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a child holds a globe, computer generated image, mapping image from NASA

It is amazing how much one can learn in a month after being immersed in an environment. I’ve learned  that while our SVP of Business Development can salsa, it’s the Bhangra music and rhythms that get my new colleagues on the dance floor at a company party. I’ve learned that, true to its name, if I drink the Midnight Magic coffee after lunch I can’t fall asleep before 1:00 a.m.  I’ve learned that when you get smart people and good technology in a room together, you can play a part to help a poor island nation racked by catastrophe.

My role here at MetroStar Systems is, ultimately, to tell our story. While there is a certain “drinking from a firehose” aspect to the transition of a new executive into a fast growing company – average of 272% in the last three years and 420% growth in the last year – in true MetroStar fashion, I’ve tried to do a lot of listening and observing since arriving earlier this month.

So here’s what I’ve observed:
We are Skywalker Ranch meets the United Nations. Our modern offices are situated on a beautiful pre-Civil War era campus in the heart of what is now bustling, modern, high tech Reston, Virginia. But this exquisite facility is only the shell – the real beauty lies within. At the time of this writing, we have nearly 100 employees with more than 30 different nationalities represented. Walking around the office and meeting my new colleagues has been the absolute highlight of my transition so far. The cultural diversity is a huge strength for a company immersed in using technology in new and innovative ways.  We come from different places with different backgrounds and different ideas. When a customer presents a problem, we can offer several unique perspectives and share among our team to create the ideal solution. Innovative collaboration is at the very heart of MetroStar Systems.

We are a company that uses technology to bridge collaboration between people. Sometimes those people are Marines sharing data around the globe; other times we’re leveraging the best social media technology on a global scale in the interest of the State Department’s public diplomacy campaigns. By doing what we do, we effect change in the world.

MetroStar Systems offers a unique ability to collaborate.  Indeed, we are true to our tagline – we “Advance Technology Daily“. But we also…

Avance la tecnología cada día
每天先进技术
Zaawansowanej technologii na co dzień
پیشرفت تکنولوژی روزانه
передовой технологии с каждым днем
Avançando a tecnologia diariamente
تقدم التكنولوجيا اليومية
अग्रिम प्रौद्योगिकी हर दिन
Progresser les technologies de tous les jours
предварително технология всеки ден
Kuendeleza teknolojia ya kila siku
הטכנולוגיה מראש כל יום
công nghệ tiên tiến mỗi ngày
사전 기술 매일
teknologi maju setiap hari
Teknoloji avanse chak jou

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/noticelj/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In August of 2009, we donated $1500 in the 2009 Child Rescue Centre Golf Tournament held by Helping Children Worldwide organization. I received a letter today sharing the story of a child named Mustapha Kamara we helped. I wanted to share how he became a member of Child Rescue Centre (CRC).

Mustapha1

In October 2005, Mustapha Kamara did not go by his given name; instead he was nicknamed “Fatambla.” Loosely translated in the local language that nickname means “you can flog him – beat him.” He was much smaller than a typical 6 or 7 year old in Sierra Leone, Africa. His extended bell showed signs of significant malnourishment, and his displayed a glimpse of sadness no child should ever experience.

Volunteers of CRC happened to meet Mustapha because of often found his way to the CRC, knowing that when it was meal he would be offered a plate of rice and sauce.  After seeing this desperate little boy, CRC team member began asking about his situation. How old was he? Where did he live? Why wasn’t he in school? Slowly his story cane out, and it motivated the CRC Director to approach Mustapha’s guardian who quickly and willingly have him up.

All of the CRC residential children- forty kids at the time, and the staff, opened their collective arms and welcomed Mustapha into the loving CRC family. One of the volunteers working with Mustapha explain, “We saw Mustapha smile – really smile – for the very first time. He didn’t speak any English, but I think he was aware of this huge change in his young life.”

Mustapha2

Showing how resilient children are when you feed them, love them, and surround them with other children, Mustapha  immediately began thriving physically and emotionally. Mustapha’s life has been changed from one of horror and  desperation, to one of promise and hope. Instead of just trying to survive, Mustapha has been able to live the life of a  child.

Thank you again for all you have made possible for children in need, and may you and your loved ones be blessed this  holiday season like you have blessed others.

Reading this letter helps to show a child’s life changing before you and it is a reminder that we should be grateful for our lives and everything that we have.  I’m excited to be a part of the next sponsorship. Visit http://helpingchildrenworldwide.org/ and check the latest postings.

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The 34th Annual Marine Corps Marathon took place on Sunday, October 25 2009 in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC.  As a sponsor of the 2010 MCM Event Series, MetroStar Systems got the opportunity to attend the event, support the MCM, and cheer on the runners.  It was amazing to be part of the experience with everyone supporting and cheering on the over 21,000 race participants who crossed the finish line.  Supporting the United States Marines and all of the participants who took on this incredible mental, physical and emotional challenge was truly inspiring.  MetroStar Systems would like to congratulate all of the participants and thank the MCM for this wonderful event.

On Friday October 16, 2009, MetroStar Systems hosted a 10 Year Anniversary and Open House event celebrating 10 Years of Dedication and Innovation, and the move into our new world headquarters.

On behalf of MetroStar Systems, I would like to thank everyone for attending and celebrating with us. It was great to see our partners, customers, clients, coworkers, contractors, friends, and families at this special event. MetroStar Systems would not be who we are today without the help and support we have received from you!

Sincerely,

Jenni Hubacher


Video courtesy of Derek Yale.

Photos courtesy of Clayton Harrison.

super-logo-09

MetroStar Systems is a proud sponsor of this year’s SuperH 5k Run Walk & Wheel event.

The SuperH 5k Walk Run & Wheel event, instituted by the National Rehabilitation Hospital, is designed to raise money and awareness for individuals of all ages who have been injured in accidents. Costs that are covered include those for personal care, rehabilitation equipment, travel, tournament entry fees, etc.  This event continues to raise substantial funds for the NRH/DC Chapter of BlazeSports America, a national, community based sports program for children and adults with physical disabilities.  Proceeds will enable NRH BlazeSports teams to host regular clinics that open the world of sports to individuals with disabilities.

The employees here at MetroStar Systems feel privileged to have the opportunity to participate, donate, and help sponsor this event that represents a great cause.  We encourage you to join us, donate, and help spread the word!  If you have any questions, please contact Jenni Hubacher (jhubacher@metrostarsystems.com)

When:

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

  • Registration begins at 7 AM
  • Race starts at 8 AM
  • Race Party starts at 9 AM

Where:

Tysons Sport & Health Club

8250 Greensboro Drive

McLean, VA 22102 (Map / Directions)

Event Details:

  • Event Course Map
  • Registration:   $25.00
  • Click here for Online Registration information
  • The after-race party awards ceremony will feature Chicken Out Rotisserie cuisine, entertainment, and prizes.
  • If you cannot attend but are still interested in donating in order to help increase sports programs for children with disabilities, please click here.


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