The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Stephanie Turner, vice president of diversity and chief sustainability officer at MITRE, and finalist in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Executive of the Year, Private & Public Companies, category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What were your key achievements in 2024?
Turner has been instrumental in advancing MITRE’s inclusive corporate policies. Under her leadership, she has expanded the inclusion and diversity team, established a social innovation function, realigned our business resource groups, and enhanced diversity learning at all levels. Outside MITRE, Turner has shaped diversity strategies as co-chairwoman of the DEI Board of Advisors at the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and has advocated for workplace diversity issues nationally.
Key achievements include recruiting MITRE’s first leader of accessibility and establishing a director, I&D role. We recently launched the MITRE RISE program – reaching innovators through startup elevation – to accelerate innovation for founders of color by providing access to MITRE’s extensive capabilities, expertise, and resources. Turner was also named a finalist in the Outie awards recognition.
What are your primary focus areas moving forward, and why are they critical to the mission?
Our focus will be to continue an intersectional approach to cultural and systems change utilizing our strategic pillars of heightened awareness, learning, and application. We aim to expand immersive experiences for our employees and implement initiatives that address inequities in underserved communities. As we capture the tangible results of our efforts, we remain dedicated to transparency, sharing our progress and challenges openly. Sustainable, inclusive business practices are not just ideals—they are essential for long-term success. We are committed to making meaningful strides in this area, reinforcing MITRE’s role and mission in solving problems for a safer world.
What’s your best career advice for someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Know your personal motto and stay true to your moral compass.
Fun Fact: What’s something most people don’t know about you? (Hobbies, passions, etc.)
I enjoy watching many shows on HGTV.