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.

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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.

A remodeled bathroom with private closed stalls, multiple sinks, and a rainbow flag featuring the words "be yourself"

DESIGNING FOR EQUITY

The Lincoln Laboratory Out and Proud Employee Network, an employee resource group, partnered with Laboratory leadership to implement all-gender bathrooms at our facilities. We have standardized the practice of labeling single-occupant restrooms as all-gender, and we executed two renovations to convert existing gendered bathrooms into new multistall all-gender bathrooms. Looking forward, the design of new buildings will include several all-gender facilities. 

We documented our journey to implementing these inclusive spaces in a white paper, “Designing for Equity: An FFRDC’s Journey to All-Gender Bathrooms.” We aim to share the lessons we learned, the best practices and standards we have set as an organization, and the successes we’ve had working toward a more equitable workplace for all employees.

Employee Resource Groups

Led by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Lincoln Laboratory's employee resource groups (ERGs) are open to all employees and exist to help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that aligns with the mission and values of the Laboratory. Mature ERGs provide an opportunity for members to offer essential insight, feedback, input, and support for the organization.

Lincoln Laboratory Women's Network (LLWN)

LLWN seeks to support the specific needs of women employees across the Laboratory.

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.

Lincoln Laboratory Access (LLACCESS)

LLACCESS supports employees with disabilities by fostering and creating a work environment that is accessible to and inclusive of all.

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.

Black Experience and Cultural Organization Network (BEACON)

BEACON supports and addresses the challenges faced by Black employees across the Laboratory.

LEAN Members

New Employee Network (NEN)

NEN's mission is to assist new employees as they transition into life at the Laboratory.

A brown-bag lunch hosted by LLNEN members.

Lincoln Laboratory Out and Proud Employee Network (LLOPEN)

LLOPEN seeks to provide a forum for members of the Lincoln Laboratory community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexuality and gender-based identities.

Out and Proud Employee Network members gathered for a photo at the Lab.

Hispanic/Latinx Network (HLN)

HLN is a community that fosters awareness of Hispanic culture, promotes networking and social support, and encourages professional development.

Members and supporters of LLHLN gathered with MIT researcher Natalia Guerrero after her keynote address at LLHLN's annual Hispanic Heritage Month event.

Recent College Graduates (RCG)

RCG addresses the challenges faced by new employees coming out of college as they transition from academia to the Laboratory.

RCG volunteers organized a Science on Saturday event, teaching kids about the science of sound with the help of a mad scientist.

Lincoln Laboratory Veterans Network (LLVETS)

LLVETS supports and promotes the diverse skills and experience of military veterans at the Laboratory.

During the annual Veterans' Appreciation Luncheon, employees who served in the military stood for a moment of recognition.

Pan Asian Laboratory Staff Network (PALS)

PALS promotes diversity and inclusion across Lincoln Laboratory by building awareness of the vast variety of Asian cultures present within the organization.

PALS Lunar New Year celebration