Power’s 2023 Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Summit Makes a Major Impact on the City of Chicago

Culture

The company’s annual conference aimed at driving diversity and inclusion proved that small actions can have lasting impact.

What is Power’s CD&I Summit?

Every year, Power year hosts their annual Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Summit in an effort to evolve the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and this year’s event descended upon the city of Chicago from September 27-28th. The theme of this year’s event was impact — that it only takes one spark or one person to start a change reaction.

While the three-day event offered different informative sessions and fostered conversations about collective and individual impact, Power wanted to do more than just talk — we wanted to take action and give back to a city that’s been influential in driving positive change.

*Power’s National Director of CD&I, Olumidé Cole, introduces the Summit’s theme which is Impact.*

How we Served our Communities

For the first time ever, Power hosted our largest employee volunteer initiative to date to revitalize Chicago neighborhoods and directly give back to community members while fortifying equity within the city.

In order to create the most impact, Power partnered with Chicago Cares — the city’s premier volunteer organization, connecting individuals and organizations with volunteer projects that address Chicago’s most pressing needs.

*One of the 14 different volunteer activities included cleaning up a community garden in the Soutside of Chicago.*

Over 300 Power employees from across the country gathered in the South and West Sides of Chicago, participating in a variety of volunteer projects that contributed towards economic development, urban revitalization, social and workforce integration services, urban conservation, and more. Our impact included:

600 hours of time donated across 300+ Power employees to 14 different non-profits
850 grocery bags packed and distributed for unhoused individuals and asylum seekers
600 tulips planted across the South, West, and Northwest Sides of Chicago
170 community members served at local food pantry
120 hygiene kits packed for community members
80 lunches and gift bags devliered to low income seniors
75 meals prepped for unhoused individuals
25 bags of trash picked up from main corridors in the community
100 t-shirts screenprinted, one mural painted, two tool benches painted, and 10 shelves built at Working Bikes
One home painted, cleaned, and refurbished for an individual transitioning out of the foster care system

*Employees package meals and essentials kits for asylum seekers and the unhoused population in Chicago.*

How we Impacted our Employees

But one could argue that there was an even greater impact left on Power employees. Power Scrum Master Talia Turner shares her experience:

“I had the privilege of collaborating with New Hope Church, ensuring a dignified shopping experience for those in need. Everyone deserves access to fresh produce, and my group played a vital role in making that happen. We stocked shelves, guided shoppers, bagged groceries, and offered assistance as needed. But the most profound takeaway was the preservation of dignity.

We all face tough times, and I’ve had my share, just like many of you. My parents, like countless others, had to seek help at times. It’s a humbling experience to provide for those in need while upholding their dignity.

The concept of a non-traditional food bank that offers a shopping experience still gives me chills. It’s one of the many reasons I love working at Power – the unforgettable experiences they provide.

Power left a positive mark on Chicago, and I couldn’t be prouder to have been a part of it. Let’s continue making a difference, one dignified opportunity at a time.”

If you’re looking for a career that provides purpose, check out Power’s open opportunities here.

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