Sandia/California embraces diversity, inclusion, and respect as part of our organization’s core cultural values. For more than 50 years, Sandia has worked toward securing a peaceful and free world through technology. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of the communities that we serve across the world, and we seek to reflect this diversity in our workforce.
The spirit of diversity at Sandia extends to all of our employees and potential recruits, who each bring unique talents, expertise, and perspective to our organization. We respect and value individual differences, and we firmly believe that our organization’s success depends on the collaborative efforts of a diverse workforce.
As part of our workplace diversity efforts, Sandia created the Heart of Diversity Award, which recognizes Sandians who take significant positive action to address a workplace diversity issue. We are pleased that our Heart of Diversity Award program was selected to receive a Secretary of Energy Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Best Practices Award in 2007.
Division Diversity Council
The Division Diversity Council (DDC) at Sandia/California advises executive management to help create and sustain a diverse and inclusive work environment where every individual is valued. The DDC promotes the four principles of diversity (education, understanding, tolerance, and inclusivity) and organizes yearly diversity forums to celebrate diversity across the whole California site. Council members also partner with Human Resources staff to deliver diversity presentations at new hire orientations, develop guidelines for site-wide diversity communications, and lead the planning and implementation of diversity initiatives.
Outreach and Networking Groups
Several networking groups at Sandia/California have been formed by employees with common interests. The following groups, which are open to all Sandia employees, share a common goal of supporting, celebrating, retaining, and attracting a diverse workforce:
- The African American Outreach Committee enhances employment, business, and educational opportunities for African Americans through inreach and outreach activities.
- The Asian Pacific Leadership Committee promotes teamwork and communication among all cultural groups; career growth, development, and success of Asian Pacific Americans at Sandia; and an awareness of Asian cultures, values, accomplishments, and activities.
- The Christians in the Workplace Networking Group contributes to an open, supportive, and respectful environment for Christian employees at Sandia by raising awareness of the concerns of Christian employees, supporting programs that encourage employees to reach their full potential, and working toward the prevention and elimination of workplace harassment.
- The Foreign National Networking Group helps Sandia foreign-national employees get to know each other, share experiences, and discuss issues about living in the U.S. and working at Sandia as a foreign national.
- The Gay | Lesbian | Bisexual | Transgender Networking Group contributes to an open, supportive, and respectful environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered employees at Sandia by raising awareness about sexual orientation and gender issues; supporting outreach and recruiting activities; and supplying resources that address transgender, bisexual, lesbian, and gay workplace issues.
- The Hispanic Leadership Committee promotes community involvement and inspires career success for Hispanics at Sandia by striving for equal representation at all levels, supporting Hispanic employees and students in reaching their full potential, and promoting cultural diversity.
- The Sandia Women’s Committee encourages all women to participate, network, and work together toward common goals; promotes participation in community outreach activities that encourage women and girls to pursue fulfilling careers; and assists Sandia in becoming a model employer with a hospitable working environment for women.
