Ahkesha T. Murray
Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, SAIC
This year, Ahkesha T. Murray co-led the design and implementation of a root cause analysis to address barriers to increasing the number of people of color in leadership. That analysis resulted in the development of targeted initiatives that specifically addressed her team’s findings. They are proud to already see the benefits of those initiatives. This year, SAIC made further progress on its goal for people of color in leadership than in past years, and Murray feels particularly proud to have had a hand in that.
She also launched SAIC’s first Environmental, Social and Governance Council, an advisory group to the executive leadership team and the Office of ESG Integration. This council, focusing on corporate responsibility including ESG, corporate social responsibility, DE&I and sustainability, brings together leaders from across the company.
“I recognize this is not explicitly a DE&I accomplishment,” she said. “However, I have enjoyed the opportunity to stand up and lead this group, and I look forward to the work we’ll be able to achieve through the council, to include the development and implementation of our updated DE&I strategy.”
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“In 2024, my personal aim is to provide ever more meaningful and impactful support to our internal customers as a center of excellence in DE&I,” Murray said. “For my team to be a trusted advisor and partner to the business – not just in achieving our DE&I goals, but our corporate strategy as well.”
Murray’s team is dedicated to advancing SAIC’s DE&I maturity by thoroughly examining the company’s workplace practices in hiring, promotions and performance management. The team aims to identify whether these practices present barriers or opportunities for current and prospective employees. Armed with this insight, the team plans to implement changes to ensure equity within the company.
Murray said many have supported her efforts along the way, and she especially wants to thank Nickey Knighton, Essey Workie, Ellen Rice Chever, Bridget Chatman and Jeff Raver.
“(Murray’s) commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment across the company has helped us establish a culture that is leading the industry in engagement and employee satisfaction,” Raver said. “And she does it all with a passion and grace that shines through all that she does.”