At DoorDash, we are intentional in our approach to engaging people of all backgrounds while fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. We empower employees to build and drive the culture they want to experience through fundamental programs like our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
This February, in collaboration with our Black@ ERG, we continued to reflect on the significance of Black history while spurring growth through various initiatives.
We launched the #BlackFoodEnergy campaign, which is a celebration and movement of Black food and culture meant to feed change, deliver it forward, and give people a seat at the table.
We also invited all DoorDash employees to participate in a series of virtual panels and workshops focused on amplifying authentic relationships, Black cuisine, Black wealth and Black artists and entertainers.
We kicked off Black History Month with a focus on mental wellness thanks to family and marriage counselor Kiaundra Jackson, who helped our teams understand ways to build healthy relationships, both personally and professionally. We continued our focus on the long-term approach to wellness with experts from Charles Schwab, who offered insights on how to build generational wealth through saving, investing and money management.
Local heroes in communities of color joined us to share insights about their unique challenges faced as Black-owned merchants. Former Top Chef Finalist and Pinch & Plate Co-founder, Chef Eric Adjepong led a special cooking class for our employees, which featured the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors of West African cuisine.
And to close out our month of celebration, we enjoyed a virtual block party with comedian Big Fred, singer/songwriter DJ Marlee XX, Brooklyn-based poet Lyrical, singer/songwriter Funsho and sounds and beats provided by DJ Bo.
Our support and celebration of Black culture doesn’t stop at the end of Black History Month. We recognize there is plenty of work left to be done and have established programs and initiatives to help level the playing field for Black-owned businesses and the Black community during Black History Month and throughout the year.
How we’re supporting Black-owned businesses
Our Entrepreneurship & Access programs in the U.S. and Canada connect systematically excluded business owners to resources like low-interest loans (in the U.S., we also match loans at 0% interest rate and no fees in partnership with Kiva), free Restaurants Canada memberships, technical assistance, and education.
In 2021, we also launched the Main Street Strong Accelerator in five cities across the United States. Together with the Accion Opportunity Fund, we constructed a seven-course curriculum that provides restaurant owners with immersive classes designed to help grow their businesses.
How we’re recruiting Black and Underrepresented Talent
During Black History Month, we partnered with the National Black MBA Association’s Atlanta Chapter and sponsored the New York/New Jersey Chapter of the National Sales Network. At the NBMBAA Black History Month Expo, we shared open role opportunities at DoorDash, while also highlighting to local entrepreneurs and local businesses how we empower communities through our products. The National Sales Network has been a powerhouse of Black talent development, boasting an 81% member makeup. We’ve partnered with that organization to support their professional network through development programs and hosted events.
Over the last year, we’ve identified a variety of organizations to enhance Black talent through events and partnerships such as Sistas in Sales, Black is Tech, Dev/Color and The Juneteenth Foundation. And we’re always actively seeking new partnerships and event opportunities, with our next sponsorship slated for March 16-18 at the Tribaja Diversitech Summit featuring our own Martins Agbayekhai, Janet Sun, and Sejal Kacharia. We’re looking forward to bringing together Black and LatinX tech talent to learn from seasoned professionals in the tech space through workshops and panel discussions, hear about employment opportunities and network with leaders and mentors.
How we’re driving change
Lastly, we are thrilled for our Black@ ERG’s partnership with our Brand Marketing and Social Impact team to support active organizations that are driving change within Black communities. DoorDash has committed a $100K donation partnership across the U.S. and Canada by contributing funds to BCA Global, Black Lives Matter and Canada Black Chamber of Commerce in our mission to empower local economies.
To learn about how we’re making room at the table and to find open roles, click here
