ConAgra Foods recognized for diversity initiatives

NEW sponsor ConAgra Foods has been awarded a 2010 International Innovation in Diversity Award by Profiles in Diversity Journal for its innovative approach to advancing diversity in the workplace and in the communities they serve.

ConAgra Foods was recognized for its six employee resource networks (ERNs), which include the Asian Network, Black Employee Network, Latino Network, Young Professionals Network, Illuminations (LGBT employees and allies) and Women's Leadership Council.

"At ConAgra Foods, we strive to find new ways to leverage our diverse and talented employees for future leadership,” said Angela Jones, vice president, diversity and inclusion, at ConAgra Foods. "It is really an honor to be recognized for our employee resource networks, which add value to our employees and the company.”

The networks are led by employees identified by the company’s human resources leadership as emerging leaders. ERN leaders rotate every 18 to 24 months. Since the program began, three ERNs have seen their team leader promoted at least one career level during their tenure.

Executive sponsors give ERN members the unique opportunity to interact with ConAgra Foods' senior leadership team, collaborating to develop and execute annual plans, including events such as quarterly "Knowledge and Nourish" development sessions open to all employees. Other ConAgra diversity initiatives include a pilot mentoring program launched by the Women's Leadership Council, which allows each network access to mentoring circles where senior leaders share insights and provide coaching. The mentoring program will be launched to all resource networks this year, after 88 percent of pilot participants reported they found it valuable.

Additionally, the Annual Leadership Conference, a day-and-a-half-long leadership and learning lab, invites ERN members to increase their capability to lead through influence and to develop strategic plans based on the company's business objectives.

The 2010 International Innovation in Diversity Awards recipients are listed in the Profiles in Diversity Journal's July/August 2010 issue.