On Jan. 18, a group of VyStar employees proudly marched in the 40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in downtown Jacksonville. The parade commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. King and his timeless message of justice, equality and service to others.
At VyStar, we firmly believe in the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion because these principles benefit everyone in our community. Taking part in the parade offered a great opportunity to show our support and put our ideals into action.
Shades of Success
Shades of Success, our resource group for employees of African Heritage, got VyStar involved with the parade. Shades of Success helps to create an inclusive environment for all African Heritage employees at VyStar by offering educational opportunities, mentoring, networking, cultural events and social gatherings.
Employees Are Proud to Honor Dr. King
“It was an honor to celebrate someone who made a great impact in our society,” said Keith McDuffie, a Collections and Recovery Manager who also serves as the Finance Director for Shades of Success.
Added Jessica Cain, a Loan Closing Specialist: “The kids and I really enjoyed being able to participate. I am so thankful to work with an organization that gets out in the community and allows me to let the kids get involved as well!”
Celebrating Black History Month
To celebrate Black History Month, we’re showcasing four local nonprofits that are involved with the African American community on the First Coast Living TV show. And on First Coast News, we’re sponsoring a series of mini-segments called “Making History Today,” which feature quotes from influential African Americans throughout our country’s history.
Connecting with the Community
Bertha Matthews, an Asset and Loss Mitigation Specialist, serves as the Shades of Success Chair. She saw the event as a tremendous success and shared the inspiration she took from it.
“It was overwhelmingly rewarding and humbling to see how much the community loves VyStar,” Matthews said. “I felt so connected to the spectators through our shared love for VyStar and our appreciation for what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has done within our community and for our society as a whole. I’m thankful for this experience.”