Custom Truck Designs Shine Spotlight on Special Emphasis Programs

In honor of Black History Month, the trailer supporting the Special Emphasis Program BRIDGE is rolling out.

The Exchange is taking its commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce to the streets with custom back-door panels on eight tractor-trailers to spotlight the organization’s Special Emphasis Programs.

The panels each showcase a different emphasis program, which promotes a positive workplace culture where associates at all levels with different backgrounds, lifestyles and abilities are respected and given the opportunity to succeed.

This week, in honor of Black History Month, the trailer supporting BRIDGE, the African American heritage special program, is rolling out. It’s the second of the trailers to hit the road—a trailer celebrating the associates with disabilities program ABLE debuted in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“The Special Emphasis Programs are valuable resources in retaining associates and supporting diversity and inclusion at the Exchange,” said Valerie Wagoner, the Exchange’s associate EEODI officer. “These trailer designs celebrate the many walks of life from which our associates come.”

The programs are part of the Exchange’s core value “Respect Everyone.” The programs bring associates together, provide a supportive learn-by-doing environment and mentor group members. They also host events such as lunch-and-learns with executives and guest speakers.

The trailer designs also feature an invitation to visit ApplyMyExchange.com and view job openings. The callout highlights the Exchange’s dedication to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce to best serve the diverse military community.

The custom art was designed by Corporate Communication Specialist Dora Trillo.

“I wanted the designs to represent the Special Emphasis Programs’ missions,” Trillo said. “The programs each have their own objective but are also a part of achieving the overall Exchange goal of supporting diversity and inclusion for associates.”

There are eight Exchange Special Emphasis Programs available to associates:

• AAFES Asian Pacific Exchange (AAPEX) – Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage
• Able, Believe, Lead, Empower (ABLE) – Disabilities Employment Awareness
• Building Resources in Diversity Growth of Experience (BRIDGE) – African American Heritage
• People Respecting Individuality, Diversity & Equality (PRIDE) – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride
• Honor, Educate, Recognize, Opportunity, Experience, Support (HEROES) – Military Veterans and Family Members Appreciation
• Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Advancement (HOLA!) – Hispanic Heritage
• Nation’s Network – American Indian/Alaska Native
• Promote Opportunities for Women by Effecting Results (POWER) – Women’s Employment Opportunities

Associates interested in joining an SEP can sign up here.

The remaining six trailers will roll out throughout the year. Two of the back panels are still in design. Click the link below to view the other designs.

Click here to see the trailer designs Flickr album!