In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ruth Ann Brien, Hispanic Heritage Program Manager and Jacqueline DiDomenico, EEO Officer, invited Haxel Estavillo to serve as keynote speaker for this year's District event.
Estavillo is a technical expert in Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Analysis and Life Cycle Sustainment for Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems. He joined Col. Christopher Barron, New England District Commander, and dozens of District team members in the theater for his presentation entitled, "Closing the Gap."
Estavillo began his discussion with diversity and its value in the workplace. "Industry and government recognize that a diverse work force delivers better performance and customer satisfaction," he said. "A diverse team provides diverse thoughts and ideas, embraces different perspectives and experiences and delivers superior solutions."
The keynote speaker talked about how Hispanics are underrepresented in leadership roles and how important it was to change that. "With the economic future more uncertain than ever, it is critical that our pool of potential leaders be as large and varied as possible," he said.
Estavillo listed a lack of guidance and role models, Hispanic cultural trades, limited social capital and institutional trades as possible reasons for the under representation. A culture of inclusion is the solution, according to Estavillo. "We need a culture where everyone is fully engaged -- with all their differences and similarities -- in problem identification, problem solving, creativity and innovation," he said. "Only by sustaining a culture of inclusion, we maximize our people potential."
Urging the audience to be part of the solution, Estavillo gave examples of how they could become involved: be a role model, becoming a mentor, promote STEM and master diversity and inclusion. "Underrepresentation of minorities in leadership roles limits the advantages of diversity," he said. "A culture of inclusion creates an environment of empowerment, a sense of belonging, self motivation and high morale that maximizes people's potential. Creating a culture of inclusion starts with you. You can make a difference by getting involved."
After Estavillo's Oct. 21 discussion, Col. Barron presented him with a New England District Bunker Hill plaque.
Haxel Estavillo is a native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. He obtained his Master of Science in Elementary Education from Northeastern University, Boston.
Throughout his career with Raytheon, he has been very involved with the company's diversity, business culture and community outreach efforts. One example includes a membership of the IDS President's Cultural Initiative, which is an elite program designed to accelerate the establishment of a results-based work culture and to reinforce the behaviors defined by the values of the organization.
Estavillo is a member of the Diversity Game Changers Team which promotes diversity behaviors and building an inclusive culture. He is the co-founder, first president and currently active member of the Raytheon's Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Advancement, New England Chapter. As a promoter of STEM, Estavillo held a position at the McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School board of trustees, where he served for more than three years. He currently supports recruiting efforts at the University of Puerto Rico and is a promoter of STEM among minorities through Raytheon-sponsored programs.
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