To drive impactful change within our own organization.

In 2020, the world witnessed injustices that demanded action. We had DEI firmly rooted at our company, but these events ignited more action as we knew we had to be part of the solution. Not just by condemning these acts but by driving impactful change within our own organization.

The actions we took included:

• Donating $150,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
• Establishing a dedicated working group of Associates to guide our DEI efforts, ensuring diverse voices are heard.
• Setting quantifiable diversity and inclusion goals across the company.

To cement our commitment, we formed the Dive In Council, a passionate group of Leslie’s Associates spearheading initiatives across four key pillars. This program is advanced by the 60-member council team which includes the Chief People Officer as the executive lead. Progress and initiatives are reported to the CEO and the Board.

Our Dive In Council pillars are:

• Recruiting: Actively seeking diverse talent at all levels, with a focus on minority representation in leadership. Our ambitious goal? Match the U.S. census by 2025.
• Community & Philanthropy: Partnering with diverse organizations such as Phoenix Pride and engaging in additional charitable activities that bridge differences and empower individuals.
• Education & Training: Raising awareness through programs and policies that foster inclusivity and understanding. Leslie’s requires annual unconscious bias training for all associates and inclusive leadership training for the executive team.
• Mentorships & Scholarship: Providing opportunities for professional growth and knowledge transfer, ensuring financial barriers don't hinder potential. Our mentorship program will pair experienced leaders with rising stars, fostering knowledge transfer, and creating a network of support that empowers individuals to reach their full potential.

We are actively building an inclusive workplace and making meaningful progress against our goals. To date we’ve increased our minority representation 600 basis points between 2021 and 2023, while continuously working to increase female representation from 30% to 40% by 2025. Our ongoing investments in education and training empower Associates to embrace different cultures and experiences. We implement policies that ensure fairness and equal opportunities, dismantling barriers to success for everyone.

And our focus isn't solely internal. We recognize the importance of giving back to the communities that make us strong. We partner with organizations such as the NAACP, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) that champion diversity and engage in initiatives that create a more equitable future for all.

Some recent examples of our progress include:

• Establishing and funding a small business diversity grant program in partnership with the NAACP.
• Updating our medical benefits to include comprehensive medical coverage for gender dysphoria and created a LGBTQ+ benefits guide.
• Receiving a score of 90 on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
• Supporting learn-to-swim programs with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with annual donations.