Talented, well-balanced workforces are comprised of cognitive, skillset and cultural diversity. In doing so, organizations minimize bias and increase attraction and retention rates. The return on investment includes maximizing overall efficiency, innovativeness and success while accomplishing common organizational goals. Research studies have concluded inclusive teams formulate better business decisions up to 87% of the time, make decisions 2x faster with ½ the meetings, and decisions made and executed by diverse teams delivered 60% better results. (Larson 2017) This panel will address the benefits and challenges of developing and sustaining diverse, inclusive Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professionals at the forefront of current and future technology advances.

Moderators:

Latasha Solomon


Dr. Tien Pham

Panelists:

Ms. Evelyn Kent


Dr. Amethist Finch


Dr. Mark Tschopp


Dr. Tamara Pearson


Dr. Naresh Thadhani