Dr. Keith Nathaniel has been chosen as this year’s recipient for the Workplace Inclusion & Belonging Award! As the Los Angeles County Director & 4-H Youth Development Advisor with over 30 years of service in UC Cooperative Extension, Keith has demonstrated a keen dedication to expanding access and opportunities for diverse communities. He was a founding member and former chair of the DEI Advisory Council (now the Inclusive Community Advisory Council). His leadership and commitment to engaging with others in thoughtful and innovative ways has ensured that efforts to foster belonging are carried forward, benefiting both colleagues and the communities UC ANR serves.
Words of Praise
Dr. Keith Nathaniel's nominator shared the following,
In my own experience working with Keith, I have seen firsthand his ability to navigate complex and sometimes tense conversations with both honesty and care. He demonstrates a thoughtful and adaptive approach, gently challenging harmful narratives while maintaining respect and openness. By meeting people where they are and adjusting his approach to the moment, he creates space for meaningful dialogue without causing defensiveness or disengagement.
This ability reflects not only his strength as an inclusive leader, but also his innovative approach to fostering understanding and connection in situations where it is often most difficult. It is a skill I greatly admire and one that has influenced my own approach to leadership.
Thoughts from Dr. Keith
Dr. Keith took some time from his busy schedule to share his thoughts on being the recipient of this year’s award.
Q1: What does it mean for you to be receiving this award?
“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award. I have hoped that my career and life experiences embody to be an inclusive person whose presence creates a space for all to belong. It is innate to me and I would hope that is what people feel when they interact with me.”
Q2: Why is it important for you to work towards creating/fostering an inclusive community both within the workplace and beyond?
“I think it’s important to create a space for ALL to feel and be their authentic selves. I believe people are more engaging and productive when they are comfortable and feel and know they belong without question.”
Q3: Now that you have received this award, how will you continue to create/foster an inclusive community at UC ANR?
“I will continue to show up as my authentic self and imbue the values of an inclusive community. I hope to continue to create agency in our team to share those same values with each other and the larger community of partners, collaborators and clientele.”
Q4: What advice would you give to others about creating/fostering an inclusive community in the workplace?
“I would say to be mindful of how important it is for all team members to be seen, valued and respected. Each person has something meaningful to contribute and that needs to be valued and harnessed.”
Dr. Keith Nathaniel represents the best of Cooperative Extension and UC ANR!