Helping others is what motivates Kenny Hines in all aspects of his life. Through the Ingalls Shipbuilding Equality Alliance (ISEA) employee resource group (ERG), he is able to do that by empowering other shipbuilders to be their true selves.
“ISEA is a group where people can learn, grow and feel accepted,” said Kenny. “It’s a great opportunity to support one another and really show unity in the shipyard.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenny spent time building his self-confidence so he could stand up, not only for himself, but for others who also needed a voice. That’s when he came across ISEA and decided to make a difference.
“I was 30 years old and decided it's time for me to finally be who I am,” said Kenny. “From that point on, I wanted to be a voice for those that didn't have one.”
As a business integration analyst, Kenny looks for innovative solutions to help shipbuilders with their daily tasks. In a workplace where performance is critical, it’s fitting his job responsibilities and time with ISEA focuses on making life easier for shipbuilders.
“I base my job off of shipbuilder satisfaction,” said Kenny. “With ISEA bridging the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and support from allies, we foster a better working environment which improves performance.”
Kenny, along with all ISEA members, make sure the ERG has a footprint in the community. From sponsoring a number of events on the Gulf Coast to informing people about career opportunities at Ingalls, their mission is to spread equality.
“We stress the importance of equality and alliance in the name of the ERG,” said Kenny. “At the end of the day, we are all about treating everyone as equals.”
ISEA is one piece of the puzzle supporting a culture shift taking shape at Ingalls. Kenny is proud that the company welcomes shipbuilders from all walks of life to join the team.
“The future is getting brighter every day, every step of the way,” said Kenny. “The bigger our base, the more we can spread the word and help people feel more comfortable to be themselves.”
Ingalls is committed to attracting diverse talent and strives to develop every shipbuilder to help them be successful. When we feel respected and supported, we are able to do our best work. By celebrating diversity in the workplace, spreading awareness about things that matter to you and encouraging advocacy, we ensure that every shipbuilder’s voice is heard and that we all have a place to BELONG.