BAE Systems is committed to inspiring a culture where everyone is valued and feels like they belong. We all play a role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and each of our eight Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are integral to our DEI strategy.
The Multicultural Network is the umbrella organization for ERGs at BAE Systems, Inc. Open to all employees, our ERGs are centers for learning, growth and belonging. They create impactful opportunities to ask questions and learn, foster personal and professional development, and advance an inclusive culture that enables employees to be their best and most sincere selves.
The ERGs represent eight demographic areas and engage our workforce in events, programs and initiatives that provide opportunities to learn, connect with others, and gain valuable leadership experience. Each ERG has its own leadership team and is supported by a champion from the Senior Leadership Team, as well as other executive sponsors.
Additionally, each ERG has selected a social impact partner to work with throughout the year in an effort to invest intentionally in the communities in which we live and work.
African Americans Committed to Excellence
AACE’s vision is to create an environment within BAE Systems where all African American employees feel they have the opportunity to thrive, be fulfilled, and be their authentic selves. AACE has taken a leading role in helping BAE Systems, Inc. move forward in the midst of heightened civil unrest and racial injustice. The group held a listening and storytelling town hall event in June 2020 attended by nearly 1,000 employees.
AACE has chosen INROADS as its Social Impact Partner. INROADS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates pathways to internships and careers for diverse high school and college students.
Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations
ABLE sees the ability in all of our employees. The group is an inspired, engaged, and confident organization that values, attracts, and retains employees with disabilities and employees who are caregivers through a culture of inclusion. ABLE is a leading voice in destigmatizing mental illness and promoting mental and emotional health and well-being within the organization.
In 2020, they launched a pilot of “Ready + Willing = ABLE,” a new mental health advocacy program that aims to educate, advocate, and provide employees with knowledge and resources to recognize key signs of mental health situations. “Ready + Willing = ABLE” aims to create a sense of psychological safety for employees to seek assistance when needed, bring their whole selves to work, and feel supported.
ABLE has chosen National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as its Social Impact Partner. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Asian Pacific Islanders Reaching Excellence
ASPIRE is our newest ERG, formed in March 2020. The group aims to empower the Asian Pacific Islander community to foster and inspire growth, and contribute to a BAE Systems where Asian Pacific Islander employees feel a sense of belonging and are represented at every level ASPIRE has been pivotal in creating a brave space for individuals to share, heal, and learn as the world grapples with the rise in violence against Asian Americans in the wake of COVID-19.
ASPIRE has chosen Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) as its Social Impact Partner. AAJC is fighting for civil rights and empowering Asian Americans to create a more just America for all.
Generations Working Together
The Generations ERG provides employees with a forum that crosses generations for the candid exchange of information. It provides access to positive role models from all generations, and establishes valuable networking and mentoring opportunities, while highlighting the benefits of multi-generational contributions.
GEN has chosen Family Promise, Inc. as its Social Impact Partner. Family Promise helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence by providing food, shelter, and support services.
Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement
HOLA’s mission is to increase BAE Systems, Inc.’s competitive advantage through proactive engagement, education, and empowerment, while increasing organizational cultural competence. They seek to advance the number of employees who promote excellence, succeed professionally, and positively impact their communities.
HOLA has chosen National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as its Social Impact Partner. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ and Ally Community
OutLink’s mission is to help create a respectful environment that supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning employees and allies in feeling proud, integrated, and secure in the workplace, and to drive creative and innovative solutions for improving productivity and customer satisfaction. The group’s primary objectives include collaboration, internal and external networking, professional growth, and providing education and learning opportunities to employees to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues within our company and in the community.
OutLink has chosen The Matthew Shepard Foundation as its Social Impact Partner. The Matthew Shepard Foundation aims to amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.
Veterans' Support Network
The Veterans’ Support Network (VSN) creates a community of employee veterans and their supporters. The VSN seeks to foster a culture that members can identify with, contribute to, and become passionate about. Guided by esprit de corps, VSN accomplishes this by focusing on retention, career development, and the professional development of members who have transitioned to the private sector, leveraging the mentorship of seasoned employees to guide them through their transition and promote their continued growth.
VSN has chosen Operation Gratitude as its Social Impact Partner. Operation Gratitude aims to honor the service of our Military and First Responders by creating opportunities to express gratitude.
Women's Inclusive Network
The Women’s Inclusive Network (WIN) fosters an inclusive community focused on the needs and interests of women in the workplace. WIN accomplishes this by facilitating virtual learning labs, leadership training and mentoring, networking opportunities, and partnership with both internal and external organizations to encourage the development of robust dialogue surrounding topics of diversity and inclusion.
WIN has chosen Step Up as its Social Impact Partner. Step Up propels girls living or going to school in under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women.