The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. This mission can only be realized if full participation in the research enterprise is open to all. Nevertheless, systemic racism and other barriers remain significant obstacles to achieving a diverse workforce. To address these barriers, NIMH must ensure a just and equitable funding process, support diversity-focused training opportunities, and encourage research into mental health disparities and other areas of interest to a diverse array of scientists.