More and more businesses nationwide are having conversations about how to combat inequality in the workforce. Equality of Opportunity — the goal to ensure that every citizen has access to the skills and education that will lead them down a successful career pathway — is at the heart of the PA Chamber’s “Bringing PA Back” mission. To that end, we look toward member companies that are putting words to action through impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs that celebrate the unique talents each person brings to the table. One such company is The GIANT Company.
“We are committed to creating a better, more equitable future for our shared communities by listening, learning, and taking sustainable actions,” says Aaysha Noor, the head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with The GIANT Company. “Together, we will effect long-lasting change and build an inclusive culture of belonging for workplace, workforce and communities.”
For nearly 100 years, The GIANT Company has served diverse communities as an omnichannel grocer and strives to be an inclusive place to work and shop. Guided by its “Be You” Team Promise, The GIANT Company celebrates the unique talents and differences of its team members, customers, suppliers, and community partners; and strives to create a culture where everyone feels they are respected, valued, heard and welcomed.
Nurturing an inclusive, diverse environment can’t be done without input from the most important of stakeholders — the community and team members themselves. The GIANT Company’s DE&I strategy has evolved following compassionate listening sessions with teams across the organization. From there, they were able to build comprehensive strategy to enhance programs and partnerships to assist with the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse talent while creating a culture of belonging. Ongoing, in-depth analyses of the company’s programs, policies, and practices — with the continuous goal of being more inclusive — are just a few examples of this strategy in action.
A Commitment to Racial Equality and Inclusion
Shared values unite The GIANT Company team with a common purpose, guiding their efforts to celebrate their unique talents and differences. This includes presenting a united front in the fight against racism and discrimination — which starts with listening to all members of the team, customers and communities; focusing on historically marginalized voices and learning from those conversations, and investing in solutions that will drive forward the positive change we want to see.
The GIANT Company had committed $500,000 toward local community organizations dedicated to racial equality, in addition to other efforts and resources that advance diversity and inclusion, including inclusive leadership training. The team is also offered a variety of opportunities for engagement in a safe and inclusive environment, including business resource groups that provide a forum for networking, mentoring and career development; a President’s Inclusion Council and Diversity Cohorts for focused development efforts of diverse talent.
The President’s Inclusion Council is comprised of GIANT Company team members, community members and vendor partners that meet quarterly with company President Nicholas Bertram and Head of DEI Aaysha Noor to listen to each other, share insights and exchange ideas promoting diversity and inclusion. These sessions enable the Council to enhance the many ways and resources at The GIANT Company to foster health, inclusion, wellness, and equality for all.
In addition, throughout the year, various heritage and history months like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Pride, as well as other days of significance like International Women’s Day and Juneteenth are acknowledged to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.
Most recently, the company launched its EMPOWER Business Resource Group, which is focused on providing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color team members with opportunities to network and lead. The company also continuously looks for partnerships that provide quality products and services from a diverse group of suppliers to better serve the unique needs of its customers and communities.
Fulfilling the Promise
The history and reality of race-based opportunity gaps cannot be ignored, but The GIANT Company is among the private sector leaders who are helping to turn the tide — not only by listening, but by turning dialogue into action. By building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, the company is leading by example — which will, in turn, lead to stronger communities as it delivers on its purpose of connecting families for a better future.