In honor of Black History Month (BHM), we will be introducing you to Black Engagement Council (BEC) Executive Board members throughout the month of February. More information about Black History Month and the 2021 BEC BHM Celebration is included at the end of the Member Profile.
Name: Sascia Hayden
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): Jamaican
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Marcus Garvey
Years at EB: 3+
Department: 648
Title/Position at EB: Instructional Technology Specialist
Title/Position in BEC: Interim Vice President
Who is Sascia Hayden?
I was born in Jamaica and migrated to Bloomfield, CT with my family at the age of 16. I’m a graduate of Central Connecticut State University where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Master of Business Administration in International Business, and a Master of Science in Education Technology.
I started my career at Electric Boat in 2017 and I’ve had the opportunity to work with several individuals and organizations in developing training and learning products. Prior to Electric Boat, I worked at the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.
I’m a huge soccer fan, and you will find me rooting for my team, Hartford Athletic, in the stands at local games and friendly internationals. Apart from soccer, you can find me on a tennis court working on my swings preparing for my next match with my tennis partner and running to prepare for a race — hopefully my first half marathon. Prior to COVID, I actively volunteered with local community organizations in Harford, CT as a way to give back to my community and was actively searching for the next best ice cream location.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I enjoy working at Electric Boat as I have the opportunity to create and implement learning and development products. These products help to develop and enhance both new and existing employees’ knowledge and skillsets as they grow within the company. Subsequently, it helps me grow by learning about different organizations and how they are interdependent on one another in order to meet both the vision and mission of Electric Boat. Electric Boat provides the opportunity for me to be creative and think outside the box by finding ways to make learning more engaging, whether it’s a video on welding a joint or ensuring safety from falling objects or an online course about security. I also enjoy the sense of community that exists within Electric Boat. This community provides the ability to develop and grow within the company and various organizations.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The BEC matters to me because it provides an opportunity to meet all new and more senior coworkers, where we can share our thoughts and experiences on various topics ranging from the best local restaurant to current events. The BEC provides an opportunity to create and foster new friendships with coworkers who help you navigate through the intriguing world of Electric Boat and the local community. In my opinion, I’m very impressed with the work and involvement of the BEC in the community. It is very rewarding to see how the BEC gives back to the local communities. Furthermore, the BEC hosts various activities and events that not only engage and support Electric Boat, but also impact the local communities in a very meaningful way.
Black History Month is an annual celebration, originating in the United States, where a specific time is set aside to recognize and acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions African Americans have made to the scientific, educational and social justice fabric of our country. Globally, it is a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Black History Month began in 1926 as a week-long event encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of Black Americans in the nation’s public schools. A specific week in February was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14; both of which are dates Black communities had celebrated together since the late 19th century. After initial lukewarm response, the celebration grew to a month-long celebration in February–44 years later. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio in 1970.
The Black Engagement Council (BEC) is celebrating BHM with a series of events and information posted to Homeport. Check the Homeport Calendar and EB Community News to learn more about Black History and upcoming events. For more information, contact EB_BEC@gdeb.com.
