Kohl’s Business Resource Groups come together to build a sense of belonging amongst associates and drive inclusivity
Last week, Kohl’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs) celebrated the third annual BRG Day, centered around the theme “Allyship Looks Good On You.” Created to support the idea that you don’t have to be to belong, Kohl’s recognizes that allyship is a key factor in forming an inclusive environment.
“Our BRGs have helped drive incredible change across the business and I am thrilled to celebrate this milestone with them,” said Michelle A. Banks, Kohl’s chief diversity and inclusion officer. “Progress at Kohl's is made by the actions and behaviors of every associate across this company. As we support each other through allyship, we will continue to inspire empathy as well as create an environment of belonging.”
Kohl’s BRG Day is meant to drive awareness for the company’s various BRGs. The event shows how BRG membership can create a sense of belonging and allyship as well as shares how associates can get involved. This year, our BRGs celebrated with information sessions for associates, member testimonials, food and BRG branded merchandise. Following the event, associate membership grew double digits across the board.
Allyship at Kohl’s
When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), it’s critical to keep in mind that it takes everyone. This is why embedding allyship across the business is vital. At Kohl’s our BRGs showcase allyship in its truest form, taking supportive action and investing in strengthening their own knowledge and awareness of oppression.
Kohl’s has eight BRGs with more than 9,500 members focused on driving the business by recognizing and championing DEI. The BRGs make an impact across the organization by leading cultural celebrations, offering mentorship opportunities, driving strategy, and working directly with nonprofits that connect with their communities. Making an impact across the organization, our BRGs focus on our three D&I pillars, Our People, Our Customers and Our Communities, by:
- Our People - Supporting Kohl’s cultural celebrations and offering opportunities for diverse talent to grow in their careers with leadership and mentoring opportunities.
- Our Customers - Supporting our business strategy by acting as consultants and serving as focus groups for various business units across the organization.
- Our Communities - Working directly with nonprofits that connect with their communities and counsel leaders on how to make a meaningful impact in our underserved communities. In 2021, our BRGs volunteered nearly 10,000 hours in support of more than 200 different nonprofits across the country.
“It was great to come together and celebrate Kohl’s third annual BRG Day,” said Omar Velaochaga, Kohl’s senior manager of diversity and inclusion. “Kohl’s BRGs play a significant role in furthering Kohl’s DEI journey and they embrace every member for who they are - regardless of race or ability. Associates can join a BRG, to not only show support, but also to educate themselves on issues important to a specific group and therefore move from ally to advocate.”
When You See These Logos at Kohl’s
Check out our BRGs and their missions below:
Young Professionals BRG
Kohl’s Young Professionals BRG brings associates together to develop young professionals and encourage them to drive innovative ideas.
Pride BRG
Kohl’s Pride BRG brings associates together to create a safe environment where we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.
Black Professionals BRG
Kohl’s Black Professionals BRG brings associates together to contribute to an inclusive community, advocate for Black associates to have a voice and ensure that Black culture is a part of everyday life at Kohl's.
DiverseAbilities BRG
Kohl’s DiverseAbilities BRG brings associates together to promote mental health and support people of all physical abilities, knowing diverse perspectives make us stronger.
Hispanic y Latino BRG
Kohl's Hispanic y Latino BRG brings associates together to celebrate Latino culture and cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Women of Kohl’s BRG
Kohl’s Women of Kohl’s BRG brings associates together to establish a supportive network and inspire career growth among women.
Veterans & Military BRG
Kohl’s Veterans & Military BRG brings associates together to build a culture that recognizes veterans, service members and their families and sets them up for success.
Asian Pacific BRG
Kohl’s Asian Pacific BRG brings associates together to create an inclusive environment and offer open discussions that matter to Asian Pacific communities.
More About Us
Most recently, Kohl's was recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Diversity Impact Top 10 Enterprise Wide ERG Award for the second year. This is a direct reflection of our BRGs and their continued work in championing diversity and inclusion within the business. To learn more about Kohl’s BRGs, view Kohl’s 2021 ESG Report or visit Corporate.Kohls.com. For more information about how to join Kohl’s winning team, visit careers.kohls.com.