STAYING STRONG WHILE DOING THE DANCE BETWEEN OPTIMISM AND HOPELESSNESS: STRIVING FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE GEOSCIENCES THROUGH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Science advances more rapidly and effectively when the community of scientists includes people from diverse backgrounds with diverse perspectives. Geoscience is the same. A review of geoscience journals worldwide reveals that up until the 1980’s, articles had dominantly been authored by men, predominantly of European or North American descent. There has been some publicity regarding the fact that articles with international collaboration garner higher rates of citation, however collaboration between scientists of developed and less-developed nations has lagged. Thirty years ago, in the US, women who were hired into geoscience departments were often the first and only women. Today many universities face the same situation in the hiring of people from under-represented groups. While the hiring of women and members of diverse groups into geoscience departments is a positive change, there continue to be challenges related to having low numbers. Industry faces similar challenges. In order to increase the numbers and improve the climate for all people, many organizations have recognized that part of the solution involves the development of leadership who can advocate for all under-represented groups at all levels. There is optimism in the fact that many universities and large institutions now have senior diversity officers to help guide organizations to become more diverse and more welcoming to an inclusive workforce. There are efforts to have diverse search committees. We now have more role models from diverse backgrounds. We recognize the complexities of intersectionality. There remain hurdles however. Universities in rural settings often have communities that are unwelcoming. The field setting is now recognized as a place that is often unfamiliar and uncomfortable to some students and has had a history of unacceptable behaviors. The NSF-funded FIELD project of the GOLD initiative has brought together field leaders to develop strategies to make positive change and to broaden leadership training in access and inclusion. The geoscience field will be more productive and attract more talent as we make our workplace more inclusive through committed leadership. As we move forward to create the best work environments, we need to remain optimistic in the dance to recognize and address the challenges, and to make change.