JEDI Award

The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Award

Established in 2020, the annual JEDI Award honors and recognizes an individual from the Lamont Community for their valuable contributions to advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) at Lamont. The JEDI Award carries a $2,000 cash prize and a certificate.

Vicki Ferrini and Hannah Adrienne Sweets

2024: Congratulations to Hannah Adrienne Sweets, Data Analyst in the Marine and Polar Geophysics Division, for receiving Lamont's JEDI Award. Hannah has been a trailblazer in promoting equity within Lamont and the geoscience community as a whole. She has shown remarkable initiative, immense courage, expertise, and empathy in her endeavors across campus, such as the Living Land Acknowledgment Workshop, and her help in executing Heritage Month programs like Pride and Black History Month. Particularly noteworthy was her leadership of the Building Bridges working group, which tackled the crucial task of fostering local partnerships with institutions serving diverse populations in New York City around Lamont. This aspect of her multifaceted contributions underscores her unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers for marginalized students entering geoscience.


 

Clara Chang and Lauren Moseley

2022-2023: Congratulations to PhD students Clara Chang and Lauren Moseley for receiving Lamont's JEDI Award, acknowledging their individual contributions and collaborative efforts to address justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at Lamont and in the geosciences. This joint award recognizes the power and impact of working as a team to confront systemic barriers.


 

 

Jennifer Middleton

2021: Congratulations to Jennifer Middleton, Lamont Assistant Research Professor, Geochemistry, for receiving Lamont's JEDI Award. Through her leadership and vision, Jenny has had a significant impact on improving the campus climate at Lamont. Her dedication to building and maintaining a supportive community has made Lamont more welcoming to the next generation of Lamonters. Jenny is a brave leader who confronts difficult challenges with an enthusiasm that keeps people going. We are so grateful for her contributions!


Congratulations also to all our 2021 JEDI nominees: Clara Chang, Benjamin Keisling, and Lauren Moseley. Thank you for your important contributions to making Lamont a better place!


 

Kailani Acosta

2020: Congratulations to Kailani Acosta, Graduate Student, for receiving Lamont's inaugural JEDI Award. Kailani's contributions to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) at Lamont have been far reaching and impactful across the entire Lamont community. We thank Kailani for her tireless efforts and commitment to making Lamont a more inclusive place!


Congratulations also to all our 2020 JEDI nominees: Benjamin Keisling, Jennifer Middleton, Lauren Moseley, Elise Myers, and Lucy Tweed. Thank you for your contributions and for making Lamont a better place. Your work is greatly appreciated!


 

I. Selection Criteria

Candidates will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Raising awareness on DEI issues at Lamont
  • Working with members of the Lamont community on DEI issues
  • Advocating for minority/marginalized groups on campus
  • Leadership activities on DEI issues

 

II. Selection Process

Nominators should submit a letter of nomination (not to exceed 2 pages) describing how the nominee has led or contributed to DEI efforts at Lamont.

Nominators are encouraged to solicit up to two letters in support of the nomination from members of the Lamont Community. Letters of support should not exceed 2 pages each. Letters of support are not required for full consideration of a nominee, but will likely strengthen their case. Note: In order to protect privacy and confidentiality, individual letters for each nominee must be submitted electronically by the letter writer and not as part of a larger dossier. All materials are expected to be confidential. The selection committee will review the nominations and make a recommendation to the Director. 

Deadline: All letters must be submitted electronically to the Asst. Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ([email protected]).

 

III. Eligibility

Nominees: Current members of LDEO, DEES, IRI, and CIESIN. Note that current members of the selection committee and/or the Lamont Directorate are not eligible for this award.

Nominators: All members of LDEO, DEES, IRI, and CIESIN may submit nominations. Nominations may also be submitted by persons outside of these units who were members of these units within the past two years. Each individual may submit only one nomination per year. There is no limit on the number of supporting letters an individual may submit.

 

IV. The Award Selection Committee

The LDEO DEIA Standing Committee will review the JEDI Award nominations and recommend a recipient to the Director, LDEO.