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Honoring our Kymeta Veterans: A Salute to Their Contributions

At Kymeta, we are immensely proud to have veterans as part of our talented team of professionals. Their stories of bravery, resilience, and dedication are not only inspiring but also testament to the strength of character they bring to our work place every day. 

Each of our veteran’s journey is unique, filled with experiences that have made them into who they are today and that have brought them to Kymeta. This year, we invited them to share more about their stories and how their experiences in service shaped their skillset that they apply daily in their current roles. 

The quotes above are just a few of our veterans here at Kymeta and exemplify how their time in military service has instilled in them a sense of duty, unity, and leadership. The contributions of all our veterans are invaluable to Kymeta’s success, enhancing our team’s competence by working collaboratively towards driving our mission to support those who serve our nation.  

Employee Spotlight: Deric Latendresse – Sr. Corporate Counsel at Kymeta

At Kymeta, legal expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring the company’s innovative solutions are successfully brought to market. From navigating complex regulatory landscapes to supporting strategic business initiatives, the legal team is vital to every aspect of the company’s growth. In this spotlight, we invite Deric Latendresse, Senior Corporate Counsel, to share his experience in this key role. Over the past four years, Deric has tackled a wide range of legal challenges, helping to safeguard Kymeta’s interests while supporting its mission to deliver connectivity solutions across the globe.

What sets Kymeta apart for Deric is the dynamic nature of the work. “The wide breadth of work streams that all teams are working on simultaneously and getting to be a part of different aspects is what makes this role unique,” Deric says. His day could start with reviewing a standard sales agreement, shift to addressing a complex regulatory issue related to product development, and continue with various strategic discussions. “No two days are the same, and that keeps it exciting,” he adds.

When describing Kymeta’s company culture, Deric highlights the team-first mindset. He appreciates how nimble the company is in adjusting to the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite communications, where every team member shares the common goal of delivering the best products and customer experiences. “Kymeta is nimble enough to pivot swiftly and aggressively as needed, with a team that is all focused on creating the best products and experiences for our clients,” Deric notes. He values this environment where teamwork and collaboration drive innovation.

One part of Kymeta’s mission that resonates deeply with Deric is the company’s focus on providing essential services, like connectivity, in parts of the world where such services are scarce. He believes that communication and information are vital in today’s world, and Kymeta’s products fill those gaps by creating access to information where it’s needed most. “Kymeta’s products make communication and information widely available where there would otherwise be ‘black holes’ around the globe,” he says, sharing how fulfilling it is to be part of a company making such a significant impact.

When talking about his team, Deric describes the close collaboration within the legal department. “The legal team is tight-knit given our size, always aware of what is going on with each other and eager to help out where we can,” he says. Like the broader Kymeta team, Deric’s group shares a vision that makes working together seamless and exciting.

Professionally, Deric’s role at Kymeta has significantly broadened his expertise and sharpened his abilities as a corporate counsel. Handling a wide array of legal issues, he has gained experience across multiple areas of law, which has made him a more versatile legal professional. Unlike the more specialized roles at other companies, where tasks can become repetitive, Deric appreciates that every day at Kymeta brings a fresh challenge, pushing him to continuously grow and adapt.

Outside of work, Deric enjoys golfing, spending time with his family and friends (and his dog), and cheering for UW Husky Football. This blend of work and life reflects his well-rounded approach to both his career and personal life.

Deric’s furry friend, Charlie.
Deric enjoying a day on the golf course.

Deric’s colleagues have nothing but praise for him. Kimberley Sherrell, Sr. Director of Product Operations, notes, 

Deric is an invaluable resource for Kymeta. He is always available for consults, eager to answer questions, and passionate about keeping Kymeta’s best interests as the primary objective. He’s not shy about rolling up his sleeves and digging in to understand complex issues. Kymeta is fortunate to have Deric as part of the team.

Jeanne Strand, Legal Operations Manager, says,

Deric brings to our legal team his depth of experience and actual enjoyment of reading and negotiating legal contracts. He’s also one heck of a golfer!

Nima Seyedali, Senior Vice President of Legal, adds,

Deric is an exceptional member of Kymeta’s legal team, combining sharp legal acumen with a proactive approach aimed at advancing organizational goals. His dedication and trustworthiness have earned him the confidence of colleagues on the business side, including the leadership team.

Deric’s journey at Kymeta exemplifies how legal expertise, collaboration, and dedication come together to support the company’s mission and drive success. With his enthusiasm for the ever-changing work environment and commitment to the team, Deric continues to play an essential role in Kymeta’s growth and success.

Employee Spotlight: Niladri Kundu – Director, Global Customer Solutions Engineering at Kymeta

Niladri Kundu has been an integral part of Kymeta for the past six years. From the moment he joined, he felt at home in the company’s supportive and entrepreneurial culture. “At Kymeta, we empower our employees to take ownership of their work and pursue their goals with confidence,” Niladri shares. This nurturing environment has allowed him to grow both personally and professionally, unlocking his potential and creativity.

Describing Kymeta’s culture, Niladri’s enthusiasm is palpable. “We’re a small, close-knit team that truly values camaraderie and mutual support. We believe in fostering strong relationships and collaboration across all departments,” he explains. This sense of togetherness has made his work experience fulfilling and rewarding.

When asked about the parts of Kymeta’s mission and vision that he connects with, Niladri takes great pride in the global deployment of Kymeta terminals. “Our terminals have been instrumental in safeguarding lives across various regions, whether helping mitigate wildfires in Australia and New Mexico or providing emergency mobile communication during the recent earthquakes in Taiwan. They facilitate the transmission of critical communications to vital responders and essential services, thus bolstering safety measures for individuals and locales worldwide,” he proudly states.

One of the core principles that resonate deeply with Niladri is the focus on creating passionate customers. He believes that understanding customers’ needs, listening to their concerns, and working collaboratively to develop tailored solutions are key to cultivating loyalty and driving the company’s success. “When customers become your advocates, it drives growth and success for the brand,” he notes.

Integrity is a core principle for Niladri. “Do the Right Thing” is another principle that Niladri champions, as it underscores the importance of always prioritizing the customer’s best interests. He feels grateful for Kymeta’s leadership, who trust and support him in consistently upholding this value.

Leading his team is one of Niladri’s greatest joys. He describes them as exceptional individuals who are passionate about delivering outstanding customer support. “Their technical expertise, experience, and communication skills are truly remarkable,” he says with pride. Together, they are committed to achieving successful sales outcomes and building long-lasting relationships with customers.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Niladri highlights the strong culture of trust, unity, and empowerment he has cultivated within his global team of remote workers. “We share knowledge, support each other, and take ownership of our decisions. Together, we are unstoppable!” he exclaims.

Niladri presenting Kymeta's products and services at a tradeshow

Inspiration flows from every corner of Kymeta for Niladri. He admires how each team member goes beyond their duty, passionately working to deliver products that provide connectivity in challenging areas. “It takes all of us to make a difference, and we are doing something groundbreaking in the satellite communication industry,” he says with enthusiasm.

Niladri’s professional journey at Kymeta has been marked by significant growth. Under the guidance of David Lamme and Jon Osler, he has engaged in self-reflection, skill development, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships. Starting as a Senior Solution Engineer for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa market, Niladri now leads the team globally. His progress is a testament to dedication, hard work, and embracing new challenges.

When asked how his coworkers would describe him, Niladri smiles and says, “Communication, Adaptability, and Team Player.” He particularly enjoys receiving positive feedback from customers, which acknowledges that Kymeta’s products deliver what they promise. “It fills me with immense pride and keeps us striving for excellence,” he shares.

Outside of work, Niladri finds solace in cooking. “It’s my way of expressing creativity, relieving stress, and practicing mindfulness,” he explains. Interestingly, despite his tech-savvy profession, Niladri is not on Facebook or Instagram, a fact that often surprises people.

Niladri attending Africa Tech Festival

Niladri lives by the motto, “If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward.” This philosophy guides both his personal and professional life, reflecting his commitment to integrity and kindness. His journey at Kymeta is a shining example of how a supportive and collaborative environment can foster growth and inspire excellence.

Niladri’s colleagues have high praise for him:

Niladri embodies the Kymeta value of customer-focus. His ‘hands-on’ field experience is extensive and I often use his perspective as part of the product development process, from requirements to testing. He’s an invaluable resource for Kymeta and a pleasure to work with. We are lucky to have him at Kymeta.

Niladri provides a wealth of industry experience with a ‘can-do’ attitude as well as an ability to suss out what a customer is thinking, making recommendations in sync with the customer’s needs. He has been excellent to work with and I’m fortunate to count Niladri as both a friend and a colleague.

Years ago, I interviewed Niladri. As part of the interview process, candidates were requested to create a presentation which allowed interviewers to get to know them in their own words. Niladri’s presentation was as polished and professional as he is, but what stuck with me to this day is his play on words on his last name and how true it is. Niladri said his last name is Kundu, but he thinks it could just as easily be ‘Can Do’. That is an apt description of Niladri because he can do anything and has committed himself to helping Kymeta as a leader in sales engineering, customer relationship building, and employee mentorship.

At Kymeta, we celebrate employees like Niladri who embody our values and drive our mission forward. His story is a testament to the incredible opportunities and culture that make Kymeta a great place to work.

Celebrating the Women of Kymeta: Honoring Their Contributions on International Women’s Day

At Kymeta, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible women who contribute to our success every day. On this International Women’s Day, we want to highlight just a few of the women who help shape our company. Join us in honoring these remarkable individuals:

From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to women aspiring women to establish a successful career?

Establishing trust and credibility at all levels of an organization is incredibly important in order to engage and inspire. Consistently leading with inclusiveness, humility and conviction is key to building and maintain that trust.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be adequately prepared, speak confidently, and don't apologize unless it's warranted. You can tackle anything.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be true to yourself, introspective and use your words. Keep in mind we are all humans and sometimes the processing of information is different.

Can you share a moment in your career at Kymeta when you felt empowered as a woman? How did it impact your professional growth?

I am blessed to work as a part of a fantastic team of all women who recognize each other’s strengths and work in a spirit of support and appreciation. I also report to a very strong and experienced female leader, who takes the time to check-in, coach, guide and encourage me. There is so much growth that working in such an environment fosters in a healthy way! During my five+ years thus far at Kymeta, I’ve had other female executives offer mentorship and perspective that has helped my approach in leadership. I’ve also had women reach out proactively to request mentorship from me. We celebrate each other and work collaboratively, tackling challenges and recognizing our accomplishments.

Coming from industries predominantly dominated by men, I found it refreshing during my exploration of Kymeta to observe a significant presence of women in leadership roles. The leadership team consistently provides equal opportunities for expressing feedback, fostering an inclusive environment that extends to individuals at all levels within the company. The empowerment of individuals from the leadership team with such supportive practices enables all of us at Kymeta to model these principles as we work collaboratively.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Stay curious, be genuine, embrace bravery, and trust in your abilities as you lead the way.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Find your interest, focus, determination, hard work and balance in the career you choose. Work hard, play hard; lead by example, give back by mentoring and coaching the next generation of leaders.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My advice to future women leaders would be to embrace their authenticity and resilience. For the longest time during my career, I accepted that “it’s just how it is,” but that wasn’t true. At Kymeta, I started hearing my own voice and understood that my perspective matters. You can face challenges, but don’t conform to traditional norms. Create your own path and champion inclusivity, lifting others along the way.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Speak up! When you have a question but think it’s a “dumb question”, ask anyway. When you think you’re ready for more or for the next step, tell you manager that you’re ready. When you don’t agree and feel that some information is missing from the discussion, say it like your perspective is important because it is.

From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to women aspiring women to establish a successful career?

Set goals that truly resonate with you. Surround yourself with a supportive tribe who genuinely believe in your journey, uplift & inspire you. Trust in your abilities, especially when going gets tough. See failures as valuable lessons that shape your unique path. Take a moment to celebrate every milestone, big or small—it’s all part of your story. Remember to nurture yourself amidst the hustle because your well-being matters most. Stay strong, you’ve got this!!

I have spent most of my career being the only woman in the room from serving in the Army and throughout my career in engineering and program management in the Aerospace Industry prior to joining Kymeta. It the responsibility of women everywhere to make it easier, to break down barriers for the women that come after us. I hope in some small way, I continue to meet that responsibility

On behalf of the entire Kymeta team, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the women who contribute their talents, passion, and expertise to our company. Your dedication and leadership inspire us all, and we’re honored to celebrate your achievements on this special day. Here’s to the continued success and empowerment of women at Kymeta and beyond. Happy International Women’s Day!

Employee Spotlight: Caroline Holder – Materials Handler at Kymeta

As we commemorate Black History Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of our exceptional team members, Caroline Holder. Caroline, serving as a Materials Handler at Kymeta, brings a wealth of dedication, positivity, and professionalism to our team. With one year of tenure, Caroline has quickly become an integral part of our workforce, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our company culture.

One of the aspects Caroline values most about working at Kymeta is the strong sense of unity among colleagues, especially noting the diverse backgrounds, including many who have served in various branches of the military. This unique perspective adds to the collaborative spirit of our workplace, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. Caroline resonates deeply with our mission’s focus on innovation, finding pride in seeing our products showcased and knowing her efforts play a role in their creation.

Caroline drives a forklift to deliver parts for assembly.
Caroline on break around the warehouse.

Caroline describes her team as supportive, led by calm and helpful leaders who prioritize effective communication and problem-solving. She acknowledges her team’s dedication to getting the job done, which has been recognized as one of her biggest accomplishments. Caroline draws inspiration from her colleagues and leaders, valuing the learning opportunities they provide.

Outside of work, Caroline enjoys spending time with friends. Additionally, a fact that often surprises people is that Caroline has a 17-year-old child, reflecting another dimension of her life outside the workplace. She embodies the motto “Treat people the way you’d like to be treated,” both in her professional and personal life, reflecting her values of kindness and respect.

Caroline Holder exemplifies the spirit of dedication, positivity, and continuous growth that defines our team at Kymeta. As we honor Black History Month, let’s celebrate Caroline’s contributions and the countless others who enrich our workplace with their talent, dedication, and unique perspectives. Thank you, Caroline, for being an invaluable member of our team.

Employee Spotlight: Steve Sliwa– Strategic Sales Director, Army at Kymeta

After more than 30 years of service in the United States Army, Col (Ret.) Steve Sliwa joined Kymeta in April 2022, as Strategic Solutions Director, offering a unique perspective on the need for reliable and effective communications during deployment. Steve’s transition from the military to Kymeta wasn’t a change of gears but a continuation and complementation of the mission. Commissioned in 1986 after graduating from West Point in the Field Artillery, Steve served in Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East, including combat experiences in Desert Storm and Iraq in 2003-2004.  His service also brought him to Australia, Haiti, Djibouti, and to Afghanistan multiple times.

In addition to tactical assignments, Steve played a crucial role in meeting rapid and emerging requirements from Soldiers and Units for select material on the battlefield. As the Director of the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force, he had the authority to procure commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, testing and issuing it to deployed Army forces forward in combat operations. Reflecting on this experience, Steve acknowledges that most COTS employed lacked full development for military use.

Steve provides answers about rapid equipping of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to Federal News Radio while serving as the Director of the US Army Rapid Equipping Force.
Steve provides answers about rapid equipping of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to Federal News Radio while serving as the Director of the US Army Rapid Equipping Force.

During demonstrations for the Kymeta Osprey™ u8, Steve envisions its potential deployment in key locations during his service. He sees the Osprey u8 as a COTS solution that could have significantly impacted his formations and equipped other units.

Steve truly enjoys being out in the field with his customers – and sometimes gets to see his father’s previous efforts as well.  While in Landstuhl, Steve was able to position the u8 Osprey below the massive satellite terminal his father bought for the US Army in the early 80s. “I love this picture; it says much about where we were and what we are capable of now – and quite personal to me.”

Steve’s confidence in the Kymeta u8 is unwavering. He believes it’s a winner, ready for a Milestone C decision and effective enough to go into combat and other operations. Sharing his perspective on the push for modernization in the U.S. Forces, including the Army of 2030 and beyond, Steve emphasizes how the Osprey u8 could enhance various units, from command and control to telemedicine and maintenance on the battlefield. It simplifies the process, allowing soldiers to transmit high-resolution imagery to frontline units and report back up the chain of command.

According to Steve, Kymeta’s vision and mission seamlessly align with the direction of the US Army and DoD in the realm of communications. In his own words, he finds it incredibly fulfilling to bring Kymeta’s technology and capability to the Armed Forces, aiming to “revolutionize” how communication operates on the battlefield. This encompasses linking the Warfighter by function and echelon to any available resource, advancing the mission, or improving the current situation through globally connected communications. Steve envisions a future wherein the seamless flow of traffic to and from the tactical edge of the battlefield, incorporating high-density imagery and video when needed, contributes to delivering plans, executing command and control, supports the coordination of precision fires, and facilitates logistics with critical and timely coordination. Additionally, Kymeta’s technology provides the capability to execute tele-medicine, tele-maintenance, provide battle damage assessment, and conduct tele-teaching for unique situations and requirements.

In navigating Kymeta’s core principles, Steve passionately embodies three fundamental values: “Create passionate customers,” “Deliver Bold Results,” and “Do the right thing.” To delve into the essence of these principles, let’s draw from Steve’s own sentiments.

“Engaging with Soldiers, units, and their leadership, I cherish the opportunity to connect with those who, like myself, have walked in military boots. Mindful that they, too, will transition out of uniform, I find reward in discussions that extend beyond the use of Kymeta’s terminal. I thrive on blending in my own experiences, understanding the force’s current challenges, and jointly developing the realization of how Kymeta’s capabilities can specifically improve their communications and operational tasks.

Moving to the principle of ‘Deliver Bold Results,’ – I love working closely with CES and Sales Operations to do just that – delivering bold results and striving to do everything better through lessons learned and sharing all with both Kymeta and the Customer.

Highlighting my favorite principle, ‘Do the right thing,’ I place a significant emphasis on honesty, where the tie always goes to the customer. I appreciate the leadership at Kymeta for allowing and trusting me to uphold this principle, noting their unwavering support in my endeavors to consistently do what is right.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is a family man. Married to Erin, whom he adores, his family also includes four children –  two daughters who served as Officers in the US Army and two sons who are “A” students, Eagle Scouts, and accomplished athletes; Steve’s dedication and experiences continue to make a significant impact on our team.

Steve with his sons at a Scout Camp in Maryland – An Eagle Scout himself, Steve is an active volunteer in Scouting.
Steve with his sons at a Scout Camp in Maryland – An Eagle Scout himself, Steve is an active volunteer in Scouting.

Reflecting on Steve’s exceptional contributions to Kymeta, Mark Garretson, one of Steve’s teammates, shared the following insights: “Steve, is an absolute beast, when I received a call that I had to leave the setup of a demonstration for a family emergency, Steve, rolled up his sleeves and allowed the NOC team and myself to guide him in the setup of the demonstration remotely. He not only handled the technical setup aspect of the effort but managed to wrangle the right people to see the terminals and network at the same time. Upon my return a couple of days later, I found that Steve had successfully completed the demonstration, testing, and prepared everything for the DV day.”

Steve’s journey from the military to Kymeta is a testament to the seamless integration of mission-driven individuals. His commitment, experience, and dedication shape the success and impact of Kymeta, and we raise a toast to Steve for the impactful work he continues to do!

Employee Spotlight: June Li – Digital Marketing Manager at Kymeta

In the upcoming December edition of our employee blog, we are delighted to feature June Li, our Digital Marketing Manager at Kymeta. Having contributed her talents for two years, June reflects on the unique aspects that make working at Kymeta truly exceptional. 

One of the standout qualities June appreciates is the transformative potential of our products. She recognizes the genuine impact they can have on people’s lives, making her experience at Kymeta particularly rewarding. Furthermore, the company culture, characterized by transparency and excellent communication, has enriched her professional journey and created a collaborative and engaging work environment. 

Within our dynamic company culture, June identifies a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. This culture values collective efforts, fostering unity and shared achievements among team members. June feels a strong connection to the company’s mission, which aims to enhance lives through global satellite and cellular broadband communications. This commitment aligns seamlessly with her belief in the transformative power of innovative technologies. 

Connecting with the core principle of “DO THE RIGHT THING,” June emphasizes the importance of integrity and making ethically sound decisions. This principle contributes to a culture where choices prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. 

Describing her team as tight-knit and efficient, June appreciates the open and honest communication that defines their interactions. Each team member takes on multiple roles, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. One of June’s significant achievements has been leading the effort to refresh the website, showcasing the collaborative spirit within the team. 

Inspired by Brenda Kuhns, Lilac Muller, and Alisa Garcia, June values their smart approach, strategic thinking, passion for work, and empathy. These women contribute not only to the team but also to the overall progress of the company. 

“Taking full advantage of available resources during my tenure on the team, I’ve found the Wiki page to be incredibly valuable. It serves as a rich source of information, and JIRA has proven instrumental in efficiently managing tasks and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the full background of projects. 

Among the various benefits offered, my absolute favorite is the hybrid work option. Given my passion for snowboarding, especially during winter when I seek out the best powder days in different states, the flexibility provided by the hybrid work model is invaluable. This benefit allows me to seamlessly balance my love for snowboarding with my work responsibilities, ensuring I stay on track while enjoying my favorite winter pastime. ” states June. 

Professionally, June has experienced significant growth in the rapidly changing field of digital marketing. She appreciates the opportunities at Kymeta that have allowed her to learn, test new strategies, optimize performance, and achieve positive results. Her expanded knowledge of satellite communication has further enriched her expertise. 

Described by her coworkers as organized, proactive, and prompt in her responses, June’s structured approach contributes to a productive and collaborative work environment. She enjoys the autonomy of working independently while knowing there is always support available if needed. 

Outside of work, June’s favorite pastime is snowboarding, reflecting her love for the thrill and relaxation it brings. A surprising fact about her is that she is certified to teach snowboarding, showcasing her commitment to this passion. 

Snowboarding at Mount Hood
Snowboarding at Mount Hood
Summiting the Mailbox Peak Trail

June lives by Steve Jobs’ quote, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This motto reminds her to stay true to her passion, especially in challenging times, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in her work. June’s journey at Kymeta reflects not only professional growth but also a commitment to a fulfilling and passionate career. 

We are thrilled to have June be a part of the Kymeta team and express our gratitude for her valuable contributions.

Kymeta’s Veterans: Transforming Military Skills into Business Success

Honoring Military

At Kymeta, we take immense pride in our team’s diversity and the unique experiences and skills each member brings. On Veterans Day, we have a special opportunity to recognize and honor the remarkable individuals who have served in our nation’s armed forces and forces across the globe.  Today, we come together to pay tribute to our dedicated Kymeta employees who have transitioned from military service to enrich our organization.   

Veterans bring a wealth of unique skills and experiences to our workforce, making them indispensable contributors to our team. Their military training instills qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and adaptability that seamlessly translate into our daily operations. Thanks to these valuable attributes, our veterans make substantial contributions across various departments, including program management, engineering, manufacturing, product, operations and customer-facing teams. Their diverse experiences and critical thinking are the driving force behind our company’s ability to innovate, succeed, and continuously improve our products. We are immensely grateful for the skills and dedication our veteran employees bring to Kymeta, which positively impact every facet of our organization.

This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans shown above and those not pictured. At Kymeta, we deeply appreciate our veteran employees and celebrate their ongoing contributions to our team. We encourage everyone to acknowledge and thank veterans for their service and the impact they continue to make. Thank you for your service.