Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion
Think Globally
As an international organization, ONQ is proud of our presence in Panama and pleased to have a more global view of the world through our experiences. ONQ is committed to change around Social Justice, Environmental Policy and supporting the communities in which we have a presence.
Letter from CEO on Social Justice 2020.
Letter from CEO on Social Justice 2020
“System,” in this context, does not simply refer to the norms under which police behave (although there are certainly problems there). It’s much bigger than that. It is the system that perpetuates racism by interweaving unfounded fears, beliefs, and values into the culture of the people. From birth, racism is taught and reinforced through various unhealthy practices, of which, many white people are completely unaware. How do I know this? I am a white man who grew up with white privilege. I was taught right from wrong. I was taught to treat people equally and with respect. I was taught that Black people’s lives are just as valuable as mine. I was taught that we are all the same in the eyes of God. Even with all of this, I was completely unaware that racism had, in fact, influenced me, my beliefs, and the way I saw others.
My eyes were only opened when I met my wife, Debbie, who is half Chinese. All minorities in America experience some level of discrimination, and she is no exception. She helped me to understand how some of the thoughts and beliefs that I held contributed to the oppression of others. She helped me to understand how I had more opportunities as a white man in America than any other race or gender on the planet. She helped me to understand how we are all influenced by good and bad and that we need to be on the lookout for both. By no means do I think I’ve learned everything, but I know that I am much more aware and believe that I am a better person because of this awareness.
Every human being matters. So, why distinguish Black Lives?
Black people in the U.S. are born with the odds unfairly stacked against them. It has been this way since before the formation of the United States in 1776. Slavery, in what ultimately became the United States, actually dates back to 1619. That’s 401 years of systemic racism on our continent. According to a study by Columbia University, African Americans are six times more likely than white Americans to die at the hands of a murderer. In 2014, the NAACP noted that African Americans comprised 34% of the total population in correctional facilities, yet they only made up 13% of the total population. These numbers are the direct result of a racist system that oppresses Black people. Thus, Black Lives are the focus. And this is why promoting any other color lives is a distraction from the biggest issue: systemic racism towards Black people.
As a child of white privilege, I was taught that if I was ever in trouble, or if I ever needed help, that I could go to the police and they would help me. The advice was unequivocal. My parents were 100% confident that I would be protected by the police. Black people in the U.S. are not afforded this same benefit.
Some of you know that my oldest son, Jake (14 years old), was adopted from Ethiopia and was brought home when he was 3 months old. He is Black. I cannot teach him to go to the police if he needs help. Instead, I must teach him how to survive interactions with the police. I try to explain to Jake how people will fear him simply because he is Black. I try to explain how to recognize racism. I try to explain the importance of being nice and respectful and non-confrontational to everyone. He is 14, so he doesn’t always listen. It worries me.
I tell you all of this to put context around how my personal experience and background influences ONQ culture. I hope that it gives you a deeper understanding of who I am and what kind of company we strive to be. ONQ is an inclusive company at its core. We do not discriminate, nor do we tolerate discrimination, based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We help each other succeed. We strive towards common goals. And we embrace our differences.
ONQ acknowledges the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and believes that peaceful protests are an important part in drawing attention to racism and the plight of Black people in America and around the world. We also believe this movement has the ability to strengthen relationships and understanding between all races. The Black Lives Matter movement has gained global momentum, and we are enheartened by this.
Jack McBride
Chief Executive Officer
Act Locally
ONQ is proud to sponsor and/or volunteer
at the following locations:
Vogel Alcove
Our mission is to help young children and their families overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness.
It is our vision at Vogel Alcove to make sure that every child in our community has a home, a self-sufficient family, and a foundation for success in school and life. Our programming is culturally competent, holistic, and family-centered.
A two-generation approach provides developmental interventions for children while helping parents establish a stable home environment. We strive to Rewire Brains, Repair Hearts, and Restore Families. Learn more at: https://vogelalcove.org/
ONQ supports Volgel Alcove.
Council of Youth
Anti-Drug (COYAD)
COYAD is committed to build a healthy network for youth by providing drug prevention education and leadership training in order to promote a more valuable and meaningful life. Learn more at: https://www.coyad.org/
ONQ supports Council of Youth Anti-Drug.
Von’s Vision Foundation
The mission of Von’s Vision is to provide low-income children with the eye care and corrective eyewear they need to be their best in the classroom and in life. Learn more here: https://www.vonmiller.org/
ONQ supports Von’s Vision Foundation.
St. John Nursing Home
Local non-profit nursing home
for dependent and abandoned elderly citizens.
ONQ has supported the nursing home with clothing, food, and cleaning product donations. Employees have volunteered several times to visit with residents.
Association “Leaving a Pawprint” in Veraguas
This all-volunteer group works toward animal protection in Santiago, Veraguas. They promote and support adoption, vaccination, and sterilization of street animals, often collaborating with Spay Panama. They advocate for legal protection and rights for animals and support citizens reporting animal mistreatment.
ONQ has supported the Association with multiple donations over the years as well as volunteering at fundraisers.
New Men and Women Association
of Panama
Mission: Together we build a prosperous Panama in health and freedom for the LGBTQ+ population.
The Association recognizes that human life, in all its dimensions, deserves the utmost respect for their sexual orientation. The Association recognizes that the GBLT population of Panama has the right to be guaranteed health, education, and equality before the law.
ONQ has made several donations, sponsored events, partnered with AHMNP to offer free HIV testing to our employees and marched in the annual parade
several years.
National Cancer Association
ANCEC is a member of the Union for International Cancer Control based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Association is a membership based NGO that supports the fight against cancer. There are 20 chapters across Panama integrated by volunteers who educate the population on the importance of prevention, regular screenings, and accurate diagnosis.
ONQ has supported ANCEC with donations, volunteering to sell raffle tickets for fundraisers, and as a sponsor of their annual International Food Festival. We organized a 5k marathon to raise funds as well.
Friends of Children with Leukemia and Cancer Foundation
This non-profit supports low-income pediatric cancer patients and their families. The foundation provides shelter, food, medication, and transportation. In addition, they offer psychological and educational support to the patients and families.
ONQ has supported the Foundation by participating in the “Round for Support” where participants ran laps (running/walking)
for fundraising support.
Urraca Neighborhood Foundation
This local neighborhood foundation’s purpose is to help with financial support where they are needed within the Province of Veraguas. They choose cases quarterly and fundraise to reach their charitable goal. Some common activities are:
• School supply donations to low-income students
• Home Medical equipment and air conditioners for chronically sick
community members
• Food, clothing, and toy donations for isolated communities
• Support to other foundations to reach their fundraising goals
• Community Sporting events
ONQ has supported the Foundation with monetary donation
several times for events.
National Sports Institute
This public institute’s purpose is to promote sports and recreation to improve the quality of life of the Panamanian population. Some of the values and behaviors they look to encourage are: health, positive use of free time, fun, discipline, accomplishment in sports, culture, socialization, and leadership.
Slogan: Sports for everyone.
ONQ has made several monetary donations to INDE and sponsored various activities.
Nurture Home
A Panamanian NGO recognized for its work implementing programs to prevent malnutrition and help malnourished children recover from their illnesses. The organization focuses on children under 5 years old. These programs are put in to practice in impoverished communities.
ONQ has supported Nutre Hogar with food, clothing, and toy donations.
Offer a Home, Santiago
This is a local shelter for abandoned and abused minor children. The full time care, food, and housing that they provide is completely dependent on donations.
ONQ has supported Ofrece un Hogar Santiago with clothing and toy donations.
Ministry of Education, local elementary schools
Local public school system.
ONQ has supported Escuela San Antonio (San Antonio Elementary School) with donations and prizes for their English Week competitions and supported Escuela de Mata Oscura (Mata Oscura Elementary School) with donations for a Christmas party.
Panama Girl Guides, Atalaya Chapter
This is the Panamanian member group of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
They are a volunteer non-formal educational program that supports girls and young women in developing their personal, leadership, and citizenship skills.
ONQ has supported the Atalaya Chapter
charity: water
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Watch our film, The Spring, to learn more about our story.
ONQ joined The Spring in September 2020. The Spring community is bringing clean water to an estimated 43,182 new people every month, and you can join us. 100% of your donation goes to clean water.
ONQ supports charity: water
Sailboat Angels
Sailboat Angels is a non-profit charitable organization, based at Lake Conroe. This charity will be an extension for an education and recreational opportunity to introduce the joy of sailing to children who are economically disadvantaged and/or are physical, emotional or chronically ill. We also invite wounded warriors and military veterans and their children.
ONQ supports Sailboat Angels
Pink Pint Night
Charlotte Radiology proudly presents annually Pink Pint Night. Each year this much anticipated community event is integral in the fight against breast cancer, helping to provide essential screening and diagnostic mammograms for local uninsured women through Levine Cancer Institute: Project Pink.
ONQ supports Pink Pint Night
