Bias in the workplace has become more subtle and more difficult to identify than ever before. According to a Deloitte survey conducted in 2019, 20% of active military and veteran employees experience some sort of workplace bias, while only 3% of their non-military colleagues said they believe that biases in this area exist at all.
Allies are a vital part of changing mindsets and behaviors in the workplace.
Allyship is the practice of working alongside marginalized individuals to challenge systems of oppression. In the workplace, being an ally means taking actions that promote equity across the diverse makeup of an organization. It means using your voice to uplift the voices of others.
So, what are some ways you can be an ally to the military and veteran community?
Hear from some Emergent employees on what allyship looks like for them, both in the workplace and in their communities.
Find Ways to Volunteer Your Time and Give Back to Veteran Communities
Connie Ezerski, senior administrative assistant, comes from a military family. Her uncle is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, and she’s watched a close friend raise children while her husband was serving overseas. This is a community that she’s very passionate about.
“I have the utmost respect, honor and appreciation for the service and sacrifices that are made by our military, first responders and their families,” Connie says. “Any contribution I can make is gratifying, and my pleasure.”
Connie is a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, a lineage-based service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States’ struggle for independence.
“We promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. As a member, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Veterans’ Affairs Community Resource and Referral Centers, with the Maryland Patriot Guard, Wreaths Across America, and was honored to participate in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the 100th anniversary,” Connie says.
Connie says she loves working for Emergent for many reasons, a big one being the opportunities provided through employee resource groups (ERG), that give employees chances to connect with veterans and other underrepresented groups.
She points to the BRAVE, Emergent’s military veteran ERG, saying that, by joining herself, she hopes to inspire colleagues like her who are not veterans, in support of those who are.
Amplify the Voices of Military and Veteran Colleagues
Stephanie Galica, senior director, state government affairs, also points to BRAVE as a good place to start with allyship.
“Not only being a member of BRAVE but being an active and contributing leader who can amplify the needs of our veteran employees and customers,” Stephanie says.
When leaders like Stephanie showcase these inclusive behaviors, such amplifying the needs and voices of military colleagues, it goes a long way in fostering allyship.
Stephanie also comes from a military family. She was born at Fort Benning, Georgia, now named Fort Moore, the daughter of a Graduate of the United States Military Academy and Vietnam War veteran.
“My entire life was centered around the military, living on Army bases, and celebrating veterans. Both my father and uncle were veterans of the Vietnam War and other conflicts that resulted in their deployment. Since then, my sister has married into the Navy and her son will attend the Naval Academy next year. My son is currently serving as an Army ROTC Cadet on the campus of James Madison University, where he aspires to become an Army Ranger or Foreign Affairs officer upon graduation.”
Stephanie’s direct relation to so many in the military and veteran communities has led to a natural compulsion toward allyship.
“I believe strongly in being an ally for those that do not have a voice for themselves and supporting their journeys in all aspects of life, personally and professionally,” she says.
Stephanie adds that being an ally for the military and those that have served their country is to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
“Being a part of this community is the ultimate act of selflessness for the greater good. To be a steward of integrity, to be associated with others who are, and have been, bold and brave, is a privilege.”
Always Remain Curious to Learn More
While Connie and Stephanie both come from military families, that is certainly not a prerequisite of being an ally to the military community.
Mustafa Sefik, senior manager, operational excellence at the Rockville site, is another member of BRAVE who wasn’t in the military, and who doesn’t come from a military family.
Mustafa chooses to be an ally to this community for several reasons. The first came about when he noticed that many of his colleagues were veterans, and that he admired their dedication and work ethic. Another reason Mustafa chooses to be an ally to this community is that he has seen firsthand the role that his military and veteran colleagues have played in spreading democratic values.
Mustafa is a bit newer to BRAVE and to being an ally to this community, but he is actively educating himself by listening and learning.
Stephanie also points out the importance of educating yourself on the experiences of veteran and military colleagues.
“More open interaction with veterans and their families can provide a better understanding of their perspectives,” Stephanie says. “This means so much more than just thanking someone for their service. Taking that step further to have a conversation is just as important.”
Having a deep curiosity and wanting to learn more about the perspectives of those who are part of a marginalized group is one of the first steps in becoming a better ally. And this can be done by asking honest questions, engaging in vulnerable and authentic conversations, and engaging empathetically with your colleagues.