Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we own network infrastructure that reaches more than 30 states. Our fiber-powered wireline and wireless connections are available to more than 12 million homes and businesses and support advanced cloud and managed IT services nationwide. We’re the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox that is dedicated to empowering others to build a better future for the next generation.
What motivated your organization to engage in a partnership with Son of a Saint?
Cox has over 800 employees in the Metropolitan Louisiana area, with one goal—to use our technology to make the lives of those who live in the places we work and do business better. For years, we’ve been a committed partner of Son of a Saint because they’ve been in the area for more than a decade, mentoring and supporting hundreds of youth through alumni connections, tuition relief, and guidance. Like them, we've been here doing our part to help young New Orleanians and those in nearby communities prepare for the next step ahead through reliable, affordable online connectivity and technology.
What has been the most unique or impactful component of your organization’s partnership with Son of a Saint?
One of the most impactful aspects of our partnership is that we’re always finding new and innovative ways to give back. Recently, through a generous $100,000 donation from the James M. Cox Foundation, the giving arm of Cox Communications, we delivered laptops to the Son of a Saint and friends community, laying 149 more bricks on the bridge to close the digital divide. Along with the technology donation, we provide public service announcements free to non-profits and offer Connect2Compete, a discounted internet service for families with school-age children who qualify based on income. We know investments like these not only benefit Son of a Saint mentees but spark a ripple effect of impact across the entire state.
What does mentorship mean to your organization? How do you promote mentorship within your organization?
It's important to be rooted where you live and we’re passionate about supporting the communities where we live and serve. It's what makes our greater New Orleans locations such great places to work. Last year, over 300 of our New Orleans-based Cox employees dedicated 1,100 hours to community partners like Son of a Saint, mentoring, crafting with kids, participating in STEAM activities, and more. We encourage employees to give back individually or as a team and offer them Volunteer Time Off (16 hours of PTO annually) to make a positive impact in the community. Over the years, we've participated in numerous Son of a Saint initiatives like back-to-school drives, MLK Day of Service events, and small-group discussions with mentees.
What does investing in the future of New Orleans look like for your organization?
For us, it's about preparing people for the next step ahead and continuing to create meaningful connections. That includes removing barriers to internet access and technology, whether through our newly launched Cox Mobile service or our Connect-2-Compete and Connect Assist internet programs, we're empowering people with the tools they need to succeed in today’s world.
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for Son of a Saint mentees?
At Cox Communications, we believe in the power of community, connection, and the limitless potential within each of you. You are not only the future, but you are also the NOW. Every step you take toward your goals is a testament to your strength, your vision, and your resilience. Know this: you are empowered for success. Your dreams matter, your voice matters, and your journey matters. We see you, we believe in you, and we are cheering you on every step of the way.
What do you envision for the future of your organization’s partnership with Son of a Saint?
The best part of our partnership is seeing the impact we can make together, through providing opportunities designed to help young people succeed.
