At Yum! Brands, we believe in ALL people. It’s a core value that starts at the top with our leadership – from our CEO-led Leading Inclusion for Today & Tomorrow (LIFT2) Council to our membership in the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion coalition. Beyond our committed leadership, Yum!’s belief in all people is infused in the DNA of everything we do at our company, providing employees at all levels the chance to embrace and embody diversity and inclusion in various ways.

Development opportunities such as our unconscious bias training and employee resource groups emphasize our focus on creating an inclusive culture and giving our people the training and education to be their best. In addition, our engagement with programs like the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management highlight our efforts to ensure our next generation of talent reflects the diversity of the people we serve. We continue to make progress in these areas. In fact, just this year, we “upped the ante” by adding diversity and inclusion commitment to everyone’s annual employee evaluation – directly connecting individual performance and diversity and inclusion for the first time.

All of this allows us to cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone can feel a sense of belonging. Each week throughout Black History Month, we’re living our people-first culture by sharing personal insights through Q&A-style interviews from several members of our Yum! Brands family. We hope that you’ll connect, share and celebrate with us.

Happy Black History Month,
James Fripp
Yum! Brands Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Check back daily for new stories. Jump to a particular interview by clicking on a name below:

• Michelle Adams — New!
• Joe Monroe 
• Latasha Lover 
• Nigel Benton
• Sindy Mitchell 
• Damon Yarber 
• Austin Morgan 
• Alicia Barnett 
• Brandy Draper 
• LaShunda Lewis 
• Kyndall Hinton 
• Brittany Pride 
• Kimberly Bell-Foster 
• Ryan Nelson 
• Kennedra Marshall 
• Erain Stawar

Michelle Adams, Associate Manager of Construction and Facilities Services, KFC U.S.

How does diversity positively impact an organization?

Over the years, the word “diversity” has developed some negative connotations. However, we should remind people that diversity can lead to a wide range of thoughts and more innovation. When you have people from various backgrounds who have different experiences and points of view, true collaboration can happen.

What has helped you get to where you are, and what advice do you have for others still early in their careers?

On my very first day at the University of Miami in Florida, my supervisor said, “Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not.” I have never forgotten that. I believe that if you are authentic and stick to your moral compass, you can go very far.

What makes you hopeful as an employee about our future with regards to diversity and inclusion?

I get the most hope from the fact that our retired CEO Greg Creed and our new CEO David Gibbs emphasize Yum!’s “believe in ALL people” value and the importance of diversity and inclusion. I am optimistic that under David’s leadership, we will continue to see more diversity and inclusion in leadership and across the brands.

Joe Monroe, I.T. Group Leader, Pizza Hut U.S.

How do you celebrate Black History Month, and what does it mean to you?

I celebrate Black History Month 365 days a year but focus on February as a chance to educate the masses. There are many known — and lesser known — accomplishments of my people, and I do my best to learn more about these accomplishments and spread that knowledge to others.

A couple of years ago, I posted a black history-related fact or profile every day of the year as a testament to 365 days of black history. People of all backgrounds were interested, and I picked up several online followers. Even now, I have people that share those posts, especially during February. This is one way I try to educate others and engage them through conversation. I love the "little known" black history facts because in school, we only learned about Dr. King, Malcom X, Booker T. Washington and others who were more widely known, but there are so many more.

What’s helped you get to where you are?

The thing that has helped me advance in my career at Yum! is my internal drive, coupled with having good mentors who have also served as allies and advocates. I was also intentional about working on my personal brand and making sure those who I met really knew me, and what I represented, without having to hear it from someone else.

The other key is my drive to grow people and see them succeed. People can tell if you genuinely want them to win, and my direct reports seem to give more because they know this. If they do well, I do well, so we all look good. It starts with truly caring about their growth.

What are some ways to proactively source candidates from underrepresented communities?

Historically black colleges, community organizations geared toward various groups, churches and personal referrals are some great places to start meeting potential applicants where they are. It’s a subtle shift in approach, but it can elicit a wellspring of change.

Latasha Lover, Workplace Experience Analyst, Taco Bell

How do you celebrate Black History Month, and what does it mean to you?

I usually kick off Black History Month by attending the annual Black History Parade and Cultural Faire in Anaheim, California, which features marching bands from Los Angeles and Orange County high schools, the Orange County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Santa Ana’s Wiley L. Kimbrough Masonic Lodge. There is live entertainment, delicious food and various booths from black-owned companies in the community.

I also try to learn something new about my history (through books, online, family, etc.), as I regard Black History Month as a time to celebrate the culture and achievements of those who have paved the way for people like me.

When did someone in our company make you feel heard and seen?

In 2019, Taco Bell International President Julie Masino recognized me with her personal Purple Sauce Packet Award for being a culture champion and bringing the “Live Más spirit” to life. This really made me feel like my efforts were valued. I’ve also consistently felt heard and seen by a prior supervisor who challenged me to think whole-brained and advocated for me whenever she could.

What makes you hopeful as an employee about our future with regards to diversity and inclusion?

Taco Bell Chief People Officer Kelly McCulloch’s passion for diversity and inclusion recharges me, just by hearing her thoughts and opinions. When you have leadership buy-in, things truly come to life.

Nigel Benton, Operations Technology Manager, KFC U.S.

What does it mean to bring your whole, authentic self to work?

To bring my whole, authentic self to work means there is no fear of being judged for my differences of opinion, race, fashion, hair, etc. It’s the ability to be myself as I would with my friends and family, which allows me to be my best self.

When did someone in our company make you feel heard and seen?

When I present in front of my peers and leadership teams, I feel recognized for the work I’ve done because much of being heard and seen is directly correlated to how much one is asked to be heard and seen. And, if no one is asking, then it’s important to speak up for what you want.

What advice would you have for others who are still early in their career?

Find and confide in mentors, sponsors and truth-tellers. They have been through what you will be going through and can provide feedback and perspectives on how to handle situations.

Sindy Mitchell, Service Desk Associate Manager, Pizza Hut U.S.

How does diversity positively impact an organization?

Diversity makes everyone feel included. You want to work at a place where it’s OK to be different and to know your opinion matters. I’ve worked for this company for almost 15 years, and I am proud of how we’ve grown in this area.

What advice would you have for others early in their career?

Don’t be afraid to talk through your challenges with your coworkers because you never know what value those conversations can bring or how they can lead to the solution! Also, understand your strengths and weaknesses so that you can continue to build upon both of them. Finally, ALWAYS pay it forward.

Damon Yarber, Service Desk Manager, Taco Bell

When did someone in our company make you feel heard and seen?

The leaders I interact with across the entire Yum! family have consistently made me feel like I am seen and relevant. My perspective is heard and considered like everyone else’s. In fact, leadership encourages me to speak out even if I disagree with them. Their encouragement and engagement have helped me strive for higher investment in my own professional growth.

How does diversity positively impact our organization?

I believe diversity is our secret sauce. When we work collectively, our combined diverse experiences, talents, wisdom and backgrounds become much more representative of the customers we serve.

What’s an easy way people can be more inclusive on a daily basis?

I believe everyone intrinsically has the capability to encourage and engage others. When we exhibit these qualities, we make others feel included and valued, and it allows people’s talents to rise to the surface.   

Austin Morgan, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Product Manager, KFC U.S.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?  

I typically read a book (or two, depending on time) about a black history event. This year’s selection is by Carter G. Woodson and covers the cultural indoctrination of African Americans in 1933, which provided the foundation for the ideology for many civil rights leaders. I chose it because my pastor has been speaking on empowerment, including the American Descendants of Slavery movement, which has really pushed me to start learning my cultural history. Plus, my dad’s side of the family grew up in Alabama, so I was raised hearing history from those who participated in well-known sit-ins and movements. 

How can our company further drive diversity strategies for people of color?

Yum! is taking a step in the right direction by initiating diversity and inclusion goals as part of performance reviews. It’s now up to each and every one of us to embrace the opportunity to learn and grow from each other.

What has helped you get to where you are?

The best thing I have done so far is simply stepping out of my comfort zone and saying yes to challenging experiences. After college, I worked in the poultry industry where simply saying yes led to three different career opportunities that taught fundamental work and technical skills, advancing me to where I am today.

What’s an easy way people can be more inclusive on a daily basis?

Simply say to yourself, “Will my words offend someone?” Sometimes, we do not realize that our daily language can be offensive to others, so learning to stop and think has helped me to change some of my terminology to ensure I am more inclusive.

Alicia Barnett, International Treasury Analyst, Yum! Brands

When did someone in our company make you feel heard and seen?

A coworker of mine visited The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. It’s a meaningful site where people can gather and reflect on America’s history of racial inequality, which is exactly what my colleague did. She took time to have an open, honest dialogue with me about her experience, which showed me that she had compassion for me and a genuine interest in the topic.

History — whether good or bad — belongs to all of us. It’s not just history for one particular race. It’s something that we all need to acknowledge, embrace and learn. Everybody has a story to tell, and the way to make a positive change is through education, commitment and communication.

How can our company further drive diversity strategies?

I continue to encourage people to have bold discussions, whether it’s during our semi-annual development series Grow Yourself Week, engaging in our employee resource group Women In Networking’s Lean-In Circles or bringing in experts to speak on the importance of this topic.

How does diversity positively impact an organization?

I had the pleasure of hearing a chief diversity officer speak at a Women Influencing Louisville conference, and she summed it up best: “Diversity is not about counting people; it’s about making people count.”

If an organization truly wants to perform at its peak, it has to allow people to bring their full selves to work. This will boost confidence, improve performance and increase loyalty. If you’re pleased with your team, have equal opportunities and feel like you matter, you’ll be more inclined to stay.

Brandy Draper, I.T. Data Design Analyst, KFC U.S.

How do you celebrate Black History Month, and what does it mean to you?

It’s a way to celebrate my own heritage. It’s not traditionally taught in our local schools’ core curriculum, so during Black History Month, I try to really lean in and learn something about African Americans in my hometown of Louisville, Ky., or across the country.

What does it mean to bring your whole, authentic self to work?

It’s security. I feel safe being able to look the way I naturally look and be who I am without assimilating or fearing judgement or insensitive commentary. 

Can you name a time when someone in the company made you feel heard and seen?

I had a conversation with Yum! Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer James Fripp regarding diversity in the workplace. He provided rich insight that all boiled down to making connections. Educating and creating relationships is key, so that the bridge is built and there is understanding. 

LaShunda Lewis, Technical Product Manager, Pizza Hut U.S.

What does it mean to bring your whole, authentic self to work?

It means being true to who I am holistically — everything from how I grew up to my experience as a daughter, wife and mother. I spent a lot of time in the past putting up walls to protect myself and keeping people from knowing the real me out of fear and shame. I realized that while I thought I was portraying strength, it was really my weakness that was on display. Being vulnerable and genuine is my superpower.

How does diversity positively impact an organization?

Diversity can lead to Yum! Brands coming up with the next big thing as a result of bringing different ideas and experiences together. Diversity of skin color, background, religion and thoughts promotes an environment that breeds creativity and creates space to bring all our learnings to the table. It’s truly the change maker that sets companies apart.

What’s an easy way people can be more inclusive on a daily basis?

The word “inclusion” should inspire us to evaluate ourselves and be aware of our own biases, so that we can be more open to others not like us. By doing that, we can then encounter people in a new and accepting way. It’s not an overnight change, but a lifelong commitment. Self check-ins are one of the biggest ways we can truly make a daily impact.

Kyndall Hinton, Public Relations Associate Analyst, KFC Global

Can you name a time when someone in the company made you feel heard and seen? 

My manager does an awesome job of listening. I remember one time, she just sat down and talked to me. She asked me different questions about my culture and wanted to know what it felt like working here as an African American because she genuinely wanted to know. It was a talk I’ll never forget, because I felt like she was so present and wanted to do whatever she could to make me feel like I could bring my true, authentic self to work every day.

What’s your favorite way our company has been intentional about inclusion and celebrating it on campus?  

We had a diversity panel during our week-long development series Be Your Best Fest last year at the Plano, Texas, campus. The panel had a great representation of every minority, including race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. It was interesting to hear from everyone and understand that many of us struggle with the same things.

What makes you hopeful as an employee about our future with regards to diversity and inclusion?

I am hopeful because we have great leaders who are open-minded. Most importantly, Yum! Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer James Fripp loves people. He’s passionate about getting the voices of minorities heard and is a true advocate on our behalf. If we continue down the path we are on, the future of diversity and inclusion is very bright. 

Brittany Pride, Human Resources Advisor, Pizza Hut International

What does it mean to bring your whole, authentic self to work? 

It means I’m able to just be ME, all versions of myself. I feel like style and hair is a big thing for black women and an even bigger thing when you think of it in the context of work and what it means to be "professional" in the workplace. I love that I can come to work with my natural curls. I can wear afro puffs, I can wear my nose ring, I can wear a head scarf and I don't have to hide my tattoos. This is HUGE to me. I once interviewed an African American female who told me that she was so relieved when she saw me with my natural hair. It's moments like these that remind me why I got into HR in the first place, and it kind of sparks the fire again.

How does diversity positively impact an organization? 

I like to think of diversity like a toolbox. If you have a toolbox with just hammers and nails, that's all you're limited to. You're only going to be able to fix things that require hammers and nails. The problem with this way of thinking is that most problems will require completely different tools other than a hammer and nails. Organizations should have an assortment of tools in order to solve the most diverse and complex problems.

What’s an easy way people can be more inclusive on a daily basis? 

Field Staffing and Training Leader, Human Resources, KFC U.S.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?

Growing up, my family and I celebrated Black History Month by focusing on our culture, historians and events. We also supported African American businesses throughout February. As an adult, I still carry on these traditions with my own family.  

What does it mean to bring your whole, authentic self to work?

It’s not always easy. In the last year, I have grown through a personal development tool called Heartstyles, which has helped me be comfortable in being authentic in different work and personal situations. 

What’s your favorite way our company has been intentional about inclusion and celebrating it on campus?

Diversity and inclusion initiatives have made a positive impact across our organization by just acknowledging and accepting everyone’s differences. Yum! and KFC are showing me that we have the same values, even if we look and act differently from each other. It’s awesome to work at a place that cares and is proving daily that we have strong diversity and inclusion goals.

A great example is KFC’s sponsorship of the Louisville Central Community Center’s annual Trustees of Inclusive Equity (I.E.) Awards Gala. LCCC is a local non-profit that offers programs and services supporting children and families, and its awards gala honors individuals and companies that advance equity and inclusion. 

Ryan Nelson, Senior Associate Manager, Express, Pizza Hut U.S.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month provides an opportunity for me to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made throughout history that have helped pave the way for young black men such as myself. It is a time of gratitude and also a time that serves as a reminder of the work that remains.

Why is it important to bring your whole, authentic self to work?

Working for a company that not only allows, but encourages, me to be my authentic self in the workplace is something I am extremely grateful for. I believe that as our company, and companies everywhere, continue to make huge leaps on the diversity and inclusion front, it is important for people of color to be present in a manner that is truly indicative of who we are as individuals. By being my true self in the office, it will hopefully inspire others to do the same, thus continuing to build on the diversity and inclusion momentum we already have.

What’s your favorite way our company has been intentional about inclusion and celebrating it on campus?

A perfect example is the Inclusive Leadership training led by Yum! Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer James Fripp and his partners. This course is taught at our restaurant support centers around the world and helps us understand unconscious bias and how to correct any blind spots we may not even realize exist.

Kennedra Marshall, Franchise Contract Administrator, Legal, KFC U.S.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?

I typically celebrate by doing a “social media campaign” where I post a black history fact every day to honor the lives of those who came before us. This year, I plan to teach my daughters (ages 5 and 3) about black history, discussing a fact with them each day. We celebrate Kwanzaa in my household, and my kids were very excited about it this past December, so I think these facts will tie right in with what they learned over those seven days.

Can you name a time when someone in our company made you feel heard and seen? 

One of Yum!’s employee resource groups, Yum! UNITE, makes me feel more heard than ever. This group offers a safe place to speak freely about feelings of isolation from the lack of inclusion and has hosted events that have been groundbreaking for me. I feel more comfortable speaking with my current team (even as a newer person) about diversity and inclusion topics than in the past because of Yum! UNITE.

What makes you hopeful as an employee about our future with regards to diversity and inclusion?

Efforts are being made here. Yum! is already a great place to work, so it’s not hard to want to make it even better. People care about one another, and with that, I think conversations about diversity and inclusion are easier to have. 

Erain Stawar, Financial Planning Manager, Pizza Hut International