PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has joined Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy, a leadership network that brings together leaders of organizations working in nuclear policy who are committed to breaking down gender barriers and making gender equity a working reality in their spheres of influence. 

“I am honored to represent PNNL as a Gender Champion in Nuclear Policy,” said Director Steve Ashby. “We must be intentional about valuing and engaging all perspectives, and I appreciate the opportunity to exemplify PNNL’s commitment to actively promote gender equity in our important work.” 

Ashby and PNNL join a group that includes presidents, directors, and other institutional leaders of organizations whose agendas or members address nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear security, nuclear energy, and related topics. Participants include Battelle, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories. 

In addition to Ashby, PNNL will be represented on Gender Champions by Deborah Gracio, Associate Laboratory Director for National Security. Also, Lindsey Gehrig, a nonproliferation policy advisor, and Kate Doty, a PNNL advisor for treaties and agreements, will serve as Gender Champions delegates. 

“We see an expanding community of allies who respect the values of Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy,” said Gracio. “It takes all of America’s brilliant thinkers to find solutions that prevent nuclear war, thwart nuclear terrorism, and work toward a carbon-free energy future.” 

Gender Champions adopt the Panel Parity Pledge to avoid appearing on single-gender panels when possible. 

Champions are also expected to adhere to these values:

• Treating every person with respect and fairness
• Actively including, investing in, and valuing diverse and emergent perspectives 
• Creating and maintaining safe, inclusive workplaces free from harassment and discrimination 
• Promoting female leaders inside and outside their organizations 
• Working together with other Champions in a spirit of openness, honesty, and transparency. 

“Battelle and I are excited to work with Steve, Deb, and the PNNL team as a Gender Champion in Nuclear Policy,” said Mark Peters, executive vice president for National Laboratory Management & Operations at Battelle, the private nonprofit that manages and operates PNNL. “We have much to do to assure women are well represented in the broad range of nuclear fields. Gender equity and inclusion of all is essential to solving global nuclear energy and security challenges.”