CSIS is committed to building diverse pipelines, amplifying diverse perspectives, and elevating the next generation of policy leaders. CSIS leverages its position and responsibility to advance these important values. CSIS president and CEO John J. Hamre sits on the Think Tank Diversity Forum, and DLIA director Hadeil Ali chairs the Think Tank Diversity Consortium.

Building Diverse Pipelines

  • CSIS is proud to oversee the CSIS Policy Fellowship, a program dedicated to empowering undergraduate students of historically marginalized backgrounds who demonstrate an interest in joining and furthering the national security community. Since 2020, the fellowship has served 80 students through five iterations.
  • Through the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy, CSIS runs the Breakthrough Leadership Program to accelerate the advancement of mid-career professionals from historically marginalized communities. To date, DLIA has supported three iterations of this program.

Amplifying Diverse Voices

  • CSIS joined Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy in 2020 and has since undertaken numerous “SMARTIE” commitments to advance gender equality through its processes, practices, and policies.
  • In 2021, CSIS joined the Organizations in Solidarity initiative led by Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS).