H-E-B Holds Diversity Champions Meeting at SOTX Chapter Board Room

By Steve Helm

On Thursday afternoon, H.E.B. held a Diversity Champions Meeting in the Special Olympics Texas Board Room at the Chapter office in Austin. For nearly 30 years, H.E.B. has designated one employee as an in-store partner (“Diversity Champion”) at each one of its stores to spearhead volunteers for diversity council events.

Chad Tywater, an H.E.B. Unit Director and member of SOTX’s Board of Directors, co-hosted Thursday’s meeting with Nichole Valdez for a large handful of the company’s 72 Diversity Champions.

Attendees got a background and a brief overview of Special Olympics from SOTX President and CEO Margaret Larsen. Director of Volunteer Services, and Dalaine Whitlock explained how to get involved with SOTX events in the Central Texas area.

Following an icebreaker, the meeting went on to discuss some of the past events it has provided assistance for. Since working with SOTX, Diversity Champions have assisted with bowling and basketball events on an annual basis. The two-hour seminar wrapped up with suggestions on how to find volunteers and how to assure those potential volunteers get involved.