to improve the information and resources on this website. To suggest a new resource for this or another page, please contact us .

Updated : March 2023

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Politicians and dog experts vilify South Dakota governor after she writes about killing her dog

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been under scrutiny after she wrote in her new book about killing a rambunctious puppy. The story and the vilification she received on social media has some observers wondering if she’s still a viable potential running mate for Donald Trump.

FILE - South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem attends an event Jan. 10, 2024, at the state Capitol in Pierre, S.D. The Guardian has obtained a copy of Noem’s soon-to-be released book, where she writes about killing an unruly dog, and a smelly goat, too. She writes, according to the Guardian, that the tale was included to show her willingness to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly.” (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File)

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Politicians and dog experts are criticizing South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem after she wrote in a new book about killing a rambunctious puppy . The story — and the vilification she received on social media — has some wondering whether she’s still a viable potential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Experts who work with hunting dogs like Noem’s said she should have trained — not killed — the pup, or found other options if the dog was out of control.

Noem has tried to reframe the story from two decades ago as an example of her willingness to make tough decisions. She wrote on social media that the 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket had shown aggressive behavior by biting.

“As I explained in the book, it wasn’t easy,” she said on X. “But often the easy way isn’t the right way.”

Still, Democrats and even some conservatives have been critical.

“This story is not landing. It is not a facet of rural life or ranching to shoot dogs,” conservative commentator Tomi Lahren posted online.

Several posters described Noem as Cruella de Vil, the villain from the Disney classic “101 Dalmatians.” A meme features a series of dogs offering looks of horror.

“I’m not sure which thing she did was stupider: The fact that she murdered the dog, or the fact that she was stupid enough to publish it in a book,” said Joan Payton, of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America. The club itself described the breed as “high-energy,” and said Noem was too impatient and her use of a shock collar for training was botched.

But South Dakota Democratic Senate Minority Leader Reynold Nesiba considered the disclosure more calculated than stupid. He said the story has circulated for years among lawmakers that Noem killed a dog in a “fit of anger” and that there were witnesses. He speculated that it was coming out now because Noem is being vetted as a candidate for vice president.

“She knew that this was a political vulnerability, and she needed to put it out there, before it came up in some other venue,” he said. “Why else would she write about it?”

In her soon-to-be-released book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” of which The Guardian obtained a pre-release copy, Noem writes that she took Cricket on a bird hunting trip with older dogs in hopes of calming down the wild puppy. Instead, Cricket chased the pheasants, attacked a family’s chickens during a stop on the way home and then “whipped around to bite me,” she wrote.

Noem’s spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press about whether the dog actually bit her or just tried to do so, or whether Noem had to seek medical treatment. The book’s publisher declined to provide AP an advance copy of the book.

Afterward, Noem wrote, she led Cricket to a gravel pit and killed her. She said she also shot a goat that the family owned, saying it was mean and liked to chase her kids.

The response to the story was swift: “Post a picture with your dog that doesn’t involve shooting them and throwing them in a gravel pit. I’ll start,” Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on X. The post included a photo of him feeding ice cream off a spoon to his Labrador mix named Scout.

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign added a photo of the president strolling on the White House lawn with one of his three German Shepherds. Two of Biden’s dogs, Major and Commander, were removed following aggressive behavior, including toward White House and Secret Service personnel. The oldest, Champ, died.

Democrat Hillary Clinton reposted a 2021 comment in which she warned, “Don’t vote for anyone you wouldn’t trust with your dog.” She added Monday, “Still true.”

Conservative political commentator Michael Knowles said on his titular podcast that while Noem could have handled the situation differently, “there is nothing wrong with a human being humanely killing an animal.” He later added: “Fifty years ago, this political story would not have made anyone in most of America bat an eyelash. And the fact that it does today tells you something, not about the changing morality of putting down a farm animal, but about the changing politics of America.”

He later said that the story is “extremely stupid and insignificant” because Noem doesn’t have a chance of being selected as Trump’s running mate.

Payton, who is a delegate to the American Kennel Club and lives in Bakersfield, California, said the situation was a mess from beginning to end.

“That was a puppy that had no experience, obviously no training,” she said. “If you know a minuscule amount about a bird dog, you don’t take a 14 month old out with trained adult dogs and expect them to perform. That’s not how it works.”

The club itself said puppies learn best by hunting one-to-one with their owners, not with other dogs.

When problems arose she should have called the breeder, Payton said, or contacted rescue organizations that find new homes for the breed.

Among those groups is the National German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue, which called on Noem in a Facebook post to take accountability for her “horrific decision” and to educate the public that there are more humane solutions.

“Sporting breeds are bred with bird/hunting instincts but it takes training and effort to have a working field dog,” the group’s Board of Directors wrote in the post.

Payton described Cricket as nothing more than “a baby,” saying the breed isn’t physically mature until it is 2 years old and not fully trained it’s 3- to 5-years old.

“This was a person that I had thought was a pretty good lady up until now,” she said. “She was somebody that I would have voted for. But I think she may have shot herself in the foot.”

This story was first published on April 29, 2024. It was updated on April 30, 2024, to correct the spelling of Tomi Lahren’s name. She is Tomi Lahren, not Tomi Lahrenco.

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Solar Prize Round 7 Finalists Enter Last Phase of Competition

Ten teams will use cash award and technical support vouchers to make final advancements to their solar innovations.

A new group of competitors is moving on to the final phase of the American-Made Solar Prize Round 7 ! On May 1, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the 10 finalist teams who were each awarded $100,000 in cash and $75,000 in technical support vouchers for their innovative ideas for advancing solar deployment.

The finalist announcement was made at the conclusion of the second phase of competition, the Set! Contest, where 20 semifinalists participated in question-and-answer sessions with a panel of expert industry reviewers. The 10 teams that were chosen will now move on to the final phase, the Go! Contest, to bring their concepts closer to commercialization.

Among these finalists, three teams also split a $50,000 prize pool for their submissions to the optional Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest, which rewards impactful solutions that increase accessibility to solar energy among underserved communities. 

“The Solar Prize has been so instrumental in helping innovators get new solar energy projects off the ground and closer to the hands of consumers,” said Markus Beck, manufacturing and competitiveness program manager at DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. “The Round 7 finalist teams are already proving to be impactful at both the community and industry levels. I look forward to seeing their technologies continue to grow in the Go! Contest.”

The Solar Prize, funded by DOE’s solar office and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, was launched in 2018 to inspire innovators to devise solutions that could help boost the efficiency, cost effectiveness, and widespread adoption of solar power. The teams competing in Round 7 have been working on technologies across the spectrum, ranging from photovoltaic (PV) panel-covered carports to software that speeds installation and maintenance of PV panels to tools that expand community access to solar.

Meet the Finalists

The finalist teams moving on the last contest in Solar Prize Round 7 are as follows:

• 1Climate (New York City, New York) : This team is developing a solar regulatory platform for faster permitting by automating regulatory, permitting, contracting, and incentive filing processes. This will streamline the solar project development process, increase the ease of securing project financing, and monetize tax credits more reliably and efficiently.  
• Electra (Bellingham, Washington) : This team is developing a smart digital network for solar panel recycling to reroute retired solar panels from landfills to reuse locations or recycling facilities. This platform will optimize the collection, logistics, and matchmaking of solar panel recycling, leading to less waste and increased second-life opportunities. 
• EmpowerSun Solutions   (Aurora, Colorado) : This team is developing a platform for underserved communities that provides customized solar planning resources and connects landowners with pre-certified project partners. This innovation will help underserved communities, farmers, and tribal entities to effectively leverage their land for the development of solar energy.  JEDI Contest Winner
• Fram Energy   (Newburgh, New York) : This team is developing a platform to incentivize landlords to install solar by enabling both the renter and landlord to capture savings from a solar installation. This software helps the landlord select the best solar system for their property and distributes the benefits of solar to both the tenant and property owner, expanding renters’ access to solar energy.  JEDI Contest Winner
• Gridwave (Austin, Texas) : This team is developing a pre-assembled, modular solar carport for the commercial market to decrease costs and safety risks associated with current carports and expand solar electric vehicle (EV) charging. They will reduce costs compared to common solar carports by using off-site construction, a wind-load-reducing design, and automated 3D concrete printing and precasting. 
• Gritt Robotics   (Belmont, California) : This team is developing a solution combining robotics and artificial intelligence for automated construction of utility-scale solar. By converting off-the-shelf construction equipment into intelligent robots, this innovation will accelerate solar construction and improve worker health and safety. 
• Illumination Solar Training   (Jefferson, Wisconsin) : This team is developing portable, interactive solar training carts that provide affordable, hands-on solar training for communities and colleges. This solution offers relevant equipment, comprehensive concepts, and easy transport for real-world solar training to bridge the solar skills gap.  JEDI Contest Winner
• NC Solar Inverters   (Cary, North Carolina) : This team is developing a novel inverter design that leverages the high performance of silicon carbide technology but uses 40% less material, slashing inverter costs. This innovation will enable cost-effective, high-performance inverter technology to be manufactured in the United States. 
• Pavilion Solar   (Miami, Florida) : This team is developing a hurricane-resistant, structurally stable, accessible, and cost-effective solar carport. This innovation will increase residential solar adoption in hurricane-prone areas by providing a product that can endure storms and growing electricity needs. 
• Solar Unsoiled   (Durham, North Carolina) : This team is developing a software for large scale solar farms that provides optimized solar panel cleaning schedules based on a model that predicts daily soiling. This solution will increase system energy yield and reduce panel maintenance costs. 

Because the goal of the Solar Prize is to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies, by the end of the Go! Contest these finalists will be required to demonstrate the following:

• The completion of a prototype that incorporates lessons learned and feedback from potential users. 
• The commercial viability of their innovation through a committed pilot partnership or secured credible customers.
• The solidification of a core network of mentors and partners that can help advance the proposed solution (e.g., national laboratories, members of the American-Made Network , funders, and/or private partners).
• A long-term plan for the ongoing success of the effort—specifically, a compelling case that there is, or will soon be, sufficient funding in place to continue advancing this technology beyond this prize contest.

Teams will present their final innovations at the Solar Prize Round 7 Go! Demo Day at the RE+ Conference in September 2024. Two teams will then be named grand prize winners, each earning $500,000 in cash and additional technical support vouchers. Select teams may also be awarded additional funds through their participation in the JEDI contest.

Learn more about the Solar Prize , and subscribe to the American-Made Newsletter for updates on Round 7 and future opportunities to get involved. 

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President   Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of   Freedom

Today, President Biden named nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.   The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.   President Biden often says there is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together. These nineteen Americans built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations, and businesses that shaped America for the better. They are the pinnacle of leadership in their fields. They consistently demonstrated over their careers the power of community, hard work, and service.   The awards will be presented at the White House on May 3, 2024. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:   Michael R. Bloomberg   Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and three-term mayor. He revolutionized the financial information industry and transformed New York City’s education, environment, public health, and the arts.   Gregory J. Boyle   Father Greg Boyle is a Jesuit Catholic priest who is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program. He has helped thousands of Angelenos turn their lives around.   James E. Clyburn   Representative Jim Clyburn is the former Assistant Democratic Leader and Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives. Through three decades in the House, Representative Clyburn has transformed the lives of millions of Americans and created a freer country.   Elizabeth Dole   Senator Elizabeth Dole has served her country as a trailblazing United States Senator, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, and President of the American Red Cross. She leads by example through her Foundation’s support for military caregivers and their families.   Phil Donahue   Phil Donahue is a journalist and television pioneer who pioneered the daytime issue-oriented television talk show. Donahue was the first daytime talk show to feature audience participation and one of the most influential televisions programs of its time.   Medgar Wiley Evers (posthumous)   Medgar Evers (d. 1963) fought for his country in World War II and returned home to lead the fight against segregation in Mississippi. After he was murdered at his home at age 37, his wife Myrlie continued the fight to seek justice and equality in his name.   Al Gore   Al Gore is a former Vice President, United States Senator, and member of the House of Representatives. After winning the popular vote, he accepted the outcome of a disputed presidential election for the sake of our unity. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for his bold action on climate change.   Clarence B. Jones   Clarence B. Jones is a renowned civil rights activist and lawyer who helped draft Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Jones was instrumental in preserving Dr. King’s legacy and remains an outspoken force against hate.   John Forbes Kerry   Secretary John Kerry is a former Secretary of State, United States Senator, and the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. His bravery in combat during the Vietnam War earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star, and history will remember his public service career that has spanned seven decades.   Frank R. Lautenberg (posthumous)   Senator Frank Lautenberg (d. 2013) was a five-term United States Senator and New Jersey’s longest-serving Senator. He is remembered for his critical work on environmental protection and consumer safety across a number of fields.   Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky   Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history. An athletic prodigy, she has won seven Olympic gold medals and twenty-one world championship gold medals so far. She will continue to compete for the Nation who watches her in awe.   Opal Lee   Opal Lee is an educator and activist known for her efforts to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. More than 150 years after that day in Texas, she joined President Biden to officially make Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021.   Ellen Ochoa   Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman in space and the second female Director of NASA’s renowned Johnson Space Center. Dr. Ochoa has flown in space four times, logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, and continues to inspire young generations of scientists.   Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi   Nancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the House and has represented San Francisco in Congress for more than 36 years. A staunch defender of democracy, she has shaped legislative agendas and Democratic priorities for decades.   Jane Rigby   Jane Rigby, an astronomer who grew up in Delaware, is the chief scientist of the world’s most powerful telescope. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rigby embodies the American spirit of adventure and wonder.   Teresa Romero   Teresa Romero is the president of the United Farm Workers and the first Latina to become president of a national union in the United States. She has secured key victories to improve the lives of the workers who feed and fuel our Nation.   Judy Shepard   Judy Shepard is the co-founder of the Matthew Shephard Foundation, an organization created in honor of her son who was murdered in one of the nation’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. Her work has driven tremendous progress in our fight to give hate no safe harbor.   James Francis Thorpe (posthumous)   Jim Thorpe (d. 1953) was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal. The country’s original multi-sport superstar, he went on to play professional football, baseball, and basketball while breaking down barriers on and off the field.   Michelle Yeoh   Michelle Yeoh is an actress known for her groundbreaking work in a number of blockbusters over four decades. Recently, she became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Yeoh continues to shatter stereotypes and enrich American culture.

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