Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Space for Our People

At PepsiCo, one of the ways we are taking action and creating smiles for our associates is through our Racial Equality Journey in the U.S. Announced in 2020, this journey began with a $570 million multiyear commitment meant to help dismantle systemic barriers facing Black and Hispanic Americans.

And it all started within, building a workforce with our own associates that reflects the world in which we operate.

As of Q1 2022, we’ve increased our Black managerial representation to 8.4 percent, progressing toward our 2025 goal of 10 percent, including adding 22 associates to our executive team this year. As of Q2 2022, our Hispanic managerial population is up to 9.6 percent, trending toward our goal of 10 percent by 2025, with 31 more Hispanic associates on our executive team in 2022.

Our culture has always been a competitive advantage. Here, there is a space to be you. Your voice and stories matter. You’ll have guidance from leaders at all levels working for our iconic brands. And you’ll get to be a part of an inclusive work environment.

What does that mean for you if you join PepsiCo? Endless opportunities that can fuel your ambition.

Here, four associates go beyond the numbers, sharing how an inclusive culture empowers everyone to reach their full potential.

What stands out to you about the people of PepsiCo?

Diversity! The diversity of backgrounds and thought. There are countless individuals I have met in our organization who have such amazing stories and backgrounds, with their own set of ambitions and passions.

What stands out to you about PepsiCo’s culture?

It’s evolving all the time. Our culture and aspirations continuously change for the better. Whether we’re talking about our Racial Equality Journey, pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainability efforts, or just anchoring on The PepsiCo Way — the company’s culture inherently challenges us to keep pushing for ways to be better.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I had the privilege of leading the Frito-Lay Adelante chapter, our Employee Resource Group (ERG) that helps unleash the potential of PepsiCo’s multicultural Hispanic community by providing associates leadership opportunities to impact our culture, communities and people. That wouldn’t have happened without the passion and hard work of our members and colleagues.

Can you talk about the importance of representation?

We all have a story. Oftentimes, our stories aren’t reflected back at us in the real world and in the workplace. When you see leaders who look like you or reflect your culture, their very presence can fuel our own ambition. Seeing yourself reflected back at you creates hope and an understanding that you can rise above the fray and find a path to leadership.

How does PepsiCo build a better, more diverse and inclusive workplace?

We’re doing a great job of that. We’ll continue with a 360-degree approach, including community outreach, diversity recruiting, diversity training and talent development programs, mentoring programs, and leadership placements. It’s also exciting to see our Racial Equality Journey in action. These efforts make me proud to be at PepsiCo.

PepsiCo is known for building communities of leaders at all levels. What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership inspires others. That’s wildly important. When we inspire others, they can reach new heights — and even go places they didn’t know they could. PepsiCo fosters leadership by providing so many opportunities. These can be found in daily tasks that add up to long careers. Opportunities are everywhere at PepsiCo.

What about PepsiCo makes you smile?

Besides sipping Mountain Dew? I am a stronger and better person because of the diverse culture, opportunities and experiences provided to me throughout my tenure at PepsiCo. I am truly appreciative!

What stands out to you about PepsiCo’s people?

The diversity in background and thought is probably number one for me. Everyone I work with brings their whole self to work, and it is reflected through the work we produce.

What stands out to you about PepsiCo’s culture?

PepsiCo is very inclusive. The company fosters a curious work atmosphere that inevitably opens the door for unique perspectives and for people to be who they are — transparently.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My favorite “wins” are when my clients and I partner on a particularly tough legal matter. Partnering to put the company in a defensible position is what I am most proud of.

Can you talk about the importance of representation?

When you have fair representation, not only does it bring various perspectives together, but it brings people, culture and communities together. Knowledge is power, and without our diverse partners it is almost impossible to succeed.

How does PepsiCo build a better, more diverse and inclusive workplace?

Aside from our many Employee Resource Groups, PepsiCo celebrates inclusivity by hosting cultural forums and celebrations. Diversity is embraced everywhere. I’ve seen our Racial Equality Journey (REJ) illustrated through community investments and promotions. I look forward to seeing REJ unfold and make the positive impact it is intended to create in the coming years.

How does PepsiCo foster leadership?

There are many programs that help associates become faster, stronger and better. PepsiCo University, for example, empowers associates to continuously learn, develop and grow. These hands-on experiences teach leadership and management, functional skills and how to create a future-ready workforce. This year, PepsiCo launched myeducation, which enables frontline workers to upskill and re-skill through certificates and bachelor’s degrees—without going into debt.

What about PepsiCo makes you smile?

The people. I can’t say it enough. I have the best team, and everyone I have worked with genuinely enjoys what they do. Who doesn’t want to work with people who are passionate and happy?

What stands out to you about PepsiCo’s people and culture?

Our people come from diverse backgrounds. That has a major impact on why our organization continues to be a market leader that builds iconic brands. PepsiCo has truly developed a culture that allows employees to bring their whole self to work. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you are seen, heard and valued at PepsiCo. Here, there is a core value and belief that we each act on our responsibility to be leaders in our communities and the world.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Each year, PepsiCo brings together more than 200 associates from around the world to celebrate their hard work and success. These associates receive the Ring of Honor award, which is one of PepsiCo’s most prestigious acknowledgments. I was honored to be one of these recipients in 2021. It definitely motivates everyone to become faster, stronger and better.

Can you talk about the importance of representation?

Representation is important because it allows us to connect with the communities we support. In addition, diverse thought and leadership help us stay competitive in understanding the needs of our consumers and allow us to tap into and impact new markets.

How does PepsiCo build a better, more diverse and inclusive workplace?

We continue to build a better and more diverse and inclusive workplace through recruitment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority professional groups, in addition to providing in-house professional development for all employees. It has been great to see PepsiCo put in the work to achieve the initiatives of the Racial Equality Journey. A lot of companies made a statement, but PepsiCo is putting action behind it.

Is there a particular commitment or way PepsiCo empowers Black people, businesses and communities that stands out to you the most?

Some of the programs that jump out to me are the Doritos Solid Black campaign, our annual MLK celebration and our Black Restaurant Accelerator Program.

PepsiCo is known for building communities of leaders at all levels. What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is about taking others along on the journey by providing them the guidance and tools to be successful while empowering them to move forward to develop others. PepsiCo offers multiple leadership and development programs that provide the tools to allow associates to blossom into future executives for the company.

What about PepsiCo makes you smile?

PepsiCo was unapologetic about taking a stand and being bold to say there is an opportunity in our Black and Brown communities and we will be the company that will lead the change.

What stands out to you about PepsiCo’s people?

What stands out to me the most about our people is the number of talented leaders I’ve had the ability to work with during my career here. Our people are our culture. And our culture stands out: We have flexibility to just get the work done. The focus is on delivering results. I’ve always loved that about the company, and it’s one of the main reasons I’m still here.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’d have to say passing my CPA exam and becoming a CPA is the accomplishment I’m most proud of.

Can you talk about the importance of representation?

It’s hard to underscore the importance of seeing that representation in Corporate America as a child. Growing up, I honestly didn’t have any role models or family members who worked in the corporate world. My exposure was limited to TV shows and movies. When PepsiCo kicked off its REJ, I was lucky enough to be selected to participate on the PBNA action committee led by Derek Lewis. That committee produced the PBNA Playbook, a tool that can be utilized by the entire organization to assist in driving significant change in the organization and helping us achieve our goals — and then some — from a representation perspective. I was in awe of the leadership displayed on an almost daily basis by this group of talented Black executives in developing that playbook. The team was bold and fearless, and I learned a lot from every individual on that committee. Representation matters.

PepsiCo is known for building communities of leaders at all levels. What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is being able to achieve short-term goals while also staying focused on the long-term vision. It’s maintaining a focus on developing talent, driving culture and fostering inclusiveness. It’s constantly coming back to those areas of commitment no matter what we encounter during the day.

What about PepsiCo makes you smile?

It’s the people that make me smile. I’ve developed so many great relationships over my 16-plus years here at PepsiCo. So many people have become part of my extended family.