October is Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) Month at A&F Co., a time for our associates to celebrate our year-round I&D efforts. This month, we reaffirmed our commitment to an environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is ensured, and inclusion is embraced, empowering all associates to succeed and reach their full potential.
This year, the I&D Month theme was Allyship and Authentic Goodness. Our I&D Team created shared language on what allyship means today and what it looks like in action. Inherently, our A&F Co. value of Authentic Goodness is essential to allyship as it emphasizes our responsibilities in building up, teaming up, and showing up for one another to enhance belonging for all associates.
Throughout the month, associates were invited to three featured events surrounding the theme. We kicked off with an Allyship Happy Hour, where associates were invited to come together as a community to connect and learn more about Allyship, Authentic Goodness, and each other. The afternoon elicited conversations across various departments and levels of leadership.
We then hosted our marquee event, with keynote speaker, Ash Pryor. Ash was no stranger to our Global Home Office (GHO) in Columbus, Ohio. Her visit was a full circle moment, as she’d previously worked in one of the GHO mock stores years ago. She’s now a decorated alumnus of The Ohio State University, and well known as a Peloton instructor who motivates her classes through movement, inspirational messaging, and “sparkles” (AKA sweat).
During Ash’s rich dialogue, she shared stories from her journey as both a learner and a leader. She spoke about her successes, challenges, and the lessons on allyship and authentic goodness, particularly while pushing boundaries in her industry. Associates that took part in-person and virtually were treated to an afternoon of wisdom, empowerment, and a bit of joy.
We wrapped up the month with the I&D Month Festival, featuring giveaways, cultural cuisine, and interactive games to broaden overall I&D knowledge. We also provided an opportunity for associates to demonstrate allyship by signing up for our Associate Resource Groups (ARGs). Representatives of our ARGs were in attendance to answer questions from curious associates.
I&D Month has been a special time to reflect on our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging. These efforts are part of an ongoing mission, and we’re grateful to our I&D Team and associates for their unwavering dedication to being on that journey year-round.
Watch a video recap of our I&D Month on Instagram here.
