Destined to Serve: From the Military to Senior Recruiter
Meet Shanda Williams, a Senior Recruiter at Sodexo, whose inspiring journey embodies resilience and dedication, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting military personnel through education and work-life balance.
At Sodexo, we demonstrate unwavering support for veterans throughout their recruitment and hiring journey. Through our Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), Honoring Our Nation’s finest with Opportunity and Respect (HONOR), we ensure that veterans are empowered with the resources and opportunities they deserve. Shanda Williams, a Senior Recruiter at Sodexo within the Healthcare segment, exemplifies this support. Her journey of resilience and determination, from her childhood dreams to a fulfilling career, highlights not only her dedication but also our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our nation’s heroes.
From the age of 8, Shanda’s ambition was to become an attorney. Recognizing the financial barrier to higher education, she decided to join the military. The military provided her with an education, stability and support as she began her journey towards her dream career.
Initially stationed in Louisiana, Shanda began her career in a finance position. Over her four years in this role, she primarily took on HR responsibilities. Committed to advancing her career, she took numerous courses and undertook various tasks to develop her skills and climb the ranks. After this period of intensive career growth, she left active duty to focus on starting a family.
Shanda then found her way to Sodexo, where she began her journey in HR. Through the military, she pursued a master’s in business administration, specializing in Human Resources. Sodexo, she says, gave her “her wings in HR,” providing the foundation for her to excel in her career.
Her first role as an HR manager provided her with valuable experience in team management, communication, developing efficient processes, and collaboration. This foundation equipped her to seamlessly transition into a recruiter role, where she continues to thrive.
For Shanda, Sodexo’s support extended beyond her professional development. As a member of a dual military household with three young children, including a four-year-old on the autism spectrum, she emphasizes the importance of flexibility and understanding in balancing her career and family responsibilities.
Shanda expresses, “Having the flexibility to be there for my kids when I need to and still be able to work and be productive is amazing. I can’t even express the work-life balance I have been afforded. My children are so young and need me and this job allows me to be a good mother and a career woman, which is hard to do. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without this position.”
Our commitment to employees, especially those with military obligations, has been unwavering. Whether it’s allowing for military leave of absence or providing the flexibility needed to attend to her children’s needs, Shanda feels supported and empowered to excel both personally and professionally.
As Shanda reflects on her journey, she expresses gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her by Sodexo. Her recent promotion to Sergeant First Class in the military is a testament to her hard work and the supportive environment fostered by the organization.
“We really do mean what we say here. The biggest thing about Sodexo is that our culture is not just what we say, it’s what we mean, what we live, and what we do. We really do honor and celebrate our military people,” Shanda exclaims.
For Shanda, Sodexo is not just an employer; it’s a community that honors and celebrates its employees’ diverse backgrounds and experiences. As she continues to navigate her dual roles as a military servicewoman and dedicated professional at Sodexo, she looks forward to a future filled with growth, opportunity, and continued success. Shanda’s experience demonstrates how we support veterans throughout our organization.
Our EBRG HONOR exemplifies this mission by recognizing and empowering veterans. With nearly 700 members across Sodexo North America, HONOR supports communities nationwide through impactful programs and events such as Stand Downs, A Million Thanks, and the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Hero’s Runs. Its mission is to honor and empower those who have served, further demonstrating Sodexo’s dedication to veterans.
We equip our recruiters and hiring managers with training to identify and leverage the valuable skills veterans bring to the workforce, such as leadership, project management, and teamwork, acquired through their military experience. We actively promote this commitment on our social media platforms, globally recognizing our status as a Military Friendly Company that values and welcomes veteran talent. By participating in Veteran Stand Downs across the country, we provide employment opportunities and support to veterans transitioning into civilian careers. This effort not only strengthens our workforce but also exemplifies our ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served our country.