The annual award acknowledges employees who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to diversity at Argonne and innovative leadership and creativity by initiating or participating in diversity and inclusion related activities at the lab.

Hafidi is a strong proponent for diversity in an inclusive workplace and actively seeks opportunities for advancement in these areas. Notably, she facilitated an American Physical Society Committee on the Status of Women in Physics visit to Argonne and she initiated the laboratory’s Strategic Hiring, Advancement and Retention Program (SHARP). The SHARP program develops systematic approaches for the representation, development and advancement of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers at Argonne. Hafidi’s efforts serve as an inspiration for colleagues and students alike.

Laboratory Director Eric Isaacs presented Hafidi with the WIST Diversity Award, and the WIST Diversity Committee extended thanks for ​“commitment and contributions to diversity and for serving as a strong role model and advocate to many women and men.”

Argonne’s WIST program was created in 1990 to help develop the full potential of women in science and technology and to promote equity at all levels within the laboratory, contributing to excellence in science and a best-in-class research and development institution.