As an inaugural member of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce DEI Task Force, Stephanie Turner, vice president, diversity and chief sustainability officer at MITRE, has received the Chamber’s 2023 Impact Award—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
The annual Impact Awards are given to volunteers who have made a significant difference in an area of strategic importance to the Chamber. Honorees’ achievements align with the core pillars of the Chamber’s strategic plan: diversity, equity, and inclusion; regional leadership; and workforce innovation. The recognition—presented to Turner and other members of the DEI Task Force—celebrates their leadership and contributions advising the Chamber on its inaugural “Champions for Accountability” research initiative.
Northern Virginia encompasses nearly 9,000 executives from traditionally underrepresented demographic groups, including women and people of color. Despite their overall share of the Northern Virginia workforce at 74 percent, only 47 percent hold leadership positions.
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia are seeking to change this. They started with the “Champions for Accountability” badging program, stemming from their research report, Championing Diversity. The report recognizes MITRE, among 54 regional employers, for transparency and accountability in DEI practices.
“Creating a sense of belonging for all employees is essential to building a more inclusive and diverse workforce,” said Turner. “On behalf of MITRE, I am pleased to commend the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for their leadership in creating the Champions of Accountability and their engagement of the regional business community. As research by the Virginia Community Foundation illustrates, there are many opportunities to strengthen diversity. I’m honored to be working with the many dedicated business executives leading the path forward.”
Photo above: NOVA Chamber of Commerce honored four regional DEI executives, including MITRE's Stephanie Turner, with its 2023 Impact Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for their strategic guidance and leadership creating the Champions of Accountability program.