Evidence and Equity Collaborative Launched: A Message From Our CEO

Westat and other leaders in the field of public policy research unite to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. Westat is a proud member of the Evidence and Equity Collaborative. The 9 organizations that comprise the Collaborative are working to support diversity in their workplaces, strengthen inclusive practices in program and policy research, and build a foundation for equitable analysis ready to inform systems, policies, and programs across the nation. Learn more at the Evidence and Equity Collaborative webpage.

In a unique commitment within the policy research field, the Evidence and Equity Collaborative was initiated by the leadership of Abt Associates, AIR, Mathematica, MDRC, NORC, the RAND Corporation, RTI International, the Urban Institute, and Westat representing 20,000+ employees. 

The Collaborative’s agenda will include a range of opportunities for members to learn from each other and from broader communities. Plans include facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) dialogue within our organizations and among those who fund, develop, and implement policies and programs; meeting with communities affected by those policies and programs; contributing to the development of research best practices informed by DEI principles; and creating opportunities for aspiring researchers from underrepresented groups.

“Westat is excited and energized to contribute to this industry partnership that is committed to applying an equity mindset and enhancing research tools and methods to provide insight into underlying structural factors that perpetuate inequity. Westat prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as both organizational values and a framework for our research, capacity building, and evaluation services,” notes Scott Royal, PhD, Westat’s President and CEO. “We welcome the opportunity to combine our strengths and expertise with that of our industry colleagues and work toward much needed transformational change.”