At SAIC, we embrace the diverse cultures, heritages and traditions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which has made significant contributions to the history and success of our nation – and they continue to do so today. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we asked some colleagues to share their personal stories, cultural experiences and influences. Each serves an important role at SAIC as co-chairs of our Employee Resource Groups, and we are proud of their contributions to our organization!
Pride Month
Allyship in Action Lifts LGBTQ+ Empowerment at SAIC
SAIC celebrates Pride Month by highlighting the importance of being an active ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Allies help create safer and more welcoming environments for our LGBTQ+ colleagues, friends and family members. SAIC's Equality Alliance is one of our Employee Resource Groups, with leaders who, as allies, are elevating inclusive spaces, advocating for our teammates' well-being and advancing our company’s efforts towards equality. Here are three of these pivotal leaders.
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Amos Hardy
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Events Co-Lead
Dave Patterson
Portfolio Director
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
Helene Siesel
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
What actions have you taken to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals feel included and supported at SAIC?
As an African American growing up in the South during the 1960s and '70s, advocating for rights was a daily occurrence, and as a result I built up a distaste for any form of discrimination. While in the military, I was always at the forefront of seeking equal treatment for minorities, women and LGBT sailors. As an ally, I was there when women were integrated onto combat ships, as well as supporting the LGBTQ+ community during the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” period. As a bisexual man of 10 years and now part of the community, I continue to advocate for everyone's rights.
Can you share a specific example of how you've advocated for LGBTQ+ rights at SAIC?
As part of the Equality Alliance's leadership team, I help our Employee Resource Group promote LGBTQIA+ pride events, as well as supporting local community centers where our company operates.
How do you educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues to create a more inclusive environment?
First, by being an example within and outside of the community. Dispelling stereotypes that some may have about our community. I educate myself by continuing to support LGBTQ+ events in the San Diego area, while learning about myself and others in the process, as the community continues to change and grow.
What are your hopes for future plans for advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion within SAIC?
First, SAIC is a great place to work for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The company gives us a platform to promote the LGBTQ+ group without fear or prejudice. Our goal is to make the best use of that space and continue to advance the community.
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Events Co-Lead
Amos Hardy
Helene Siesel
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
What actions have you taken to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals feel included and supported at SAIC?
Throughout my time at SAIC, I have taken proactive steps to support the LGBTQ+ community within the organization. One of the ways I have done this is by offering mentorship and guidance to LGBTQ+ individuals, where I provide them with support and resources to navigate their professional journeys.
Can you share a specific example of how you've advocated for LGBTQ+ rights at SAIC?
In my nearly 23 years with SAIC, I have been deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes joining and later volunteering to be part of the Equality Alliance's leadership team, hosting LGTBQ+ events and encouraging people to participate in these events.
How do you educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues to create a more inclusive environment?
I continuously strive to improve my own understanding of the diverse perspectives within SAIC and our LGBTQ+ employees. I also use my voice to encourage allies to actively engage with the Equality Alliance, participate in our events and recognize the importance of supporting the entire team in fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.
What are your hopes for future plans for advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion within SAIC?
My focus remains on fostering inclusivity in our workplace while pushing the boundaries. My hope for the future is a time when the Equality Alliance becomes redundant, but until then, I will continue to educate and embrace all and actively work to expand our membership and introduce exciting outreach events that inspire engagement.
Dave Patterson
Portfolio Director
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Events Co-Lead
Amos Hardy
Dave Patterson
Portfolio Director
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
Helene Siesel
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
What actions have you taken to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals feel included and supported at SAIC?
The Equality Alliance continues to host virtual informative events with guest speakers and panel discussions. This provides an opportunity for employees to express their thoughts and opinions in a safe environment, as well as a forum for all to learn. We also host virtual happy hours with guests that entertain and interactive activities that lend to a fun atmosphere. We have great participation from employees, who definitely join in the fun.
Can you share a specific example of how you've advocated for LGBTQ+ rights at SAIC?
I have many friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and being an ally, I wanted to get involved. I advocate for people’s rights by participating on the leadership team of the Equality Alliance. It gives me the opportunity to be a voice for others and help take actions toward ensuring equality for all our LGBTQ+ employees.
How do you educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues to create a more inclusive environment?
Being an ally, I believe that the best tool for my education is listening to others. Listening to their experiences, successes and concerns. It’s through these relationships that I learn how to be a better ally and, through that, help others in their awareness.
What are your hopes for future plans for advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion within SAIC?
We look forward to growing our membership and involving more employees in our community and philanthropic activities and pride events in more cities across the nation.
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Equality Alliance members and allies spend time at San Diego Food Bank as volunteers to pack meals for distribution to the local region.
The group attends Washington Nationals Night OUT.
The Equality Alliance takes part in the San Diego Pride Festival in 2023. It is one of several pride festivals around the country that the Employee Resource Group participates in each year.
The Equality Alliance gathers for a group photo at Washington Nationals Night OUT. The Major League Baseball team is in its 16th year of holding the event each season to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Members of the alliance attend the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2023.
Volunteers from the alliance support Mama's Kitchen, a food bank in Huntsville, Ala.
Helene Siesel
Amos Hardy
Dave Patterson
What actions have you taken to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals feel included and supported at SAIC?
Amos Hardy
Dave Patterson
Helene Siesel
What actions have you taken to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals feel included and supported at SAIC?
Volunteers from the alliance support Mama's Kitchen, a food bank in Huntsville, Ala.
Members of the alliance attend the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2023.
The Equality Alliance takes part in the San Diego Pride Festival in 2023. It is one of several pride festivals around the country that the Employee Resource Group participates in each year.
The Equality Alliance gathers for a group photo at Washington Nationals Night OUT. The Major League Baseball team is in its 16th year of holding the event each season to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
The group attends Washington Nationals Night OUT.
Equality Alliance members and allies spend time at San Diego Food Bank as volunteers to pack meals for distribution to the local region.
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Events Co-Lead
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Events Co-Lead
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
Program Manager
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
Portfolio Director
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
Portfolio Director
Equality Alliance Co-Chair
SAIC's Equality Alliance has had proactive involvement in many of the company’s citizenship and community outreach initiatives, in addition to hosting regular group events and activities.
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