Throughout Black History Month, we are taking time to honor FEMA employees who help to make our nation safer, stronger and more prepared. Justin Akuffo is one of these individuals.
Justin currently serves in a leadership role as the Special Assistant to the Director of the DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. At the center, he works to further the mission of fostering partnerships between government and faith-based organizations. This vital work helps to increase the nation’s resilience by creating trust and building bridges across the whole community.
“I’m really excited to support the DHS center by building partnerships with our diverse range of stakeholders — most specifically Historically Black Colleges and Universities — to advance equity in emergency management,” said Justin. “I believe in the mission because it will achieve equitable outcomes for those we serve.”
Justin is no stranger to building strong communities. He has a long history of managing and assisting with donations and fundraisers for churches, schools and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as a youth mentor for the nonprofit organization Capital Partners for Education in the Washington, D.C. area.
With over ten years of human resources experience, Justin has always focused on how he can help others. In his first year working for FEMA as a reservist in 2016, he deployed 13 times.
The agency’s focus on equity is something Justin is proud to be part of.
“It’s great to see the concept of equity as a foundation of Emergency Management included in FEMA’s Strategic Plan,” he said. “It makes me proud to be not just a part of this agency, but also a part of organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which continues to acknowledge the great work of African Americans and meet the needs of underserved communities.”
Justin said Black History Month is a great opportunity to continue the agency’s efforts to focus on equity.
“Black History Month means acknowledging, honoring and celebrating African American achievements,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to understand the challenges African Americans face, but also celebrate our resilience.”
Join us in celebrating Black History Month as we continue to highlight the diverse faces of FEMA.
To join our team, visit FEMA.gov for the latest job openings.