After serving as the first Black woman to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Shalanda Young is stepping down from her role.
Young, who formally assumed the position in March 2022 after serving in an interim capacity, brought her lived experience and values to the forefront during her tenure.
Accomplishments That Shaped Her Leadership
Reflecting on her time as OMB director, Young highlighted her efforts to protect and expand vital programs for American families, such as Head Start, child nutrition, and childcare funding.
She also emphasized the critical role OMB played in securing funding for Ukraine, defending democracy on a global scale.
“It just heartens my soul to think some family got a Head Start slot… and Mom can go get a part-time job, contribute to the family,” Young said.
A native of Clinton, Louisiana, Young credited her upbringing in a rural community for shaping her perspective on the importance of equitable access to education and resources. “The federal government should be that backstop so that every kid gets a basic education that can set them on their way,” she noted.
Navigating a Divided Government
Young became known for her ability to foster bipartisan collaboration, earning a reputation as a “Republican whisperer.”
She cited the recent debt ceiling negotiations as an example of the challenges and compromises required to prevent economic catastrophe, noting, “The key is action. Don’t get so stuck that you forget that people are waiting for assistance.”
Her leadership style prioritized clear communication with the American public, a skill she credits for helping demystify federal budgets. President Biden once complimented her ability to “speak like regular people,” a trait that allowed her to connect policy decisions to their real-world impacts.
Reflecting on Her Legacy
Young’s groundbreaking role as the first Black woman to lead OMB underscores the importance of representation in government.
“It still amazes me that I’m the first Black woman to sit in this chair and do budgets. I don’t want to be the last,” she said.
Despite her many accomplishments, Young acknowledged there is always more to do.
“If you are not leaving in your mind disappointed about the stuff you didn’t get to, then your vision wasn’t big enough,” she told The 19th News.
As she steps back to spend time with her family and recharge, Young hopes her work has paved the way for future leaders to continue advancing equitable policies.
