Date posted: 02/07/2008*

Each February, the United States celebrates Black History Month, recognizing important people and events in African-American history. What began as Black History Week in 1926 has since expanded to a month-long celebration of past and present achievements of African Americans.

As Raytheon celebrates Black History Month, we also celebrate our diverse and inclusive culture every day in the way we work with teammates, suppliers, customers and stakeholders. By celebrating diversity, Raytheon employees are able to increase their awareness and understanding of diversity. In addition, Raytheon benefits from the varied contributions of individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Employee Resource Groups
Raytheon’s 72,000 employees worldwide represent the company’s talent, identity and future. To ensure an ongoing inclusive culture among these employees, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been formed to take on projects both within Raytheon and in our greater communities.

The Raytheon Black Employees Network (RAYBEN), for example, was created to enhance Raytheon’s business opportunities and success by attracting and retaining a skilled, diverse workforce. RAYBEN assists African-American employees in reaching their full performance and career potential by promoting Raytheon’s core values, business objectives and career opportunities while maintaining a focus on mutual benefits to Raytheon and its employees. RAYBEN enhances Raytheon’s ability to identify and pursue partnerships with respect to African-Americans and the wider business communities.

Promoting Leadership, Community Service
Employee Resource Groups are formally organized and officially recognized networking communities within Raytheon that share the company’s commitment to the mission of ensuring customer success. ERGs focus on activities that attract and retain employees of similar interests, promote leadership development and individual excellence through continuous learning, and provide opportunities for community service.

ERGs also serve as forums for employees to network and communicate diversity concerns in a neutral environment. Raytheon recognizes ERGs as strategic business partners in building and maintaining a diverse workforce.

Diversity Insignias Symbolize Core Values
Raytheon’s diversity insignia was developed as a unifying device to reflect the company's complete commitment to diversity. The insignia represents Raytheon’s diversity joining together and supporting each other while demonstrating one of our core values. The star at the center reflects those ideals outlined in Raytheon's vision, strategy, goals and values (VSGVs). It is through a diversity of backgrounds, thoughts, beliefs and experiences that we’re able to provide more innovative solutions.

The red star and people on the RAYBEN insignia symbolizes that we are joined together holding each other's hands and that we stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before us. The use of red, black and green symbolize African nationhood; these colors were adopted as the official colors of the African race in 1920.

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