The Power of Connectivity to Create a More Equitable Future

I had the opportunity to represent Boeing on an industry panel on cultivating diversity in corporate culture at the SATELLITE 2021 conference, and it got me thinking about all the ways our company contributes to a more equitable future for all. Starting with our own globally diverse team, I believe that Boeing has made the right commitments to challenge inequities and foster a culture where everyone can succeed. And we’re seeing positive results as we evaluate our own systems and processes, strive to close representation gaps, and create a stronger environment of inclusion through our “Seek, Speak and Listen” efforts.

One of our very basic human needs is feeling included and that comes from connection – to our loved ones, to our communities and to a greater purpose.

For more than a century, Boeing has brought together people from all over the world thanks to our commercial airplanes. And, yet, there are still large parts of our Earth without reliable access to technology that can bring us together in a matter of seconds or minutes versus hours or days.

Attending the Satellite 2021 conference, it became clear that we are on the precipice of being able to connect billions more people around the world virtually with our 702X constellation of satellites. Technologies like Boeing’s digital satellite payloads will soon enable connectivity to those in hard-to-reach locations, from the ultra-rural to densely populated areas.

Imagine the difference that this will make for people in underserved communities all over the world over.

And it's all thanks to our teammates who are conceptualizing, designing and building our next generation of satellite technology, many of whom are located in Southern California.

They are amazing individuals who bring unique experiences, perspectives and talents, and are making a difference for people around the world. They are also incredible human beings outside of work. Volunteering thousands of hours to help engage our communities through programs like DreamLearners, which introduces K-12 students to the world of aerospace by bringing them to our sites.??

Day in and day out, I'm inspired by their generosity, their teamwork and most of all their imagination. I’m hopeful about the future of our industry, and excited to see the growing support for diversity and inclusion present at this show. Let’s continue the conversation and put that energy into action!