SPAWAR Recognized Among Top 50 Workplaces for Diversity

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) was recognized by Winds of Change magazine as one of the Top 50 Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) workplaces for Native American professionals.

SPAWAR is a strong proponent of diversity in the workplace and is focused on providing an inclusive environment for its employees, including American Indian and Alaskan Native personnel.

The command hosts an annual Culturally Yours event to celebrate the importance of diversity in the workplace and in everyday lives. The premise behind this event is that by sharing knowledge about heritage, culture, and ethnicity, others will begin to understand and appreciate the positive aspects of being part of a multicultural workplace.

In addition to hosting diversity events, SPAWAR senior executive service members and flag officers are Affinity Champions who promote an organizational culture that supports the growth and success of a particular diverse population.

Rear Adm. James Rodman, SPAWAR chief engineer, and Capt. Joe Beel, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific commanding officer, are Affinity Champions for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).

"Diversity allows SSC Pacific to benefit from talents, abilities, ideas, and viewpoints of a workforce drawn from our diverse society," said Beel. "Diversity sparks innovation by incorporating new approaches and fresh perspectives to problem solving. We must strive to ensure that we recruit, retain and sustain a diverse, talented and highly skilled workforce."

SPAWAR has participated in several American Indian and Alaskan Native diversity events, often collaborating with AISES. Since 2011, the command has participated in AISES science fairs, career fairs, national conferences, their Government Relations Council meetings and provided topical presentations to the organization's members.

To promote inclusiveness within the workforce, Beel established a Diversity Advisory Team to focus on promoting and retaining diversity and inclusiveness at the research laboratory.

"I am committed to diversity strategies that leverage and embrace a diverse workforce and the sustainment of an organizational climate in which people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures, races, religions, ethnicities, ages, sexes and/or abilities are fully included, valued and respected," said Beel. "This commitment is the foundation for building and maintaining a high-quality workforce in support of the warfighter."

Winds of Change, a quarterly magazine published by AISES, notes that organizations selected as one of the Top 50 Best STEM Workplaces meet certain criteria established solely by Winds of Change editorial staff.

Selected companies were required to demonstrate their overall diversity recruitment efforts and/or were included in at least one published list from two different sources that recognize top firms dedicated to diversity recruiting within the past year. In addition, selected companies must also be recruiting for occupations within STEM fields and have specifically recruited within Native American and Alaska Native audiences within the past two years.

Other notable organizations recognized for this achievement by Winds of Change magazine include Boeing, Chevron, Chrysler, IBM, Intel and Microsoft.

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