HE&R Team Members Share What Black History Month Means To Them
Team Member Spotlights for Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time for us to pause and understand the plight of Black Americans and their role in our country’s history and to celebrate their many accomplishments. Since 1996, our country has declared this month to be a month of reflection, awareness and action. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) continues its commitment to focus on an inclusive workplace for all.
Throughout February, team members from across HE&R have shared what Black History Month means to them. Hear from them directly in the video below or visit HersheyJobs Instagram.
Meet Chris, a member of the Marketing team at HE&R. Chris is responsible for filming and editing content for promotional materials and internal initiatives. "It is different every day," smiles Chris. "One day I could be on a roller coaster filming, the next day doing interviews!"
In 2017, Chris joined the company as an intern. After that experience, he had the unique opportunity to work with his manager to help create a full-time position. "I like having the chance to work with various people and see different properties across the destination.”
“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the sacrifices the people before us made. I also reflect on my daughters, who now have the opportunity to make changes as they grow.”
Meet Donna, the Executive Assistant Manager overseeing the rooms division at Hershey Lodge. A team member at HE&R for 16 years, Donna is inspired by the company’s core purpose of providing value to the Milton Hershey School. “What I love about working at HE&R is that it is all about the culture. I work alongside a group of talented individuals that are truly committed to the legacy of Milton S. Hershey and the School.”
Donna is mindful of the enduring impact of Black History Month and the stories of Black people.
“Every day is a celebration of Black history. February acts as a reminder to educate and build greater awareness around the Black people that contributed to our freedom, our culture and to our society. ”
Meet Jared, who began his career journey in 2006 as a parking lot attendant, and now oversees day-to-day parking and traffic for the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex as the Senior Manager of Traffic and Transportation.
Jared reminds us to keep telling the stories and affirming the history of Black people beyond Black History Month. “There are people today, including some in positions of power, who do not want the full picture of Black history out there.”
“We are in a better place than where we were many years ago; however, it is important - now more than ever - that we understand the full picture of our history, how it impacts us today, and how to drive change going forward.”
Meet Dimitri, Sous Chef of Fire & Grain at Hershey Lodge. Since 2017, Dimitri has been serving the guests in the resort restaurants of The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, as well as helping our team members in overseeing product quality and coaching of the kitchen staff. “I like having different conversations and watching guests enjoy the food!”
“Black History Month is a time of reflection - to look back and to see where Black people have gone, where they started from, and where we can potentially go in the future.”
We appreciate the talents and contributions of Chris, Donna, Jared, and Dimitri, and are grateful that they took the time to share their powerful perspectives centered on Black History Month.