Diversity & Inclusion

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JOANN has always stood for inclusivity and we believe there is no room for discrimination of any kind in our company or in our society. We are incredibly proud of the beautiful and diverse communities we serve, inspire and work beside. It is our responsibility to support those who are underrepresented in our industry, and to provide visibility for these groups. We aim to build a future together that focuses on treating all humans with the dignity and respect they deserve.
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our team members

"Diversity and Inclusion is such an important and passionate topic to me as I truly love for everyone to feel that they belong, are heard, included and reflected in every aspect in the workplace and our general community. Seeing all the changes being implemented and the steps JOANN has taken firsthand, makes my heart extremely happy and proud to be working at JOANN!"

JAYDE KEE

Training Specialist at JOANN

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our content creators

"Some of the work I am most proud of has been supported by JOANN! Even before partnering with them to develop content, I was a frequent JOANN shopper. My art and craft adventures depend on the massive range of tools and supplies offered in-store and online. As a black man and a member of the LGBTQIA community, it is incredibly important for me to support businesses that support people like me. I am honored to help spread the love of making to the world at large, and JOANN is helping me do just that!"

LARRIE KING

JOANN Influencer

our commitment
At JOANN, we're committed to enriching communities; attracting and retaining diverse talent; identifying opportunities to enhance diversity among our product assortments, marketing and suppliers as well as cultivating a culture of inclusivity and belonging across all sectors of our company.

For our Team Members:

• Established an internal Diversity & Inclusion Council, comprised of Team Members across the organizations. The Council works collaboratively on ways to further change at JOANN, discuss current events and exchange open and honest dialogue.

• Implemented four Business Resource Groups that work within our Diversity & Inclusion strategy.

• Held monthly Education Series and provided consistent correspondence regarding cultural observances, holidays, and topics pertaining to D&I.

• Provided resources, pronoun identifier options and detailed guides for Team Members to assist with navigating conversations regarding D&I.

• Maintained a cultural calendar to ensure diverse observances are recognized.

For our Customers:

• Created our annual Minority Grant Program, that provides JOANN grants to diverse content creators as well as paid teaching opportunities, visibility on JOANN platforms and marketing support as they build their businesses.

• Launched diverse product assortments to ensure all customers are represented and reflected within our offerings. In addition, we created a Product Diversification Task Force to support this effort.

• Increased diversity within our marketing, including in-store photography, email visuals, social media and paid education and influencer opportunities.

For our Communities:

• Developed partnerships with a host of local and national charitable organizations who serve to support marginalized and underrepresented communities. Our Team Members give back through volunteering opportunities offered by our Diversity & Inclusion team.

• Supported Breakthrough Schools, a non-profit group of charter schools that focuses on supporting students from marginalized areas, with donations for a new and improved school building.

• Provided scholarships to Summit County high school graduates through the Akron Urban League.

• Partnered with the LeBron James Foundation, which provides resources, schooling and shelter for marginalized students as part of their I PROMISE program, with a refreshed art room and crafting summer camp.

• Provided crafting demos, product and a financial donation to GLSEN, a national organization that supports LBGT youth, and the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, a non-profit that advocates for the Northeast Ohio LGBT community.