Culture Connector Advisory Council Chairs are a key piece in creating meaningful ways for shipbuilders to connect and get involved.
Congratulations to our newly elected Advisory Council Chairs! Elected by membership, council chairs will oversee advisory committees and ensure all efforts are aligned with business goals.
Advisory Council Chairs:
Communications Chair: Jakayla Miles, Project Management, HR&A
Education Chair: Karen Figueroa, HR Business Partner, HR&A
Membership Chair: Sunny Rasavong, Electrical Engineer, Quality & Engineering
Service/Volunteer Chair: Andrew Woods, Foreman, Operations
Networking Chair: Avery Moore, Manager, Infrastructure & Sustainability
As chair of the Culture Connector Communications Committee, Jakayla Miles and the committee will partner with the Integrated Communications & Stakeholder Engagement team to ensure open, clear and effective communication when distributing important messages and initiatives throughout the shipyard.
“I’m focused on growing and strengthening our workplace culture and development efforts,” said Jakayla. “I want to make sure everyone feels seen, supported and aware of the opportunities that exist across the organization and in the community.”
Karen Figueroa will lead the Culture Connector Education Committee, which will help coordinate educational and professional development initiatives. As education chair, she will work with the Talent Management team to help guide the creation and execution of programs aimed at enhancing knowledge, skills and career growth.
“I have a passion for helping others and want to see them succeed by providing development resources,” said Karen. “All shipbuilders, at every level, need access to professional development and ways to connect so they know we are committed to giving them the tools to succeed.”
The Culture Connector Membership Committee will be led by Sunny Rasavong, who brings a collaborative, solution-focused approach to membership engagement and recruitment. As chair, Sunny aims to strengthen connections across departments and divisions by creating space for meaningful conversations and teamwork.
“By working together, we can make a positive impact in our shipyard,” said Sunny. “I want to show the importance of staying resilient through challenges, striving to grow every day and build incredible ships.”
With the strong values of selflessness instilled in him by his parents – along with support from the Community Relations team – Andrew Woods will bring a servant’s heart to his role as chair of the Culture Connector Service Committee.
“I hope to strengthen our existing relationships within the surrounding communities and collectively identify new opportunities where Ingalls can support underserved areas,” said Andrew. “I’m reminded of something Mr. [Fred] Rogers once said: ‘Look for the helpers.’I want to be one of those helpers and empower others to do the same.”
As chair of the Culture Connector Networking Committee, Avery Moore will focus on creating more opportunities for shipbuilders to build meaningful connections across the shipyard. Drawing from his own experience, he plans to strengthen these efforts by tracking engagement and finding new ways to grow professional networks across Ingalls.
“I would like to create ways to network and set up a system to track and adjust how we use this data to bring people together,” said Avery. “I’m excited to develop networks across all departments so everyone can be successful in the shipyard.”
Culture Connectors foster belonging, appreciation and engagement across departments. Want to make a difference in the shipyard and create a culture of enthusiasm? Click here to join Culture Connectors!
Interested in joining one of the Culture Connector Advisory Council committees? Click here to join an Advisory Council committee!