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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Kristina Brunelle, Head of Global Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, was recently named a 2022 Leader in Diversity by the Triangle Business Journal (TBJ).
The Leaders in Diversity Awards program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of area businesses, individuals and nonprofits as they come together to weave a diverse foundational fabric into the heart of the local community. Winners have demonstrated respect for inclusive treatment of others, advocacy for underrepresented groups and multicultural marketing.
“It’s a tremendous honor to win such an award — and, it takes a village to do the type of work we are doing at RTI,” said Brunelle. “Every staff member who has raised their hand or their voice in support of racial equity and who helps create an inclusive environment where all staff feel they belong, deserves the recognition of this award. It’s by working together that we are making a difference.”
Brunelle was named a Role Model for diversity for demonstrating a high degree of success in her career and motivating others to do the same. A dynamic change-maker, her responsibilities include oversight of RTI’s Racial Justice and Equity (RJE) and Strategic Engagement and Belonging (SEB) programs. Among her contributions, she supported a broad racial equity survey and talent acquisition assessment resulting in organizational changes which will reduce the potential for bias and increase workplace equity.
Under Brunelle’s leadership, RTI has earned several accolades including “America’s Best Employers for Diversity” from Forbes and “Leaders in Diversity” from TBJ. To support RTI’s diverse workforce, she and her team help manage 13 employee resource groups (ERGs), with more than 2,000 members, which work to enhance professional growth and promote multicultural understanding.
