Mathematica is pleased to announce the first five employee recipients of its new Patricia A. King Excellence in DEI Award: survey analyst Jenn Acosta, project associate Beth Dziedzic, senior data analytics developer Ollie Johnson, principal researcher Megan Shoji, and senior director of health equity Deliya Wesley. Named for longtime Mathematica board member Patricia (Pat) King, the award recognizes outstanding staff leadership and demonstrated commitment to advancing Mathematica’s vision for creating an equitable and just world and building an equitable and inclusive workplace.
“Through their leadership and commitment, Jenn, Beth, Ollie, Megan, and Deliya are strengthening our culture of diversity and inclusivity and accelerating our work to advance equitable outcomes around the globe,” said Mathematica President and CEO Paul Decker. “We’re proud to see this award given to colleagues who carry on Pat’s tradition of service rooted in a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across our company.”
Jenn, Beth, Ollie, Megan, and Deliya were nominated by their Mathematica peers for making significant advancements to DEI at Mathematica and having meaningful impact on the company’s people, culture, and work:
- Jenn Acosta was recognized for lifting up her teammates and routinely prioritizing the need to create opportunities for staff across levels and job function to showcase their skills and expertise.
- Beth Dziedzic was described as someone whom staff feel comfortable approaching when struggling to learn a new task, as they are always willing to listen generously and show compassion.
- Ollie Johnson was recognized for using their leadership of Mathematica’s Pride Employee Resource Group to create and support a culture of kindness, support, and enthusiastic advocacy, helping colleagues feel more connected to their peers and Mathematica as a whole.
- Megan Shoji was described as passionate about developing staff, a role model in equity-centered leadership and collegiality, and as thoughtful about involving all members of the team and intentional about providing growth opportunities for more junior employees.
- Deliya Wesley was credited with challenging and changing the ways Mathematica’s Health unit leaders, colleagues, and staff think about and demonstrate what it means to center equity in their work and the role each employee plays in advancing DEI.
In recognition of their contributions to Mathematica, their colleagues, and the advancement of DEI, Jenn, Beth, Ollie, Megan, and Deliya will each receive a Patricia A. King Excellence in DEI Award commemorative plaque and a monetary prize.
“The dedication of our inaugural Patricia A. King Excellence in DEI awardees, along with that of many others at Mathematica, keeps us moving forward as a company—learning, growing and transforming together,” said Vice President and Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Dawnavan Davis.
