Brad W., co-chair of FreshPride, is helping champion inclusivity at HelloFresh.
At HelloFresh, fostering an inclusive environment is a part of our everyday culture, but during Pride Month, that commitment is proudly amplified. It is a time when the values we uphold year-round come into sharper focus, and when FreshPride, the employee resource group (ERG) for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, steps into the spotlight to lead, share, and celebrate more visibly across the organization.
We sat down with Brad W., FreshPride’s current co-chair, to learn more about what the group is working on, how they’re approaching Pride Month, and how everyone, regardless of identity, can be part of the celebration.
“FreshPride is here to give community for all,” said Brad. “We’re focused on upholding the core pillars of each ERG—development, community, networking—and structure our events to be educational, fun and engaging.”
HelloFresh: To start, can you tell us a bit about the FreshPride ERG—what it stands for, how it started, and what your role as co-chair involves?
Brad: FreshPride is the Employee Resource Group at HelloFresh focused on building an inclusive and supportive working environment through the lens of LGBTQIA+ experiences. We’re open to all employees regardless of identity or background which of course includes our valued allies. And FreshPride has a long rich history of doing just that. It was one of the first ERGs founded in the US, even participating in the iconic NYC Pride Parade in its early days.
My role as co-chair is to guide regular planning meetings, support each pillar lead when they need additional assistance, facilitate events throughout the year, and be the main point of contact between FreshPride and the People team.
HF: What does Pride Month mean to you personally? Has your view of it changed over time?
Brad: My point of view has changed a lot. I grew up around a lot of “soft” homophobia, so while it was rare to hear slurs or see physical violence, it was still understood that the “lifestyle” was not okay. And as a kid, it was impossible not to adopt some of those mindsets.
I think I got stuck on thinking of “pride” as being proud of my identity as if it were an accomplishment when I viewed it as just a fact like having brown hair. It took going to a Pride parade for the first time to truly shift the definition of Pride to just be “rejecting the idea that I should be ashamed.”
That’s the other big thing about Pride Month to me. It’s the visibility and representation. It gives young queer kids who might be struggling a counterpoint. It shows them there are people like them living their lives and being happy.
Our HelloFresh Employee Resource Group is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace through the lens of LGBTQIA+ experiences.
HF: How does FreshPride plan to celebrate Pride Month this year at HelloFresh? What can employees look forward to or get involved in?
Brad: We’ve had a lot going on this month! It’s been a full month of opportunities to show up, connect, and celebrate together both virtually and in person.
Some of this year’s Pride Month events:
- Show Your Pride Photobooths in our Distribution Centers
- WIN x FreshPride Coffee Chats
- Virtual Drag Bingo hosted by Screaming Queens
- Employee Experience Panel
- Company Day – Pride Happy Hour at our NYC HQ
- ReFresh with FreshPride at The Spaniard – Food and Drinks the day of NY Pride
- Employee Spotlights, office snack takeovers, and other events throughout the month!
Pride Month has been filled with moments to show up, connect, and celebrate together, both virtually and in person.
HF: What are some future goals or visions you have for the ERG? Are there new directions or partnerships you’re excited about?
Brad: My number one goal is to increase the value that the ERG can provide, and in doing so, I hope to increase engagement with all of our HF colleagues both during Pride Month and throughout the year.
One partnership I’m excited about is deepening our relationship with Trinity Place Shelter and its director, Wendy Kaplan. They focus on providing a safe and stable place for LGBTQIA+ youth who are experiencing homelessness and give them the resources and tools they need to exit the cycle of homelessness. In the past, our collaboration with them has primarily focused on financial support and volunteering, but we’d love to do some more practical things like cooking workshops to teach the residents how to prepare meals.
HF: For folks who want to support the LGBTQIA+ community at HelloFresh, how can they get involved with FreshPride?
Brad: Show up and participate – we want more people, not less! My goal as co-chair is to be inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community AND its allies. Whether it’s Drag Bingo or a community conversation, it’s just about connection, shared experiences, and having fun!
HF: Finally, any suggestions for how allies or employees in general can honor Pride Month—both inside and outside of work?
Brad: There are tons of ways you can honor Pride Month. Support your local queer-owned businesses! Go to a Pride event! Read queer history and literature! Watch documentaries and queer movies!
And most importantly, challenge yourself to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ experience and the challenges we face, especially those topics that you’re unfamiliar with.
From creating safe spaces at work to building partnerships that support LGBTQIA+ communities beyond HelloFresh, Brad and the FreshPride ERG are helping push the conversation forward with heart, purpose, and celebration.
And whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, Pride Month is a reminder that visibility, inclusion, and showing up for one another truly matter, this month and every month.
Want to read more stories like this? Explore the voices shaping our HelloFresh culture at the links below.
