With an estimated 240,000 service members separating from military service each year, according to the Department of Defense1, American employers are faced with the challenge and desire to cultivate the talents of these capable men and women. Now is a critical time for American collaboration in reintegration programming like workforce development.
As a thought leader, Dixon Center is a trusted source of information, motivation, and inspiration. We inspire people with innovative ideas, turn ideas into reality, and teach others to replicate practical solutions. Over time, we have created a dedicated group of friends, fans, and followers. We help them produce and scale their ideas into sustainable change – not just in one company but in an industry, niche, or across an entire ecosystem.
We’re working with partners who understand hiring individuals with military experience is smart business. One of our legacy supporters, Prudential Financial, understands this mission.
“Dixon Center’s resources and counsel are fostering and strengthening thought leadership, through ideas in workforce development, housing, and female veterans assistance programs,” Jim Beamesderfer, Prudential’s Vice President of the Veterans Initiatives Office explained. “It is now that corporate America’s commitment to follow suit is more important than ever.”
Prudential’s Veterans Initiatives Office established a robust training and education platform for veterans. Their hope is that the Veterans Initiatives Office becomes a model for successful programs at companies across the United States.
With two former Army officers at its helm, Prudential’s Veterans Initiatives Office understands the challenges separating military members, veterans, and their spouses face.
“Less than 1% of Americans have direct contact with [a military service member or veteran],” Beamesderfer noted. “This creates a sharp civilian/military divide.”
At Prudential they have successfully recruited, hired, and promoted veterans and military spouses. Now they are leveraging their insights with other corporate employers to shift the environment and American attitude surrounding military service. They are encouraging others to dispel misinformation and create outlets for these veterans and their families to share their talents and strengths in the workforce.
“It is our imperative to share what we have learned with others because together we can make a greater impact nationwide,” said Chuck Sevola, Vice President and Head of the Veterans Initiatives Office.
Dixon Center is assisting corporations and working with businesses nationwide, providing unique solutions to find and focus on veterans and their families. We have worked with thousands of organizations, like Prudential, that seek to connect solutions and tools in education, employment, wellness, and housing. Later this year, Dixon Center will recognize the efforts of Prudential by awarding them the 2018 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award. This distinction was created to recognize outstanding organizations committed to addressing the economic well-being of veterans and military families. With Prudential and advocates like Chuck and Jim, Dixon Center aims to continue to maximize our efforts and engage others in programming to directly serve our returning veterans and their families.
Are you an employer seeking information on how to reach veterans? Learn more at DixonCenter.org and contact us today!
The Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award is a distinction created to recognize outstanding organizations committed to addressing the economic well-being of veterans and military families. The award is named in tribute to the Freedman couple’s lifetime of philanthropy, including supporting military and veterans’ services through their family foundation. Previous recipients of the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award include PwC Charitable Foundation in 2017.
Embedded Image: Chuck Sevola, Vice President and Head of the Veterans Initiatives Office, Prudential
