Meet Susan
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are recognizing our Hispanic and Latin American employees and the positive impacts they have on our organization, our customers’ missions and our company culture. Susan Baez-Cazull is scientist working in Noblis’ Homeland Security Mission Area.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been with Noblis for 13 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in geology from Texas A&M University. When I first started at Noblis, I worked out of our San Antonio office supporting the Air Force Civil Engineer Center in the areas of environmental remediation and program management requirements. In my current role as a principal scientist for Noblis, I work in our Homeland Security Mission Area I am also a co-lead for the Hispanic Origin Latin American (HOLA) Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Noblis.
What is your message to your colleagues about diversity, equity, inclusion and intersectionality?
We are a diverse world, and everyone has so much to contribute and enrich our lives with their unique experiences. Learning from different people, different cultures, different backgrounds is something I cherish. I love my Puerto Rican culture (Boricua!). I feel at home and welcome when my friends and co-workers ask me about Puerto Rico and my traditions. For example, I love to share things like the coquito recipe or travel tips to the island. It makes me so happy to share all the local things to do in Puerto Rico! I think we are known for our hospitality.
As the co-leader of the HOLA ERG, what are your goals for this year?
My goal with the HOLA ERG at Noblis is to continue engaging employees to participate in our meetings through planning charity events, community related-topic discussions, game and trivia events and in-person networking events. The ERG’s mission is to share our culture and interests with our colleagues, increase awareness of our unique experiences and strengths, and meet others across the company to provide networking and mentoring opportunities.
We want employees at Noblis to join our group regardless of ethnicity to support one another and promote an inclusive workplace. For example, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month the HOLA ERG is planning a Salsa Dance class on October 19. We want it to be a fun event where everyone at the company is welcome!
About Noblis ERGs
At Noblis, we want employees to feel they belong and are valued for who they are. As part of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, Noblis encourages and guides the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
ERGs…
- Are voluntary, employee-led groups which are open to all employees
- Are based on shared interests
- Increase engagement, build connection and foster an inclusive workplace aligned with organization mission, values and goals
- Foster personal and professional growth, mentoring and empowerment
- Provide a safe and inclusive space for those who may otherwise feel excluded
- Amplify employee voices and connect them with others across the company to effect positive change
To learn more about working at Noblis and our commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility where all people can reach their full potential visit https://careers.noblis.org/diversity/.
