At a time when social injustice was elevated and "Champion People" was a core business strategy, we weren't fostering inclusion among team members. We have a workforce that is 82% Latinx (Carl's Jr.), 45% African American (Hardee"s) and more than 80% female (field management). Yet, inside our four walls, team members had no way to engage in the dynamic conversation that was shaping our company and our country. At a live open mic Town Hall designed to simply listen, team members asked us to educate, communicate and activate a more inclusive work environment.

We used this moment as a catalyst to expand our awareness and commitment to diversity, fair treatment and an environment that celebrates differences and people of all races, genders and beliefs.

Educate: We launched a mandatory Inclusion and Anti-Racism ''Cultural Intelligence" Training for team members. Modules included topics like Unconscious Bias, De-Escalation and Building Relationships with Latinos and African Americans, respectively.

Communicate: We are re-energizing our Diversity & Inclusion statement, ensuring all voices are reflected in our workplace and in our marketing.

Activate: We engaged our teams to remove barriers to growth, belonging and advancement by creating Affinity Resource Groups - People of Color, Women's Empowerment and LGBTQ+ - each with an Executive Sponsor and leaders who are sharing their own journeys and leading initiatives.

Educate: We achieved 100% participation in the cultural Intelligence training.

Communicate: Team member led workstreams are spearheading the movement to re-energize what Diversity & Inclusion means at CKE.

Activate: ARGs have held 10 Virtual "Wrap" Sessions with more than 400 team members, collectively. Surveys indicate 80% of participants are highly satisfied with the coursework. We also gained additional insight: 10% of participants felt a need for CKE to further build a strategy of inclusion.