Kennedy Williams recently graduated from Howard University and spoke with Basia Skudrzyk, NASA Acres program coordinator, about her life-changing experience with the BRAAG program (Boosting Representation of African Americans in Geoscience). The BRAAG program is led by Dr. Teamrat Ghezzehei, one of NASA Acres’ principal investigators and Professor at the University of California - Merced in the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences.

The importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) in creating a healthy and supportive workplace cannot be overstated. DEIJ initiatives contribute significantly to fostering a workplace environment that is not only fair and just but also enriching and supportive. In a diverse and inclusive workplace, individuals from various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and orientations feel valued and respected. This diversity brings a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, fostering creativity and innovation.

Working with subject matter experts who are close to the challenges that people face allow for solutions and voices to be heard to create inclusive career opportunities in STEM. In this inaugural NASA Acres DEIJ blog, we will share perspectives from our community which speak to the importance of connection, belonging, diversity, and best practices with our featured partner, Dr. Stanley Andrisse. Dr. Andrisse had the opportunity to share his story at the most recent NASA Acres Kick Off Meeting in St. Louis. In this blog, he will also share his passion for Haitian culture, people, and building evidence-based solutions for inclusive and successful work environments based on the challenging and successful experiences he has had as a person, scholar, mentor, colleague, and faculty member.