Our Values 

At the James Beard Foundation our work is people-first and guided by our values:  

Equity. 

We acknowledge inequities; we work to ensure that everyone—regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion—has the opportunity to thrive.

Transparency.

We are open and honest about the ever-evolving nature of creating a more equitable industry and invite others into the process.   

Respect.

We recognize and honor the dignity that each person  (business owners, workers, and consumers) brings to the industry. All people deserve to feel respected, safe, and supported in the workplace and have the same access to opportunities as anyone else in the industry.

Integrity.

We strive to do the right thing and stand boldly in our convictions.  

Community.  

We recognize that people flourish when resources and opportunities are accessible and supported by meaningful networks and collaborations.   

Passion.

We care deeply and authentically about our industry, about the craft and culture of  “Good Food,” and about America’s food culture and leadership.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals

Staff

Our staff is currently 52% BIPOC, and our leadership team is currently 30% BIPOC.

  • GOAL: 50% of all annual new hires are BIPOC across leadership and staff positions. 

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is currently over 50% women and 36% BIPOC, and 65% of new Trustees joining the Board since 2020 identify as people of color.

  • GOAL: At least 50% of open board seats be filled with BIPOC candidates over the next few years, resulting in a Board that is 36% BIPOC by 2023. The board will focus on recruiting BIPOC trustee members so that ultimately our board reflects the diversity of the restaurant industry and its workers. 

Training and Resources 

JBF staff and leadership have undergone antiracism training.

  • GOAL: Staff and leadership will receive antiracism and anti-bias training at least twice per year, focusing on unpacking privilege, internalized racism, and allyship. The Board of Trustees will participate in annual antiracism training.   

We are committed to prioritizing staff access to professional development resources and training materials informed by diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • GOAL: Engage staff and foster a culture of inclusion and continuous learning to support personal and professional growth as well as a culture where each member feels valued and has a sense of belonging. 

Recruitment

We are auditing our recruitment and hiring practices to address any unconscious bias.

  • GOAL: Hiring managers will be trained in unconscious bias in hiring. This training will be renewed on an annual basis.   

Industry Leadership

The Foundation has committed to using our platform’s power to convene, amplify, and create a dialogue that centers equity in the food and beverage industry.

  • GOAL: Champion diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the food community to affect change in the industry.  

The Foundation will be developing different inclusion strategies for each department. We have committed to no longer participating in or conducting all-white or all-male panels, programs, or multi-person events.

  • GOAL: Ensure mechanisms for accountability across all programs. 

Transparency and Accountability

The board of trustees, the board’s DEI committee, the staff equity team, and the Vice President of People & Culture, in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders, are developing a feedback process. 

Internal employee staffing and trustee demographic data will be shared annually starting June 2021.

  • GOAL: Create mechanisms of transparency for accountability and to track impact of our DEI goals. 

 

We will review and update these goals quarterly.

To provide feedback on these goals, or if you have any questions, please contact hr@jamesbeard.org.