Raina Brands is an Associate Professor at the University College London, School of Management. Using an impressive and creative combination of methods, Raina has created a body of work that brings into full relief the crucial issues of gender that sit at the very core of how we organize.  As the study of management networks has grown, scholars have often overlooked the role of gender and related differences, crucial to a fuller understanding of networks, organizations, and social inequality.  Systematically, rigorously addressing the issues underlying the lack of representation of women in leadership or the gender pay gap takes vision, sustained discipline, and courage.

Some of the underlying questions Raina has addressed include, how gender stereotypes affect evaluation and promotion of women; how gender stereotypes might affect women's own pursuit of opportunity; and how does gender as a social identity affect an individual's choice about how they network. One nomination referred to broad scope of Raina's work as "simply brilliant." In exploring the interaction of behavior, cognition, and network structure, Raina's work has made significant theoretical, practical and policy implications that include momentum for gender equity in the real world.  Congratulations to Raina! As a mid-career recognition, it will be exciting to see the next unfolding chapters of her already high-impact research program.