Tabitha adjusts her nameplate: "Tabitha Jones – Diversity & Inclusion Officer."

She settles into her ergonomic chair, the scent of freshly printed DEI brochures filling the air.

Tabitha (musing) while sucking her fifth big Big Gulp by noon: "From cashier to Diversity & Inclusion Officer in just two years. The DEI initiatives are truly transformative."

***Flashback to two years prior:***

Hiring Manager: "Tabitha, we're impressed with your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. With our renewed focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we're creating roles to ensure our workplace reflects the communities we serve."

Tabitha: "I'm honored. Everyone deserves a voice and representation."

***Present Day: Tabitha reviews the latest employee demographic reports.***

Tabitha (smiling): "Our initiatives have increased representation across all departments. It’s rewarding to see the impact."

She recalls a recent DEI workshop she conducted.

Employee: "Tabitha, because of your workshop, I feel more valued and understood in my team."

Tabitha: "That’s the goal—to ensure everyone feels they belong."

She pens a note to herself: “Continue to develop programs that promote equity and inclusion.”

Tabitha (determined): "The journey doesn’t end here. There’s always more work to be done."

***Elsewhere, deep in Store 481-B’s dimly lit back office, Evan39 opens the weekly internal memo:***

Subject Line: "New Inclusion Metrics – Leadership Pipeline (Q1)"

He scrolls to the bottom.

His name isn't listed.

Not in the leadership tier.

Not in the retention risk tier.

Not in any tier.

Just a single line at the bottom:

“RECOMMEND FLAG FOR OBSERVATION – SHIFT LEAD (M)”

The fluorescent lights flicker once.

The Club Card scanner hums.

In the distance, someone laughs—wet and deliberate.

Safeway’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has enabled employees like Tabitha to rise to the top and lead initiatives that foster a more inclusive workplace.

For others, the Mahchine™ has different plans.

Evan mutters: "This is fine..."

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5698035&forum_id=2Elisa#48771431)

This is fine, I said to myself. This is fine.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5698035&forum_id=2Elisa#48771437)

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

I just want to gently remind you that our Leadership Pathways Model now prioritizes lived experience and community alignment over traditional performance indicators. As you know, “doing a great job” can mean different things to different teams 😊

Also, for clarification:

The “observation” designation you mentioned is part of a broader pilot program under Clause 9.2 and doesn’t reflect negatively—unless patterns escalate. Hope that helps!

If you’d like to discuss your evolving role or review your 'pep' stats together, my door is always open (figuratively).

Please just schedule via HRLink—walk-ins won’t be acknowledged 😊

In partnership,

Tabitha J.

Diversity & Inclusion Officer – Region C

***“Belonging begins with trust.”***

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5698035&forum_id=2Elisa#48771453)