Reflecting on Impact: Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging in Action

At Applied Systems, we know that we're more than a workplace – we're a community that celebrates diversity, fosters belonging and values every voice. September was filled with inspiring moments that highlighted our shared commitment to creating inclusive spaces and making a difference together. Let's dive into a recap of some of the events and news happening at Applied this past month and how we will step into October with our “giving efforts.”

International Suicide Prevention Day Event:

As September is Suicide Prevention Month, our IndispensAbility Community of Interest (COI) held an event on International Suicide Prevention Day. Panelists shared their personal experiences relating to suicide and suicidal ideation in an effort to break mental health stigma, as well as the stigma surrounding discussing suicide. The group discussed how to understand others' mental health experiences, coping strategies and self-care practices. Nearly 150 team members held space for one another and listened to what it means to lead with compassion.

Black at Applied: Black Men's Forum and Black Veterans Discussion on Suicide

The Black Men's Forum is designed to foster open dialogue, share experiences, and rally support around topics that uniquely impact Black men. September's session, "Toxic Masculinity - Breaking the Mold," explored how inherited behavior and societal expectations around manhood impact emotional well-being, leadership and relationships. Black at Applied COI also hosted a discussion for Black veterans about suicide awareness. The discussion was a safe space for veterans to support one another and share openly if they chose to.

"The Black Men’s Forum and the upcoming Black veterans event aren’t just calendar entries — they’re lifelines. These spaces give us room to be real, to share openly about struggle, resilience, and healing. They tackle issues that often go unspoken, from the pressures Black men face in corporate spaces to the critical importance of suicide awareness among Black veterans. When we show up for each other in this way, we’re not just strengthening our community, we’re shaping a stronger, more connected Applied."

Giovanni Hale, Service Desk Technician (who also leads Black at Applied’s recruiting and networking efforts)

Veterans of Applied Push-Up Challenge

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, and to raise awareness for the mental health struggles faced by our veterans and soldiers, the Veterans of Applied invited all team members to participate in a Push-Up Challenge from Sept. 8 - 12. Team members got involved by doing their push-ups each day and sharing their photos and videos. They also made donations to our partner charity, Home Base. Together, members of Team Applied raised nearly $2,000 for Home Base.

“I’ve had fellow Marines struggle with mental health and suicide both during and after our active service. Supporting Home Base’s mission is very personal, as it is for so many in the Veterans of Applied community. It’s really meaningful to be part of a team that supports this and so many impactful organizations and events.”

Joshua Moore, Lead Customer Support Specialist and Co-chair, Veterans of Applied, Applied Systems

Our Fallen Hero 5k Run/Walk

Team members joined the 12th annual Our Fallen Hero 5k Run/Walk on September 20 to honor the sacrifice made by PFC Aaron Toppen and others who have served their country. Weaving through the streets of Mokena, Ill., team members took part in the run/walk, learned about PFC Aaron Toppen’s story and remembered our fallen soldiers together. This event was proudly sponsored by the USO of Illinois and donated proceeds to help fund year-round programs and services that support service members and their families.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

We proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we honor Hispanic and Latinx communities' culture, history, and contributions. This year, Circles by Modern Health hosted Mi Gente, a special 90-minute discussion reserved for those who self-identify as Latinx or Hispanic. The session celebrated the power of community and joy as tools for resilience and pride.

Hosted by Inside Out Tours, Applied team members went on a virtual journey of Hispanic Heritage across the United States. The tour included locations like St. Augustine in Florida, The Alamo in Texas, and the Lincoln Center in New York. Along the way, attendees engaged in trivia, explored diverse histories and cultures, and reflected on the profound contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities while viewing archival photos that brought the stories to life.

Experiences like this not only educate but also remind us of the rich cultural threads that shape our shared history. At Applied, we’re proud to continue honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by learning, celebrating and uplifting these voices together.

Applied Continues with Major Giving in 2025

During the past year, Team Applied has raised more than $233,000 and logged nearly 5,000 volunteer hours. Our team is committed to making an impact across the globe. We've raised $13,200 for the American Red Cross to support the California wildfire relief, $13,000 for the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) for the Texas flood relief and supported students in Northern Ireland with laptops and donations through the Europe Events and Activities Team at Applied Systems Europe.

Our Global Month of Giving was also a standout. We raised over $50,000 through World Vision's 6k for Water, and we're thrilled to make history with our first IICF Charity of Choice at Applied Net during the October Insurance Industry Month of Giving. We're proud of our team members' generosity and commitment to making a difference everywhere we live and work.

Proudly Celebrating Team Applied

At Applied, we're proud to create a positive workplace culture that fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging. September was filled with events that support and highlight our Communities of Interest, and we look forward to many more! Visit the Life at Applied section on our blog to see how we honor culture and explore our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging page to learn more about the meaningful work of our Communities of Interest.