Exchange Emphasizes Veterans, Diverse Workforce During Dallas Pride 2019
At the Dallas PRIDE festival and parade, headquarters associates helped highlight contributions the LGBTQ community has made to the city and country.
The Exchange emphasized its commitment to a diverse workforce and support for Veterans during the Dallas Pride 2019, marking the first time the organization had a standalone presence at the premiere Pride event in the city its headquarters calls home.
On June 1 and June 2, more than 40 associates from headquarters and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth staffed a booth at the Pride festival or marched in the 36th annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade. The events highlighted contributions the LGBTQ community has made to Dallas and the country.
“The Exchange’s participation in Dallas Pride 2019 was momentous,” said Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Jim Jordan, an executive champion of the Exchange’s PRIDE special emphasis group. “Last year, we joined another group as we marched. But this event marked the first time that the Exchange represented ourselves in the parade with an Exchange banner.”
Staffing booth, driving PRIDE pickup truck
At the booth, associates distributed swag and shared news about the Veterans online shopping benefit; the Exchange’s commitment to hiring Veterans and military spouses; and the organization’s diverse workforce. Numerous Veterans and active duty military members expressed appreciation for the Exchange being present at the festival.
In the parade, associates carried an Exchange banner and drove Associate Merisa Trevino's pickup truck emblazoned with the Exchange logo and core value “Family Serving Family.” The logo for PRIDE decorated the truck’s doors.
The Exchange’s PRIDE group is led by Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh, vice president of HR operations; and Scott Lohmann, senior marketing manager. Executive Assistant Tysheema Hunter-Mejia also is a group leader. President and Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton and Jordan are executive champions.
Pride Month
June is National LGBT Pride Month, which celebrates the contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans to our Nation and culture.
“The Exchange’s participation in the parade and festival demonstrates our commitment to an inclusive work environment for all LGBT associates and their allies,” Lohmann said. “It was such a privilege to share the Exchange mission and relevancy in Dallas, showing the Exchange is connected to the local community.”
Read more!
PRIDE Recognizes Contributions of LGBT Associates
See more pictures of Exchange associates at the PRIDE festival and parade, captured by the camera lens of Print Art Director Chuck Hatton!
I love to see that we support our LGBT community. We are all over. My heart goes out to all the support us. That sends a message that really hits home. A tears came to my eyes with joy that we wasn’t forgotten about. Especially those that serve. Thank you.
Ms. Jest:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post! What a great reply!
Let’s keep the conversation going! Anybody else out there want to comment on the article and the Exchange’s support for the LGBT community?
If so, type your thoughts in the Comment box and hit enter.
C’mon . . . we want to read them!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
I absolutely love that the Exchange went and supported the parade. There are so many hard working LGBTQ employees in this company. You might not even know who because they are just like any other employee. It means a lot to see this support. Supporting our LGBTQ troops as well.
Angela:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post! I’ve sent your comments to the leaders who organized the Dallas associates.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts about the Exchange’s support for LGBTQ associates by tying in the comment box and hitting enter.
C’mon. We want to read them!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post