Mikiel Curtis believes that diverse environments offer greater exposure to different ideas and skills, which encourages everyone to share their unique selves. That’s why he’s so eager to build upon Home Chef’s current diversity efforts. Curtis is especially excited to extend some of the corporate office’s equity initiatives, such as employee resource groups, to teams based at Home Chef’s plants nationwide. “It’s important that associates at our facilities feel a sense of belonging when they go to work every day,” he said.

As a leader, Stone knows that one of his responsibilities is to mold the culture of his team. The senior director of business analytics works with Home Chef’s human resource partners to bring in candidates that have diverse backgrounds and a wide range of experience. He also places a high priority on building a welcoming environment where everybody feels comfortable expressing themselves.

Iyer is a senior manager of new product development, but she also plays an active role in Home Chef’s cross-functional group, HC Connect. The group organizes social events that promote a sense of belonging across the company and also collaborates with the many affinity groups at Home Chef. Recently, Iyer attended a Mardi Gras trivia night where she learned about Creole culture and Spanish law.