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LLNL featured as a top STEM workplace by AISES

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) was honored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Winds of Change magazine as one of the Top 50 STEM Workplaces in 2021, as an organization setting the standard for indigenous STEM professionals.

LLNL shares this honor alongside other top companies striving to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace. According to the article, the list of companies featured did not let the global pandemic negatively affect their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

The article credits employee resource groups (ERGs) for their supporting role in helping to combat isolation. The Laboratory has 10 active ERGs, voluntary, employee-led organizations connected by common interests, bonds and backgrounds. ERGs offer professional development, recruitment, networking, mentoring, internships, scholarships and Laboratory committee and leadership opportunities and they contribute to community outreach activities.

As a Top 50 STEM workplace, AISES is recognizing the Laboratory as an organization that “recognizes the benefits of DEI and is well-equipped to meet current challenges.”

“Our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion are the foundation and a driving force to building a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued,” said Tony Baylis, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs. "Even when the Laboratory shifted to remote work during the pandemic, we connected virtually to employees and brought the same opportunities and content that we would have if we were on-site. We find value in building strategic relationships like the one with AISES. LLNL wants to ensure that individuals in our Native American community understand about the vast opportunities available to them in STEM while also bringing their traditions and cultural backgrounds into a workplace that honors and celebrates their contributions to our mission.”

Also featured in the AISES Winds of Change spring issue in the “AISES People” section is LLNL employee Luke Schrimsher.

Schrimsher, an engineering technical associate in the Nondestructive Evaluation Group, is am American Indian of the Cherokee Nation Tribe. Schrimsher, an Army veteran, is involved in the Laboratory’s American Indian Activity Group and is proud to be a lifelong learner, currently working on a master's of education degree.

In the article, Schrimsher notes the need for STEM education, trade schools and the skilled trades. “Our nation is starving for technically skilled individuals,” he said.

See the Spring 2021 issue of AISES Winds of Change magazine for more.