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Voluntary Employee Organizations at NIST
At NIST, everyone belongs. One way we encourage diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is through our employee-led groups.
These organizations have common identities or interests, and allies are always welcome. The groups mentor students, host celebration month events or even just connect as colleagues and friends in regular meetings.
Additionally, many of our labs and organizations have diversity councils and diversity, equity and inclusion working groups.
Learn more below about these groups and what they bring to life at NIST.
About NIST VEOs
Association of NIST Asian-Pacific Americans (ANAPA)
ANAPA annually hosts a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month at NIST with a lecture, performance and “Taste of Asia” food sampling.
Association at NIST of Hispanic Americans (ANHA)
ANHA fosters a supportive network and provides opportunities for recognition to NIST Hispanic American employees. ANHA participates in outreach activities to inspire a new generation of Hispanic scientists in the local community.
Diversity and Inclusion in STEM Forum – NIST Charleston
This group develops opportunities for staff from all partner institutions across the Fort Johnson campus to build a supportive and inclusive environment, increase DEIA awareness and strengthen communication skills.
Lactation Support Group
The Lactation Support Group provides support for lactating mothers.
NIST Association for Black Staff (NABS)
NABS works towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment where Black staff members can thrive and contribute to the NIST mission. NABS organizes events and programs that celebrate Black culture, history and achievements.
NIST Pride Group
NIST Pride's mission is to make NIST more welcoming for our LGBTQIA+ community. NIST Pride advocates on behalf of the community and creates spaces where people are free to be comfortable as themselves.
The Parents Network
The Parents Network connects parents with one another throughout the various stages of parenthood, promotes healthy work-life balance strategies, and keeps members up to date on policies/programs relevant to parents and/or caregivers.
Pink Connections
The group provides NISTers affected by breast cancer a judgment-free environment that offers members a supportive community, provides advocacy and reduces stigma.
Postdoctoral and Early-Career Association of Researchers (PEAR)
PEAR is a community of early-career researchers at NIST that provides an environment for communication, learning and networking to enrich the professional lives of new research staff.
Prayer Group
The NIST prayer group meets to pray for one another and about any requests we receive.
NIST Chapter of Sigma Xi
Sigma Xi is a research society that promotes the health of the research enterprise, fosters integrity in science and engineering and promotes the public's understanding of science to improve the human condition.
Standards Alumni Association (SAA)
The Standards Alumni Association keeps alumni informed about current NIST activities and supports the NIST mission by collaborating on projects of mutual benefit and interest.
Standards Employees Benefit Association (SEBA)
SEBA is a volunteer organization that provides social, recreational and wellness benefits to its members and others who are closely associated with NIST.
Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day
This annual event brings NISTers' children to the campuses to see the work their parents do, explained at an appropriate level.
Women in STEM (WiSTEM)
WiSTEM is a community of NIST researchers and administrative professionals working to foster the professional and personal development of women at NIST. WiSTEM hosts events throughout the year to support its mission.
Veterans Affinity Group
The Veterans Affinity Group helps to bring veterans at NIST together through events and celebrations. The group also provides valuable information on veteran-focused services for NIST staff.
VEO Profiles
NIST Association for Black Staff (NABS)
The NIST Association for Black Staff (NABS) promotes the career development of Black employees and supports NIST’s efforts to diversify its workforce.
NABS hosts numerous networking and professional development events each year. NABS also celebrates occasions such as Black History Month, Caribbean Heritage Month and Juneteenth.
NABS President Cartier Murrill says NABS is a networking hub for NIST staff with a focus on Black staff.
“NABS is an inclusive VEO, and we welcome any NIST employee who is seeking career development, advancement, community and support as a NIST employee,” Murrill said.
NIST Pride
NIST Pride focuses on community building and advocacy for the interests of LGBTQ+ staff. The organization hosts events ranging from caffeine breaks to receptions to tie-dyeing lab coats during Pride Month.
NIST Pride members say one of the most important roles of their organization is helping researchers to develop friendships across NIST’s different campuses.
“Being a part of NIST Pride makes me feel like I belong to a community. And it’s so affirming to help others feel welcome,” said NIST Pride Liaison Michael Dawson.
Association of NIST Hispanic Americans
The Association of NIST Hispanic Americans (ANHA) hosts a number of events on NIST’s campuses annually, including celebrations of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Additionally, the group speaks to elementary school students in Alexandria, Virginia public schools about their roles as scientists and researchers.
ANHA’s chairperson Marcos A. Reyes-Martinez, appreciates how NIST encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
“The majority of people who work here may not look like me or come from the same background, but we are all able to come to work and celebrate who we are. We don’t have to conform to an imposed set of characteristics; we can celebrate our music, our dancing, and the Spanish language - while achieving scientific and technical excellence,” Reyes-Martinez said.
Veterans Affinity Group
The NIST Veterans’ Affinity Group is where camaraderie meets purpose in a supportive community. The group includes more than 300 service members, past and present, who share a deep bond forged by experiences. The group hosts regular flag-raising events, including raising the POW/MIA flag on campuses around Veterans Day. They have also hosted educational events on veterans’ mental health and helped members understand benefits that veterans in the federal government are eligible for, such as increased vacation time earning rates.
“Our veterans at NIST are an incredible group of people. We come from all walks of life, bringing with us an unwavering dedication to the agency mission while enriching team dynamics that drive innovation,” said NIST Boulder Veterans Affinity Group Liaison Amanda Hyman. “This group is an opportunity to make connections and support one another through the desire to continue serving the country we so love.”