The 2023 Best Firms to Work For: Avaap

Client Industries Served: Education, Government, Health Care, Nonprofit, Retail

Consulting Service Lines: Management, Technology

CMAG: How would you say you've managed to stay among the industry's Best Firms to Work For amid these unprecedented times?

Avaap's CEO embraces the tenet, "one team, one dream" to drive transparency and engagement in creating a best place to work experience for employees. Avaap is built on that philosophy, cultivating a workforce of individuals who love their profession and role in the business success, are committed to their colleagues, and motivated to achieve and make a difference for our customers.

CMAG: Were there any specific programs or initiatives (internal or external) that contributed to you being a Best Firm to Work For?

The Avaap leadership team works hard to ensure that Avaap is the best consulting firm to work for based on culture, benefits, DEI, interesting work and most importantly, our people. We have done this by ensuring that our benefits are competitive, attractive and reflect the work-life integration demands of today's employees. We have increased leadership involvement in our employee resource groups, including Wellness, Charitable Giving, Women in Leadership, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Culture Committee.

We also offer stipends for technology and gym memberships and have invested in a new employee recognition and wellness platform.

CMAG: What's unique about your firm? What sets it apart?

Avaap supports team members who are looking to challenge themselves, either through professional certifications, online training classes, internal coffee talks and lunch and learns, and increased project responsibilities. Professional development is critical to our growth strategy. Avaap employees have opportunities to attend conferences and industry- sponsored events to increase industry knowledge and keep up with best practices and evolving regulations. What sets us apart is our culture and the commitment and dedication of our team to deliver quality consulting services and solutions that help our clients reach their goals.

CMAG: What's the top priority over the next 6 to 12 months?

Avaap is committed to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in regard to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, talent, ideas and culture.

CMAG: When you look at the remainder of this year and 2024, what excites you? What opportunities do you see in your markets?

We are excited for the role digital transformation is playing in the public sector and higher education. States, local governments, transit agencies, colleges, and universities are seeing the benefits of modernization and making a real difference for citizens and students.

CMAG: What impact do you think being a Best Firm to Work For has on the firm? Employees? Clients?

Being recognized as a Best Firm to Work For is meaningful for our employees and benefits our clients by having the most experienced, passionate, success-minded people working on their business. Our people are our greatest asset and contributions to business success are valued, driven from the top down, which is why there is a strong commitment to helping every team member fulfill their personal and professional potential. When our people succeed, our clients succeed. Our clients select us due to knowledge, experience, capacity and cultural fit. We are grateful to have employees who love what they do, which is shown in their excellent client work.