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Interview with Peter M. Perez |
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| Published on September 1, 2006 |
What does diversity mean to you? Why is it important to have a diverse workplace?
Diversity means to me reflecting the differences in those we work with, and assuring that the composition of our workforce represents the same mix of women and people of color as our communities and customers. It is important to have a diverse workplace because our labor market is diverse and we want to tap into all available talent. It is also important because diverse backgrounds bring a better understanding of our diverse customers and suppliers that will make us successful.
How does your company measure success regarding diversity?
Our company measures recruiting, retention and development of diverse talent within the company, and supplier diversity represented as a total percent of all of our purchases to minority and female owned vendors. We also measure it by the level and amount of engagement of our employees in affinity groups within the company.
What kind of opportunities do you give small business within your company? What's the process that they need to follow to be able to do business with your company?
We work with small businesses to help give them the business as well as the partnership to help them grow and be successful. Any interested party if interested can contact our Supplier Diversity department.
What's the business case for corporate responsibility or inclusion?
The business case for us is that everyone consumes ConAgra Foods products, regardless of color or gender, and as such we need to both reflect and stay in touch with the tastes, preferences and buying habits of women and people of color. In particular many of ConAgra's products have a high consumption rate for Hispanics, so this is of particular importance to us.
Do you believe it is important to have a Hispanic corporate board member?What do you think is their contribution?
I do believe having Hispanic representation at both the Executive as well as the Board level is very important. Our country is changing so dramatically, and the political and economic power of Hispanics is rising at such an accelerated rate, it will be important for companies at the very top who have leaders who understand the cultural, economic and political implications to the growth of Hispanics in the United States and how to best position the company for success in this environment.
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