Diversity & Inclusion
Leveraging diverse talent to solve some of the nation’s most challenging problems
Solving the nation’s most difficult problems takes the combined talents and unique views of many, sharing an environment where every person feels equally empowered to be their best. Our ability to rapidly develop technology is made possible by a work environment where we are embraced for what we can do and for who we are. Diversity and inclusion are our responsibility to each other and to the nation we serve.
Community News
OUR VOICES, OUR VOTE: A CENTURY OF WOMEN LEADING CHANGE
In August 1920, 70 years after women protested and petitioned for the right to vote, the Constitution's 19th Amendment guaranteeing that right was adopted.
In 2020, Lincoln Laboratory marked the anniversary of this historic milestone with a series of events to support the continuing march toward equality for all citizens. As part of these events, a set of banners was created to shine a spotlight on some of the talented women who contribute to the Laboratory's mission to develop innovative technology and transition it to operational use in order to enhance national security. These ten women are only a small fraction of the thousands of women who have been enabling the Laboratory's vital work since 1951.
Laboratory Stories
I enjoy being social, and at a place like Lincoln Laboratory you must be able to engage with many other experts to find optimal solutions to engineering challenges.
Karen Gettings
Microelectronics Engineer and Researcher
ISR Systems and Technology
Embedded and Open Systems
To hear [users] say, 'this tool improves my life,' and knowing I impacted someone's work and helped national security…that's a rewarding moment.
Bich Vu
Cybersecurity Researcher
Cyber Security and Information Sciences
Secure Resilient Systems and Technology
The Lab has this rare mix of focus on technical excellence, innovation, and work-life balance that really pushes me to flourish in my career and as a person.
Andres Sisneros
Signal Processing Engineer
Space Systems and Technology
Advanced Sensors and Techniques
Employee Resource Groups
Lincoln Laboratory’s employee resource groups (ERGs) are networks that help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and that provide opportunities for connection between employees. ERGs provide resources and forums for discussion and host events for the Laboratory community to engage in. From encouraging professional development, to facilitating involvement in community outreach activities, to giving employees the chance to experience diverse cultures, the groups below help promote the retention and development of employees.
LLWN
The Lincoln Laboratory Women's Network (LLWN) seeks to promote the recruitment, retention, and achievement of women employees and provides a forum in which women across the Laboratory can share their experiences, strategies for success, and information about available resources.
LLWN hosted a panel discussion in celebration of Women's History Month, during which members shared their experiences transitioning to management roles in fields that are predominantly led by men and discussed ways to address workplace inequality.
LED
Lincoln Employees with Disabilities (LED) supports employees with disabilities and helps to create an efficient and accessible workspace that is inclusive to all. Additionally, LED is dedicated to supporting employees who have family members with disabilities.
A LED committee member, Gary Brendel, helped organize a seminar for employees to learn more about the Puffin, a wireless sip-and-puff joystick controller designed by MIT students for a client with cerebral palsy.
LEAN
The Lincoln Employees' African American Network (LEAN) addresses the concerns and issues faced by African American employees and prospective candidates. LEAN has hosted and participated in a wide range of events. These events include recruiting efforts, community outreach, professional development seminars, and external networking opportunities.
The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon, hosted by LEAN, celebrates the impact that King has had on increasing diversity and inclusion within the technical domain.
LLNEN
The Lincoln Laboratory New Employee Network (LLNEN) is a social networking group for new hires to help them transition into the Laboratory culture.
A brown-bag lunch hosted by LLNEN gave new staff a chance to meet colleagues.
OPEN
The Out and Proud Employee Network (OPEN) provides a forum for the LGBTQ+ community at Lincoln Laboratory. OPEN strives to make Lincoln Laboratory an environment in which LGBTQ+ employees can thrive and feel comfortable.
OPEN members and supporters attend the annual Pride Parade in Boston.
LLHLN
The Lincoln Laboratory Hispanic/Latinx Network (LLHLN) is a community that fosters awareness of Hispanic culture and promotes networking and professional development for its members. LLHLN events provide a warm environment for employees to share ideas, experiences, language, and culture.
Members and supporters of LLHLN gathered with MIT researcher Natalia Guerrero after her keynote address at LLHLN's annual Hispanic Heritage Month event.
RCG
Recent College Graduates (RCG) is a networking group for new employees who are transitioning to the Laboratory from college life. RCG activities include social networking events and trips, lunchtime meetings with Laboratory leadership, community involvement, and peer-to-peer technical presentations to garner feedback in a supportive environment.
RCG volunteers organized a Science on Saturday event, teaching kids about the science of sound with the help of a mad scientist.
LLVETS
The Lincoln Laboratory Veterans' Network (LLVETS) recognizes Laboratory employees who are U.S. veterans, supports veterans who are transitioning directly from the military, provides outreach to local active-duty troops and veterans, and creates a network that informs its members of activities and legislation affecting veterans.
During the annual Veterans' Appreciation Luncheon, employees who served in the military stood for a moment of recognition.
PALS
Pan Asian Laboratory Staff (PALS) promotes and builds awareness of the variety of Asian cultures present at the Laboratory and offers opportunities for its members to congregate and share experiences.
Laboratory employees participated in a Chinese ribbon dance demonstration for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration.