ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Sandia National Laboratories recently received an award from the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) in recognition of the Labs’ workforce diversity program, introduced three years ago at both the New Mexico and California sites. Termed the Multicultural Network Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Training and Development of Special Populations, ASTD praised Sandia’s work educating employees about diversity issues, becoming, in the process, a leader in the Department of Energy and Lockheed Martin Corporation for its comprehensive diversity efforts.
Some of Sandia’s diversity activities include establishment of a diversity champions program that has educated over 350 employees across the Labs in diversity awareness. These diversity champions were then tasked with educating others about diversity. Sandia has taken a systems approach to addressing diversity issues, aiming for long-term cultural change at all levels of the workforce. Two years ago, Sandia established in Albuquerque Executive Forums on Diversity, meetings between Labs and community leaders to establish a strategy for diversity at Sandia. These forums have evolved into the recently-formed, community-based Diversity Leadership Council.
Berweida Learson, Manager of Diversity Programs at Sandia, received the award on behalf of the Labs at ASTD’s recent international conference.