In an effort to create a space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) workers in the food and hospitality industry, The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) will present a Cultural Intelligence event on “The Power of LGBT Employees and Guests,” on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at Johnson & Wales University’s North Miami campus.
The highly interactive and solution-oriented session—part of MFHA’s newly developed Cultural Intelligence Initiative—will dispel stereotypes to promote understanding; encourage and instruct leaders on supporting their employees, including those from the LGBT community; and demonstrate the need for creating a respectful and inclusive work environment.
“There is so much misinformation regarding the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities that permeates businesses today, and the food and hospitality industry certainly is not immune,” says Gerry Fernandez, MFHA’s president and founder.
“Our program will cut through the chatter, dispel the myths, and get to the heart of the matter. Anyone leading or supporting a hospitality team today cannot afford to miss this LGBT Cultural Intelligence event.”
The session will offer unparalleled insights that inform, educate, and equip attendees with knowledge and know-how so they can effectively lead and support their LGBT employees. Attendance is open to anyone affiliated with the food and hospitality industry and advocates of LGBT employees.
Roy Jackson, MFHA chair and central zone vice president of The Coca-Cola Company’s Foodservice and On-Premise division, says his company is proud to support the event and hopes it will help industry members to build welcoming workplaces for all employees at their respective businesses.
“At The Coca-Cola Company, diversity is at the heart of our business,” Jackson says. “No worker should ever be judged based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. We believe this session and the work MFHA is doing is integral to creating long-term understanding, inclusion, and fairness in the industry.”
To register for the event, visit www.mfha.net/event-list. To learn more about the Cultural Intelligence Initiative,check out this YouTube video. For more information on MFHA and its various programs, go to www.mfha.net.
