UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Meghan Flannery Hayes, department head for Complex Systems Monitoring at Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), received the 2021 Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award from the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), an organization which recognizes upcoming leaders in intelligence and national security.
Hayes currently leads ARL’s strategic plan development subcommittee on the topic of workforce recruiting and retention, diversity, equity and inclusion. Hayes co-founded the ARL Women’s Strategic Synergy Group, an advisory and action group that works with ARL leadership to advocate for positive change.
She also is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and serves on the board for CentreSafe, which helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
Hayes recently sat down with the ClearCast podcast to discuss her approach to leadership, mentoring and women in STEM. Hayes, who passionately advocates for equality, diversity and inclusion, had this to say about the importance of mentorship: “I would not be where I am today as a woman in a STEM field without the support, confidence, and inspiration of the mentors in my life. Having trusted colleagues who share their experiences and wisdom to help me grow and succeed is incredibly meaningful to me, and it is important to me to pay that forward and help others, especially women, succeed in their careers whenever I can.”
Allan Sonsteby, ARL’s executive director, praised Hayes’ commitment to an inclusive workplace and to enacting positive change.
"Meghan’s commitment to workforce inclusion and creation of opportunities for women and other underrepresented communities is amazing!" said Sonsteby. "She is a continual catalyst for positive change."
About the Applied Research Laboratory
As a University Affiliated Research Center, Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application. As the largest research unit at Penn State, ARL continues to do vital work for the world-at-large through cutting-edge research and innovation.