Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at MathWorks

We believe that to innovate in engineering and science, diverse backgrounds and perspectives are critical. They help us challenge the status quo and arrive at better, more rational solutions. We know, and studies support, that teams are most creative and successful when they include people who think differently from one another, in a consciously inclusive and equitable environment.

“MathWorks has a values-based culture, including the core value of respecting and investing in each other. It’s important, in a diverse staff population, to make sure every voice is heard and welcome. And we know that we derive as much strength from our differences as we do our similarities. We have more work to do, and we continue to build our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts each year.”

Jeanne O’Keefe, CFO and Senior Vice President
Jeanne

Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline

Nurturing Future Engineers and Scientists

Primary and Secondary School Program Sponsorship

  • The Calculus Project, increasing the representation and success of Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and low-income students in advanced mathematics
  • Youth Engineering Solutions (YES), educating the next generation of problem solvers and engineers with computational thinking and MATLAB
  • Cristo Rey high school internships for students of limited means
  • RoboParty robotics program to bridge the STEM gap in robotics
  • Zoo New England summer camp for inner-city youth
  • Engineering for US All (e4usa), an initiative designed to open access to engineering design principles to a new generation of students
  • Khan Academy SAT prep, free and available to anyone interested in college
  • Extracurricular STEM programs, mentoring, and career days for underrepresented groups in MathWorks communities around the world
  • University of Florida summer AI camps, designed to engage high school students in AI and programming to solve problems and create digital objects

University Program Partnerships

  • Olin MIRROR, a movement to redefine and reimagine STEM outreach to foster outreach collaborations between industry, academia, and community
  • Women-focused universities and college sponsorships: Oxford University Women in Computer Science Society, Cambridge University’s Women in Engineering, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science, Cummins College of Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) chapters, University of Pennsylvania SWE chapter, Cornell University Women in Computing at Cornell (WICC) chapter
  • National Society of Black Engineers student group sponsorship at Howard University, UMass Amherst, and Boston University
  • Workshops at SWE events across college campuses, WICC, and the Women in Data Science Worldwide (WiDS)
  • Sponsorship of the Tribe Academy Conference to impact diverse students eager to break into business and tech careers
  • Olga Taussky-Todd tribute lectures at the International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM) for top women mathematicians worldwide
  • Collaboration with HackDiversity and other mission-aligned organizations to increase the number of Black and Latinx students pursuing careers within the tech industry
  • Association of Latino Professionals Student Summit

MathWorks + NSBE

MathWorks is partnering with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Boston Professionals.

Recruiting the Best and the Brightest

From All Backgrounds

We actively work to attract people of all backgrounds and experiences through organizations such as:

  • UMass Boston MathWorks Scholars Program
  • Society of Women Engineers
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Boston Professional Chapter and collegiate chapters across the US
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MISs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), such as Howard University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Wellesley College, and the University of Puerto Rico
  • Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
  • Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Boston Professional Chapter
  • Work Without Limits
  • Veterans’ groups

We engage with them through live and virtual career fairs, hackathons, and other networking events. Examples include CodePath and Black Is Tech.

We focus on avoiding unconscious bias in job descriptions using tools to screen for bias. Staff are trained to avoid bias in resume reviews and interviews, which are conducted by teams that rationally consider the strengths of all candidates to make qualification-based hiring decisions. Through extensive data and research, we focus on pay equity in the hiring process—regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background.

Ensuring a Culture of Equity and Inclusion

Through Staff Initiatives

Focusing on fairness

Equity is central to our approach at MathWorks. We prioritize fair treatment in compensation and career growth opportunities by adhering to rigorous processes. Each year, we conduct thorough analyses both internally and in comparison with peer companies to maintain fairness and competitiveness. This commitment helps us create an environment where everyone can succeed.

Empowering every voice

Building a culture of inclusion involves creating spaces where every voice matters. The MathWorks design review process encourages open feedback, allowing everyone to contribute ideas and collaboratively improve project outcomes. We prioritize transparency by openly sharing company financials, strategic plans, successes, and challenges. CEO Jack Little and our leadership teams lead by example, actively engaging with staff as well as welcoming and answering questions honestly. This approach ensures continuous process improvement and strengthens our DEI work.

Learning and growing

Our commitment to inclusion and belonging is centered on the genuine growth of our staff. We respect diverse perspectives and strive to ensure everyone feels valued and empowered. Our training programs cover topics such as active listening, difficult interactions, inclusive hiring, and neurodiversity awareness and are designed to promote an open and empathetic culture. We also provide wellness resources and courses, such as Better Sleep for Parents and Kids and Retirement Planning, to support you through various life stages. Our aim is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Building connections across common interests

We understand the importance of finding a place where you can connect with others who share your passions and experiences. Our staff affinity groups are designed to offer that sense of belonging. Whether you’re interested in the Somos Affinity Group, the Neurodiversity Affinity Group, Black Excellence at MathWorks (BEAM), Women at MathWorks, or Pride at MathWorks or want to volunteer as a diversity and inclusion champion or STEM ambassador, there’s a community waiting to welcome you. From the Spring Festival to International Women’s Day, we also support events and activities that honor and embrace our diversity.

Reaching out to the community

We are committed to supporting the causes that matter to you. MathWorks offers donations and matching funds for initiatives in the communities where we operate, as well as disaster relief and other impactful programs. Through our paid volunteer time, staff collaborate with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Black Girls Code in the US, Junior Achievement in Ireland, Katalyst India, and Shepreth Wildlife Park in the UK to make a difference. Additionally, MathWorks provides an annual fund for charitable donations. Staff from each office can nominate organizations, and everyone is encouraged to vote for which ones to support. Together, we strive to make a positive impact in our communities.

Women on Leadership

Hear from leaders at MathWorks on how role models and mentors in their lives supported them in their career journeys.

Events

Around the world, MathWorks hosts and sponsors events to inspire and engage.