Camp Foster Associate’s Winning ABLE Logo Emphasizes Triumph, Unity

Takaki Tokeshi, region food program specialist at Camp Foster, joined the club of associates who won an Exchange contest in their first attempt. He created the winning logo for Able, Believe, Lead, Empower (ABLE) special emphasis program.

Tokeshi won Chief Operating Officer and Chief Administration Officer challenge coins and a Thanks Award of $250 for the winning entry.

Tokeshi, who has been with the Exchange for 28 years, said associates with disabilities inspired him to participate.

“I wanted to pay tribute to those associates who have the strength to overcome serious difficulties to succeed at work and in their personal lives,” Tokeshi said.

The logo features the International Symbol of Access, also known as the International Wheelchair Symbol, surrounded by people with upraised arms to symbolize a person with a disability during times of triumph.

The various colors represent the Exchange’s diverse workforce. Tokeshi said the colors do not overlap but mix together to symbolize unity.

They all form a circle, which in this context represents a group of people with a shared interest. Tokeshi said the stars above symbolize the success associates with disabilities can achieve at the Exchange.

Tokeshi also drew inspiration from his cousin, who was affected by polio at a young age.

“She worked at a large pharmaceutical company and was able to excel thanks to her efforts and the support of her coworkers,” Tokeshi said.

Tokeshi said he hasn’t studied graphic design or art but gained experience designing as a hobby.

“I designed the logo for my class when we graduated from school and another for a math pamphlet I created during my tenure at a college,” Tokeshi said.

Tokeshi said he is honored to have won the contest.

“I am grateful to the Exchange for bringing these kinds of contests every so often and leaving it open for everyone to participate. Winning means a lot to me,” Tokeshi said. “I can also scratch this off my bucket list.”

Exchange Special Emphasis Programs and EEODI

The contest reflects a wider effort to update and modernize logos across special emphasis program groups. Throughout the fiscal year, other special emphasis program group—HEROES, BRIDGE and POWER—will conduct competitions of their own in search of a new logo to represent each group. The Nation’s Network contest is underway. ¡HOLA! (Hispanic Outreach, Leadership & Awareness) held a store display contest, as the logo for the special emphasis program was created in 2022.

APEX (AAFES Asian Pacific Exchange) and PRIDE (People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality) held their contests in May and June. Visual merchandisers, Hill BX’s Corran Stockstill and Joint Base Andrews BX’s Earl Carpenter III, were announced as the winners.

Associates interested in joining a special emphasis program or wanting to know more about the Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Office can visit the SharePoint portal.