Get to know a few 7-Eleven, Inc. employees who share their thoughts on Black History Month and their unique journeys.
Jess – Senior Manager, Human Resources
When Jess (short for Jessica) joined 7-Eleven nearly five years ago, the upbeat Chicago native wasn’t planning a relocation. But after yet another winter of shoveling snow, she, her husband and two daughters decided they were “over it!” Today she’s happily ensconced in her Texas-based HR role, although she cheerfully confesses to working two additional jobs, both family-related: “Cheer mom and chauffeur, unpaid but well worth it!”
On her career as a people person…
"I discovered early on that I have a passion for people. And by early, I mean that I actually started my career working at a bank during my junior year in high school. I worked my way up, and three months after graduating high school, I was the youngest branch manager in the bank’s history. I attended college while working at the bank full-time. After college graduation, having finished my criminal justice degree, I had a change of heart and was coincidentally approached by Aldi, the multinational supermarket chain. They offered me a District Manager opportunity, and from there I rose to the position of Director, Purchasing and HR Administration. After that, I joined 7-Eleven in Operations but always knew I wanted to land back in HR because I had a fervor for leading, training and developing high performing teams."
“In my experience, the most effective HR leaders possess a comprehensive understanding of the business from its grassroots. I’ll always have an operator’s perspective at heart. Developing high performing teams, especially in the field, is in my wheelhouse. It’s where I’m happiest and most productive.”
What Black History Month means…
“It’s about recognizing the struggles of African Americans and the challenges in Black communities, as well as celebrating continuing achievements. The month gives us the opportunity to reflect and celebrate how far we’ve come. For me, it’s also about sharing that difficult yet inspirational history with my daughters and educating them about the importance of being a part of cultural change.”
Why it’s important…
“I think that diversity of thought is vitally important in both our professional and personal lives. Professionally, when we value different perspectives, we’re better equipped to attract and retain stronger talent. Studies show that companies see significantly higher profitability with diverse teams, because they bring unique perspectives to problem-solving. Everyone’s contribution matters! And personally, it’s a matter of respecting and understanding other viewpoints to make us better people. Simply put, diversity fosters unity.”
A quote she loves…
“Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it themselves.” This Stephen Covey quote is among my favorites because throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of developing individuals into people leaders who never envisioned themselves leading others. I don’t take my responsibility as a leader lightly, and I feel blessed that I come to work and get to do what I love—and that’s simply pouring into others.”
Tyrone — Senior Manager, Field Talent
A native of Hampton, VA, Tyrone has been with 7-Eleven for an astonishing 34 years, the last 26 in a variety of Talent Acquisition roles. He now serves as a Senior Manager for recruiting field management talent. During his tenure, the retired U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel has also overseen and led the company’s veteran recruitment initiatives. To the surprise of no one (except perhaps himself), this modest leader has won 7-Eleven’s coveted Servant Leadership Award, been recognized by the company’s President and CEO for commitment and dedication in building 7-Eleven's veteran hiring initiative and received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award issued by Joint Forces Command (JFCOM).
On his role with 7-Eleven…
“My wife Phyllis and I, along with my stepson Derrick, moved from Virginia to Texas eight years ago in my capacity with Talent Acquisition, where I’m blessed to lead a strong team of 2 managers and 19 field recruiters, and responsible for identifying and recruiting leadership talent in support of our stores across the U.S. In fact, last year this team produced more than 2,000 combined market leaders, area leaders, store leaders and restaurant leader trainees to help meet the needs of the business. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of bringing on new talent and watching them fly!”
What Black History Month means…
“For me, it’s a great opportunity to pause, celebrate and appreciate the many accomplishments and achievements of those who might otherwise go unsung. Everyone knows about Martin Luther King., Jr., but there are so many others … people who are the reason why I, and many others like me, are able to live in a way our grandparents and maybe even our parents could never have dreamed possible. And unfortunately, many schools across the U.S. teach very little about African American history and their contributions. So, in some instances, outside of their families, Black History Month could be one of the only ways young kids of all cultures learn about this history.
Why it’s important…
I remember many years ago, I wore my Army uniform to a barbershop for a haircut—this was back when I had hair! I was a Major at the time and an elderly gentleman came up to me and shook my hand, tears in his eyes, explaining that he was a veteran and had never met a Black officer. He looked at me as if it was the proudest moment of his life. It was something I had taken for granted but seemed monumental to him. But it was people like him who helped pave the way for me to have the opportunity. I should have asked to shake his hand. There are so many things we now take for granted, but it was a reminder that someone probably had to struggle to get there. That moment has always stuck with me.
Who are your role models?
I admire teachers, coaches and mentors for their leadership example. But my parents were strong role models. My father was a ship builder supervisor and my mother was a church musician. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I understood the challenges and sacrifices made by the two of them raising four kids, all of whom earned college degrees, among the first in our family. They weathered the storms with graciousness!
Why is it important for 7-Eleven to support diversity, equity and inclusion?
I salute 7-Eleven for recognizing the importance of supporting initiatives like the Associate Business Resource Groups (ABRGs) and providing safe spaces for diversity of thought. It’s that kind of creative strategic thinking that enhances our ability to adapt to changing environments.
Brett—Market Leader, Franchise Operations, Mid-Atlantic Region
Saying that Brett has an outgoing personality is a bit like saying Mount Everest is a good-sized hill. Brimming with infectious enthusiasm, she more than lives up to her middle name (Joy), spreading it effortlessly to everyone she encounters. She’s also a whirlwind of operational efficiency and cheerfully admits that she relishes being “a catalyst for change.” Known by her friends as B.J., she’s an advocate for education and has numerous degrees and certifications to her credit.
On her role with 7-Eleven…
“I joined 7-Eleven almost three years ago as a Market Leader, which means I’m on the field operations side of the business for our Franchise Owners. I wear several hats but generally I’m responsible for helping support a three-state area and expanding into new territory which includes making decisions on new store locations and working with maintenance on capital projects. My overall goal is to ensure we’re serving our customers wherever they are and driving repeat business and brand loyalty.”
What Black History Month means…
“It’s a celebration of our heritage, as well as a time of reflection on our journey. It reminds me to think back to my parents and grandparents and being proud of how they leveraged opportunities as they became available. It’s a reminder to understand all the sacrifices made by so many, both past and present, and appreciate how much the world has continued to evolve and change for the better. There are many open doors to opportunity that I can explore and leverage if I want to, and it’s important to not take that for granted or forget that this openness wasn’t always the case. It's also a reminder for me to be aware of how I can contribute and be sensitive to the personal journeys of others.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven support diversity, equity and inclusion?
“It’s important to me that the company I work for is in alignment with my values. We do that. We’re intentional about our DEI strategy and celebrate it meaningfully and authentically. When I joined the company, I also joined two of our associate business resource groups, and now I’m a committee co-chair in both! Even as a new employee and not knowing exactly what was involved, I felt the connection and saw how participation can turn into leadership.”
Do you have a personal quote that reflects your identity?
“Actually, two of them! My first is, ‘The sky’s the limit!’ The second is, ‘Don’t ever give up – it’s okay to slow down but you’ve got to keep moving!’”
Do you have a role model you’d like to highlight?
“My grandmother on my dad’s side was born in 1908 and even though she stayed in school until only the 6th grade, she was absolutely the most intelligent person I’ve ever met. Her family were sharecroppers, and she was needed to work the land and run the farm. She married young, at 17, and had ten children. She lived to be over 100 and it’s amazing to think about being born in that time, when things were the way they were, and about her strength and adaptability and how much joy she took from seeing her children, grandchildren and great great-grandchildren enjoy opportunities she and her generation didn’t have.”
Did she share stories with you?
“When I was in primary school, our class was assigned an essay on the Depression, and I asked her about her memories. She told me that since they owned their land, they had plenty of food and sold the surplus. And because they didn’t keep their money in a bank, they weren’t ruined like so many others. I was expecting some drama but not at all. Only later did I realize how ingenious my grandparents were.”
What are key takeaways you’d like readers to know?
“Make up your mind about what your impact will be. How will you use your past to affect your current and future self? The sky’s the limit, so put your mind to it, because you can!”
Tasha—Director, Corporate Project Management Office (PMO)
Tasha cheerfully describes herself as “Hoosier by birth, Boilermaker by choice,” thus celebrating her home state as well as Purdue University (aka “Boilermakers”), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Process Engineering. She took on roles of increasing responsibility with M&M Mars, BNSF Railway and Dean Foods before landing with the PMO function at 7-Eleven, which she calls “a neat place to be.” A lively and frequent traveler, she’s made it her mission to see another country or two at least once a year.
On her role with 7-Eleven…
“I joined the PMO group nearly 12 years ago, then was fortunate to join the Food Merchandising team as Lead Program Manager for the Strategic Fresh Food initiative. Next I spent nearly a year in the field gaining a deeper understanding of our operations. From there I was appointed Director of Franchise Marketing and Recruiting, then was asked to come back to the PMO three years ago. So… it’s a big circle that’s been incredibly valuable in helping me see the larger view of how our strategy is put into practice.”
What Black History Month means…
“It’s a celebration of Black American history, of course, but we need to remember that it’s not just about one culture, but our American culture. And it goes beyond just movie stars, athletes and celebrities—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a country. I think about my ancestors and what their lives were like, compared to the opportunities we have today. They risked their lives of struggle to hope for something better. They chose to challenge themselves, to get an education and set up the next generation. I’m an engineer because of their perseverance and determination and… it just blows my mind.”
Any stories you can share that might help people understand why Black History Month is so important?
“Frankly, I don’t recall learning much about Black history in school. In fact, most of my teachers were not of my race. When Black History Month would come around, especially with its core focus on cultural education, I took the opportunity to learn about Black people who had achieved great things: many of whom are considered pioneers in their fields. It gave me more exposure to what might be possible for me and others. We can always grow to be more than we are today, and that gives me a sense of pride and encouragement about what is possible—which is what my dad always told me. This is what my husband and I are teaching our children!”
What’s a key takeaway you’d like readers to come away with?
“With each generation, we’ve got to do better. My grandparents raised five girls in a three-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot house. They made a life together with what they had. But today, we enjoy home comforts and employment opportunities they could only imagine. Plus, I’m working on my master’s degree! So, we’re paving the way for the next generation with even better educational and job prospects. But it’s also about taking responsibility for being better.”
Do you have a role model?
“Michele Obama for her amazingness!”
Why is it important for 7-Eleven to support diversity, equity and inclusion?
“America’s workforce, as well as the customers we serve, come from many different cultural backgrounds. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge each culture, just as you would a guest in your house. It helps to have some insight on how to respect them properly and create a sense of belonging and help them feel seen, safe and valued.”
