Shalanda Young made history as the first Black woman to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under President Joe Biden’s administration. Appointed in March 2022, she had already been serving in an interim role for a year before officially taking on the responsibility. As her tenure comes to an end, Young reflects on her leadership, accomplishments, and the significant role of budgeting in shaping lives.
A Historic Leadership Role
Shalanda Young’s journey to becoming the first Black woman in charge of the U.S. budget was a remarkable one. Her tenure was defined by her dedication to addressing crucial issues such as education, child care, and healthcare for vulnerable families. “I’ve spent my career working on things that matter to people,” Young shares. “I want to make sure that the families who need it the most are supported, even if they don’t know my name.”
Young’s role at the OMB went beyond domestic policy. She played a key part in securing funding for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, showing her commitment to global democracy. Her leadership has proven that budgeting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values, priorities, and people’s lives.
A Leadership Built on Experience and Empathy
Growing up in rural Louisiana, Young’s personal experiences shaped her leadership style. She understands the struggles of communities that are often left behind and believes that the federal government should act as a safety net. “The budget is a reflection of a healthy democracy. It’s about ensuring that every child, no matter where they’re from, has access to education,” Young emphasizes.
Her philosophy centers on fairness and inclusion, ensuring that people from all walks of life are considered when making decisions. From her work with public schools to her efforts in expanding child care funding, Young remains dedicated to creating opportunities for future generations. “I don’t want to be the last Black woman in this role,” she says. “I want to make sure young girls see this and know they can do it too.”
Challenges and Achievements During Her Tenure
Throughout her tenure, Young faced several challenges, from managing disaster relief efforts to navigating the political tensions surrounding the debt ceiling. One of the most pressing issues she tackled was ensuring that critical funding for health programs, such as Head Start and child nutrition, remained intact, even during times of fiscal constraints.
In addition, Young worked tirelessly to secure funding for key programs, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to work across party lines earned her the nickname “Republican whisperer.” “It’s all about finding common ground and focusing on the end goal,” Young explains. Despite the deep political divisions in Washington, her work helped ensure that essential programs stayed funded and that Americans received the assistance they needed.
Navigating Partisan Divides
One of the most notable aspects of Young’s leadership was her ability to navigate the often partisan landscape of Washington. She earned respect from both sides of the aisle by focusing on the shared goal of improving the economic outlook for families. “It’s easy to stand behind talking points, but when you engage with people, you find that there’s more that connects us than divides us,” she says.
Despite the challenges of a divided government, Young remained committed to making practical progress. When the U.S. faced the risk of breaching the debt ceiling, Young was at the forefront of negotiations to avert a potential crisis. “The stakes were high, but the goal was clear: protect American families and keep the economy stable,” she recalls.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Shalanda Young?
As Young prepares to leave her position, she is focused on ensuring that future leaders continue her work in bringing fairness and transparency to the budget process. Her legacy is one of determination, leadership, and a commitment to serving the American people.
“I want to make sure that the values I’ve worked for—education, healthcare, and support for families—continue to be a priority,” Young reflects. “The work isn’t over, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
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