Alumni Changemaker: Josh Diosomito

Josh Diosomito embodies the values of compassion, leadership, and courage. As a son of immigrant parents (born and raised in Los Angeles), Josh Diosomito developed his passions for understanding multi-racial/multi-cultural identity and the inclusion of underrepresented groups at an early age.

He cultivated these passions for diversity and representation as a student organizer and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He advanced these efforts and earned a dual master’s degree in Public Administration and International Relations (MPA/MA-IR) from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and the Pentagon inspired Josh to give back and serve his country. He began his federal service career at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO—often called the “congressional watchdog”—is an independent, non-partisan agency that examines how taxpayer dollars are spent and advises Congress and federal agencies how to improve government efficiency and effectiveness. Josh is a Senior Homeland Security Analyst and leads audits and investigations to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As an Analyst-in-Charge, he manages a team of analysts, applied researchers, and attorneys to examine DHS aviation, maritime, and border security operations. He has traveled extensively (domestic and international) representing GAO—including overseas visits to Cuba, Japan, Argentina, and the Netherlands, among others—and has received multiple GAO honor awards for his service.

Josh also serves as a certified DE&I facilitator and partners with organizations to enhance awareness of DE&I issues—including implicit bias, allyship, and emotional intelligence in the workplace. From workshops to coaching to presentations, Josh has developed a multi-faceted approach to support sustainable DE&I efforts which brings about new levels of respect and healthy communication.

His DE&I contributions for GAO and other organizations were the featured cover story in the national diversity magazine, Equal Opportunity.

“Creating a culture built on inclusion and compassion can be difficult and confusing. Far too often we are worried about saying or doing the “wrong thing,” but I’ve learned that the worst conversation about race is the one not had."

As the Co-founder & Board Member of the National Alumni Advisory Council for the Public Policy and International Affairs Program and former Board Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Group of the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board, he continues to expand his influence.

Josh Diosomito has cultivated the skillset to guide others in moving outside of their comfort zone and taking part in more authentic conversations. He has mastered the art of creating safe spaces and is using it as a way to bring greater awareness of DE&I issues to individuals, workplaces, and communities.

Thank you Josh for the compassion and courage you initiate in others. As you masterfully guide people to explore differences, they come to appreciate and value them. What a tribute to the greater good and to the potential of individuals, organizations and society. You are truly a champion of empowerment and visibility and your work ignites the hearts and minds of future leaders.

Read more Changemaker profiles here!