The new diversity, equity and inclusion program manager invites members of the lab community to share their experiences and be the positive change they wish to see in the workplace
The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Now, the lab is welcoming its new diversity, equity and inclusion program manager, Aurora Realin, to do just that.
Realin brings to the lab almost two decades of experience as a DEI practitioner and human resources professional. She has a master's degree in business administration from Southern Adventist University and certifications in diversity, equity and inclusion from Simmons University and the University of South Florida. She spent most of her career at AdventHealth in Altamonte Springs, FL, with her most recent position serving as the system’s diversity and inclusion manager.
“What attracted me most about this opportunity is the lab’s senior leadership team is truly committed to creating a lasting culture of inclusion. Right now, there is great national interest in advancing the DEI agenda across all organizations, and it appears the lab's vision transcends beyond this frenzied moment, aspiring to have a culturally inclusive workforce that not only benefits its current employees but also helps attract and retain the best talent to Jefferson Lab.”
The Jefferson Lab community includes employees and a scientific user community from around the world. It is diverse in gender, ethnicity, race, national origin, age and culture. Realin believes that this rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives contribute to the lab’s world-class research environment.
“Evidence-based research shows that organizations with inclusive workplaces maximize talent, productivity and performance. For me, this means creating an environment that is a win-win for all,” she says. “When we’re diverse, we generate a culture of creativity and innovation, we become competitive and attract talented people to our organization who can help drive our mission forward.”
Committed to growing the lab’s inclusive community in positive ways, Realin aims to help ensure that every member of the laboratory’s community feels that their ideas and contributions are valued, that they are appreciated and respected, and that they feel a sense of belonging. She will help the lab achieve these goals by reaching out to employees and scientific users throughout the lab community.
“I like to build bridges and connect people. I’m interested in meeting all our team members, from grass roots employees to senior leadership, and really understand what has been working and what has not. I want to solicit their opinions for solutions on how to make a great organization even better. Our people are our greatest asset, and putting them first puts everyone first.”
In her new role at Jefferson Lab, Realin plans on building on the significant efforts in DEI the lab has already invested in.
“I look forward to meeting our people, hearing their stories, and listening to their experiences. I want to build upon that and really help people be the positive change they want to see in the workplace,” Realin says. “I want Jefferson Lab to be seen as an organization that not only embraces DEI, but one that practices it daily. That’s important to me.”
She also hopes that her work at the lab helps to set the stage for growing young students and young professionals.
“As we look to building our future, the investments we make in their growth now will reap rich dividends later on.” Realin says. “DEI is giving everyone the same resources and opportunities to succeed. It’s looking at different perspectives, talents and skills, and then leveraging those diverse gifts to drive a culture of excellence.”
Learn more about Jefferson Lab’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program here.