About the program
The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the most diverse in the United States. It employs more minority managers than any other industry. Women represent 55 percent of the restaurant workforce, and more than a fourth of all foodservice managers are foreign-born.
The National Restaurant Association is proud of the industry’s diversity. And we hope to inspire further inclusion through the fifth annual Faces of Diversity Awards program. In partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, the Faces of Diversity Awards program honors individuals in the restaurant industry who have realized the American Dream through hard work, determination and enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Faces of Diversity Awards Program?
A. The National Restaurant Association, together with Pepsico Foodservice, launched the first annual National Restaurant Association Faces of Diversity awards program in the spring of 2006. This program was created to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion by highlighting model companies that have excelled in this area, as well as to raise awareness about the important role restaurants play in providing a ladder of opportunity for millions of Americans to achieve the American Dream.
National Restaurant Association research shows the restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the most diverse industries in the nation. As one of the largest private sector employers in the United States, we employ more than 13 million people, and we employ more managers from underrepresented groups than any other industry.
Q. Who is being honored?
A. The NRA will award three individuals with the American Dream award. This award honors individuals from diverse backgrounds who have realized the American Dream through hard work and determination.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Any restaurant or foodservice company is eligible to apply or be nominated. Industry suppliers are not eligible for the award.
Q. What are the award criteria?
A. Applications will be judged using the following criteria:
-
Background: What does the "American Dream" mean to this person and how did he/she eventually achieve the American Dream?
-
Achievements: What obstacles, adversities and/or challenges has this person had to overcome in order to achieve the American Dream?
-
Impact on others: In what ways has this person helped or is helping others to achieve the American Dream? How has this person been a leader in his/her community? How has he/she helped others grow/develop their careers in the restaurant industry?
Q. How are the winners chosen?
A. The National Restaurant Association will convene a judging panel in February 2013 to choose the winners.
Q. When will the winners be announced?
A. National winners will be honored at the National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference Gala Awards Dinner in April 2013 in Washington, DC.
Q. What do the winners receive?
A. The winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, where they will be honored at an awards ceremony. In addition to the ceremony, a $2,500 scholarship will be made in the name of each winner to an aspiring student pursuing a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A video is also produced of each winner to showcase his/her achievements.
Q. Is there a fee to apply?
A. There is no entry fee for the Faces of Diversity Award.
Q. Do you have to be a member to apply of the NRA?
A. No. Any foodservice professional can apply for the award.