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Start Where You Are: 10 Things I learned About DEI as a White Person
Samco features a bold and colorful theme from the golden yellow color peppered with circle graphics around the beer cave to Samco’s proprietary Yumi candy zone, which displays an array of candy against a rainbow backdrop.
Capitalizing on the bold and colorful theme of the store, Samco’s proprietary Yumi candy zone displays an array of candy against a rainbow backdrop. Here, customers, both adults and children, can fill a cup from the offerings in multiple bins and pay a set price for the cup.
At multiple sites, Samco is offering its proprietary Yumi chicken brand. Samco also offers Yumi Fresh, a proprietary concept that consists of fresh sandwiches and subs it distributes to every site from its five Yumi Kitchen concepts in-store.
Samco plans to expand its Yumi Kitchen concept with future sites, including Yumi Chicken, Yumi Fresh and the Yumi candy zone.
In addition to Samco’s in-store offerings, it has café seating next to the Cinnabon and Carvel area. There are also two dedicated children’s tables and high chair seating at a counter along the window area.
Samco is open to all, including pet owners. At a few of its current sites, it features dog parks.
In the forecourt, Samco has eight dispensers with 16 fueling positions and diesel availability.
In terms of technology, Samco sites are EMV compliant, and it has plans to install touch payments on its dispensers as they are released in the market.
It offers online ordering and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Samco has café seating next to the Cinnabon and Carvel area, two dedicated children’s tables, high chair seating and a counter along the window area.
FUTURE AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION
As it looks to the future, Samco has its eye on growth. After Samco opens its South Fairfax Road location, it will turn its sights to preparing two newly acquired stores — a Mobil station and a Shell station — that are a year or two away from being operational.
As they are smaller units, Samco is looking to see how well they do in the market.
No two stores look exactly the same, and after Samco finishes cleaning the new sites, it will reach out for design options for each site.
“We are always looking to purchase sites in (the) California area if it is a good fit,” said Jouda.
Samco also plans to continue its involvement with the community. In the past, it has donated to local youth baseball and flag football programs. It also sponsors teams and gives them snacks and drinks.
In further efforts to connect with the community, Samco works with autistic adults through a local program. They can start an internship with the chain and, after a year, they can earn a position. Currently, Samco is working with two interns.
Learning about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a journey. Consider these points as you navigate the process.
Hannah Williams • Almora Advisors
I recently attended a panel discussion on allyship: what it is (relationships based on trust, consistency and accountability) and how it shows up in the workplace. The hosts and panelists openly shared their experiences with racism and allyship — their vulnerability caused me to reflect on my own DEI journey.
I think the best definition of DEI is the table metaphor. Diversity is the process of bringing multiple perspectives to the table to enhance learning. Inclusion is the process of fostering an environment where everyone at the table feels comfortable speaking up. Equity is an outcome where everyone at the table is speaking up, respected and has equal opportunity.
After a lot of reflection, I’ve written a list of what I wish I knew when I was 18, the year I began to understand the magnitude of racism in the U.S., and the start of my DEI journey. My hope is that by honestly sharing my experience, readers will feel encouraged to engage more with DEI.
A few disclaimers: • I’m a white person, and my lessons are intended for a white audience. Specifically, white people who are skeptical about racism, are struggling with what it means to be white or feel overwhelmed by DEI. I’ve been in all three positions. • Some people of color may find this list informative, and some may find it obvious. I recognize that many excellent authors of color like Dax-Devlon Ross and Kimberlé Crenshaw have written on this subject, and their lessons likely resonate more with people of color.
• DEI includes many intersecting identities: race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion/ spirituality, sexual orientation, nationality and ability. All of them are important, but to keep my writing focused, I centered my lessons on race.
I’ve grouped my lessons into four categories: DEI, Race Relations, Being White and Allyship.
DEI
1. Like accounting or biology, DEI is a field of study.
You should not get mad at yourself for being unable to read a balance sheet, if you have never studied accounting. DEI is the same. DEI is a vast field of study with its own language, research and history. If you have never studied DEI, don’t dismiss it — be curious instead of frustrated. “The Power Manual” by Cyndi Suarez provides a great introductory overview of DEI.
2. Learning about DEI means learning about yourself.
One part that surprised me about studying DEI was learning how my identity affects me and those around me. Sometimes, other people put me in a box (“She is too young to lead.”) and sometimes, I do the same (“Everyone here is wealthier than me; I don’t belong.”). After studying DEI, I’m able to identify when others are cutting me short, and when I’m doing the same. This knowledge is a gift, as I can now take action to mitigate both.
3. DEI is a journey. We will always be learning.
Even though I’ve learned a lot by taking DEI courses, the education was piecemeal. The first time I heard the terms “anti-racism” and “Black Wall Street” were in 2020. I was initially mad at myself for not knowing these
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