| Scope |
Creating and sustaining diverse and inclusive work and higher-education environments continues to be a challenge for institutions around the globe. However, the benefits of a diverse working group are vast, including increased product output, implementation of more efficient solutions, and development of more creative, innovative, and often more profitable ideas. However, in order to create a diverse working environment, diverse employees are needed. One of the major challenges employers have is the recruitment and retention of women and individuals who identify with other non-binary gender identities, people of different racial minorities, LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender)-identified individuals, and individuals with disabilities in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Until challenges with recruitment and retention of these populations can be solved, the demand for these populations in industry will not be met and institutions will not be working at their most efficient levels. This full-day symposium will address strategies to improve and – most importantly – to sustain diversity in STEM fields and furthers the conversation that was started at the first installment of this symposium (held at MS&T17), and at TMS summits on Diversity in the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Professions. Invited and contributed abstracts will be sought after on topics of interest including, but not limited to:
• What tactics do you currently use or recommend for nurturing your professional network and career advancement?
• Examples of effective mentorship/advocacy that support increased diversity when diversity may be limited.
• What are the most important factors to recruiting AND retaining a diverse workforce?
• How do you advocate for diverse employees in your organization?
• When is the best time to actively address Diversity and Inclusion – Grade school, High School, Undergraduate level, Graduate level?
• How do programs differ worldwide?
• How is recruitment/retention of these populations different? What strategies work for different groups? |