For LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrated worldwide in June, Aramark employees across the company organized events focused on LGBTQ+ empowerment and further cultivating an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves.
At the center of Pride Month activities were employees from the Aramark Pride employee resource group (ERG), which helps fully engage and enhance the professional development of LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. There are currently more than 700 members.
“As the Executive Sponsor of Pride, I think it’s only appropriate to be proud of all we’ve accomplished,” said Brisbane Vaillancourt, Regional Vice President, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, in the kick-off message in early June. “Our theme [for Pride Month] this year is Proud and Present: Prioritizing LGBTQ+ Self-Care, and we are excited to offer several cross-ERG events, delivering on our commitments to intersectionality.”
Find out about some of the Pride Month activities and highlights below. Read more about Aramark’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments, including information about the company’s other ERGs.
Chef Spotlight
The Chef Spotlight program celebrates Aramark’s diverse culinary talent, highlighting their unique stories and recipes with employees, clients, and consumers. Nine chefs from across Aramark businesses were featured for the Pride Month 2024 Chef Spotlight.
Franklin Pride Festival
As in past years, employees hosted a booth at the Franklin (TN) Pride Festival, providing games, gifts, and goodwill to the thousands of festival attendees (photos at right and top). This year, Aramark was a Blue Level sponsor of the event.
Movie Discussion: Rustin
Co-hosted by the PRIDE and LEAD ERGs, this virtual event focused on “Rustin,” the 2023 movie about Bayard Rustin’s impact on the Civil Rights movement.
The Power of Authenticity Lunch & Learn
A virtual panel discussion reinforced the personal and professional value of showing up authentically. Discussion included the purpose and mission of myWholeSelf, a voluntary and confidential self-identification campaign.
LGBTQ+ Stories Vol. 4
PRIDE ERG published a new volume of employees’ stories about growing up, coming out, and about their chosen and origin families. The book also features award winners and news from some of PRIDE’s regional and international hubs.
Rainbow Roast Coffee Connect
PRIDE and EMPOWER ERGs partnered for a virtual discussion with the founder of Equator Coffees, a MWBE supplier to Aramark Refreshments customers. Online watch parties were held in various Aramark locations, including the Philadelphia headquarters where guests enjoyed coffee samples, Pride-themed snacks, and takeaways.
Being Financially Proud
PRIDE hosted a virtual financial planning workshop tailored for the LGBTQ+ community. Attendees learned how societal frameworks uniquely impact the community and explored strategies for saving, investing, and setting milestones for success.
OUTSpoken with Pride
PRIDE recently launched a new video series that highlights LGBTQ+ leadership and allies. OUTSpoken with Pride includes candid conversations, insightful interviews, and empowering stories.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Co-hosted by PRIDE and NOURISH ERGs, this session provided practical and meaningful tips for a healthy and body-positive lifestyle. Registered dietitians provided guidance on maintaining a healthy life while managing multiple priorities, paired with a discussion on how lifestyle decisions impact the LGBTQ+ community.
