Dr. Laura Castillo-Page Named National Academies’ Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced today that Laura Castillo-Page will become its first chief diversity and inclusion officer, effective June 1.  Castillo-Page most recently served as senior director for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). 

“As we reconfirmed our commitment last year to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, we established this new position of chief diversity and inclusion officer to report directly to us,” stated National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt, National Academy of Engineering President John L. Anderson, and National Academy of Medicine President Victor J. Dzau. “We have much work to do in accelerating diversity, equity, and inclusion across our three academies and in all our activities and programs, and are thrilled that Dr. Castillo-Page has decided to join the National Academies to help us lead these efforts.”  

At the AAMC, Castillo-Page led a portfolio of work to advance learning and workplace environments focused on achieving an inclusive culture. She led the development of the AAMC’s action plan on inclusion to equip medical schools, teaching hospitals, and health systems to become more inclusive, equitable organizations. Castillo-Page has also worked at the American Institutes for Research and served on the faculty at the George Washington University.   

Castillo-Page holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in educational administration and policy studies as well as an M.A. in political science from the University at Albany, SUNY, and holds a B.A. in political science and Latin American studies from Fordham University. 

When Castillo-Page joins the National Academies on June 1, she will lead the development of an overall diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy and set of programs for the entire organization. Working as an adviser and resource on DEI issues, she will be a leader in growing diversity among staff and volunteers, diversifying academy membership, addressing DEI topics in programs and activities, and advancing a culture of inclusion within the National Academies.  Castillo-Page also will help represent the National Academies on matters related to DEI with government agencies, scientific and professional communities and organizations, private foundations, and the public.

“I’m excited to join the National Academies during this pivotal time and look forward to working with many talented colleagues, members, and volunteers,” said Castillo-Page.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.