Ryan Burrow, our next recipient, is from Lincoln Laboratory, where he is an associate technical staff member in the Secure Resilient Systems and Technology Group. In his work, Ryan is all about security—security of technology—but equally, the security of his colleagues. In his time at the Laboratory, he has gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure that the people he works with feel secure…and that they are respected, acknowledged, and celebrated.
As co-chair of the New Employee Network, he organized trivia nights and other virtual events to help new colleagues ease into the Laboratory culture—a much greater challenge during the pandemic. Ryan also worked extensively with other Employee Resource Group leaders to create a robust support system among ERGs. He has championed programs for mental health support and suicide prevention, advocated for transgender and nonbinary colleagues, and more.
One colleague summed up Ryan's impact this way: "The Laboratory is a more social, friendly, and inclusive community as a result of Ryan's efforts. I am frankly in awe of all that he has done."
Congratulations, Ryan!