Driven Brands Inc.’s Post

Celebrating #Juneteenth here at Novelis and beyond! 🎉 Curious about the significance of Juneteenth? Check out this article for more info - it's an important day steeped in history, somber reflection, freedom, and celebration. https://lnkd.in/eGhHDUJ2

In this article, expert Dr. Juh Círico discusses the significance of June as the month celebrating diversity, authenticity, and the fight for a fairer world. Read more at https://ift.tt/aYe6ZBf

While Nestlé South Africa's pledge of R2.5 billion over the next five years to support black industrialists in South Africa may seem commendable on the surface, it is important to critically analyze the impact and implications of such initiatives. 1. Transparency and Accountability: It is crucial for Nestlé to provide transparent information on how the funds will be allocated, monitored, and evaluated. Without clear accountability mechanisms, there is a risk of mismanagement or ineffective utilization of the pledged amount. 2. Long-Term Sustainability: While investing in local talent and entrepreneurship is positive, there should be a focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of these initiatives beyond the initial five-year period. Sustainable development requires ongoing commitment and support. 3. Community Engagement: It is essential for Nestlé to actively engage with the communities and stakeholders impacted by these initiatives to ensure that their needs and priorities are taken into consideration. Meaningful collaboration with local businesses and organizations is key to fostering inclusive economic development. 4. Ethical Considerations: Nestlé should also address any ethical considerations related to their business practices, supply chain, and environmental impact. Supporting black industrialists should not overshadow the need for ethical and sustainable business operations. 5. Measuring Impact: It is important for Nestlé to establish clear metrics and indicators to measure the impact of their investment on the growth of black businesses, job creation, and economic development. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to assess the effectiveness of the pledged amount. Overall, while Nestlé's pledge to support black industrialists in South Africa is a positive step towards promoting economic empowerment and inclusion, it is essential for the company to uphold transparency, accountability, sustainability, community engagement, ethical considerations, and impact measurement throughout the implementation of their initiatives.

Exciting News from Nestlé South Africa !! We have pledged R2.5 billion over the next five years to support black industrialists in South Africa. By investing in local talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive economic development, we are laying the foundation for a more vibrant and resilient economy. Truly we believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration to drive positive change. That's why we are aligning our efforts with the theme of "Black Industrialists – Catalysing Economic Growth and Jobs" at the recently hosted Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition. Our pledge reflects our commitment to local procurement practices, supplier partner development, and agro-processing initiatives, all aimed at creating opportunities for emerging black businesses and building a more resilient future for all. Join us as we embark on this journey to empower communities, foster entrepreneurship, and create lasting impact across Southern Africa. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHE2DUbS #Nestlé #Empowerment #EconomicGrowth #AfricaGrowth Portia Thokoane John Ashley Conny Sethaelo Mota Mota Katie Billington Louis Van Wyk Dudu Mokholo (MBA) Zumi Njongwe Nithal Soni

Celebrating Juneteenth: More Than a Day, It's Our DNA🧬 Today, as we commemorate Juneteenth, we can't help but notice how many companies are painting their social media profiles in red, black, and green. They post, they recruit, they brandish hashtags like it's a seasonal trend. But at Whatley PM IT, diversity is who we are. It's in every heartbeat, every decision, every day of the year. 🖤✊🏾 We embody African American culture, not just on Juneteenth but 365 days a year. We don't have the luxury of treating diversity as a box to check off; it's our reality, our essence.🌍 Here at Whatley PM-IT, diversity isn't a buzzword; it's our business strategy, our guiding principle, our everyday norm. We don't need a special occasion to remind us of our roots and our commitment to inclusion. Every choice we make, every policy we implement, is steeped in the rich heritage and resilience of our community. 🌟 So, as we honor this pivotal day in history, let's remember: Juneteenth is not just a moment for us—it's a movement. And while others might borrow the colors and the message, we carry it within us, always. Join us in celebrating freedom, culture, and the unwavering spirit of African American excellence—not just today, but every day. 🏆 #Juneteenth #BlackOwned365 #DiversityAndInclusion

From Passion to Purpose: Celebrating My Journey in the Wine Industry ✨🍷 As we celebrate Black History Month, I'm taking a moment to reflect on my journey—a journey that has taken me from being just an everyday girl with a love for wine to becoming a proud Black woman entrepreneur in the wine business. Starting out, wine was a passion, a simple pleasure that brought joy and comfort. But somewhere along the way, that passion sparked a dream: to create a wine collection that reflected my tastes, my experiences, and my story. Today, I stand proud with a collection of four wines, each bottle a chapter of my journey, highlighting those pivotal moments we deserve self care. Being a Black woman in the wine industry comes with its unique challenges. It's a path less traveled, with obstacles that often seemed insurmountable. But it's also a path of immense beauty, filled with community support, and opportunity to build our own generational legacy and pave the way for future spirit owners. This Black History Month, I celebrate not just my achievements, but the achievements of all who have come before me and those who walk beside me. My collection of wines is more than just a product; it's a symbol of perseverance, empowerment, and the joy of pursuing one's dreams against all odds. To everyone who has supported me, believed in me, and shared in my journey, thank you. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. Here's to many more years of breaking barriers, creating beautiful experiences, and enjoying the wine that brings us together. 🥂 Cheers to Black History Month and to dreams turned into reality. #BlackHistoryMonth #WineIndustry #BlackWomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #WineLover #DreamBig

Yesterday marked the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth and the third year since becoming a national holiday. Here are some big takeaways on where we stand today: ▪ There is consensus that brands/businesses/corporations are doing “just okay” in supporting Black communities. ▪ We can do more than just a social media post. In fact, this was ranked the least helpful activity brands can do to support Juneteenth. ▪ Since Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday, way more Black Americans have started participating in cultural celebrations for Juneteenth—more proof that representation and acknowledgment matters. If you're looking for ways you and your teams can support, these insights really show where your actions, empathy, and energy can make a big difference. Happy Freedom Day 🎉

National Black Business Month! 🎉 This month, we celebrate the unique qualities of Black-owned businesses that impact and influence the various communities, cultures, and economies they serve. Their resilience, creativity, and innovation are truly inspiring. While black-owned businesses are making strides, they still face challenges in their landscapes. According to our #InfluenceXXI brand insights, one of the challenges still faced is a lack of brand visibility. In a crowded market, standing out and attracting target stakeholders is often difficult, hindering their growth and recognition by target stakeholders. At Newmark, we focus on the 3 I's — Influence, Impact, and Inspiration. We are proud to support Black-owned businesses across Africa and globally, providing the communications, marketing, and PR support they need to amplify their voices and expand their reach. Representation matters, and we encourage everyone to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses this month. Whether it's a tech startup, a restaurant, or a creative agency, recognise their resilience, creativity, and innovation. ✨ Tag your favourite Black-owned business below, and let's celebrate their journey! #SupportBlackBusiness #BlackBusinessMonth #BrandVisibility #Africa

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Happy Black History Month! This February, let's move beyond mere acknowledgment and let’s take meaningful action to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. Planning ahead is crucial, but the perfect time to celebrate is always now. If you're seeking solutions for team engagement, learning, and celebrations, we've got you covered. In collaboration with careof.work, we present inspiring workshops that delve into history, culture, and heritage. 𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦: Culinary Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich history of coffee with Muna Mohammed. Explore the birthplace of coffee, its ancient rituals, and the journey of this beloved beverage. We believe in the power of combining education with unique experiences! or DEI Learning Workshops: "Let’s Put Race on the Table w/ FoodShare Toronto" is a workshop shedding light on systemic racism in our food system. Engage your team in impactful discussions that foster awareness and understanding. If you're in need of resources, our DEI Resource Page is worth exploring. It features a curated list of Black speakers covering a range of topics, from leadership to motivational talks and intersectionality. Beyond our DEI Resource page, we have strong relationships with many small Black-owned businesses. Elevate your workplace with meaningful gifts and make a positive impact by supporting small and diverse enterprises. Through thoughtful gifts, swag, and innovative technology, we're creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Join Us in Creating Positive Change: Together, let's amplify the positive effects of supporting small and diverse businesses. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to building a more equitable and inclusive world. In Photo: Mary's Brigadeiro Handcrafted Chocolate | Nerpy's Inc. | Lignum Honey Inc. | Work and Chill | Artfully Bagged | LES SOINS DE MENEA | CHAP CHAP SNACKS #blackhistorymonth #blackownedbusinesses #positivechange

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! ✊🏾❤️🖤💚 Representation within the Retail Real Estate field matters. Today, as we observe Juneteenth, let's reflect on the significance of this day in our history. Racism and oppression may not be easy topics to discuss, but acknowledging our past is crucial to forging a brighter future for all of us. To all my peers in the industry, here are some tips on being active allies to BI-POC communities: 📍 Support local black/minority owned business! Some of my personal favorites in the DMV/Baltimore region include businesses like Papi Cuisine, The Breakfast Club, Milk & Honey, and Potomac Cookie Co. 🍽️ FYI - Black Restaurant Week in DC begins July 14th-28th! 😉 🏛️ Learn about African American history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. ⭐ Advocate for diversity by considering predominantly black markets for retail offerings and site selection. Don't let biases hinder deals; these communities are eager for more diverse food and retail options. I know personally, because I’ve worked and lived in these markets. I hear the requests firsthand and on a regular basis. 🌍 Broaden your horizons by exploring places with larger black populations. Immerse yourself in different cultures to gain a deeper understanding. I recently visited Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴 in March. I was absolutely enamored by all of the spectacular architecture, vibrant art, and beautiful people that I saw. We often forget that there are black communities that exist outside of the United States, and share a similar history as AAs. I visited the Village of Palenque ✊🏾 and learned the history of one of the first revolutionary towns in the Americas, where many Afro-Colombian slaves escaped to Freedom. It was certainly an experience I’ll never forget. Last but certainly not least — 🫶🏾 Show empathy and demonstrate active allyship. Let's continue working towards a more inclusive and equal future. Acknowledge the progress we’ve made, but remember, there's still much more work to be done. Let's celebrate diversity, learn from our past, and strive for a better tomorrow together. #Juneteenth #RepresentationMatters #DiversityandInclusion #RetailRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #BlackLivesMatter