Special Emphasis Programs Illustrate Exchange’s Commitment to Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are represented in the Exchange’s core values: courage to use good judgment; respect everyone; and family serving family.
The Exchange has eight Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Special Emphasis Programs, which provide a forum for associates to discuss issues with leadership and peers. Each group is focused on associate retention, engagement and development.
At least one executive champion guides each group, while program managers plan activities. Activities have included lunch-and-learns where speakers have discussed minority representation in Exchange management-track positions, leadership principles, their own heritage and more. BRIDGE (Building Resources in Diversity Growth of Employees) compiled a virtual cookbook, and Nations Network held a “Show Us Your Mocs” event in November 2020 to commemorate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
Special emphasis programs include:
AAPEX (AAFES Asian American/Pacific Exchange): AAPEX enhances awareness of Asian Pacific culture, promotes professional development and ensures that the Exchange is the employer of choice for Asian- and Pacific Island-Americans. Jesse Martinez, senior vice president, Central Region, and Tom Ockenfels, vice president, Administration, are the executive champions.
ABLE (Able, Believe, Lead, Empower): ABLE supports associates with disabilities by providing educational tools and accommodation information to managers and associates. Its mission is to see associates with disabilities represented at all levels of the Exchange workforce. The executive champion is Karen Stack, executive vice president/chief logistics officer.
BRIDGE (Building Resources in Diversity Growth of Employees): This African American heritage program advocates equal opportunity in personal development, promotes opportunities to improve diversity and seeks to make the change the employer of choice for African Americans. Marla Smith Randolph, senior vice president, Europe/Southwest Asia Region, and Denise Hunter, vice president of Policy, are the executive champions.
Exchange PRIDE! presents an opportunity for all associates to support LGBTQ+ equality in the workforce and the community. The group advocates for the interests of LGBTQ+ associates, and contributes to associate engagement, talent development and other Exchange objectives. Ana Middleton, Exchange president and chief merchandising officer, and Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, are executive champions.
HEROES: HEROES recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Exchange associates and retirees who are military Veterans, as well as supporting their spouses and family members. More than 45% of the Exchange’s workforce is made up of Veterans, military spouses and dependents, and 85% of Exchange associates have a connection to the military. Mike Smietana, senior vice president, Real Estate, and Denise Gumbert, vice president, Services, Health & Wellness, are the executive champions.
HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Advancement): HOLA creates an environment that fosters the self-development and retention of Hispanics, promoting diversity and inclusion. More than 15% of the Exchange workforce is Hispanic. Trini Saucedo, senior vice president, Services, Food & Fuel, and Juan Saldivar, director, Real Estate, are the executive champions.
Nation’s Network: This program for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives is designed to educate Exchange associates in the history of Native American nations and the federal Indian trust responsibility. Alan French, senior vice president, Supply Chain, is the executive champion.
POWER (Promote Opportunities for Women by Effecting Results): This group promotes work-life balance, build skill sets for professional development, provide resources to enhance working conditions, collaborate with peers to increase knowledge and foster networking in the workplace. Karen Cardin, senior vice president, eCommerce, and Ronny Rexrode, senior vice president, Western Region, are the executive champions.
More information about the groups is available on the Exchange’s EEODI portal.
