News Release

Office of Naval Research awarded for its diverse workforce

At 2009 Black Engineer of the Year event

Grant and Award Announcement

Office of Naval Research

The Office of Naval Research is known for developing technology solutions for U.S. Naval forces, and gained additional recognition Feb. 19 for its diverse workforce with the acceptance of the Global Congress of Diversity Executives (CODE) Award.

Career Communications Group presented the award to ONR, the U.S. Navy's premier source of science and technology innovations, during the 23rd Annual Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) conference in Baltimore, Md.

The CODE Award is a coveted recognition that celebrates the noteworthy achievements of diversity leadership in corporations and government agencies. ONR leadership views diversity as vital to fostering innovative thinking. Rear Adm. Nevin P. Carr, the Navy's chief of naval research, as well as Dr. Walter F. Jones, ONR's executive director, received the award and spoke at the event.

ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, over 1,000 institutions of higher learning, and hundreds of industry partners. "At ONR, we believe the bedrock of our reputation is formed by recognizing the unique potential everyone adds, underpinned by cultural, gender, age, and ethnic diversity. Our success is built upon a 'triad of diversity' – background, approaches to problem resolution, and many points of view – through which the workforce capitalizes upon and activates the creative and innovative thought processes essential in an S&T environment," said Carr.

The BEYA conference was developed in 1987 as a solution to help corporate America identify, nurture and promote the careers of black achievers. The conference has stood as a model of how corporate America can create strategic alliances with government agencies, within academia such as historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), and among minority-owned businesses, to increase productivity from underrepresented groups.

"As Chief of Naval Personnel, I am committed to ensuring the Navy is recognized as one of the best places for a young person to start their career. Attracting and recruiting a force that more closely reflects the diversity of our nation is a strategic imperative," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson. "ONR is leading the way and I am pleased to see them recognized with the CODE award."

"Diversity is critical to ONR's mission accomplishment. Like any organization in time of change, we thrive on the combination of new ideas and diversity of thought," commented Jones. "This is particularly true today, when understanding the mores, customs and ideals of diverse cultures – as well as the perspectives of other people – remains a critical element to understanding and defeating terrorism."

ONR has consistently been rated among the Most Admired Companies for Minority Professionals by Black Engineer, Hispanic Engineer, and Women of Color Magazines. ONR was also recognized by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as a "2008 Best Place to Work in the Federal Government" after tabulating responses from more than 221,000 civil servants who participated in its Federal Human Capital Survey. The survey, considered to be the most comprehensive and authoritative rating of employee engagement in the federal government, evaluated 283 federal organizations (30 large federal agencies, 31 small agencies and 222 subcomponents).

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To learn more about BEYA and the CODE award, visit: www.blackengineeroftheyear.org

To learn more about the Office of Naval Research, visit: www.onr.navy.mil

About The Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the S&T necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological warfighting dominance. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in S&T with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1035 institutions of higher learning, and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1400 people, comprised of uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.


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