Gregg Glowinski has built a long career in tech as an engineer, but there’s one job title from the early 1990s that he still wears with pride: Marine. Glowinski served in the United States Marine Corps for three years before embarking on a career in tech and, like many veterans, he continues to serve in the civilian world.
Glowinski is a senior solutions engineer at Zoom and the leader of the Veterans at Zoom employee resource group (ERG). His mission as leader of the ERG is to provide a safe space for veterans to share their stories and to help fellow “Zoomies” understand the human element of being a veteran.
This safe space and education is sorely needed, with Glowinski noting that veterans have life experiences to which very few of their colleagues can relate.
“We all come from different backgrounds, but those who have served in the military have an experience that less than 1% of the U.S. population will ever have,” said Glowinski.
The members of Veterans at Zoom help their colleagues better understand their experiences and the issues facing veterans through events, including speaker series and fundraisers. Glowinski shared more about the ERG’s work and its impact on the company with Built In Colorado.
Companies use Zoom’s video communications technology to facilitate online and hybrid events, power their contact centers and, of course, host virtual meetings.
How are you involved with Zoom’s veterans ERG and how has involvement enhanced your experience in the workplace?
I became a member of the Veterans at Zoom ERG when I joined the company two years ago. I wanted to do more for the community at Zoom and elsewhere, especially since my two boys joined the U.S. Army during that time.
Working at Zoom has been a unique experience in many ways. Similar to the military, Zoom understands that its employees are its most valuable resource. Being your authentic self at work unleashes your hidden potential and allows you to work as your true creative self. Employee resource groups like Veterans at Zoom allow us to create a space to share our stories, be there for one another and communicate with the broader audience within Zoom.
Lastly, Zoom is committed to supporting nonprofits. Veterans at Zoom, with the help of fellow Zoomies, raised more than 300% of our $5,000 fundraising goal last year to help end veteran suicide. It’s incredible to see Zoom and its employees support the community and their families. I’m proud to be a part of Zoom and to lead the veterans ERG.
Our Veterans ERG, with the help of fellow Zoomies, raised more than 300% of our $5,000 fundraising goal last year to help end veteran suicide.”
What is your ERG doing on Veterans Day to champion those who have served?
It’s essential to recognize and understand the human element of being a veteran. That’s why Zoom hosts an event called “Zoom Talks” where we bring in veteran speakers to share their stories and experiences. Last year, we had the privilege of having a well-known veteran attend and share his story.
He was injured during the Iraq War, and his story of survival and inspiration touched us all. It’s essential to have these kinds of events because we all go through tough times, and hearing stories like this can inspire us to make changes in our own lives. I remind myself that every day is a gift and to approach it with a learning and growth mindset. There’s always something new to learn and discover.
What other sort of programming or initiatives does your Veterans ERG hold beyond Veterans Day?
Last year we had the goal to partner with another ERG at Zoom and were able to come together to plan an impactful Zoom Talk alongside the Zoom Soul ERG. We created an event that covered military history and the significance of renaming a U.S. Army base after retired Lieutenant General Arthur Gregg, a Black military hero.
In mid-July, I had the privilege of participating in living history alongside folks from the Public Affairs office at Fort Gregg-Adams and a truly special guest, Gregg himself. The event was amazing and one of the highlights of my career.
During my conversation with Gregg, I asked him how it felt to have a military installation named after him. His response was truly unforgettable: He said we should strive to live a life where we become role models and touch the hearts of those we come into contact with. It was a truly inspiring moment!
