At Schneider Electric, supporting service members isn’t just a commitment, it’s a mission that continues to grow stronger every year. When Peter Shull and I shared our story in 2023 through the blog “Shining Light on the Military and Veteran Community at Schneider Electric,” we set out to highlight Schneider Electric’s unwavering commitment to helping service members transition into meaningful civilian careers. That message hasn’t changed, but the impact has grown.
Since then, the momentum has been incredible. Our community has expanded, our partnerships have deepened, and our impact has reached new heights – both inside Schneider Electric and across the broader military network.
Why? Because we recognize something powerful: service members and military spouses bring unique skills, leadership, and resilience that enrich our organization and drive innovation. As a proud member of our VETS ERN (Voices of Employees That Served Employee Resource Network) and a leader at Schneider Electric, I’m thrilled to share an update on how our community is evolving, thriving and reaching new heights!
Impact starts with us: The power of Schneider Electric’s VETS ERN
When I think about what makes our military and veteran community so strong, it starts with our VETS ERN. Guided by the core values of Grow, Honor, and Serve, this network is more than a group; it’s a mission. Our focus is clear:
- Raise awareness of the incredible contributions of veterans and military spouses
- Offer development opportunities to help members thrive
- Advise on military-friendly HR initiatives that make a real difference
- Create opportunities to give back to the communities we care about
Since our last blog post, the ERN has more than doubled in size, growing from nearly 300 active members to over 750! This is a testament to our commitment to developing, connecting, and supporting our veteran community. The VETS ERN creates impact through initiatives like:
- Mentorship programs that pair veterans with leaders across Schneider Electric to support career growth.
- Community outreach projects, including volunteer events and partnerships with organizations like Folds of Honor and Hiring Our Heroes.
- Advocacy and education, such as hosting leadership speakers like Keni Thomas, former U.S. Army Ranger who fought in the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in Black Hawk Down, for an inspiring keynote and meet-and-greet at our Nashville hub. We live streamed the event so all employees could benefit from Keni’s powerful storytelling and leadership lessons, which remind us why the values of service and teamwork matter so deeply in business and in life.
- SkillBridge internships that help transitioning service members gain hands-on experience before entering the civilian workforce.
Every member of the VETS ERN brings unique experiences that enrich our culture and fuel innovation. As this community expands, so does our ability to make an impact.
And the impact doesn’t stop there. We recently reached an 8% external hiring rate for self-identified military and veteran talent in the U.S., surpassing The Office of the Federal Contracting Compliance Programs’ (OFCCP) benchmark of 5.1%. This milestone reinforces why we do what we do, and why continuing to cultivate and grow this community matters so much.
Voices of our military and veteran community
The strength of our military and veteran community isn’t just measured in numbers, it’s reflected in the stories of those who live it every day. Hear from some of the voices that capture what Schneider Electric’s mission means in action.
“Joining the Schneider Electric team has shown me how easy it can be to use the experiences and skills I learned in the military to support a different type of mission. During my fellowship, I quickly realized how essential energy is to national security, and being able to continue supporting a critical mission made my offramp and retirement much more meaningful. When all was said and done, I knew that Schneider was the place for me. Not only has it provided me opportunities to contribute to the national discussion on energy dominance, but it has given me a platform to support other veterans through the creation of the Hiring our Heroes Committee, connections with national electrical, distribution, and manufacturing associations, and advocacy for the bipartisan VET Act of 2025.”
Brandy Malone
Federal Policy Manager (Government Procurement and Workforce)
“From my very first Skillbridge info call, I could tell Schneider Electric was something special. The people-first culture felt so familiar – it mirrored the kind of leadership I tried to embody in the military. Every single interaction I’ve had with Schneider employees has been warm, supportive, and genuinely uplifting. When I was navigating the uncertainty of transition and searching for purpose, it was the Schneider Electric employee network that gave me that sense of belonging again. I’m part of a new team now – and I couldn’t be prouder to wear this jersey. Every project I touch at Schneider isn’t just a task – it’s a chance to shape something meaningful, and I’m proud to be part of a team that drives real impact”
Erin Flaherty
HRS&T Campaign Projects Manager
“Military spouse make countless sacrifices to support their active duty spouse, often navigating challenges like frequent relations and parenting along in new environments. Having a company that understands and supports you through these transitions can make all the difference. I’m happy to see Schneider recognizing these challenges and working to create meaningful opportunities for military spouses. Building a stable fulfilling career as a military spouse is especially important during times of uncertainty.”
Dr. Nina Russell
Technical Project Manager, Secure Power Division
Creating impact beyond Schneider Electric: Partnerships, programs, and recognition
While growing our internal VETS ERN community is critical, our commitment doesn’t stop at Schneider Electric’s doors. We’re proud to stand alongside organizations that share our mission to support service members and their families.
Through partnerships with American Corporate Partners (ACP), Folds of Honor, Military MOJO, Hiring our Heroes (HoH), Team Rubicon, and SkillBridge, we’re helping create pathways for veterans to thrive in civilian careers.
Brandy Malone, Federal Policy Manager and Chair of HoH at Schneider Electric, calls the Hiring Our Heroes corporate fellowship program “a game changer for both Schneider Electric and our transitioning Service Members.” As a former Military Fellow, she knows firsthand the value these programs bring – both to those making the transition and to the companies that welcome them.
Our commitment to military and veteran affairs
Schneider Electric has proudly been recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer since 2018. Our commitment to supporting military members, veterans, and their families has earned us multiple distinctions from the prestigious Military Friendly® organization:
Employer Designations
- 2018–2022: Military Friendly® Employer, Designated
- 2023: Bronze Status
- 2024: Silver Status
- 2025 & 2026: Gold Status
Additional Military Friendly® Awards
- Military Friendly® Company (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Military Friendly® Brand (2025)
- Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity Program (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Military Friendly® Spouse Employer (2023, 2024, 2025)
These achievements reflect our growing impact and dedication to the military community. The recent elevation to Gold Status for 2025 and 2026 underscores our inclusive culture and the priority we place on supporting those who have served.
Honoring service, every day
I’d like to take the opportunity on this Veterans Day to reflect and extend appreciation to those who have served. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms deserve our utmost respect and recognition not just today, but every day.
On behalf of the Schneider Electric veteran community, I invite you to explore what makes this company special: a place where service members can continue to lead, grow, and thrive as they embark on the next stage of their careers.
If you’re looking for an organization that values your experience and empowers you to make an impact, Schneider Electric is that place. Join our talent community to stay connected for future opportunities.
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