G LO B A G LO B A L R E P O R T R E P O R T
B E L O N G I N G B E L O N G I N G
A YEAR IN REVIEW
a message from our Chief People Officer
At Dawn, we understand that belonging is essential to a thriving workplace. In today’s fast-changing world, creating an environment where everyone feels included and valued has never been more important.
At Dawn, People are at the top of our Circle of Excellence and at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to fostering an environment where every Team Member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Through our Belonging pillars—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Experience, and Well-Being—we ensure that every Team Member is celebrated and their diverse perspectives are embraced.
GLOBAL BELONGING STATEMENT
Intro exec welcome Intro exec welcome
As we reflect on 2024, we can take pride in the many initiatives that strengthen our culture of belonging at Dawn.
This report highlights our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive—no matter who they are or where they work.
Our journey toward global belonging is shaped by the diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences of our teams and Team Members. Together, we are building a workplace that celebrates individuality while fostering unity.
Jason Lioy Chief People Officer
We work every day to create a place where ALL people feel seen, heard, and recognized for their contributions. Together, WE ARE DAWN — an exceptional team committed to supporting each other and inspiring bakery success. At Dawn, WE belong.
WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
WITH OUR DAILY CONTRIBUTIONS
We believe our actions matter and that we have a responsibility to make a positive impact in communities around the world. Our approach to social responsibility aligns to our commitments to our people, our products, and our customers – better known as the Circle of Excellence.
Making a better planet for people and communities
around the world
As a global community, we are all connected as people. Dawn is committed to supporting the health, safety, wellbeing, and education of our Team Members, the baking industry, and the communities in which we operate. We put people at the top of everything we do and value diverse perspectives, equality, and inclusion for all.
CONNECTING WITH UN GOALS
Through initiatives like Corporate Giving , we support underprivileged communities by providing financial assistance and product donations.
Our partnerships with bakery schools help sustain the future of the bakery profession. Through our internal programs, we empower our own teams to continue learning and growing.
In a traditionally male-dominated industry, we are leading the way in promoting women and ensuring equal opportunities. Our Women’s LeadershipDevelopmentProgram is a key example of our commitment to empowering women in the bakery profession.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the core of who we are, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all Team Members. Everyone should feel empowered to bring their true selves to work every day.
EXPERIENCE SURVEY Statistics
2024 EXPERIENCE PULSE SURVEY RESULTS
In 2024, we carried out an Experience Pulse Survey and we have achieved our highest participation rate ever surpassing previous years. The Team Dawn’s feedback demonstrated a strong sense of engagement and belonging within the organisation.
With a Belonging rate of 71%, the majority of Team Members feel a strong sense of belonging at Dawn—significantly exceeding the Best in Class industry standard of 41%. Additionally, over 60% of Team Members feel connected to our strategy, highlighting a strong alignment between individual roles and the company’s overall direction.*
Total Number of Global Team Members
Engagement Rate & Connection to Strategy
3,720
32% 68%
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Global Activations
The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 was “Inspire Inclusion.” When we come together to inspire others and value inclusion, it creates a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
In March, Dawn hosted several events across North America to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Alumni of the Women’s Leadership Development Program shared insights from their experiences, discussing the challenges they’ve overcome and how the program has shaped their careers.
Additionally, a panel on Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) featured Team Members sharing their career journeys, the role models who inspired them, and the ways they advocate for other women in STEM.
Patrycja is an active member of the local school community, organizing events and fundraising efforts. She has coordinated a winter dance, a cycling rally, and a family picnic.
Patrycja Korzeniowska-Kania People Business Partner Poland
Dawn recognizes & celebrates community contributions from the Women of Dawn!
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Women@Dawn hosted two interactive learning circles focused on how women can support and uplift one another as allies.
March 8th
We celebrated the achievements and contributions of our remarkable women in their own communities --whether in sport, education, health or how they advocate for others.
Dawn was also a proud sponsor of Women’s Week in Jackson, Michigan, where Elena Taylor, our Vice President & General Manager of Key Accounts in the US, joined a panel alongside four other women leaders from the local community.
During the discussion, Elena highlighted the importance of embracing inclusion, fostering understanding, and building meaningful connections with every Team Member.
She emphasized that, regardless of gender, it’s not only about having a seat at the table—it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Celebrating unity
Pride Month with love with joy
June
In June, Dawn celebrated Pride Month with events that deepened our learning and engagement around unity. But our commitment to inclusion extends far beyond June—it’s reflected in the way we foster a respectful and inclusive environment where all voices are heard, and everyone feels valued.
As part of our “Celebrate Unity” initiative, we hosted a conversation featuring Ahmet Hepdogan, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Procurement North America, and Ambour Dawson, Sourcing Manager for Global Strategic Sourcing Services at McDonald’s. The discussion highlighted how collaboration helps create a more positive and impactful workplace. Ambour, a member of the McDonald’s Pride Leadership Team, shared her experiences and dedication to fostering inclusion.
To mark International Pride Day, Team Members were invited to wear colorful t-shirts, bringing vibrant energy to our celebrations. Additionally, each Thursday in June, we shared insights into the history of Pride and how it is celebrated across our global regions.
and passion!
Global Diversity Awareness Month
October
In recognition of Global Diversity Awareness Month, we hosted an inspiring event featuring Gijs Heidstra, Vice President of People in Europe & AMEAP, and Jason Lioy, Chief People Officer, alongside guest speaker Mark Johnson, a neurodiversity advocate and coach. The discussion explored the importance of neurodiversity and the unique strengths it brings to our teams and communities.
Mark Johnson Neurodiversity advocate & coach
Global Diversity Awareness Month:
“Empathy and support go hand-in-hand. Understanding each other’s unique ways of thinking helps us create a more supportive and productive workplace.”
Gijs Heidstra VP People Europe & AMEAP
Embracing different ways of thinking strengthens our culture and drives our success together.”
Jason Lioy Chief People Officer
“Inclusive workplaces thrive. Neurodivergent individuals bring unique talents that are crucial to our success. Being neurodivergent is a strength, not a barrier.”
Understanding Neurodiversity NEURODIVERSITY
in
North America Inclusion Council
The Dawn North America Inclusion Council provides Team Members from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to represent their peers and champion the advancement of Dawn’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts.
In 2024, the North America Inclusion Council has played a pivotal role in advancing inclusivity within Team Dawn.
The Council organized and facilitated six Unconscious Bias training sessions throughout the year, helping to raise awareness and foster understanding among Team Members. It has also been instrumental in celebrating key DE&I milestones, such as Juneteenth and National Hispanic Heritage Month, ensuring these occasions receive meaningful recognition.
Beyond events and training, the Council has actively identified opportunities to enhance inclusivity, bringing forward important issues and driving meaningful change. Through our internal newsletter, it has reinforced our commitment to fostering a culture where all Team Members feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Women@Dawn
Dawn's Women’s Team Member Network, Women@Dawn, aspires to build an inclusive community to discuss and create awareness around issues women face in the workplace, provide tools and resources to support women and their colleagues to champion their professional and personal growth, and celebrate women’s contributions to Dawn.
In 2024, Women@Dawn North America hosted a series of events to bring members together and foster connection.
One highlight was a two-part event held in September and November: Your Brand, Your Power: Building an Authentic Presence. The workshop focused on the power of authenticity—helping Team Members create genuine connections, foster trust, and build loyalty with their audience.
In November, a panel event featured Team Members sharing their personal branding experiences and offering practical advice on how to cultivate a strong and authentic professional brand.
“Your Brand, Your Power: Building an Authentic Presence Panel event discussion.”
• Marla Clark, Market Sales Manager
• Cathy Wisloski, Manager, Insights & Customer Experience
• Sarah Richmond, Dawn Board Member
• Cathi Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial, North America
• Lacey Berlin, Senior Manager Commercial Learning and Implementation
Generation You
The Generation You, or Gen You, network is a network where the unique perspectives, experiences and contributions of each generation are shared. The network aims to create a workplace that values generational diversity and actively leverages it to drive creativity, productivity and growth for all.
In June, Generation YOU held a special panel event featuring five Team Members from four generations speaking on:
• How different generations have supported Dawn since 1920
• How each generation contributes to a vibrant and innovative professional community
GE NE RAT ION YO U
THIS PANEL INCLUDED:
• Laura Hafner, Vice President, Customer Success (Millennial)
• Miles Jones, Chairman of the Board (Baby Boomer)
• Scott Thayer, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary (Baby Boomer)
• Abigail Cox, Associate Manager, Digital Marketing (Generation Z)
• Jantzen Nishioka, Senior Director of Procurement (Generation X)
CORPORATE Giving
We are proud to invest in the communities where we have facilities and offices by offering our time, talent and financial resources. We are focused on making an impact in three key areas: hunger prevention and health, education, and community vibrancy. Dawn Corporate Giving Program more than doubled our monetary contributions and the number of projects supported from 2023 to 2024.
Dawn actively strengthens the COMMUNITIES where our Team Members work by supporting HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, EDUCATION, and COMMUNITY VIBRANCY intitiatives.
In 2024, the Team Member Relief Fund (TMRF) provided emergency financial assistance to Team Members facing hardship or crises, ensuring support in times of need. Over the course of the year, the fund distributed more than $49,889 to help Team Members.
Luis Perez, Technical Sales Representative II, encountered unexpected challenges due to extreme weather near Houston. Thankfully, he was able to access the TMRF for assistance.
Unaware of the program at first, Luis learned about it through his manager, who encouraged him to seek assistance for his expenses. Grateful for the support, he also shared valuable suggestions to help improve the program for future recipients.
42 Applications for Relief
$49,889+
grant amount
$1,663 Average award was
24 Applications were for catastrophic events Other needs included medical needs, housing, food and more.
Volunteering
In 2024, we had 14 U.S. Corporate Giving site locations, awarding over $595,000 to 72 projects.
Beyond monetary contributions, we encouraged our teams to support local nonprofit organizations through volunteer efforts, further strengthening community initiatives. We also expanded opportunities for product donations to make an even greater impact.
In 2025, we plan to deepen these relationships by continuing to provide product and cash donations while expanding our volunteer efforts.
VOLUNTEERING
We encourage and support all Team Members in donating their time and talents to support causes and organizations that matter most to them. The power of volunteerism to create positive change in our communities is imeasurable, and we are proud of the impact our Team Members make around the world.
EUROPE
Birthday Job Packing Brigade 2024
On November 13, the Dawn Amstelveen Team spent a fulfilling morning giving back to the community by volunteering at the Jarige Job Foundation. Together, they packed an incredible 616 birthday boxes for children living in poverty who otherwise wouldn’t celebrate their birthdays. Each box was filled with love and joy, aiming to bring smiles to children and their families.
But the team didn’t stop there. As part of Dawn’s commitment to making a meaningful impact, the Amstelveen team proudly donated €5000 (approximately $5,239.20 USD) to further support the foundation’s mission.
This event highlighted the power of teamwork and the importance of giving back.
1st Volunteer day / August 2024
• 36 participants with 216 volunteer hours
• Recollected 23.74 kg of inorganic waste and 604 kg of organic garbage
• Reforesting efforts included planting 25 Dahlias, 14 Fresno Trees, and 11 Calla Lilies
Team Members in North America supported the Hispanic Heritage Festival in Jackson, Michigan. This was our highest attended volunteer event. Team Members welcomed visitors with delicious cookies!
Community Donations
Product Donation to local Nonprofits
$25k CDN Conestoga College
"We are very appreciative of Dawn Foods’ community focus, their assistance with grant awards, and their thoughtful strategy to include us in product donations that we can repackage in our Clean Room. Working together, we are striving to be a champion for a better and brighter tomorrow."
Peter Vogel, South Michigan Food Bank
99% 114 projects were awarded across the globe to support Health/ Hunger, Community Vibrancy, and Education initiatives
Elijah’s Promise, based in New Jersey, is a community support kitchen that provides over 375,000 meals annually to more than 5,000 individuals. They also teach culinary skills at the Promise Culinary School to empower students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in the culinary field and provide critical job training for employment. The team distributes clothing and hygiene products to homeless individuals which also helping them access housing and other benefits. utilization of 2024 Global Corporate Giving Budget
PRIORITY MAKING HEALTH AND WELLBEING A
At Dawn, we promote a culture where Team Members can reach their full potential, stay productive, build positive relationships, and make meaningful contributions. Achieving this is only possible when we prioritize both physical and mental wellbeing.
In 2024, we launched Wellness Wednesdays, offering a variety of resources and opportunities to support Team Members’ physical and mental wellbeing.
We kicked off the year with a Practical Productivity webinar, where we explored the importance of managing not just workload efficiently, but also time effectively.
OTHER WELLNESS WEDNESDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Month. In North America, pop-it fidgets were provided to all hourly Team Members
• A Boosting Your Positive Outlook Webinar was attended by over 600 Team Members
• International Self-Care Day celebrated on July 24
• World Suicide Prevention Day recognized September 10
Employee Assistance Program
Dawn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers mental health support and work-life services for Team Members. Available 24/7, Team Members have access to health and wellbeing experts and resources, allowing them to seek support in the way that works best for them.
In 2024, through our EAP provider, we hosted several wellbeing webinars, including Boosting Your Positive Outlook.
We believe that investing in the development of our people is essential to driving sustainable success. Our commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and talent growth empowers our Team Members to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally.
We continue to make strides in our leadership development programs, designed to equip leaders as well not just future leaders with the skills, mindset, and strategies needed to navigate an ever-evolving business landscape. These programs, alongside our broader learning initiatives, are foundational in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
We remain dedicated to providing growth opportunities, ensuring every Team Member has the resources and support to succeed. Moving forward, we will continue enhancing our development strategies to meet the needs of Team Dawn, fostering a culture where everyone can reach their full potential.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT Overview
LINKEDIN LEARNING
All salaried Team Members have access to Linkedin
Learning, an online training library offering a range of courses, videos and tutorials taught by industry experts in business, technology and creative fields.
INSPIRE INTERN PROGRAM
We welcomed our second cohort of Inspire Internship Program participants in May.
Students from U.S. universities gained hands-on experience across key functions, including Technical Sales & Service, Finance, Procurement, IT, and Operations.
The Inspire Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of the baking industry. It provides a platform for interns to experience our vibrant company culture, embrace our core values, and gain valuable knowledge for their future careers from industry experts.
Women’s Leadership Development Program
Dawn is committed to advancing the careers of women leaders by taking intentional action to support their growth through development opportunities and programs.
The Women’s Leadership Development Program (WLDP), launched in 2021, recently welcomed its third cohort.
WLDP provides participants with a collaborative learning experience, offering a mix of virtual and in-person events, workshops, and networking opportunities to support their development.
In early November, the newest cohort began their journey with an in-person Kickoff event at the Home Office in Jackson. The event featured team-building activities, virtual keynotes from the SHRM Women in Leadership Conference, and valuable insights from WLDP alumni on how the program has shaped their careers.
Through WLDP, participants gain:
• Visibility across the organization
• Leadership to drive their growth
• Support from executive sponsors who advocate for their development
LEAD Program
The LEAD Program is a premier leadership development initiative designed for high-potential, experienced senior leaders. Combining experiential learning with accredited certification, the program equips participants with essential executive competencies and provides opportunities to apply them to real-world business challenges.
Dawn provided nine experienced leaders with a structured dual-certification experience supported by Harvard Business School Online curriculum. These individuals were selected for their exceptional performance and potential, identified through an internal success planning process. The targeted certifications included Organizational Leadership and Business Strategy
The program combined a live, in-person kickoff event with an intensive leadership development workshop and executive discussions, ensuring alignment with Dawn’s strategy and priorities.
Throughout the certification process, participants engaged in a global online cohort, fostering collaboration and peer learning.
Their development continued beyond certification through ongoing check-ins, manager debriefs, on-the-job application, and panel discussions, where they shared insights and experiences with leaders across Dawn.
Ignite New Leader Program
The Ignite New Leader Program launched in April, providing newly hired and recently promoted People Leaders with a strong foundation to understand their role, excel in people processes, and lead teams effectively. Over four months, participants engaged in a dynamic learning experience that included live business keynotes from senior leaders, interactive learning sessions, and micro-learning through the Attensi platform.
In 2024, we hosted two cohorts of 40 new global leaders.
After completing the program, the first group shared their feedback. Highlights included:
100% of participants felt the program was well organized
93% of participants were satisfied with the overall Ignite program experience
93% of participants felt the Attensi knowledge checks supported their learning journey 80% of participants felt they were better prepared to lead after participating in the program
93% of participants would recommend the Ignite program to others
“This was the first time I have been introduced to a company that as a whole, ensures the tools Team Members are searching for are available to them.”
Global Values Awards
Our annual Global Values Awards celebrate what makes Dawn truly special—our people, who bring our values to life in meaningful ways.
These awards recognize individuals and teams who go above and beyond in embodying our values, making Dawn a company we are all proud to be part of.
In 2024, we received 268 nominations. From these, our Regional Selection Committees and the Dawn Advisory Council (DAC) selected the finalists, with the winners personally chosen by Chief Executive Officer, Carrie Jones-Barber.
TEAM WINNERS
• North America Passion: Redzone Louisville Implementation Team
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
• LATAM Passion: Mexipan Team
• Europe & AMEAP
Relationships: Customer Service Team Poland & Baltics
• Global
Passion: CrowdStrike Response Team
Blanche Fynes, Europe & AMEAP, Winner of the P assion Award
Blanche’s dedication to her role as a Customer Service agent and manager is truly inspirational, and her impact on our team and organization is immeasurable. Blanche’s passion for her work shines through in every aspect of her role. She approaches each task with enthusiasm, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence. Her ability to multitask with grace and precision is nothing short of remarkable, and her attention to detail ensures that every customer interaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Team Member Spotlight
TEAM WINNER
NORTH AMERICA REGION
The Redzone Louisville Implementation Team – Passion Team Award
This team demonstrated the Passion value by taking on the Redzone initiative as the pilot in the Louisville plant. Each person on this team embraced and dug into the Redzone tool to determine what was possible. The team thought creatively about the best way to get information loaded into the system – for example the production schedule – and how we could use the tool to track actions, operator and supervisor checks, problem-solve, and communicate.
The team is very passionate about the Redzone tool. They continue to share learnings and best practices established in the pilot as we implement the program in other North America plants.
Blanche’s exceptional speed and efficiency set her apart as a true asset to our team. She possesses a remarkable ability to work quickly and accurately, often exceeding expectations and surpassing deadlines with ease. Her proactive approach to problem-solving ensures that issues are addressed promptly and effectively, leaving no room for error or delay. Blanche’s qualities as a leader and team player are equally commendable. As the manager of a team of four members, she leads by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and excellence. Her willingness to go above and beyond to support her team members and mentor them in their professional development speaks volumes about her passion for nurturing talent and fostering growth. *an excerpt from Blanche's nomination
This team’s actions positively impacted not only the Louisville plant Team Members’ adoption of the new tool on the floor but also spurred the excitement from the other plants within North America. All functions within the Louisville plant did a phenomenal job leveraging Redzone to communicate, problem-solve, and better understand how they are performing.
In a recent project to optimize our logistics processes, Blanche demonstrated unparalleled passion and creativity. Faced with the challenge of reducing transport costs while maintaining service quality, Blanche took the initiative to explore new avenues for cost-saving and efficiency. She tirelessly researched alternative transport routes, negotiated competitive rates with transport companies, and implemented innovative strategies to streamline our logistics operations. Blanche’s exemplary qualities and dedication have had a profound positive impact on our Team Members and customers. Her passion for her work is contagious, motivating and inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and exceed expectations.
• Matt Palmer
• Todd Vaughn
• Scott Masters
• Karen Nearn
• Shereen Carver
• Brian Woods
• Rick Jenkins
• Karl Patterson
• Ricky Hemphill
• Eliud Saldívar
• Ryan Wooley
TEAM MEMBERS