Employee Spotlight: Caroline Holder – Materials Handler at Kymeta
June Li on February 26, 2024
As we commemorate Black History Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of our exceptional team members, Caroline Holder. Caroline, serving as a Materials Handler at Kymeta, brings a wealth of dedication, positivity, and professionalism to our team. With one year of tenure, Caroline has quickly become an integral part of our workforce, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our company culture.
One of the aspects Caroline values most about working at Kymeta is the strong sense of unity among colleagues, especially noting the diverse backgrounds, including many who have served in various branches of the military. This unique perspective adds to the collaborative spirit of our workplace, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. Caroline resonates deeply with our mission’s focus on innovation, finding pride in seeing our products showcased and knowing her efforts play a role in their creation.
Caroline describes her team as supportive, led by calm and helpful leaders who prioritize effective communication and problem-solving. She acknowledges her team’s dedication to getting the job done, which has been recognized as one of her biggest accomplishments. Caroline draws inspiration from her colleagues and leaders, valuing the learning opportunities they provide.
Outside of work, Caroline enjoys spending time with friends. Additionally, a fact that often surprises people is that Caroline has a 17-year-old child, reflecting another dimension of her life outside the workplace. She embodies the motto “Treat people the way you’d like to be treated,” both in her professional and personal life, reflecting her values of kindness and respect.
Caroline Holder exemplifies the spirit of dedication, positivity, and continuous growth that defines our team at Kymeta. As we honor Black History Month, let’s celebrate Caroline’s contributions and the countless others who enrich our workplace with their talent, dedication, and unique perspectives. Thank you, Caroline, for being an invaluable member of our team.
Employee Spotlight: Steve Sliwa– Strategic Sales Director, Army at Kymeta
June Li on January 23, 2024
After more than 30 years of service in the United States Army, Col (Ret.) Steve Sliwa joined Kymeta in April 2022, as Strategic Solutions Director, offering a unique perspective on the need for reliable and effective communications during deployment. Steve’s transition from the military to Kymeta wasn’t a change of gears but a continuation and complementation of the mission. Commissioned in 1986 after graduating from West Point in the Field Artillery, Steve served in Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East, including combat experiences in Desert Storm and Iraq in 2003-2004. His service also brought him to Australia, Haiti, Djibouti, and to Afghanistan multiple times.
In addition to tactical assignments, Steve played a crucial role in meeting rapid and emerging requirements from Soldiers and Units for select material on the battlefield. As the Director of the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force, he had the authority to procure commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, testing and issuing it to deployed Army forces forward in combat operations. Reflecting on this experience, Steve acknowledges that most COTS employed lacked full development for military use.
During demonstrations for the Kymeta Osprey™ u8, Steve envisions its potential deployment in key locations during his service. He sees the Osprey u8 as a COTS solution that could have significantly impacted his formations and equipped other units.
Steve truly enjoys being out in the field with his customers – and sometimes gets to see his father’s previous efforts as well. While in Landstuhl, Steve was able to position the u8 Osprey below the massive satellite terminal his father bought for the US Army in the early 80s. “I love this picture; it says much about where we were and what we are capable of now – and quite personal to me.”
Steve’s confidence in the Kymeta u8 is unwavering. He believes it’s a winner, ready for a Milestone C decision and effective enough to go into combat and other operations. Sharing his perspective on the push for modernization in the U.S. Forces, including the Army of 2030 and beyond, Steve emphasizes how the Osprey u8 could enhance various units, from command and control to telemedicine and maintenance on the battlefield. It simplifies the process, allowing soldiers to transmit high-resolution imagery to frontline units and report back up the chain of command.
According to Steve, Kymeta’s vision and mission seamlessly align with the direction of the US Army and DoD in the realm of communications. In his own words, he finds it incredibly fulfilling to bring Kymeta’s technology and capability to the Armed Forces, aiming to “revolutionize” how communication operates on the battlefield. This encompasses linking the Warfighter by function and echelon to any available resource, advancing the mission, or improving the current situation through globally connected communications. Steve envisions a future wherein the seamless flow of traffic to and from the tactical edge of the battlefield, incorporating high-density imagery and video when needed, contributes to delivering plans, executing command and control, supports the coordination of precision fires, and facilitates logistics with critical and timely coordination. Additionally, Kymeta’s technology provides the capability to execute tele-medicine, tele-maintenance, provide battle damage assessment, and conduct tele-teaching for unique situations and requirements.
In navigating Kymeta’s core principles, Steve passionately embodies three fundamental values: “Create passionate customers,” “Deliver Bold Results,” and “Do the right thing.” To delve into the essence of these principles, let’s draw from Steve’s own sentiments.
“Engaging with Soldiers, units, and their leadership, I cherish the opportunity to connect with those who, like myself, have walked in military boots. Mindful that they, too, will transition out of uniform, I find reward in discussions that extend beyond the use of Kymeta’s terminal. I thrive on blending in my own experiences, understanding the force’s current challenges, and jointly developing the realization of how Kymeta’s capabilities can specifically improve their communications and operational tasks.
Moving to the principle of ‘Deliver Bold Results,’ – I love working closely with CES and Sales Operations to do just that – delivering bold results and striving to do everything better through lessons learned and sharing all with both Kymeta and the Customer.
Highlighting my favorite principle, ‘Do the right thing,’ I place a significant emphasis on honesty, where the tie always goes to the customer. I appreciate the leadership at Kymeta for allowing and trusting me to uphold this principle, noting their unwavering support in my endeavors to consistently do what is right.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is a family man. Married to Erin, whom he adores, his family also includes four children – two daughters who served as Officers in the US Army and two sons who are “A” students, Eagle Scouts, and accomplished athletes; Steve’s dedication and experiences continue to make a significant impact on our team.
Reflecting on Steve’s exceptional contributions to Kymeta, Mark Garretson, one of Steve’s teammates, shared the following insights: “Steve, is an absolute beast, when I received a call that I had to leave the setup of a demonstration for a family emergency, Steve, rolled up his sleeves and allowed the NOC team and myself to guide him in the setup of the demonstration remotely. He not only handled the technical setup aspect of the effort but managed to wrangle the right people to see the terminals and network at the same time. Upon my return a couple of days later, I found that Steve had successfully completed the demonstration, testing, and prepared everything for the DV day.”
Steve’s journey from the military to Kymeta is a testament to the seamless integration of mission-driven individuals. His commitment, experience, and dedication shape the success and impact of Kymeta, and we raise a toast to Steve for the impactful work he continues to do!
Employee Spotlight: June Li – Digital Marketing Manager at Kymeta
June Li on December 7, 2023
In the upcoming December edition of our employee blog, we are delighted to feature June Li, our Digital Marketing Manager at Kymeta. Having contributed her talents for two years, June reflects on the unique aspects that make working at Kymeta truly exceptional.
One of the standout qualities June appreciates is the transformative potential of our products. She recognizes the genuine impact they can have on people’s lives, making her experience at Kymeta particularly rewarding. Furthermore, the company culture, characterized by transparency and excellent communication, has enriched her professional journey and created a collaborative and engaging work environment.
Within our dynamic company culture, June identifies a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. This culture values collective efforts, fostering unity and shared achievements among team members. June feels a strong connection to the company’s mission, which aims to enhance lives through global satellite and cellular broadband communications. This commitment aligns seamlessly with her belief in the transformative power of innovative technologies.
Connecting with the core principle of “DO THE RIGHT THING,” June emphasizes the importance of integrity and making ethically sound decisions. This principle contributes to a culture where choices prioritize the well-being of everyone involved.
Describing her team as tight-knit and efficient, June appreciates the open and honest communication that defines their interactions. Each team member takes on multiple roles, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. One of June’s significant achievements has been leading the effort to refresh the website, showcasing the collaborative spirit within the team.
Inspired by Brenda Kuhns, Lilac Muller, and Alisa Garcia, June values their smart approach, strategic thinking, passion for work, and empathy. These women contribute not only to the team but also to the overall progress of the company.
“Taking full advantage of available resources during my tenure on the team, I’ve found the Wiki page to be incredibly valuable. It serves as a rich source of information, and JIRA has proven instrumental in efficiently managing tasks and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the full background of projects.
Among the various benefits offered, my absolute favorite is the hybrid work option. Given my passion for snowboarding, especially during winter when I seek out the best powder days in different states, the flexibility provided by the hybrid work model is invaluable. This benefit allows me to seamlessly balance my love for snowboarding with my work responsibilities, ensuring I stay on track while enjoying my favorite winter pastime. ” states June.
Professionally, June has experienced significant growth in the rapidly changing field of digital marketing. She appreciates the opportunities at Kymeta that have allowed her to learn, test new strategies, optimize performance, and achieve positive results. Her expanded knowledge of satellite communication has further enriched her expertise.
Described by her coworkers as organized, proactive, and prompt in her responses, June’s structured approach contributes to a productive and collaborative work environment. She enjoys the autonomy of working independently while knowing there is always support available if needed.
Outside of work, June’s favorite pastime is snowboarding, reflecting her love for the thrill and relaxation it brings. A surprising fact about her is that she is certified to teach snowboarding, showcasing her commitment to this passion.
June lives by Steve Jobs’ quote, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This motto reminds her to stay true to her passion, especially in challenging times, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in her work. June’s journey at Kymeta reflects not only professional growth but also a commitment to a fulfilling and passionate career.
We are thrilled to have June be a part of the Kymeta team and express our gratitude for her valuable contributions.
Kymeta’s Veterans: Transforming Military Skills into Business Success
June Li on November 8, 2023
At Kymeta, we take immense pride in our team’s diversity and the unique experiences and skills each member brings. On Veterans Day, we have a special opportunity to recognize and honor the remarkable individuals who have served in our nation’s armed forces and forces across the globe. Today, we come together to pay tribute to our dedicated Kymeta employees who have transitioned from military service to enrich our organization.
Veterans bring a wealth of unique skills and experiences to our workforce, making them indispensable contributors to our team. Their military training instills qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability that seamlessly translate into our daily operations. Thanks to these valuable attributes, our veterans make substantial contributions across various departments, including program management, engineering, manufacturing, product, operations and customer-facing teams. Their diverse experiences and critical thinking are the driving force behind our company’s ability to innovate, succeed, and continuously improve our products. We are immensely grateful for the skills and dedication our veteran employees bring to Kymeta, which positively impact every facet of our organization.
This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans shown above and those not pictured. At Kymeta, we deeply appreciate our veteran employees and celebrate their ongoing contributions to our team. We encourage everyone to acknowledge and thank veterans for their service and the impact they continue to make. Thank you for your service.
Employee Spotlight: RC Díaz – Sr. Manager, Accounting at Kymeta
June Li on October 12, 2023
In our ongoing celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our valued team members, RC Díaz.
Employee Spotlight: Shawn Taylor – Production Supervisor at Kymeta
June Li on September 20, 2023
Meet Shawn Taylor, one of our dedicated Production Supervisors at Kymeta, who has been an integral part of our team for the past three years. His unwavering commitment and passion for our unique company culture have made him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Employee Spotlight: Caroline Curtiss – Supply Chain Optimization Manager at Kymeta
June Li on August 17, 2023
Welcome to another edition of our Employee Spotlight series! Today, we shine the spotlight on Caroline Curtiss, a talented Supply Chain Optimization Manager who has been an integral part of the Kymeta team for the past 2.5 years
Employee Spotlight: Faisal Natawan – Lead Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer at Kymeta
June Li on June 15, 2023
In this edition of our Employee Spotlight series, we shine the light on Faisal Natawan, who has been an integral part of our team for the past 2.5 years.