Champions of Diversity Award FY'09 - 1st Quarter Award Recipients

Campus Services
Phillip Novak, Unit Marketing Specialist, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
Phil Novak was instrumental in coordinating the “Cans Across America” challenge between the St. Cloud and Mankato University of Minnesota campuses. He raised awareness and involved the whole campus community in this event. In addition, he solicited donations from local and national vendors in support this charitable program. Phil also devised a chili cook of between executive chefs to promote the event at both campuses. Their efforts paid off as they raised 4,000 pounds of food compared to the 838 pounds which had been raised the prior year. This is a clear indication that together we can make a difference in the fight against hunger. This is just one example of how Phil consistently takes that extra step to fulfill his goals. For him, communicating effectively and meeting his customers' needs are his priority. He recently received a request from a group of Muslim students who were inquiring about the possibility of having Halal meats available to them on the menu. (Halal meats need to conform to Islamic Dietary Laws.) Phil conducted research, located approved vendors, conducted meetings, and completed a trial which was so successful that Halal meats are now available on the daily menu. States Phil, “Anticipating and making sure you are sensitive to the needs of all your customers is key in this business.”

Corporate Offices
Tom Mackall, Executive Advisor, Corporate & Employee Relations, Corporate HQ
Tom Mackall, Executive Advisor, Corporate & Employee Relations has remained actively involved in advancing our Diversity and Inclusion strategy since he joined the organization. He is a member of 3 of Sodexo's Employee Network Groups. One example of his many Network Group related contributions is that as Executive Sponsor for PRIDE's Mid-Atlantic region, Tom is a vocal ally for the GLBT community. Tom states, “It is about using my experience and my position to speak up. It is about contributing to a workplace, to a community, to a society that enables people to participate fully.” (To read Tom's “ally story” log onto SodexoNet > Diversity @ Sodexo > PRIDE and click on the Ally Toolkit.) Tom has been connected to a number of other diversity related initiatives, for example the leading role he played as a facilitator as our well-renowned Spirit of Diversity training program launched, and written language translations to ensure effective communication for Sodexo employees. Tom recognizes and is up for the challenge to avail resources in order so that our employees may pursue developmental activities and experiences as we connect them to communities with which they identify. According to Tom, “the real definition of success is when anybody regardless of race, gender, background, sexual orientation or any other characteristic that make us unique can in fact bring their whole selves to work.”

Education Facilities
Norris Allen, Housekeeping and Security Manager, Darlington School, Rome, GA
The Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness (SERID) recognized Norris Allen as the 2008 Employer of the Year this past October at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia. Since 2000, Norris has hired numerous employees who had hearing impairments or who were deaf. Norris quickly recognized that the benefits related to inclusion of people with hearing related disabilities would far outweigh any related challenges. On that basis he has attracted and retained a capable and loyal team who provides strong orientation to detail. Norris took the initiative, and leveraged his team members to teach him how to communicate via sign language. In addition, he has incorporated the use of technology such as text messaging, text telephone and telecommunications relay service to communicate with his employees. These are just a few examples of how he ensures that his employees feel a sense of belonging as they are provided the communication and technology they need to be most successful. As Norris strives to maintain a diversified workforce and supports fair and equal treatment for all employees, he states that “one of his biggest contributions has been to open his door for all human beings”. He wants those he comes in contact with to be aware that “employment at Darlington is not based on anything other than the candidate's ability to do the job”. Norris is a role model for others as they observe the actions he takes to create a diverse and inclusive environment.

Government Services
Wayne Skuthan, General Manager, United States Marine Corps, Parris Island, NC
Wayne Skuthan considers personal and professional growth and development to be our company's number one priority if we are to continue to be successful in attracting and retaining top talent in our market. At Parris Island District, Wayne developed an extensive food service manager trainee program that focused on our high potential frontline employees. This 90 day training program offers hands on learning, assigned reading material, leadership training, resume development and interviewing skills. Training is reinforced through weekly “mentoring” meetings. Wayne holds the philosophy that through proper growth and development, we can then and only then begin to realize our full potential as a team. Positive outcomes for the program are numerous including two hourly to management promotions within the District, and enhanced employee retention. Wayne and the team have been honored for 12 consecutive months as “Mess Hall of the Period”.

Healthcare Services
Aventura Hospital & Medical Center Team, Aventura Hospital & Medical Ctr, Aventura, FL
Kathy Johnson has been instrumental in applying for and receiving a grant through the HOPE (Hispanic Obesity and Prevention and Education) project through the Florida Department of Health. Through this grant, the dietitian and culinary teams at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center and Baptist Hospital, launched a version of Sodexo's Create Your Weight to meet the goals of the HOPE project which include increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, increasing quality of life and reducing chronic disease and disabilities linked to obesity among Hispanics. Because the team focused on a program that would meet the cultural needs of Hispanic participants, feedback offered by both participants and clients has been extremely positive. The team has received much attention from the local media through the Miami Herald newspaper, and they were interviewed for a local television show. This team's Champion of Diversity status is based on the difference they are making in the lives of Hispanics who are prone to chronic diseases related to obesity.

School Services
Carole Garcia, Manager, St. Charles CUSD#303, St. Charles, IL
For the past four years, Carole Garcia has volunteered to host the “Special Needs for Special Children” event sponsored by the School District and Sodexo. This event invites children with special needs from the community and surrounding communities to participate in a holiday celebration. The children look forward to this event every year, where they participate in an evening of building gingerbread houses, games, and family fun. Carole feels that participation in this event has helped to build a long-term relationship with the clients and with the community. Carole accommodates students with disabilities to support a smooth transition through the cafeteria, assisting students so they're comfortable making food selections, and allowing them to go through the line before other students to allow them more room to move around. Carole supports a work environment that respects diversity and actively promotes a work environment that reflects her belief system to “live her life treating others the way she would hope to be treated”. Carole is proud of her team who bring so much to one another based on their diverse backgrounds as together they celebrate their respective heritages, customs, and beliefs.

View our previous Champions of Diversity award recipients:
1st Quarter 2009 | 2nd Quarter 2009 | 3rd Quarter 2009
1st Quarter 2008 | 2nd Quarter 2008 | 3rd Quarter 2008 | 4th Quarter 2008