As Nature Neuroscience celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are having conversations with both established leaders in the field and those earlier in their careers to discuss how neuroscience has evolved, and where it is heading. This month, we are talking to Marguerite Matthews, Program Director at the Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) in the US. We spoke about how she transitioned from neuroscience research into a public service career, her work to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and how each of us can champion these causes in our communities.