The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) recently announced the National Security Agency (NSA) as its 2022 Government Agency of the Year Award winner. The annual award is presented to a government agency demonstrating exceptional support of SHPE’s mission.SHPE is focused on cultivating Hispanic leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The collective effort between NSA and Hispanic/Latino (HLAT) Employee Resource Group (ERG) volunteers has raised awareness of STEM disciplines across underserved minority communities and increased diversity at the Agency through its student and full time hiring efforts.
“NSA’s dynamic, proactive HLAT ERG is to thank for this award,” said Kathy Zuback, director of NSA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) group. “Through its foundational four pillars — attract, engage, celebrate, and develop — the HLAT ERG is fostering career development, embracing community and culture, and celebrating and advancing diversity and inclusion here at NSA and throughout the country through external engagement and outreach activities.”
For example, the HLAT ERG partnered with an area middle school to offer virtual STEM tutoring, and increased its outreach across a dozen schools nation-wide as part of a pre-college STEM virtual workshop. It also planned and executed a Diversity in STEM panel discussion during the International Collegiate Programming Contest North American Championship at the University of Central Florida, which featured more than 30 government, industry, and academic partners. Together, they discussed the successes and challenges in recruiting minority and underrepresented communities to STEM fields.
Over the last two years, the HLAT ERG increased its professional development activities six-fold.
Last year, it helped strengthen the workforce through virtual mentoring events, interactive language sessions for non-native Spanish speakers, virtual Intelligence Community agency tours, power hours, book clubs, and awards and recognition programs.
“We are thrilled SHPE is honoring NSA,” said Mariza Marrero-Cruz, chair of the HLAT ERG at NSA/CSS Washington. “The HLAT ERG’s members and allies are extremely dedicated to promoting career development and DEIA initiatives, as well as cultivating the next generation of STEM professionals. We thank NSA for its constant support and recognize that without it the HLAT ERG’s reach wouldn’t be nearly as expansive.”
HLAT ERG members also serve as local chapter leaders and members of several professional STEM organizations.
NSA representatives will accept the SHPE award during the organization’s Star Award Gala Celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina from November 2-5.
Interested in an NSA career, paid internship, or student employment program? Visit NSA.gov/Careers for more information!
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