Staff Engagement

Complex policy challenges require innovative and comprehensive solutions that can only be achieved with a diverse workforce. DLIA seeks to build a sense of belonging across the Center, ensuring everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and contribute their unique perspectives to the policy community.

Annual Survey Report

Since 2019, DLIA has conducted an Annual Staff Survey to gather staff input on our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to enhance our organizational culture. Following each survey, CSIS publishes a report to share the survey findings, the previous year’s DEI accomplishments, and the center’s upcoming strategic priorities. This established practice has served as an instrumental tool for tracking our progress and enhancing transparency and accountability.

Trainings to Advance DEI

DLIA partners with the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy and Human Resources to produce trainings on DEI issues. These trainings provide skill-building opportunities and include topics on power dynamics in communication, managing up, multigenerational diversity, and neurodiversity in the workplace.

Photo: CSIS — Owning your brand training with Dr. Sweta Chakrabarty

Employee Resource Groups

Employee resource groups (ERGs) provide career development opportunities, safe spaces, and a sense of belonging for CSIS staff and interns. CSIS is proud to support six employee-led groups, each playing an integral role in fostering a sense of community across the Center.

LGBTQIA+ ERG celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month with a conversation with Matthew Riemer, the co-author of “We Are Everywhere: Protest, Power, and Pride in the History of Queer Liberation” and owner of popular Instagram account, @lgbt_history.

Scholarly Talks

Scholarly talks are closed-door conversations between distinguished experts and CSIS staff. Each discussion aims to raise awareness around the intersection of DEI and foreign policy and further CSIS’ commitment to elevating diverse perspectives in national security.

Scholarly talk with Professor Khaled A. Beydoun on the intersection of national security, civil rights, Islamophobia, and constitutional law

Commemorative Month Events

CSIS is committed to celebrating the culture and contributions of the diverse communities in the United States, while recognizing the challenges these communities face in today's political, social, and economic landscape. Whether it's private meals with local chefs or guided museum tours, these events bring staff together to connect with new people, places, and ideas.

DLIA Advisory Board

The DLIA Advisory Board members range in seniority and reflect a Center-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion. Members offer strategic guidance and programmatic expertise to support and elevate the implementation of DLIA’s mission. Staff can access DLIA Advisory Board members through informal and formal channels to share feedback on improving diversity and inclusion at CSIS.