Maxar's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are employee-led communities dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Among these, Somos stands out as a space where Hispanic/Latino employees can connect, celebrate their culture, and learn from one another. The word "Somos," meaning "we are" in Spanish, embodies the group's spirit of unity and shared experiences.
In this Q&A, we sat down with Somos ERG leaders, Jacqueline Godina Silveira, Brian Ortiz Munoz, and Jack Rosky, to delve deeper into their mission, impact, and the personal stories of its members.
Whether you're a Maxar employee or simply curious about our commitment to diversity and inclusion, this conversation offers valuable insights.
Meet the Somos ERG
Q: Would you please describe the mission and goals of the Maxar Somos ERG?
- Jacquie: From my perspective, the Somos ERG aims to create a welcoming space for Hispanic/Latino employees and those interested in learning about our respective cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting meaningful contributions. From personal experience, at times it can feel overwhelming and scary to try and find a group where you can authentically be yourself. Our number one priority is to ensure the Hispanic/Latino employees at Maxar feel like they belong.
Q: How does the Somos ERG collaborate with other ERGs or departments at Maxar?
- Jacquie: The Somos ERG has collaborated with other ERGs at Maxar, such as the Women's Network. We've attended joint events and collaborated to host a female, Hispanic executive speaker as one of our events, and aim to continue this collaboration in the future to support a more inclusive workplace.
Being a Part of the Somos ERG
Q: What does being a member of this ERG mean to you, personally and professionally?
- Jacquie: Being a member of the Somos ERG makes me insanely proud to be representing my culture and heritage. This sense of belonging empowers me to bring my authentic self to work every day. Being a part of and leading the Somos ERG has shown me that my perspectives and experiences can help my team and Maxar be more inclusive and welcoming to different cultures and backgrounds.
Q: How has being involved in the Somos ERG impacted your experience at Maxar?
- Jack: Being involved in the Somos ERG has brought me closer with the Maxar community and employee population. Prior to my ERG involvement, I did not interact with any ERGs or participate in other work-related events. Now that I am more involved, I am more connected to Maxar and have formed deeper friendships with my co-workers.
The Impact of the Somos ERG on Maxar
Q: How does the Somos ERG contribute to Maxar's overall culture of inclusion and diversity?
- Jacquie: The focus of the Somos ERG is to celebrate and create a culture of inclusion for the Hispanic/Latino community at Maxar. Through cultural events like our recent movie night featuring “Coco”, educational workshops to include guest speaker, Carmen Medina, and networking initiatives, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where Hispanic/Latino employees can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to Maxar.
Q: What are the key metrics the Somos ERG uses to track its progress?
- Jacquie: The Somos ERG tracks progress using membership numbers, member feedback, and event attendance. We will also use the bi-annual engagement survey related to belonging and inclusion as an indicator of employee sentiment related to inclusiveness at Maxar.
Somos ERG and Culture
Q: How does the Somos ERG help to foster a sense of belonging among Maxar employees?
- Brian: The Maxar Somos ERG prioritizes fostering a welcoming and inclusive space for all employees. By creating a safe environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we aim to cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the Maxar employee community. I witnessed this feeling firsthand during the Somos Movie Night where members and non-members shared and talked about their cultures with open minds, making it very apparent that we each appreciate and embrace each other's uniqueness.
Q: What role does allyship have in the Somos ERG’s success?
- Jack: Allyship is a cornerstone of Somos' success at Maxar. By fostering partnerships with other ERGs like the Maxar Women's Network through shared events like a recent crossover lunch and executive speaker series, we're creating a more inclusive workplace where Hispanic and Latino employees can excel and make valuable contributions to the company.
Communicating the Somos ERG's Value
Q: How does the Somos ERG contribute to Maxar’s reputation as an inclusive employer of choice?
- Brian: Maxar's commitment to fostering ERG growth demonstrates its dedication to diversity and inclusion. I'm proud to be part of a company that values my cultural background. The Somos ERG is a testament to Maxar's inclusive reputation. I never imagined working for a company that would not only accept, but also celebrate my culture. This and other ERG's events, which showcase diverse cultures and invite every employee to participate, further contribute to this inclusive environment that we continue to evolve.
Q: What is the most important message you want to share about the value of ERGs in general?
- Jacquie: ERGs can be a game-changer for anyone seeking a welcoming workplace. As a minority, navigating the professional world can be daunting. Having a supportive community can make all the difference. ERGs offer a safe space to be authentically yourself without fear of judgment. For much of my career, I felt pressure to conform to fit in. This added to my imposter syndrome, making me doubt my abilities. Over time, I realized that diversity is a strength. ERGs helped me see that I belong and that my unique perspective is valuable and desired. This recognition can encourage talented individuals to stay and thrive at any company, including Maxar.