The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the most diverse industries in the nation, and the National Restaurant Association celebrates diversity and inclusion with its Faces of Diversity awards. Restaurant companies and industry professionals are encouraged to apply for the 2011 awards to illustrate how diversity leads to business success. The Faces of Diversity awards program, created in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, aims to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inspire others to expand their diversity efforts. The deadline to apply is December 17, and applications/nominations are being accepted online here.

“Our industry is full of amazing people of all cultures and backgrounds, which is one of the reasons it is so vibrant and unique,” says Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association president and CEO. “The restaurant industry is one of the most diverse industries in the country. We celebrate this uniqueness with our Faces of Diversity awards to emphasize that diversity strengthens the fabric of the restaurant community nationwide.”

The Faces of Diversity awards program celebrates diversity in the restaurant industry in two categories—the American Dream Award and the Inspiration Award. The American Dream Award honors individuals from diverse backgrounds who, through hard work and determination, have realized the American dream. The Inspiration Award honors restaurant companies that have exhibited leadership and vision as an advocate of diversity and inclusion.

The 2011 Faces of Diversity awards will be presented at the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., in March.