#United States #Military Friendly #Veteran Support #Akima #Herndon, VA

Akima's Commitment to Veteran Employment

Akima, a distinguished provider of products and services to the federal government, has recently been honored with the 2025 Military Friendly® designation. This accolade emphasizes the company's ongoing commitment to facilitating military veterans' smooth transitions into civilian careers. Featured in the Winter 2025 issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com, this recognition cements Akima's role as a leader in veteran employment.

Bill Monet, President and CEO of Akima, remarked, “The Military Friendly label is more than just a title; it represents a promise backed by our actionable hiring initiatives. These initiatives include tailored onboarding programs specifically designed to help veterans navigate the challenges they face when moving from military to civilian life.” Akima’s initiatives reflect a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and aim to provide them with rewarding career opportunities.

The Military Friendly® designation is awarded to organizations that showcase exceptional dedication to recruiting, hiring, and training veterans. Kayla Lopez, senior director of partnerships at Military Friendly, elaborated on this commitment, stating that organizations achieving this status have made significant investments in initiatives that result in positive outcomes for service members and veterans, underscoring the business rationale behind hiring military personnel.

Veterans often confront immediate challenges when re-entering the job market. Despite their extensive skills and experiences, many grapple with translating military qualifications into terms recognized by civilian employers. While vocational training and employment initiatives are on the rise, substantial gaps remain. Consequently, numerous veterans still face economic uncertainty.

Currently, over 26% of Akima’s workforce consists of veterans, and 42% of its active contracts are directly with the U.S. military. Furthermore, Akima actively contributes to the Defense Department's SkillBridge Program. This initiative provides service members leaving the military with vital skills and hands-on training necessary for success in civilian employment. At Akima, veterans have diverse roles, including security officers, intelligence analysts, cybersecurity specialists, cloud architects, aircraft mechanics, and engineering technicians.

In addition to employment opportunities, Akima fosters a supportive environment for veteran employees through various mentorship programs, community engagement via veteran-focused events throughout the United States, and career development resources promoting continuous learning. Internal networks for veterans further facilitate mutual support and the sharing of best practices.

The process for selecting the 22nd annual Military Friendly® Employers involved evaluations from public data sources combined with responses to a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly survey, which aimed to measure their commitment to hiring veterans. The assessment combined survey scores with an organization's ability to meet specific thresholds regarding recruitment, retention, employee turnover, and the advancement of military employees.

About Akima

Akima is a global entity with 10,000 employees, delivering a wide range of solutions to the federal government, including information technology, logistics, aerospace solutions, protective services, and construction. As a subsidiary of NANA Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation, Akima positions itself to achieve exceptional outcomes aligned with Iñupiat values. In 2024, Akima was ranked #29 on Washington Technology's Top 100 list of government contractors. For further information about Akima, visit their website at www.akima.com.

About Military Friendly® Employers

The Military Friendly® designation serves as a benchmark for organizations dedicated to creating meaningful and sustainable benefits for the military community. Every year, over 2,800 organizations compete for the Military Friendly designation, with ratings managed by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Learn more about the data-driven Military Friendly® methodology at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.

Conclusion

Akima’s recognition as a Military Friendly® Employer not only signifies its pledge to support veterans but also highlights the company’s recognition of the substantial value and expertise that veterans bring to the workforce. By investing in veterans, Akima is not only serving its organizational goals but also making a positive impact on the lives of those who have served their nation.