Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of Peraton’s culture and success. Learn how DE&I Partner, Danielle, works to foster an environment where employees can thrive, connect with one another, and bring their full selves to work each day.
Could you provide a brief overview of your role as a DE&I Business Partner and how it contributes to the success of Peraton?
A big part of my role as a DE&I Business Partner is to collaborate with business leaders to define, develop, and drive Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) strategy and action plans. I also support employee resource group activities and advance opportunities for inclusion and engagement for colleagues. Our business thrives because we have cultivated an open and accepting environment that allows our colleagues to bring their full selves to work. I’m very proud to be at the helm of that change here at Peraton and have already seen the tremendous impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on our employees and company culture.
Promoting a culture of ethics and compliance is crucial. What steps do you take to instill these values within your team and the broader company?
Peraton’s core values are at the center of everything we do. Selflessness for the team, innovation, and honoring those that serve are the core values I think of first when I think of DE&I’s function at Peraton. I pride myself on embodying Peraton’s six core values and making them an essential part of the work that I do. Promoting a culture of ethics and compliance involves a multifaceted approach, including leading by example, communication and education, and continuous improvements. These steps collectively contribute to creating a strong ethical foundation within the company, fostering trust and integrity.
What advice would you offer to others looking to pursue a career in government contracting, especially within our industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially the question – ‘what in the world do all these letters stand for!? In the government contracting world, there’s an entire alphabet soup of acronyms that could mean different things from meeting to meeting. So, I encourage everyone to speak up and ask questions so they can do the best job possible. It also helps to build a network of mentors and colleagues with experience in the industry who can help you not only decode acronyms, but also guide you through the intricacies of government contracts. To help build your work community, I encourage people to get involved. That could mean scheduling a 15-minute introduction meeting with individuals on your team, meeting with other internal stakeholders that you partner with, or joining an employee resource group. Communities at work are an important way to dive into an organization’s culture and meet individuals that you’re comfortable asking questions that may feel silly. Joining and participating in employee resource groups allows you to meet colleagues from across the organization while getting to learn more about the different missions of consequence that Peraton supports.
What’s your favorite part about working at Peraton?
I like the people! My colleagues are kind, supportive, and want to see each other succeed. In my role, I meet colleagues from all over the world who are passionate about supporting our customers and one another. I’ve learned that at Peraton we don’t just say we “do the can’t be done” – we actually do it.