By Jake Trybulski, talent acquisition

Choosing a career is about more than just the work you do; it’s about finding a place where your values align with your purpose.

At BAE Systems, we believe in building not only mission-critical technology but also stronger, healthier communities. That’s why we empower employees to make meaningful impacts beyond the office by offering volunteer opportunities, rewards, and matching gifts through the support of our Workplace Giving Tool.

“Giving back goes hand in hand with recognizing and celebrating our employees’ volunteer efforts. Our Volunteer Rewards Program lets you track your volunteer hours and earn rewards in recognition of your contributions. Additionally, through the Matching Gifts Program, we amplify the impact of your charitable donations by matching eligible contributions,” Cortney Miller, director of Community Investment, said.

23.3K total hours logged, 1,203 total volunteers, and 572 causes supported in 2024.

Over 1200 employees collectively logged over 23,000 volunteer hours to support over 570 causes in 2024 through our Volunteer Rewards Program.

Volunteering opportunities through the Workplace Giving tool span a variety of philanthropic focus areas including education, support for military members and their families, first responders, disaster relief, and more.

In this careers blog, get to know two dedicated team members and how they are multiplying impact for causes important to them.

Meet Kevin Thwala, a servant leader supporting food security and STEM initiatives

Kevin Thwala, a software engineering manager, is tasked with overseeing various software project scopes, schedules, budgets, risks, and staffing. He believes in leading by example to embody the change he wants to see. Kevin takes what he calls a “Servant Leadership” approach, which extends far beyond his work. In April 2025, he earned our Electronic Systems sector’s “All In Volunteer of the Year” for his work in the community.

Since 2017, he’s actively volunteered at CUMAC, a food pantry in New Jersey that combats food insecurity through trauma-informed methods. He’s even served on their board of directors, helping shape the organization’s impact. He also organizes monthly volunteer opportunities as the Totowa, NJ BAE Systems site Community Champion for the local nonprofit.

“Food is a basic essential we all understand,” Kevin says. “We can’t function, much less reach our full potential without it.”

But Kevin’s contributions don’t stop there. A STEM advocate, he mentors the next generation through Students2Science.org. Whether helping students sharpen their math skills or exposing them to career possibilities during hands-on labs, Kevin ensures his time makes a lasting impact.

“A time that really sticks with me is when I helped someone earn their GED. We studied and did practice tests together for weeks, and after achieving a passing grade, they were able to gain a promotion,” Kevin said. “A small act can lead to a ripple effect of positive change.”

Kevin channels his passion for giving back with the help of our Volunteer Rewards Program. Through his volunteer hours, he earns monetary rewards in the Workplace Giving Tool, which he donates back to causes important to him like supporting the next generation of engineers and various universities.

“Volunteering allows us to see a different side of ourselves and our colleagues,” he explains. “It connects us to our shared humanity.”

Catherine Batista: Building community, one cause at a time

For Catherine Batista, an assembly operator and top-level auditor at BAE Systems, her role means inspecting highly technical products to ensure quality guidelines, workmanship standards, and engineering drawings are met. Her day job can be complex. But for her, volunteering is not – it’s a way of life.

She serves with countless causes, including Girls Who Code, the Special Olympics, Iowa Giving, the Catherine McCauley Refugee Center, supporting veterans care package initiatives at BAE Systems and more.

“I’m involved with these organizations because I strongly believe that my purpose is to serve. They align with my mission of helping everyone feel accepted, empowered, appreciated, and inspired,” Catherine said.

When asked to pick a standout moment from her rich volunteering experience, Catherine pauses. “Every single cause I’ve supported has impacted me in ways I can’t put into words,” she explains. “It’s the appreciation, the shared journeys, and building relationships that make it all worthwhile.”

At BAE Systems, Catherine’s enthusiasm for giving is amplified by the connections she makes with her teammates.

“I’ve been able to give back so much more with the company’s support,” she says. “It has been really special to know people who share similar passions for helping others.”

The bonds she’s built with like-minded colleagues inspire her to find new ways to make a difference every day.

Join our team

The greatest impacts start with individuals passionate about change. Whether it’s Kevin mentoring the next generation of STEM leaders or Catherine empowering underserved communities, our team members remind us of the power of unity and shared compassion.

Explore our careers website today to find a role where your work is fueled by purpose, but your impact reaches far beyond the workplace. Learn more about our commitment to community investment and our partners here.