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 (BRGs), and enhanced diversity training 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.
What are your primary focus areas moving forward, and why are they critical to the mission?
Our goals for inclusion and diversity are integral to MITRE’s mission and our commitment to cultivating a respectful and equitable workplace. We will further strengthen our Business Resource Groups, ensuring they align with strategic objectives and amplify diverse perspectives in decision-making. We aim to expand employee wellbeing programs 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 as a leader in fostering an inclusive environment.
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.