Greensboro, N.C. is not only home to Kontoor’s global headquarters, but it’s also home to the International Civil Rights Museum. The museum is located at the site of the first sit-in in the U.S., where four black college students sat down at a whites only lunch counter to stage a non-violent protest against segregation. Kontoor’s Diversity Networking Association (DNA) ERG, along with members of our Executive Leadership Team, hosted tours of this important institution for employees.
Voting is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Yet, we recognize that there are many barriers to casting a ballot, particularly for minority voters. Our DNA and KNEW ERGs partnered to offer informational sessions to ensure our employees are registered and know where and how to vote. In addition, Kontoor has joined the Time to Vote movement, a non-partisan, business-led initiative designed to demonstrate the importance of voter participation and to increase voter turnout in the Nov. 3, 2020 general election.
Every fall, the Kontoor Network Empowering Women (KNEW) ERG sponsors a Breast Cancer Awareness event. Last year, in addition to hosting speakers and providing informational handouts, the group mobilized approximately 100 employees to join in a symbolic walk around the neighborhood, holding posters to honor or celebrate the memory of people close to them that have fought breast cancer.
To help young women see the potential of their career path, Kontoor’s Diversity Networking Association (DNA) ERG hosted an event with middle school to college aged girls from local youth leadership organizations. Kontoor’s female leaders shared their professional journeys and answered questions about the girls’ career aspirations. Participating organizations included Leadership LINKS, Girls to Queens and The Queen in You.
Kontoor’s Diversity Networking Association (DNA) ERG hosted a business fair with local black-owned businesses. At the fair, the businesses shared information about the services and products they offer. The event gave Kontoor employees the opportunity to network with our fellow Greensboro community members and to support local businesses.