Chappell-Williams

Lynette Chappell-Williams, associate vice president for inclusion and workforce diversity, has been named a "woman worth watching" by Profiles in Diversity Journal in its September/October 2012 issue. She was one of only three women -- in a list of nearly 200 -- who hold positions at an institution of higher education.

In the journal's featured profile, Chappell-Williams draws on her and her daughter's life experiences to reflect on the need for more girls to be encouraged to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through "greater training for teachers to help them address stereotypes and unconscious biases in the classroom"; more support for women university faculty members; and addressing "the challenge of women who want to pursue a career and a family."

Profiles in Diversity Journal annually celebrates the achievements and personalities of women executives nominated by their colleagues, peers or mentors for their initiative and achievements. Profiles in Diversity Journal is a bimonthly magazine focusing on diversity/inclusion, leadership, best practices and recognition of employee contribution in business, government, nonprofit, higher education and military settings.

With responsibility for Cornell's workforce diversity strategy, disability access strategy, affirmative action program and the work/life/family initiative for employees and retirees, Chappell-Williams has led initiatives that have resulted in numerous workplace awards for the university, most recently this month, when Working Mother magazine and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption named Cornell a "best employer." She was recognized in 2006 by Human Resource Executive Magazine as an HR Rising Star/Diversity Champion, and in June 2011 as a Work and Families Institute's Work Life Legacy Award recipient.