A Message from Jacobs’ Employee Network Groups

As Jacobs’ Employee Network leaders, our primary role is to promote inclusion and diversity, empower staff to succeed in their careers, and work towards equal opportunities for all at Jacobs. We strive to demonstrate what it means to “live inclusion” in all that we do and create a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging. While on one hand this means offering professional support through coaching, training and networking, of greater significance is the duty to look after the health and well-being of our members and the communities they represent. We are eight networks – but we are one family. We recognize that we all achieve more when we work together than when we stand apart.

The disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the black community and the unlawful killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd have brought into focus yet again the structural inequalities that continue to disempower black, Latinx, disabled, queer and other minority communities in America and across the globe.

Now more than ever before we must stand united against these inequalities and lay greater emphasis on calling out and eradicating all forms of discrimination where we see it. It’s no longer enough to be quietly non-racist and uphold the status quo of 2020. As James Baldwin memorably observed - “not everything that is faced can be changed – but nothing can be changed until it is faced”.

To our brothers and sisters in Harambee, our black employee network group – we see you. We see the pain that the last few months has wreaked on your colleagues, your families and on your mental health. We see you, and we commit to fight racism and inequality wherever we see it.

Now is a time for action, not indifference or empty words. We’re here to listen, to chat, to offer counsel and to help you organize events. Above all, we’re here to support you to tell your authentic story and make our black colleagues more visible at a time where their voices are being subdued.

Our hearts and prayers go out to you all at this challenging time. We offer solidarity and strength to all of our black colleagues against the discrimination that they face, and to all those across the world who face similar injustice.

#blacklivesmatter

At Jacobs, we’re always looking for dynamic and engaged people to join our team. Bring your passion, your ingenuity and your vision. Let’s see the impact we can create, together.