At Rich’s, we promote cultural awareness because not only does it foster greater communication among our associates, it also helps build lasting connections, and forms a business bond that positively impacts all facets of our work.  As a global company, we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique experiences and viewpoints our associates bring, fostering connection through education and shared understanding.

With over 13,000 associates working together across the globe, it is imperative that we support an environment where everyone is understood, respected and valued. Our business is home to a range of Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), including “Kaleidoscope,” which aims to foster an empowering environment of diversity and inclusion focused on associates of color.  The Kaleidoscope group focuses on professional development, education, and community engagement, and collaborates with our Talent Acquisition team to support inclusive hiring practices and foster greater awareness of unique perspectives across Rich’s. Together they research and advocate for improvements to policies that affect our associates of color, and they have developed partnerships with local organizations and other Rich’s Associate Resource Groups that focus on enriching diversity and inclusion. 

With an emphasis on education and awareness, Kaleidoscope, which launched in 2020, shares engaging videos, historical facts, and fun events to bring awareness to the various cultural backgrounds that make up our global company. Impactful experiences by Kaleidoscope have included:  

• Captivating and collaborative multi-media projects, like a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration coordinated in conjunction with the Parent-to-Parent resource group. Together they chose a painting from Diego Rivera, a famous Latin American artist, and arranged for more than 30 Rich’s associates to collaborate to complete the beautiful mural, now on display at Rich’s World Headquarters. 

• Holiday events with virtual components to connect global offices for celebrations like Lunar New Year, Kwanza, Diwali, Ramadan, Hannukah, and more. During Diwali 2022, for example, Kaleidoscope hosted in-person celebrations in Buffalo and India with virtual components so associates from around the world could enjoy the experience. The events included educational elements to explore the meaning of the holiday and its traditions, as well as Indian dancing lessons, henna tattoos, photo booths, and delicious cuisine, as well as opportunities to hear stories from our India-based colleagues. 

"Learning opportunities, such as voluntary discussion groups and book clubs, give associates the chance to explore topics related to identity, workplace culture, and inclusion in a respectful and open environment.

Lauren Genovese