Fortinet Gives Back Through Community Engagement

Skills Gap Perspectives 

The year 2020 has brought rapid change, and many people are beginning to see the long-lasting impact of the public health pandemic. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we reflect on the ways we can support our local communities and those who are being forced to navigate new challenges. 

As a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, Fortinet’s mission is to find innovative solutions to help businesses, public institutions, and government entities address today’s leading challenges, both in cybersecurity and the community at large. Through its Training and Advancement Agenda (TAA) and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the company is striving to help the world be a safe and sustainable place to live and work through its volunteer work, community engagement, and giving back to its communities in meaningful ways. 

Recently, employees across North America came together in various ways to give back to those in need at a time when it matters most, making an impact on the communities they live in.

Support Veterans in the Community

Employees based in Ottawa, Canada took part in a charity rally for SoldierOn Canada. Due to the efforts of volunteers and partners, the program is able to provide ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans with accessible resources and activities in adaptive sports and sport-related therapy programs. 

Fortinet has been a longtime supporter of veterans, transitioning service members, reservists, and military spouses. Through the Fortinet Veterans Program, veterans can learn how to capitalize on their existing skills by translating them into civilian applications.

Leveraging the connection between national defense in the armed services and skills needed to effectively defend critical information for public and private agencies has enabled the company to play a role in bridging the growing cybersecurity skills gap. Through initiatives like its Veterans Program, veterans can learn how to use their existing skills and transition into the cybersecurity industry.

Raising Funds for Local Food Banks

As the holiday season approaches, teams are giving back to their own communities by supporting local food banks. The Plano, Texas team raised more than $8,000 for the North Texas Food Bank, an organization dedicated to closing the hunger gap by providing those in need with access to nutritious food. With donations and the work of volunteers, the food bank has put together the equivalent of 24,000 meals for hunger relief. 

Most recently, members of the company’s Veterans Employee Resource Group volunteered at the North County San Diego Food Bank. To maintain social distancing guidelines, volunteers have had to get creative with Covid-19-approved drive-through food distribution events. Employees volunteered to help get healthy food into the hands of low-income families and those who have been economically impacted by the pandemic.

Bringing Holiday Joy to Children in Need

AFCEA is a nonprofit international organization that provides a forum for military, government, and industry communities to interact, collaborate, and participate in impactful initiatives that can make a real difference in the world. In southern California, employees are virtually participating in the AFCEA San Diego Chapter’s annual Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Luncheon. 

The Toys for Tots program is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and its mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the months of October, November, and December. In 2019, the San Diego Chapter was able to distribute more than 230,000 toys, helping nearly 65,000 children experience the joy of gifts on Christmas. Although the holidays may look different this year, employees are helping the nonprofit bring joy to children who may need it the most.

Find out more about how Fortinet’s Training Advancement Agenda (TAA) and NSE Training Institute programs, including the Certification Program, Security Academy Program and Veterans Program, are helping to solve the cyber skills gap and prepare the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow.