Honoring Our Heroes: A Spotlight on Maxar's Veterans ERG

Maxar's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are dedicated communities that foster belonging, empower employees, and drive positive change. As part of our series spotlighting these vital groups, we turn our attention to the Veterans ERG.

This dedicated community of former U.S. military members is committed to supporting one another and contributing to Maxar's mission. In this Q&A, we'll hear from ERG leaders Bill Jones and Alex Stout as they discuss the importance of creating a supportive environment for veterans, addressing unique challenges, and leveraging the unique skills and perspectives of this talented group.

Join us as we explore how the Veterans ERG is making a positive impact on Maxar's culture and business.

Meet the Maxar Veterans ERG

Q: Describe the mission and goals of the Maxar Veterans ERG?

• Bill: The Maxar Veteran's ERG is a dedicated group of former U.S. military members from all branches of service across Maxar Intelligence, and in some cases are active reservists. We seek to create an environment and culture for all our veterans to be themselves with the full support of our Maxar Executive Leadership Team - where all are seen, valued, heard, and respected in the furtherance of dedicated service to our nation, company, and commercial partners.

Q: What unique challenges does the Maxar Veterans ERG address within the company?

• Bill: The veteran community at Maxar is a diverse group with unique backgrounds and experiences. Our ERG works to address the specific challenges faced by veterans, including transitioning into civilian careers, accessing Veterans Affairs benefits, and managing work-life balance. We also strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where veterans can connect with one another and contribute their valuable skills and perspectives to the company's success.

Being a Part of the Maxar Veterans ERG

Q: How has being involved in the Maxar Veterans ERG impacted your experience at Maxar?

• Bill: Being a member of the Veterans ERG has really opened my eyes to the depth and breadth of the veteran community here at Maxar. I had no idea some of the personnel I work with routinely are veterans, much less their backgrounds and experiences. Knowing their backgrounds and experiences immediately opens doors and makes networking and bonding almost effortless. These insights, in my opinion, makes Maxar a unique place to work, extend influence, and attract talent.

Q: What does being a member of the Maxar Veterans ERG mean to you personally and professionally?

• Bill: For me personally, I take great pride in being a veteran and being surrounded by vets from all walks of life. Professionally, Maxar's Veteran community sets the company apart from other organizations, enhances our credibility within the United States Government, and enables our ability to support the various mission sets with a very high degree of competence.

The Impact of the Veterans ERG on Maxar

Q: What role does leadership play in supporting the Veterans ERG goals and initiatives?

• Alex: Leadership plays a crucial role in supporting the Veterans ERG's goals and initiatives. Leadership across all levels of the company actively promote and participate in ERG events across multiple locations and serve as visible role models. By raising awareness of veteran issues to senior leadership, they are better able to advocate for the needs and concerns of our veteran community. Additionally, leadership development for ERG leaders becomes a priority which empowers us to grow and further contribute to the organization. Finally, leadership communicates the value of veteran investment to external stakeholders highlighting the positive impact of Maxar's veteran employees.

Q: How does the Maxar Veterans ERG measure its impact on the business?

• Alex: The Veterans ERG measures its impact on the business by aligning its goals with company-wide objectives such as recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and morale. By collaborating with veteran organizations such as FourBlock, Wounded Warrior Project, and local USMC chapters, the ERG assists the Talent Acquisition team in identifying and hiring highly skilled veterans to contribute to Maxar's success. This approach enhances Maxar's talent pool and strengthens its commitment to supporting the veteran community.

Maxar Veterans ERG and Culture

Q: How does the Veterans ERG help to foster a sense of belonging among Maxar employees?

• Bill: The Veterans ERG fosters a sense of belonging among employees by cultivating a culture of camaraderie and support. These sentiments are achieved by providing a platform for veterans to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual assistance. By facilitating networking opportunities, the ERG helps break down barriers, enabling veterans to collaborate effectively and advance their careers.

Q: How does the Veterans ERG measure its impact on Maxar's culture?

• Bill: The Veterans ERG gauges its impact on Maxar's culture through several key metrics: increasing ERG membership, maintaining active engagement through quarterly meetings, and collaborating with Talent Acquisition to support recruitment and onboarding initiatives. These efforts not only strengthen the company's culture but also contribute to its mission success by fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, attracting top talent, and extending influence within the geospatial intelligence community.

Communicating the Maxar Veterans ERG's Value

Q: What advice would you give to other companies looking to establish ERGs?

• Alex: To effectively establish ERGs, companies should prioritize professional development. By offering opportunities like guest speaker sessions, professional learning stipends, and access to industry resources, ERGs can empower employees to advance their careers. Additionally, fostering a sense of community and belonging through social events and networking opportunities is crucial for long-term success.