Karen Francis Recognized for Her Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the American Institutes for Research
10 July 2024 - 4:30AM
Karen Francis, vice president at the American Institutes for
Research (AIR), is being recognized by Diversity MBA as a
pioneer and change maker in the area of diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI). Francis, AIR’s Chief DEI Officer, is being awarded
one of the publication’s Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and
Diversity Impact Awards.
“I am grateful to receive this recognition from Diversity
MBA and I share it with my colleagues who have helped grow DEI
at AIR and understand the importance of diversity, inclusion, and
cultural competence in achieving our mission,” Francis said.
Francis, a medical sociologist by training, joined AIR in 2004
as a researcher and project leader and became involved in AIR’s DEI
effort early in its development. In 2018, she began leading AIR’s
DEI initiatives and was promoted to vice president and chief DEI
officer in 2022.
Under her leadership, AIR has developed and grown a DEI
strategy that is based on four pillars—fostering a positive
workforce and work environment; increasing cultural competence;
aligning work and organizational identity and reputation; and
supporting sustainability and growth. These pillars are fully
integrated into AIR’s broader organizational strategy, its approach
to research and evaluation, and its delivery of training and
technical assistance. In addition to her work at AIR, Francis is a
frequent speaker and presenter on DEI and cultural competence
around the world.
“AIR has been on a DEI journey for 15 years and Karen Francis
has been involved from day one,” said Jessica Heppen, AIR
president and CEO. “Thanks in great part to Karen’s leadership, DEI
is at the foundation of everything we do at AIR as we seek to
create a better, more equitable world.”
Diversity MBA selected the 25 honorees based upon their
extended tenure, community involvement, leadership acumen, and
commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Francis and the other award winners will be honored
at Diversity MBA's National Leadership Development &
Recognition Conference in October. They will receive custom awards,
profiles in Diversity MBA’s Top 25 Leaders of
Impact publication, and opportunities to share their
experiences with emerging leaders.
About AIR Established in 1946, the
American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan,
not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social
science research and delivers technical assistance both
domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education,
and the workforce. AIR's work is driven by its mission to generate
and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more
equitable world. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has
offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information,
visit www.air.org.
- Karen Francis Diversity MBA Leader Award
Dana Tofig
American Institutes for Research
202-403-6347
dtofig@air.org