Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion
AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broadens participation, and encourages the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce.
AURA is committed to the people that support our mission to advance astronomy and related sciences. We are deeply invested in developing and improving our policies and practices to create a welcoming and productive work environment. AURA believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce, particularly one that includes women and individuals from under-represented minority groups, contributes to excellence both in our organization and in the scientific community as a whole.
Equity and Inclusion Council 2023-2025
Members:
Ameerah McBride, Chief Diversity Officer ex officio
Diversity Advocates
Catherine Riggs, Systems Engineer, Space Telescope Science Institute
Joshua Goldberg, Senior Engineer, Space Telescope Science Institute
Sanjay Gusain, Observatory Scientist, National Solar Observatory
Stacey Sueoka, Senior Engineer, National Solar Observatory
Natalia McCarthy, Senior Project and Portfolio Coordinator, NOIRLab, Gemini Observatory
Leonor Opazo, Outreach Manager, NOIRLab, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
Sandra Ortiz, NOIRLab Executive Coordinator, NOIRLab
Emily Acosta, Senior Graphics/Web Developer, Vera C. Rubin Observatory
Astronomer
Nestor Espinoza Perez, Assistant Astronomer, STScI
Engineer
Jennifer Medina, Science Software Engineer II, STScI
Operations
Orion Wiest, Export Control Officer, CAS Procurement
Human Resources
Therese Sampaia, Human Resources Manager, AURA-HR NSF Funded Centers
Rachel Fosen Cutri, Human Resources Generalist, AURA-HR NSF Funded Centers
Corporate Office
Dana Lehr, Vice President for Programs, AURA Corporate Office
Diversity and Inclusion Information
PDFs for download:
AURA’s EEO Policy | AURA Recruitment Guide | AURA Unconscious Bias Brochure | AURA Diversity & Inclusion Reports