Stephanie and her colleagues serve meals during a Juneteenth volunteer event.
As February unfolds, we are sharing ways our employees educate, engage, and elevate the community through Black heritage. Hear from Stephanie Mathurin, an Employee Engagement Specialist at the Irving, TX Distribution Center, who tells us about her involvement with LIMES, our Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to fostering inclusivity among minority employees.
Stephanie and her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters at the National Headquarters in Chicago.
New Beginnings
Stephanie studied education at Florida International University, where she joined the first black, female sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Serving as Vice President of the sorority her Senior year, Stephanie oversaw programming, event coordination and created a network for herself that consisted of intelligent, black women. After college, Stephanie moved to Atlanta, where she worked at the Morehouse School of Medicine, a historically Black college, and found a greater sense of belonging and community, a feeling she cherishes to this day.
Then seeking a change of pace, Stephanie made the move to Texas and joined HelloFresh as an Engagement Specialist, dedicated to ensuring our hourly employees are supported in a variety of ways. Soon, she found solace and empowerment through LIMES, HelloFresh’s ERG dedicated to minority employees. LIMES provided a safe space for Stephanie to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and gather insights on overcoming obstacles. Stephanie’s involvement also led her to create a networking channel called “Black Girls Rock,” aimed at fostering connections and sharing success stories among black employees.
“LIMES is not just an ERG; it’s a force for change and inclusivity within HelloFresh,” said Stephanie. “The importance of LIMES is bringing together a diverse group of minorities, creating a majority force that feels empowered and valued within the organization. My experiences in college led me to create #blackgirlsrock, in an attempt to bring together like-minded women to uplift and support each other.”
Black History Month at HelloFresh
As HelloFresh commemorates Black History Month, the LIMES ERG is leading a set of inclusive initiatives. From a company-wide Black History Month campaign that spotlights historical figures, to the Black Excellence Recognition Program, the company is actively engaging employees in celebrating the richness of Black culture. Other Black History Month programming includes amplifying black voices and allyship sessions, happy hours, lectures with recipe developers, and volunteer opportunities with Black-led nonprofits. Additionally, each of our headquarters (including Texas) are collaborating with Black-owned businesses to showcase their culinary delights, a gesture that not only feeds the workforce but also promotes local enterprises.
In a broader context, Stephanie acknowledges the ongoing debate about having a designated month for Black History: “I know we should be celebrating Black excellence all year around,” she said. However, she emphasizes the importance of utilizing this time for education and understanding. “Black History Month serves as an opportunity for both people of color and those outside the community to learn, reflect, and build bridges of empathy and understanding.”
Moving Forward, Together
Stephanie Mathurin’s journey at HelloFresh exemplifies the power of inclusion and the role ERGs like LIMES play in creating a supportive environment. As we honor Black History Month, we encourage not only a celebration but also a commitment to ongoing education, understanding, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and included.
For more information on our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and our ERGs, head here.
