DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
CREATING A PLACE WHERE WE ALL BELONG
An update on our progress
Last year, we committed to sharing our progress with you as we drive toward a better future for all of us. Performative allyship has no place here—we want to make sure that our actions create real and sustainable change. Doing things the right way takes time, and while we may not be as far along as we would like, we are proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the last year and we look forward to the changes we have planned in the years to come. Check out our progress below:
INSIDE OUT
Empower – In addition to establishing a Diversity & Inclusion Committee, we appointed a Director of Diversity and Inclusion to drive the changes we want to see in our organization.
We launched an internal newsletter called Perspectives, which is written by our employees, for our employees. It is designed to educate and highlight events, holidays and celebrations across cultures that take place each month while giving everyone a voice and an opportunity to learn about each other and share new ideas.
Educate – All new and current HQ employees have completed Unconscious Bias training as a part of their core learning curriculum. Employees will continue to complete this and other diversity, equity and inclusion coursework annually.
We are working with an author and inclusion strategist to give our organization the tools needed to cultivate an inclusive culture. Our leadership and management teams at HQ have all participated in Inclusive Leadership learning sessions and are preparing to lead conversations with their teams this quarter. Additional learning sessions will take place every quarter on subjects that range from gender bias to intersectionality.
Recruit – While we were ranked by Forbes as one of the best employers for diversity in 2020, we recognize that we still have opportunities for growth. We are committed to attracting and hiring more people of color in all areas of talent and business.
Develop – We are putting in place leadership training and mentorships to help develop and support the people of color within our organization.
Create – We will ensure that our photoshoots not only include more people of color in front of the camera, but also behind it.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Collaborate – We will collaborate with black designers and artists along with other people of color on new collections and graphics. We are excited to announce that we are starting this work by collaborating with Project Runway alum and Season 16 finalist, Kenya Freeman. She’s known for her ability to create classic garments that instill power and confidence in fearless women. We can’t wait to work with Kenya and make an impact in the world.
Elevate – We will grow our relationships with influencers in the Black community, as well as develop new partnerships. We look forward to providing a platform for diverse voices and creators through our social channels.
PHILANTHROPY
Donate – The Torrid Foundation is excited to join the YWCA on their mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The YWCA has 3 primary areas of focus for women that Torrid is proud to support: racial justice and civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement, and health and safety.
Align – The Director of Diversity & Inclusion also sits on the Torrid Foundation board to ensure that the D&I Committee works closely with the Foundation to align our mission and ensure our grants support work against racial injustice.
Last year, we committed to sharing our progress with you as we drive toward a better future for all of us. Performative allyship has no place here—we want to make sure that our actions create real and sustainable change. Doing things the right way takes time, and while we may not be as far along as we would like, we are proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the last year and we look forward to the changes we have planned in the years to come. Check out our progress below:
INSIDE OUT
Empower – In addition to establishing a Diversity & Inclusion Committee, we appointed a Director of Diversity and Inclusion to drive the changes we want to see in our organization.
We launched an internal newsletter called Perspectives, which is written by our employees, for our employees. It is designed to educate and highlight events, holidays and celebrations across cultures that take place each month while giving everyone a voice and an opportunity to learn about each other and share new ideas.
Educate – All new and current HQ employees have completed Unconscious Bias training as a part of their core learning curriculum. Employees will continue to complete this and other diversity, equity and inclusion coursework annually.
We are working with an author and inclusion strategist to give our organization the tools needed to cultivate an inclusive culture. Our leadership and management teams at HQ have all participated in Inclusive Leadership learning sessions and are preparing to lead conversations with their teams this quarter. Additional learning sessions will take place every quarter on subjects that range from gender bias to intersectionality.
Recruit – While we were ranked by Forbes as one of the best employers for diversity in 2020, we recognize that we still have opportunities for growth. We are committed to attracting and hiring more people of color in all areas of talent and business.
Develop – We are putting in place leadership training and mentorships to help develop and support the people of color within our organization.
Create – We will ensure that our photoshoots not only include more people of color in front of the camera, but also behind it.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Collaborate – We will collaborate with black designers and artists along with other people of color on new collections and graphics. We are excited to announce that we are starting this work by collaborating with Project Runway alum and Season 16 finalist, Kenya Freeman. She’s known for her ability to create classic garments that instill power and confidence in fearless women. We can’t wait to work with Kenya and make an impact in the world.
Elevate – We will grow our relationships with influencers in the Black community, as well as develop new partnerships. We look forward to providing a platform for diverse voices and creators through our social channels.
PHILANTHROPY
Donate – The Torrid Foundation is excited to join the YWCA on their mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The YWCA has 3 primary areas of focus for women that Torrid is proud to support: racial justice and civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement, and health and safety.
Align – The Director of Diversity & Inclusion also sits on the Torrid Foundation board to ensure that the D&I Committee works closely with the Foundation to align our mission and ensure our grants support work against racial injustice.
