Los Alamos National Laboratory was selected as one of the "Top Companies for Latinas to Work for in the United States in 2022," by LATINA Style magazine.
The Lab, which ranked 33rd out of 50, has appeared on this list for five consecutive years and is the only national laboratory honored. Two HOLA Employee Resource Group board members attended the LATINA Style awards gala in Washington, D.C.
"The Laboratory is honored to be recognized as a top employer for promoting diversity and providing career advancement opportunities for Hispanic women for the fifth year in a row," said Acting Diversity Officer Katherine Haight. "The strength of our workforce is founded in diverse thought and perspective and the unique contributions of the Lab’s Hispanic women cannot be overemphasized. In all organizations, at all levels, Latinas provide incalculable value to the success of the Laboratory."
HOLA ERG board members accept award at gala
LATINA Style hosted its 2023 LATINA Style 50 Awards and Diversity Leaders Conference to celebrate 25 years of leadership in corporate America. HOLA ERG board members Beverly Lucier and Miranda Lovato-Chavez attended the gala earlier this year in Washington, D.C., to accept the award on the Lab’s behalf.
HOLA’s executive champion shares what the award means to her
"Receiving this recognition is an incredible honor for LANL and our efforts to promote diversity and provide career advancement opportunities for Hispanic women," said Unica Viramontes, HOLA ERG executive champion and associate Laboratory director for LANL’s Defense Protection Program. "The Hispanic community is integral to LANL and our future success, and we are committed to promoting an inclusive workplace where Hispanic women feel welcomed and can excel."
Viramontes began her career at the Lab as a student, she said. "LANL’s dedication and commitment to focusing on the professional development of Hispanic women has allowed me to advance my professional career. With honor, I proudly serve as a Hispanic female executive ERG champion, enthusiastically developing the next generation that will continue to lead LANL’s many achievements."
Selection process and areas of evaluation
Companies that responded to LATINA Style's questionnaire — including the Lab — were evaluated on workplace matters deemed important to readers of LATINA Style.
Among the principal areas of evaluation are an increase in overall Latina population, Latina retention, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, employee benefits, active affinity groups and Hispanic community relations. Evaluations for the 2022 report are based on 2021 data.