Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA)

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A diverse workforce and inclusive culture drive LLNL’s innovation

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), our leaders and employees are committed to creating an environment where we respect and value the diverse talents, perspectives, ideas, backgrounds, and life experiences of all employees. We believe this gives rise to the most innovative ideas and fosters our ability to take on and solve grand challenges that our mission demands.

Investments in the development of our workforce and in the practice of “team science,” and the team approach throughout LLNL, are a vital component of our success. We are always expanding the definition of “team” through a healthy research culture of workforce diversity, inclusion, mutual respect, openness, interdisciplinary teaming, and partnerships.

See Our Core Beliefs

Developing our employees and our Lab’s culture

We have a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment that offers a variety of ways for employees to engage, learn, and share perspectives.

We invest in our employees by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth through continuing education, invited speakers, "Lunch and Learn" meetings with leaders, workshops, development courses, employee resource groups, and celebrations.

For more about the various educational opportunities, employee resource groups, and community events at LLNL, visit Employee Engagement.

See Employee Engagement

Our People in Action

Our employees form diverse, multidisciplinary teams of talented individuals who share a collective passion for results.

Explore their stories, learn more about their areas of work (e.g., Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H), Science and Technology (S&T), and Operations and Business (O&B)), and see how they have contributed to the Laboratory’s success.

Simon Cohen

Simon Cohen

“There’s a cultural adjustment coming from the East Coast to the West Coast,” said Cohen, “and it’s even more pronounced when you come from a region with a large Jewish population, and numerous synagogues, to a region that has a smaller Jewish population or is spread out across a larger geographic area” 

When Simon Cohen joined Lawrence Livermore National Lab in 1989 to work with laser systems as an Optical Engineer, he was not only new to the Lab but also to California.

Scott Scharmann

Scott Scharmann

"There’s a common misconception that we need to ‘tough it out’ when facing mental health challenges,” he said. “That doesn’t always work, because strength isn’t just physical."

Scott Scharmann’s definition of strength was forged through significant life changes, through which he learned that mental health is just as important as physical.

“There’s a common misconception that we need to ‘tough it out’ when facing mental health challenges,” he said. “That doesn’t always work, because strength isn’t just physical.”

Natalie Nguyen

Natalie Nguyen

"Our mission here at LLNL is to serve and protect our country, so what better way than to honor one of our country’s greatest assets: its diversity,” said Nguyen. “It is so important that we do everything in our power to make everyone at the Lab feel included and valued for all that they are and all that they have to offer!”

When Natalie Nguyen was just 11 years old, she and her mother immigrated from Vietnam to the United States. Natalie was the first of her family to attend university and earn a graduate degree.

Kim Ferrari

Kim Ferrari

“The Lab fosters a great environment for women, I can see that people work hard to ensure the workplace maintains a respectful, collaborative atmosphere as well as a genuine work–life balance.”

Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Kim Ferrari might not have initially imagined that her career would involve working with the largest players in the aerospace industry and more than 25 years at a national laboratory on the opposite side of the country. 

Ferrari has a flair for software—a befitting strength for her intellectual passions.  

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Lynda Tesillo

“LLNL is a great place to work because of the unique mission, exciting science and engineering, and fantastic work-life balance.”

For Lynda Tesillo, Women’s History Month means more than reflecting on the past.

Her path to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory started with studying engineering at a university — a decision which put her in a unique position within her family.

Lauren Casonhua

Lauren Casonhua

“We’ve seen major shifts in some of our demographics since I’ve joined the Lab – we have a lot of newer and younger employees, I’d like to see that same trend when it comes to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and specifically Black communities.” 

Lauren Casonhua’s journey to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory begins with a love of stories. Growing up in Texas, she remembers returning home after each library visit with a stack of fiction books under her arm.  

Striving to inspire and develop the next generation

We work to promote a diverse and talented pipeline through outreach and engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. In particular, LLNL contributes to under-represented, marginalized communities. These STEM programs are just a part of LLNL’s overall outreach effort.

For more about our K-12 student and teacher opportunities and our workforce relationships, visit Broadening Participation.

See Broadening Participation

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For more information on DEI at LLNL or our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, or to schedule an appointment to review our Affirmative Action Plan (available at 7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA. 94550) during regular business hours, please contact the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office at baylis3 [at] llnl.govtarget="_blank".

Join our team

We offer opportunities in a variety of fields, not just science and technology. We are home to a diverse staff of professionals that include administrators, researchers, creatives, suppy chain staff, health services workers, and more. Visit our Careers Areas page to learn more about the different career paths we offer and find the one the speaks to you.

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