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Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our SAIC colleagues share their personal stories and experiences.

Each year during National Hispanic Heritage Month, SAIC is proud to recognize Hispanic achievements and contributions. By highlighting some of our colleagues within SAIC, we honor the positive impact they make to the company, our customers and our communities. This year’s theme, “Empowering Hispanic and Latino Voices: Stories of Resilience and Progress,” is a call to action to ensure that the myriad voices within the Hispanic community are not only represented but are welcomed and included. Inclusion is one of SAIC’s core values, and we take great pride in the contributions of all our employees. We are proud to feature the following professionals who bring their expertise, talents and unique perspectives to support the growth and culture of our organization.

MARILYN ESPINAL

Marketing & Communications Insights Principal

Fernando ramos

Multimedia Design Team Manager, Visual Communications Studio, Enterprise Solutions and Operations

How long have you been with SAIC, and what makes it great to work here?

I have been with SAIC for almost two years. The journey thus far has been fulfilling and gratifying, primarily because of the collaborative culture and the shared vision of achieving excellence. It's not just about delivering results but also about fostering a culture where everyone's insights matter. My steadfast anchor here is SAIC's unwavering commitment to its core values, particularly inclusion. The supportive and inclusive atmosphere allows me to thrive and make a difference in our initiatives.

What kind of work do you do to support our customers’ missions? Tell us what excites you about it.

As Marketing and Communications’ principal for insights and measurement, I work closely with different teams to define and establish measurable goals for each initiative. I evaluate outputs, outcomes and overall impact to ensure that we're on track to achieve our goals. What excites me is the puzzle of it all, aligning strategic goals with actionable metrics and then seeing our collective efforts culminate in real-world impact. It's rewarding to know that our work directly contributes to the organization. Working at the nexus of innovation and data-driven insights is truly exhilarating.

ROBERTO MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ

Network Engineer Senior Manager, Army Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MALVIS TARNEY

Program Manager, Health Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

EDRIAN VELARDE-MERCADO

Quality Assurance Engineer & Helpdesk Admin, Civilian Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

SAIC has five core values — passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment. Which of these have been most meaningful to you lately?

While all of SAIC's values resonate with me, inclusion has been significant of late. Especially as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, it's a reminder that diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed and essential for the company's success. We harness a broader spectrum of ideas and solutions when everyone feels included. Innovation also resonates with me. In the ever-evolving marketing and communications landscape, it is pivotal to remain at the forefront of new methodologies and technologies. Innovation fuels our ability to deliver exceptional value and solutions, fostering a work environment that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

My Hispanic heritage has instilled a deep sense of community, resilience, work ethic and appreciation for diverse perspectives. It has taught me the importance of family in the literal and metaphorical sense. The sense of unity and collaboration I've grown up with directly translates into how I approach my role at SAIC, always prioritizing teamwork and shared objectives.

What is the single-most important thing our industry can do to support Hispanic/Latino professionals and improve representation in leadership?

To enhance support for Hispanic/Latino professionals and improve representation in leadership, the most crucial step our industry can take is to foster mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives that are targeted and inclusive. This not only aids in nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds but also ensures that the organization is enriched with a varied spectrum of perspectives and ideas. Implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization and creating platforms that celebrate and recognize the contributions of Hispanic/Latino professionals can go a long way in fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture.

Finally, share a pearl of wisdom or favorite quote.

One of my favorite quotes, which is especially relevant to my field of insights and measurement, is from Gabriel García Márquez: "What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it." In my line of work, it's not just the data and results that count but how we interpret and apply them to drive meaningful change. This quote is a beautiful reminder to focus on life's positive experiences and learnings, shaping them into stepping stones for future success and growth.

ESPINAL

RAMOS

How long have you been with SAIC, and what connects you to working here?

I have been with SAIC since I began as an intern in 2011. My commitment to the company stems from the awesome team that I am a part of and the variety of work that we support.

Tell us about the work you do to support our customers’ missions.

I manage the Visual Communications Studio (VCS). We are a one-stop shop for all things creative. From logos to animation, we support various customers and all sectors within the company. My specialty is in 3D modeling, animation and motion graphics. Using my skills, I help create marketing and training videos so that the industry can learn about new capabilities or train the workforce on a new set of skills. With our diverse customer base, we encounter many unique creative challenges that keep my job fresh.

Which of SAIC’s five core values — passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment — has resonated with you the most lately?

Lately my team has demonstrated a lot of passion. Meeting tight deadlines, coming up with creative solutions to some unique requests and just doing awesome work can only be achieved if you are passionate about what you do.

How has your heritage influenced you?

I’m Puerto Rican and was raised in a military family. I moved around a lot and was fortunate enough to experience many different cultures during that time. All that exposure, combined with my own culture at home, really gave me a unique world view that I use to fuel my creative endeavors.

Do you feel that our industry is doing enough to support Hispanic/Latino professionals and improve representation in leadership?

I feel that our industry has done a pretty good job at cultivating and supporting a diverse workforce. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with many other Hispanic/Latino co-workers throughout my time at SAIC, both as a supervisor and direct report. But as with anything, there is always room for improvement.

Please share a pearl of wisdom or favorite quote.

“If we can compassionately remind ourselves in moments of falling down that failure is part of the shared human experience, then that moment becomes one of togetherness rather than isolation,” by Kristin Neff.

RODRIGUEZ

How long have you worked at SAIC?

I have worked for SAIC for seven years and counting. The company culture, my amazing managers and being military-friendly are the reasons why I enjoy working at SAIC.

Managing complex IT networks, how do you support your customer’s mission, and is it exciting?

As the Operations Manager, I am the interface and primary point of contact for the customer when working with cutting-edge technologies. I have a great team of managers and technicians that keeps the infrastructure stabilized daily for the Army Corps of Engineers. Teamwork, collaboration and fixing issues every day are what excites me about this job. I take each opportunity as it comes and try to provide viable solutions.

Which of SAIC’s five core values of passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment has been most meaningful to you lately?

Inclusion is the most meaningful one to me right now. To include all personnel into the mission support that we provide to the customer is most vital, so that communication and collaboration are happening on a consistent basis. Inclusion in life breaks down silos, broadens your horizons and, often, makes you step out of your comfort zone to enhance everyone and everything around you.

What has your heritage taught you?

Being raised in a Puerto Rican household, I was taught that family comes first. Now older and wiser, I've learned that family does not just include blood relatives but also those in your inner circle and who support you. I've taken that lesson to my job and the folks that I work with and work for; I consider them an extension of my family who I value and care for.

What can our industry do more to support Hispanic/Latino professionals and improve representation in leadership?

Create opportunities for growth and development. While many Hispanic/Latino professionals are out there, few are given the opportunity to step into leadership roles or are mentored to do so.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal,” by Henry Ford.

TARNEY

What has impressed you during the short time you’ve been with SAIC?

I joined SAIC at the end of May, after over 10 years supporting high-tech and biotech clients on the commercial side. I've enjoyed the support from my leadership team, as well as that of my colleagues, in getting up to speed and supporting our customer.

Why is the work you do in support of your customer’s mission meaningful and exciting?

I currently support the Department of Veterans Affairs on a data and analytics program. It's fulfilling and motivating to know the work we do makes a difference in the lives of veterans. Being a veteran myself and a military spouse, it's exciting to know we are making strides in improving care for current and future veterans!

Are there particular SAIC core values that have connected with you, out of passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment?

Passion stood out to me the most when I first joined SAIC. At the time, I was looking for a role where I could apply my passion for healthcare and my experience in high tech. I have found it through my new role. Now, innovation is most meaningful as I look to improve my program's efficiency and effectiveness and apply SAIC innovation to our daily work.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

My heritage has always been a driving force. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and grit. Having immigrated to the U.S. as a child, I saw the sacrifices my parents made and the hard work that went into getting ahead and carving a better life for me and my siblings. I’ve carried this with me through my time in the military, in my civilian career and in raising my own family.

What can be done to improve support of Hispanic/Latino professionals and representation in leadership?

Understanding the importance of diversity in driving innovation and taking steps to create more diverse teams. Creating programs to support Hispanic/Latino and other minority professionals to rise through the ranks is also important, as there are many talented individuals who just need an opportunity to show what they can do. SAIC is already doing this through leadership development programs, which I know will continue to push us to greater heights.

Any pearl of wisdom or a favorite quote?

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted," by Albert Einstein, reminds me of the importance of doing right by others and doing the right thing whether or not it is recognized.

MERCADO

Tell us about your SAIC journey so far.

I have been with SAIC for three years. I started as an Intern with the IT department in Chantilly/North Ridge Depot. After about six months I applied for an internal position as a Software Tester/Quality Assurance Engineer and have been here since. I enjoy the endless number of opportunities to learn within my team.

Why is your work at SAIC meaningful?

We are responsible for developing and maintaining the Environmental Protection Agency’s Next Generation Grants System (NGGS). I am responsible for making sure the NGGS is running properly and assisting our help desk team to resolve incidents the EPA has. I look forward to knowing that I can support the EPA in helping our planet.

Which of SAIC’s core values of passion, innovation, inclusion, integrity and empowerment are reflected upon you personally?

Of our five core values, I believe that passion and innovation are the values that hold the most weight in my life. In the field of software development, you need innovation to keep up with the advancements of technology. Passion is what keeps you fueled — knowing that your hard work will positively affect your customer’s experience with technology and help SAIC exceed standards.

Why is your heritage important to you?

Without my heritage I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I’ve learned to be a smart and hard-working individual, create strong relationships with family and friends, and never hesitate if an opportunity arises to help another individual.

What kind of leader-representation support for Hispanic/Latino professionals do you want to see?

I don’t like singling out a single race because we’re all human and should be treated as one, but if there’s one thing we can improve to support Hispanic/Latino professionals, it would be to start creating networking and mentoring events. That allows us to show the Latino community, that we too, can move our industry forward with our intelligence and ambition in professional areas where we are not likely to be represented.

Is there a favorite quote that you live by?

A quote that has kept me grounded is, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you,” by John Bunyan.

MARILYN ESPINAL

Marketing & Communications Insights Principal

Fernando ramos

Multimedia Design Team Manager, Visual Communications Studio, Enterprise Solutions and Operations

ROBERTO MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ

Network Engineer Senior Manager, Army Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MALVIS TARNEY

Program Manager, Health Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

EDRIAN VELARDE-MERCADO

Quality Assurance Engineer & Helpdesk Admin, Civilian Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MARILYN ESPINAL

Marketing & Communications Insights Principal

Fernando ramos

Multimedia Design Team Manager, Visual Communications Studio, Enterprise Solutions and Operations

ROBERTO MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ

Network Engineer Senior Manager, Army Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MALVIS TARNEY

Program Manager, Health Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

EDRIAN VELARDE-MERCADO

Quality Assurance Engineer & Helpdesk Admin, Civilian Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MARILYN ESPINAL

Marketing & Communications Insights Principal

Fernando ramos

Multimedia Design Team Manager, Visual Communications Studio, Enterprise Solutions and Operations

ROBERTO MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ

Network Engineer Senior Manager, Army Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MALVIS TARNEY

Program Manager, Health Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

EDRIAN VELARDE-MERCADO

Quality Assurance Engineer & Helpdesk Admin, Civilian Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MARILYN ESPINAL

Marketing & Communications Insights Principal

Fernando ramos

Multimedia Design Team Manager, Visual Communications Studio, Enterprise Solutions and Operations

ROBERTO MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ

Network Engineer Senior Manager, Army Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

MALVIS TARNEY

Program Manager, Health Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector

EDRIAN VELARDE-MERCADO

Quality Assurance Engineer & Helpdesk Admin, Civilian Business Unit, Defense and Civilian Sector