Throughout the year, Aramark’s “Star Teams” (regional employee groups) come together to unite Aramark’s diverse workforce within specific geographic regions. In addition to providing space for idea sharing, networking, and mentoring, Star Teams create volunteer opportunities for employees where they can work alongside colleagues from different businesses while supporting the needs of their local communities.
“Star Teams are essential to supporting and promoting our commitment to enabling a healthy and equitable society,” said Jami Leveen, Vice President of Community Partnerships at Aramark. “Star Teams unite employees and create opportunities to give back by empowering careers; increasing access to healthy food; and encouraging environmental stewardship, all essential pillars of Aramark Building Community (ABC).”
In celebration of Global Volunteer Month (April), Aramark is highlighting outstanding volunteers from across the company, starting with two leaders from the Chicago Star Team. No matter their work role or job title, these volunteers lead by example and inspire others to embrace the spirit of Aramark Building Community.
Alex Beck, General Manager, Sports + Entertainment
For Alex Beck, volunteering is meaningful in multiple ways.
“I just cannot get enough of giving back,” said Beck, an Aramark Sports + Entertainment General Manager at a Convention Center just outside of Chicago. “I find it intrinsically rewarding to bring joy to individuals.”
When Beck and the Chicago Star Team get to work, they engage in service projects throughout the year, including participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, back-to-school activities, and more.
“There are times when companies want to check boxes, to be on certain lists, but this is a genuine effort,” Beck said of Aramark Building Community. “No one is forced to do it; you do it because you want to.”
His passion for volunteering is intensely personal. It comes down to what matters most for him: his kids.
“If I can lead by example and have my kids feel proud of me, then that is what inspires me more than anything,” Beck said. “I want to leave that legacy with my children so that they have empathy and a desire to give—even when they don’t think that they can.”
As a family, they’ve volunteered in single-degree temperatures in the Windy City, most recently during Wreaths Across America. Aramark’s military focused employee resource group (ERG), Salute, participates in the annual event where volunteers lay wreaths on Veterans’ graves across the U.S.
Overall, Beck is thrilled to have continued opportunities to give back: “It’s about the doors we’ve been able to open. I’m excited to continue using my skillset to empower and grow the Star Team.”
Linda Teets, Human Resouces Director, Workplace Experience Group
Linda Teets credits the Chicago Star team for making volunteering memorable and meaningful. “They’re such good people and we all have the same thoughts around why we do this: we like giving back and being on a team that wants to do this—together. That makes a difference,” she said.
Teets, a Human Resources Director for Aramark’s Workplace Experience Group business, enjoys working with children and participating in ABC projects that involve transforming spaces. “Watching the parents, too, and seeing how much they appreciate what we are doing…there’s a look of sheer gratitude.” Teets said. “They get joy out of seeing how happy and excited their children are and knowing that we help create that experience is inspirational.”
Beck and Teets will lead Chicago’s signature ABC Day project on May 2, 2024, where Aramark volunteers will refurbish facilities, paint murals, and participate in a career exploration activity at Lawrence Hall Youth Service.
