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OUR PEOPLE
Meet the co-chairs of our Veterans employee resource group.
New York Life | November 25, 2024
We continue to salute our heroes during National Veterans and Military Families Month.
Pictured above from left to right: Stephen Bacigalupo, Cindy Szabo
Cindy Szabo, Service Experience Value Stream; co-chair, NYL-Vets
Q: What does National Veterans and Military Families Month (NVAMFM) mean to you personally, and how do you observe it?
A: NVAMFM is a time to reflect on the sacrifices of military service members who risk their lives for our safety and freedoms. Each year, I take the time to express my gratitude to veterans in my life, whether over coffee or a meal, honoring their commitment and sacrifices.
Q: Tell us about your experience with NYL-Vets. How has your involvement with NYL-Vets impacted your personal and professional life?
A: After nearly 20 years at New York Life, the NYL-Vets ERG has profoundly shaped my career by offering leadership opportunities and enabling me to give back to a community I cherish. Supporting others’ growth through the ERG fuels my passion for community development, particularly in my hometown of Cleveland, where I strive to make a direct impact.
Q: Can you share how growing up as the child of veterans shaped your values and career choices?
A: As U.S. Army veterans and New York Life retirees, my parents provided insight into the skills veterans bring to civilian jobs, especially at New York Life. They instilled the importance of giving back and working toward a greater good, values that align with the company’s commitment to individual and group growth while supporting local communities. My parents also taught me that career paths can be nonlinear, encouraging me to remain flexible and explore various opportunities before choosing my focus.
Stephen Bacigalupo, Human Resources; co-chair, NYL-Vets
Q: What does National Veterans and Military Families Month represent to you, and why is it important for us to recognize?
A: As I shared when I became co-chair of the NYL-Vets ERG, Winston Churchill’s quote, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few,” reflects how much we owe to those who have defended our country. NVAMFM honors the sacrifices and resilience of veterans and their families, who often face unseen challenges. By recognizing them, we raise awareness of the issues affecting veterans and their families, whose sacrifices have made our freedoms possible.
Q: How can New York Life employees actively support veterans and military families, both during this month and beyond?
A: I encourage all employees to join the NYL-Vets ERG, which partners with outside organizations supporting veterans. Some may believe membership is limited to veterans or their families, but all employees are welcome. Employees are also encouraged to volunteer with veterans’ organizations, advocate for veteran-friendly hiring practices and stay informed about veterans' challenges year-round.
Q: Based on your family's military service, what do you think civilians might not fully understand about the challenges and rewards of being part of a military family?
A: From my family’s experience, the bonds veterans form with fellow service members are admirable. However, the unseen toll of service can be a challenge. Civilians may not fully understand the emotional resilience required of military families, who endure frequent relocations, long separations, and the uncertainty of deployments.
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Media contact
Kevin Maher
New York Life Insurance Company
(212) 576-7937
Kevin_B_Maher@newyorklife.com