NRAO 2017 Diversity Review - New Mexico Mark McKinnon October 12, 2017

Local Demographics Diversity as a reflection of Socorro, NM Hispanic (57%) / Native American (4%) / African American (1%) Economic and Cultural Environment Farming, ranching, tourism, education, government services Average salary is ~$23K Large county (6,600 sq. mi.), small population (18,000) Only two high schools in the county, few specialty/private schools e.g., no Montessori, no religiously-affiliated schools, one charter school Limited religious facilities (e.g. no synagogue, mosque) Limited access to shopping and services compared to bigger cities

Challenges to Diversity in NM NRAO-NM office is in Socorro 80 miles to Albuquerque;130 miles between Albuquerque and VLA Impractical to live in Albuquerque if primary work site is VLA or VLBA-PT; marginally practical for those who work in Socorro. Limited housing options Limited opportunities for spouse/partner employment Potential employees express concerns over lack of choice in schooling for children. For minorities under-represented in the county, potential employees fear being isolated culturally. as expressed by candidates who have turned down job offers

Local Community Support and Engagement Financial and staff support of local initiatives STEM activities at local schools Science Olympiad, science fair judges, LEGO robot team mentors NMT Performing Arts Series Partner with city of Socorro in Summer Youth Employment Program Socorro Storehouse Foodbank Puerto Seguro – local shelter El Puente – domestic violence shelter Holiday Food Drive

Promoting Diversity & Diversity Awareness - I Active diversity awareness in selecting advisory councils; review, recruiting, and organizing committees; and invited speakers Teachable moments Promptly address comments thought to be humorous, but were offensive to a demographic element of the staff Open communication regarding sensitive issues and offensive terminology Open discussion and enforcement of Observatory workplace conduct and diversity-related policies Socialize diversity-related policies prior to distribution and implementation (e.g. Diversity Transition Protocol)

Promoting Diversity & Diversity Awareness - II HR staff present in all job candidate interviews Support/host NINE and NAC programs Support Radio Astronomy and Physics in New Mexico (RAP/NM) Joint EPO/ODI initiative Support initiatives of local Diversity Advocate PTSD Awareness Citizen Min performance We Speak Presentations NINE Minura Yasuri: civil rights advocate for Japanese-Americans post WWII NAC

Results - I New Division Head for Array Operations is African American Progress in recruiting/promoting women in NM, e.g. VLASS Project Director; VLASS Data Analyst VLA Scheduler 2 of 3 Assistant Scientist hires within the last year Telescope Operator Servo Technician VLA Safety Officers (2, ES&S); Software Engineers (2, DMS) Education Specialist (EPO); Accountant (AUI Fiscal) All SOC co-chairs for Astrophysical Frontiers in the Next Decade and Beyond, Boulder, Jun 26-29, 2018 (ngVLA) Membership on ngVLA Science Working Groups (SWG) and Technical and Scientific Advisory Councils (TAC & SAC) Deputy AD is also a woman

Results - II “Hi Lyndele, I'm a new employee who uprooted … from [previous location] to take a job at NRAO that can be difficult to fill in a city, much less in a relatively isolated small town. It may interest you to know that a major reason I chose NRAO is the explicit commitment to diversity and inclusion …During the recruitment process and my [time] here, it has been obvious that this policy is embraced widely and sincerely.” Socorro, NM