Global Connection Award Honors Fort Belvoir Exchange Commitment to Diversity

The associates at the Fort Belvoir Exchange include diversity and inclusion as part of their overall mission. Pictured from left are: Evette Cortez, Caroline Loos, Lizette Ayala, Denise Kaczmar, Kim Neiss, Robin Duclos, Angie Burrows, Hiba Nadhid, Tumpa Barua, Angelita Williams (kneeling), Olga Hernandez, Alice Lowe, Matthew Cantu and Kristi Sumner.

For its targeted focus on diversity and inclusion, the Fort Belvoir/Fort Myer Exchange earned the Exchange’s annual Global Connection award.

The award communicates the Exchange’s drive to support inclusive environments that value diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds. The award also increases productivity through partnerships for better business results and service to the Exchange’s diverse customers.

Fort Belvoir earned the award thanks to regular efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, said Bee Persaud, Diversity & Inclusion specialist for the Exchange’s Office of Equal Opportunity.

“The breadth of in-store events that promote diversity helped Fort Belvoir stand out,” Persaud said. “The Fort Belvoir team consistently emphasizes concessions with a global awareness as well.”

In its submission, Fort Belvoir spotlighted a Deva Curl Refresh event that highlighted brands promoting ethnic individuality. The team also touted its Design in Motion Shop, which carries global clothing and hair accessories, and a short-term contractor who operates a jewelry store with world themes.

A diverse food court with Halal, Indian and Latin choices and food trucks that offer popular Thai and Caribbean flavors also stood out for Fort Belvoir.

Fort Belvoir General Manager Joanne Cahalan said the Exchange family celebrates diversity and inclusion daily.

“Although we all come from different cultural backgrounds, our associates find strength in our differences, blending our values and beliefs together to create a solid work ethic that allows our customers to feel at home,” Cahalan said.

Fort Belvoir’s associates are diverse, representing 50 countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Panama, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Korea, Iran and Jamaica.

Global Connection region runners-up included:

• Fort Hood, Central Region
• Joint Base Lewis McChord, Western Region
• Italy Consolidated, Europe/Southwest Asia Region
• Okinawa Consolidated, Pacific Region

Fort Belvoir is receiving $500 toward a team celebration, and each runner-up earned $100.