RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC [October 11, 2024] – At Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a driving force for innovation and community building across Research Triangle Park (RTP) and the greater Triangle region. Leading statewide business publication Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) has recognized RTF for its commitment to support diverse voices and foster inclusive environments.
On October 10, RTF celebrated with fellow honorees at the 2024 “Leaders in Diversity” Awards ceremony at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.
“Creating an inclusive environment is one of our key guiding principles, and this recognition is a testament to the diverse perspectives and strong communities that thrive in RTP,” said RTP DEI Collective Co-founder and Chairwoman Tamara Terry, director of academic research engagement, RTI International. “DEI drives innovation at RTP, and we remain committed to prioritizing initiatives that create vibrant and supportive workplaces.”
RTF has made significant strides to create opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) programs, build stronger partnerships and create an inclusive environment that reflects their values and ensures long-term success. Notable initiatives in 2024 included:
- Comprised of more than 100 members from close to 400 RTP-based companies, the RTP DEI Collective continued its annual STEM RTP Grantmaking Program, which supports organizations working at the intersection of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and DEI. In 2024, the program awarded $130,000 to 10 organizations serving diverse and underserved communities across North Carolina, including low-income families and adults in rural areas seeking sustainable STEM career pathways.
- While leading the $65 million Hub RTP project, the new vibrant downtown district of RTP, RTF increased its MWBE spend to 34.1% and is projected to achieve 27% MWBE participation in its operating spend for the 2024 fiscal year.
- In addition to the RTP DEI Collective and MWBE efforts, RTF contracted Jes & Co. to conduct three comprehensive assessments with a goal of improving organizational culture and fostering a more inclusive, collaborative work environment.
For a complete view of this year’s Triangle Business Journal 2024 “Leaders in Diversity” Awards winners, visit www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2024/08/20/tbj-2024-leaders-diversity-awards-ralegh-durham.html.
To learn more about the RTP DEI Collective and the STEM RTP Grantmaking Program, visit www.rtp.org/strategic-engagement/.
About the Research Triangle Park Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Collective
Founded in the fall of 2019, the RTP DEI Collective was created to unify and amplify Research Triangle Park (RTP) companies’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Led by Madame Chair Tamara Terry and Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina staff members, the Collective includes over 60 companies and 21 regional allies committed to DEI. As Research Triangle Park and the Triangle Region continue to grow, RTP leaders recognize the importance of amplifying DEI values to create a window of opportunities that better serve skilled talent Park communities are hiring, helpful fuel workforce recruitment and retention.
Next-generation leaders seek to represent and value a diverse and equal workforce. The Collective is focused on helping create equitable and inclusive spaces for tomorrow’s leaders to thrive. As we break down silos across RTP companies to collaborate and synergize efforts, we all benefit from the resulting advancement in talent attractions, contributing to better business outcomes for all.
About Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Since 1959, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF) has served Research Triangle Park in its mission to facilitate collaboration among our region’s industries, universities, and workforce, and create economic impact for the residents of North Carolina by attracting the world’s most innovative companies and top-tier talent. Comprised of 7,000 acres, its boundaries are centrally located among Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. RTP is home to 55,000 employees and more than 375 companies and national labs, including Apple, BASF, Biogen, Cisco Systems, EPA, Fidelity Investments, IBM, LabCorp, Lenovo, Lilly, NetApp, NIEHS, RTI International and United Therapeutics. For more information, visit https://rtp.org.
Media Contact for RTF
Kelly Propst
VP of Marketing & Communications
propst@rtp.org