Ditas Talk Today- Farewell Speech US Bureau Of Census

Ditas, my youngest daughter is scheduled to talk here at THD Today, April 17, 2025 at 11AM in the Lobby. Her short bio. 

 https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/newsroom/bios/printable-bios/printable-bio-ditas-katague.pdf

The next day after Trump's took office, Ditas as Biden Presidential appointee has to resign from her position. This was Ditas last speech dated Jan 25, 2025 posted on her LinkIn Page 💚 

" Today was my last day at the U.S. Census Bureau as the Associate Director for Communications & Engagement. It has been a great honor to serve President Biden, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and alongside Census Bureau Director Rob Santos.

Over 30 years ago, I started my career in DC working for the late great Secretary Ron Brown - he gave me wise words back then, he said, "Ditas, if you want to make an impact in the public sector, you need to zig in and up, and zig out to the private sector and come back in to serve our government." I followed his advice, headed to NYC to work for Deloitte, then back to California to serve 4 Governors, directed 3 statewide decennial marketing and outreach campaigns (2000, 2010 & 2020), served as Chief of Staff at the CA Public Utilities Commission and government affairs in the private sector.

But by far, this job was my favorite one, where I was able to bring the successes and innovative engagement outreach models I developed in California to the national level. And to work alongside a talented team of communications and engagement professionals, who now understand the importance of "the missing middle" and the need to develop the "missing middle of the decade" engagement strategy. During these lean budget years, they must work smarter to build trusted messenger eco-systems and engagement frameworks that will lay the foundation for a complete count in 2030. Remembering that "if you want to meet people where they're at, you need to really know where they are." To create a national strategy, you have to make sure you are in touch with the local and state-level folks and stay connected to that missing middle.

As I contemplate my next role, I promise to continue to represent those who no longer have a voice, and remember to make room at the planning and decision-making table for those who may have been forgotten."

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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💚https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditas-katague/opportunities/job-opportunities/details/?profileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_normalized_profile%3AACoAAAD4qOkBTGwohEX1R7yTsh6wyTEWdKoCG1E&trackingCode=opento_nprofile_details&trk=opento_nprofile_details
Meanwhile, Did you Know That......

Danish schools teach empathy as a dedicated subject, known as “Klassen Tid” (Class Time), from ages 6 to 16. During these lessons, students discuss their emotions, personal struggles, and group dynamics in a safe and supportive environment. Teachers guide the conversations, helping students develop emotional intelligence, active listening skills, and conflict resolution strategies.

The goal is to foster cooperation, understanding, and social harmony—values deeply ingrained in Danish culture. Research suggests that teaching empathy can lead to higher emotional resilience, stronger relationships, and even improved academic performance.

If more countries implemented similar programs, it could cultivate more compassionate societies, equipping children with the emotional tools to navigate life with kindness and understanding.

Lastly, here are some photos of Ditas on her Adventure to the Australia Barrier Reefs after her Talk at the 2025 GLOBAL INDIGENOUS DATA SOVEREIGNTY CONFERENCE in Canberra last April 3.

Here's Ditas short video taken from the Barrier Reef Encounter Boat:

 https://www.facebook.com/reel/660926720006743

Lastly, Have A Blessed Maundy Thursday, EveryOne!

Inside the Boac Cathedral, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines