Sodexo’s Military Community of Heroes
By Angela Guidroz, Military Recruiting Manager

At Sodexo, Employee Networks are a catalyst for ensuring an inclusive and open environment that provides opportunities for all employees to contribute fully to Sodexo’s business success. We are thrilled to be launching our newest network group this Fall, which will focus on the Military and Veteran community.

Subarna Malakar, Sodexo’s Director of Network Groups and a Veteran of the Army who served during the Gulf War, is excited by the widespread interest across the company in this new endeavor. "Since putting the message out about this new group, I am constantly fielding requests from engaged employees who want to get involved now! I see the Military Network as a way to enhance the awareness internally for our Veterans within Sodexo. Making sure our internal Veteran employee managers understand the benefits and value of their service and contribution to Sodexo's workforce."

Sodexo’s Executive Sponsors of this new network group, Greg Verone, President, Government Services Division; and Michael Montelongo, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management under President George W. Bush, are very much looking forward to the positive impact this new community will bring.

"I see the sacrifices everyday that the military service members, families and community make in my role with Government Services", notes Greg Verone. "Our involvement on the Marine Corps, Navy and Army bases allows our Sodexo managers to experience an environment that at times, can be vastly different from other divisions’ work place operations. This network group will enhance our company’s ability to engage and truly understand the experience of those we serve."

And as Michael Montelongo observes, "When I think about this group, I see it as an extension of the Diversity and Inclusion journey that began years ago to provide our employees with platforms for personal and professional development, growth and interaction and connection to the senior leadership of the company. So for Veterans, this is a clear signal that Sodexo values their service and contributions and values their skills and experience. But just as important, the benefit is broader because our employees who have no association with the military can now directly connect with that demographic and better appreciate and celebrate its culture and heritage."