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Honoring Our 2024 Well-being Champion Award Winners

Well-being looks different for everyone. Whether meditating, exercising, spending time with loved ones or all the above, it’s important to take actions that prioritize your emotional, financial, physical and social health. At Northrop Grumman, we want employees to understand the impact well-being has on their total health, which is why we created the Well-being Champion Network. Currently, 140 employees actively volunteer as champions, helping to promote a culture of health by sharing wellness information and activities. 

Keep reading to learn about this year’s inaugural Well-being Champion Award winners, who were recognized for their passion and dedication to employees’ total well-being. 

All-Star Well-being Champion: Leigh McLeod 

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Principal public relations representative Leigh knows how to appeal to different audiences. Since becoming a champion in September 2023, she’s added a “My Well-being” section to her weekly Boulder Buzz newsletter to share health and wellness tips, as well as organized numerous events for employees. Whether she’s promoting an on-campus yoga class, participating in bike-to-work day, joining litter cleanups, food drives, lunch and learns or flu shot clinics, Leigh works to make well-being programs accessible and appealing to everyone. “I believe my efforts promoting Northrop Grumman’s offerings lead to improved productivity, retention and a positive work environment for many employees,” Leigh said. 

Most Engaged Virtual Well-being Champion: Heather Brooks  

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Heather, an associate talent acquisition business partner, is the first to admit that “health is the foundation for everything we do, both personally and professionally.” As a result, she ensures that Northrop Grumman’s well-being activities aren’t only reserved for in-person employees. Last year, Heather hosted a weekly, 30-minute well-being call that covered various participant-selected topics, including goal setting, managing anxiety, self-worth, mental reset, burnout, meal prep, diabetes awareness, CPR and more. These discussions offered a safe space for employees to connect, share their experiences and develop personal well-being strategies. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first,” Heather said. “Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential.”

 Most Innovative Well-Being Champion: Christine Koundakjian 

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As a nurse, Christine recognizes that wellness is not  “one size fits all” and thinks outside the box to get everyone involved. She recently transformed an unused space at her site into a wellness room where employees can relax, recharge and destress during the workday. And during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she partnered with her site’s catering department to offer pink-colored food items that featured the signature pink ribbon. Despite giving so much to others, Christine feels like she’s reaping the benefits. “Becoming a Well-being Champion has allowed me opportunities to develop leadership skills, communication abilities and knowledge about health and wellness practices,” she said. 

Stronger Together Well-being Champion: Chantal Guiles 

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As one of the longest-reigning Well-being Champions – since November 2022 – Chantal is no stranger to planning and promoting wellness activities. Her administrative support role has helped her build relationships with internal partners to optimize her information and initiatives. Whether she’s working with a Northrop Grumman videographer to capture footage of a mental health walk or discussing the latest resources with leaders, nurses and employee resource groups, Chantal believes in connection and collaboration. Knowledge is power, and she’s always eager to share what she’s learned from others, with others. “Being the best you is a domino effect. When you feel good, you’re more confident, more outgoing, more focused and more pleasant to be around. All the dominos fall into place,” she said. 

Thank you to all our champions for your continued commitment to supporting employee well-being! If you have ideas or questions for the Well-being Champion Network, please contact MyWell-being@ngc.com. 

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