Booz Allen Recognized for Diversity Efforts – Joseph Suarez Receives Special Award

Award celebrates the power of giving in the nation’s capital.

When Joe Suarez, Booz Allen Hamilton’s Director of Community Relations, won a prestigious award for diversity leadership, he accepted it on behalf of all the firm’s employees who donate their time and expertise to the community.

“I may lead the program, but in a way it’s like being the conductor of a symphony,” says Suarez, who oversees all volunteer and philanthropic efforts at Booz Allen. “Unless you’ve got a wonderful orchestra, talented people with passion, you’re not going to be able to produce beautiful music. This award was in recognition for all the fine volunteer work that our employees do.”

Suarez was given the first-ever Outstanding Diversity Leader Award by the Washington, D.C. metro area chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The award was presented on November 17, 2008, at the group’s annual National Capital Philanthropy Day event, which “celebrates the power of giving in the nation’s capital.”

He was nominated by several groups, including the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, B’nai B’rith International, and Northern Virginia Family Service, a social services organization.

“We wanted to give the award to a person who could really set the bar for awards in the future,” says Beth Brummel, who chaired the awards selection committee. “The nominations he received spoke highly of the strong leadership he brings to Booz Allen, and to his commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the community.”

Booz Allen’s work with the Girl Scouts is a prime example of that. Many Girl Scouts in the Washington area are from the inner city and are “at risk,” and Booz Allen has established a mentoring program to provide them with business, job-seeking and life skills. More than 70 Booz Allen consultants act as role models and mentors to the girls.

Booz Allen also partnered with B’nai B’rith International on a program that challenges high school students to write books for children that focus on diversity and acceptance, says Suarez. Booz Allen helped underwrite and roll out the program in one of two pilot cities, Colorado Springs, where the firm has been very active in community work and diversity programs. The program was also introduced in Washington, D.C.

Northern Virginia Family Service is a non-profit group that deals with the homeless and others in need, and many Booz Allen employees have volunteered as instructors and mentors, and have also used their expertise to help the organization increase and diversify its fundraising efforts.

Suarez says it’s important to recognize that the diversity has a broad definition. “It’s racial, ethnic, cultural, it’s diversity in age – young and old,”  he says. “It really boils down to an acceptance of people of different backgrounds, different life experiences and of different economic means.  We want to create opportunities and partnerships that lead to a broader understanding of cultures and people, and hopefully greater acceptance.”

story posted February 19, 2009