“Diversity and inclusion are part of a company’s soul. It’s not a product or service that can be easily fixed when it’s broken. We are fiercely loyal to protecting the soul of our company and making it stronger.” – Michael Gonzales, Hallmark director of diversity and inclusion.
Diversity & Inclusion
Hallmark integrates diversity and inclusion into every aspect of its business, including hiring, vendor relationships, product creation and creating a welcoming work environment. Equally important is promoting awareness in the community.
Starting with the Hall family and extending across Hallmark’s portfolio of businesses, respect for all individuals is central to the company’s work and the lives employees lead.
View Hallmark’s most recent Social Responsibility Report for the latest stories and statistics about the company and its progress on its diversity and inclusion efforts, with highlighted examples below.
Strengthening Military Connections – As part of Hallmark’s Military Interest Group, they helped orchestrate an extremely unique and meaningful occasion: the promotion of employee Dave Buehler (Pictured in center, at left) to captain in the U.S. Navy at company headquarters instead of a military base. “This company gives veterans an opportunity to engage and Hallmark stands behind people like myself who have military experience,” said Buehler.
Shifting Attitudes in Texas – Having worked to be more inclusive, Hallmark’s Center, Texas facility now has people of color consisting of 80 percent of the workforce and is a success story of employee engagement, including hosting an annual dinner that has a participation rate of 100 percent.
Ensuring Authentic Appeal for Consumers – Hallmark strives to continue offering a broad range of products that cater to the different needs and voices of its modern, multicultural consumers, recognizing the need for authentic self-expression in all the communities in which it serves.
Writing and Drawing for Understanding – Working with a local urban core elementary school in Hallmark’s hometown of Kansas City, Mo., a diversity essay and drawing contest helped expand perspectives of both students and Hallmark employees alike. The contest culminated in a school-wide awards assembly to recognize and congratulate the students.