Joseph Richards
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Assistant
Company: American Institutes for Research (AIR)Role: Session Presenter
2022 Conference Session:
The Power of Reciprocity: How Reciprocal Mentoring Makes for a More Inclusive Organization
(S1-C)
Joseph Richards is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program assistant for the American Institutes for Research (AIR). As a member of the DEI Office, he supports integration of DEI into all aspects of the institution, helping AIR achieve its mission.
Before joining AIR, Joseph was a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intern at American Ultimate Academy (AUA). Through organizing, coaching, and leading the community outreach program, he helped bring alternative sports to historically underserved communities in the Washington D.C. area. He was responsible for creating, drafting, and implementing AUA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policy to include in the company mission. Throughout the summer, he provides weekly playing opportunities to diverse communities to ensure that members of these communities are better represented in the sport of Ultimate Frisbee.
In his free time, Joseph enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee and has been a professional Ultimate player for six years. Playing for the Washington D.C. men’s team, he travels to various cities around the country competing. He plans to continue using his Ultimate platform for awareness, visibility, and positive social change.
College is where Joseph brought his lived experience to the classroom, igniting his passion for social justice and equity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Mary Washington. He is based out of AIR headquarters in Arlington, Va.