Lucy Blaney-Laible receives award for diversity-sensitive leadership

“I am delighted to receive this recognition and consider it a special honor to have been nominated by my colleagues for the ‘Fü(h)r divers!’ Award,” said Lucy Blaney-Laible, who has headed the Language Center at the University of Stuttgart since 2020. She leads a team of 20 employees, supported by six student and research assistants and up to 70 teaching staff. “At the Language Center, we experience every day how essential openness, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding are to successful learning. For us, diversity is not only central to our day-to-day work, but also an essential part of a vibrant and future-looking university.”

Prof. Judith Tonhauser, Vice Rector for Early Career Researchers and Diversity at the University of Stuttgart, summarized the jury’s reasoning as follows: “Ms. Blaney-Laible impressively demonstrates what diversity-sensitive leadership entails—recognizing and valuing people in all their facets and giving them the space to grow. It fosters a work culture characterized by trust, openness, and genuine involvement—for example, through flexible and hybrid work models and shared “Anchor Days” that strengthen team cohesion. For Lucy Blaney-Laible, addressing the diverse health needs and neurodiversity of her employees is an integral part of her approach to leadership. Her strong commitment to diversity is providing important impetus for the entire university.”

In addition to Rector Prof. Peter Middendorf and Vice Rector Prof. Judith Tonhauser — both of whom delivered welcoming remarks — as well as Chancellor Anna Steiger and Vice Rector Prof. Alexander Brem, a wide range of participants gathered with guests on Campus Vaihingen for this year’s Diversity Day. They took the opportunity to engage in informal conversation in a relaxed atmosphere, as refreshments were provided for everyone in attendance. The presentation of the Diversity-Sensitive Leadership Award was the highlight of the event. The popular pub quiz was also back on the program, giving competing teams the chance to put their knowledge of diversity to the test. Another highlight was the new exhibition, held at the university’s Makerspace, “Entangled in World History: Famous and Unknown Women of History,” which showcased 40 hand-knitted female figures and invited visitors to discover notable FLINTA* figures.

About the "Fü(h)r divers!" Award
In 2017, the University of Stuttgart signed the Diversity Charter. It has been hosting its own Diversity Day since 2019 and has demonstrated its commitment to diversity through its award for diversity-sensitive leadership. This commitment is a value that has long been anchored in its mission statement. The award, which was first presented in 2024, carries a prize of 5,000 euros, to be used for the benefit of the recipient’s team. The jury for the 2026 “Fü(h)r divers!” Award comprised the following members: Prof. Dr. Judith Tonhauser (Chair), Moritz Bächtle, Dr. Hauke Behrendt, Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Eggert, PD Dr. Kristin Eichhorn, Ulrich Gemkow, Dr. Jenny Kopsch-Xhema, Beate Langer, Sonja Rapp, and Prof. Dr. Thomas Wortmann.

A review of the German Diversity Day and the recipients of the “Fü(h)r divers!” Award at the University of Stuttgart