Search

Celebrating the Women of Kymeta: Honoring Their Contributions on International Women’s Day

At Kymeta, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible women who contribute to our success every day. On this International Women’s Day, we want to highlight just a few of the women who help shape our company. Join us in honoring these remarkable individuals:

From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to women aspiring women to establish a successful career?

Establishing trust and credibility at all levels of an organization is incredibly important in order to engage and inspire. Consistently leading with inclusiveness, humility and conviction is key to building and maintain that trust.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be adequately prepared, speak confidently, and don't apologize unless it's warranted. You can tackle anything.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be true to yourself, introspective and use your words. Keep in mind we are all humans and sometimes the processing of information is different.

Can you share a moment in your career at Kymeta when you felt empowered as a woman? How did it impact your professional growth?

I am blessed to work as a part of a fantastic team of all women who recognize each other’s strengths and work in a spirit of support and appreciation. I also report to a very strong and experienced female leader, who takes the time to check-in, coach, guide and encourage me. There is so much growth that working in such an environment fosters in a healthy way! During my five+ years thus far at Kymeta, I’ve had other female executives offer mentorship and perspective that has helped my approach in leadership. I’ve also had women reach out proactively to request mentorship from me. We celebrate each other and work collaboratively, tackling challenges and recognizing our accomplishments.

Coming from industries predominantly dominated by men, I found it refreshing during my exploration of Kymeta to observe a significant presence of women in leadership roles. The leadership team consistently provides equal opportunities for expressing feedback, fostering an inclusive environment that extends to individuals at all levels within the company. The empowerment of individuals from the leadership team with such supportive practices enables all of us at Kymeta to model these principles as we work collaboratively.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Stay curious, be genuine, embrace bravery, and trust in your abilities as you lead the way.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Find your interest, focus, determination, hard work and balance in the career you choose. Work hard, play hard; lead by example, give back by mentoring and coaching the next generation of leaders.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My advice to future women leaders would be to embrace their authenticity and resilience. For the longest time during my career, I accepted that “it’s just how it is,” but that wasn’t true. At Kymeta, I started hearing my own voice and understood that my perspective matters. You can face challenges, but don’t conform to traditional norms. Create your own path and champion inclusivity, lifting others along the way.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Speak up! When you have a question but think it’s a “dumb question”, ask anyway. When you think you’re ready for more or for the next step, tell you manager that you’re ready. When you don’t agree and feel that some information is missing from the discussion, say it like your perspective is important because it is.

From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to women aspiring women to establish a successful career?

Set goals that truly resonate with you. Surround yourself with a supportive tribe who genuinely believe in your journey, uplift & inspire you. Trust in your abilities, especially when going gets tough. See failures as valuable lessons that shape your unique path. Take a moment to celebrate every milestone, big or small—it’s all part of your story. Remember to nurture yourself amidst the hustle because your well-being matters most. Stay strong, you’ve got this!!

I have spent most of my career being the only woman in the room from serving in the Army and throughout my career in engineering and program management in the Aerospace Industry prior to joining Kymeta. It the responsibility of women everywhere to make it easier, to break down barriers for the women that come after us. I hope in some small way, I continue to meet that responsibility

On behalf of the entire Kymeta team, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the women who contribute their talents, passion, and expertise to our company. Your dedication and leadership inspire us all, and we’re honored to celebrate your achievements on this special day. Here’s to the continued success and empowerment of women at Kymeta and beyond. Happy International Women’s Day!

Employee Spotlight: Caroline Holder – Materials Handler at Kymeta

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 drives a forklift to deliver parts for assembly.
Caroline on break around the warehouse.

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

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.

Steve provides answers about rapid equipping of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to Federal News Radio while serving as the Director of the US Army Rapid Equipping Force.
Steve provides answers about rapid equipping of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to Federal News Radio while serving as the Director of the US Army Rapid Equipping Force.

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.

Steve with his sons at a Scout Camp in Maryland – An Eagle Scout himself, Steve is an active volunteer in Scouting.
Steve with his sons at a Scout Camp in Maryland – An Eagle Scout himself, Steve is an active volunteer in Scouting.

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

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. 

Snowboarding at Mount Hood
Snowboarding at Mount Hood
Summiting the Mailbox Peak Trail

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

Honoring Military

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.