SALISBURY, MD. – One of Perdue Farms’ five employee resource groups (ERGs), its Groundbreaking Associate Inclusion Network (GAIN), was recognized with the 2021 Diversity Impact Awards in the “Top 25 Employee Resource Group category. Perdue’s GAIN resource group was awarded for fulfilling its mission of promoting a sense of belonging for all its employees, regardless of color. This year’s award is a successor to the ERG & Council Honors Award, designed to measure the impact and performance of employers’ ERG or diversity councils.

The award was updated in 2021, its eleventh year, to reflect today’s diversity initiatives of ERGs, and diversity-based councils and business groups. In 2020, Perdue was recognized with a Diversity Impact Award for its Day of Understanding program. This year’s awards reflect the perseverance and commitment of companies to maintain inclusion as a corporate priority, especially during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the company, “GAIN, along with other Perdue ERGs, stepped up to ensure this vital work continued amidst some of our greatest challenges, helping to keep people connected during the most trying of times.”

Kathryn Danko, chief diversity officer and vice president of talent, said the company’s success depends on acceptance and inclusion of all employees.

“It is a major milestone for GAIN to be recognized on its work in diversity, equity and inclusion,” Danko said. “Our promise to always do what is right, starts with people first and it shows.”