Learn how Malcolm Gaspard, Kohl's Black Professionals BRG Leader, is Celebrating Black History Month
Black Professionals Business Resource Group Leader Malcolm Gaspard expands on the importance of Black History Month
1. What is your role at Kohl’s and how long have you been with the company?
I am a Territory Loss Prevention Manager at Kohl’s, covering the Northeast and Southeast territories. I have been with Kohl’s for 14 years. As a territory LP manager, my role is to work with store and corporate partners to help improve operational standards in order to drive sales, promote a culture of honesty and ensure the accuracy of our physical inventory.
2. That’s a long time! What has continued to motivate you to work at Kohl’s?
I’m motivated by the company culture and leadership team at Kohl’s. Kohl’s believes that understanding and embracing our differences is major in creating an inclusive and transparent environment for all, which is very important to me. Also, my loss prevention team is a key driver for me. They continue to challenge me to do more and have trusted me with broader company responsibility. I love that I’m able to continuously be a student and continue to develop my skill set.
3. What does Black History Month mean to you and how do you celebrate it?
Black History Month means everything to me. February is a time to celebrate Black culture and who we are as a people. The month provides a spotlight to an underrepresented group and also helps educate our allies on all the accomplishments and history of Black people. I celebrate Black History Month with my family and we like to visit museums to enjoy Black art and learn more about the cultural moments that shaped our history.
4. That’s great! What makes you proud of your heritage?
When I think about my heritage, I am proud of what my ancestors and the Black community have accomplished throughout the years. From our fighting spirit, to our brilliance, to our food, and to our contributions to the world, we have made great strides. I can’t forget our music. Music is a way for us to connect and enjoy each other.
5. Along with the accomplishments and overall culture, what’s your favorite piece of Black history?
That’s a hard one for me because there are so many great Black history moments. For me, my favorite piece of history would have to be my mother being able to start a business as a single Black woman in New York City in the late 1960’s into the early 1970’s when this was not possible for many Black people, and certainly not for Black women. Her success will always drive me to say anything is possible with focus and determination.
6. How do you bring that sense of pride and drive for change to your work at Kohl’s?
My drive is reflected through the work I do with Kohl’s Black Professionals Business Resource Group (BP BRG) and the interactions I have with the Leadership Team at Kohl’s. I am fortunate to have a part in the change that is happening at Kohl’s - spanning the BP BRG and work being done on the D&I task force. With this privilege, I always try to advocate for our associates. I also lead by example by being an active mentor and placing focused attention towards self and intentional development with my team members.
7. Can you tell us more about Kohl’s Black Professionals Business Resource Group (BP BRG) and your role in it?
The BP BRG brings associates together to contribute to an inclusive community, advocate for Black associates to have a voice, and ensure Black culture is a part of everyday life at Kohl's. The BP BRG incorporates feedback from our members and amplifies the voice of our Kohl’s associates through volunteer events and relationship building with outside organizations dedicated to advancing Black communities. For our members, driving change for Black associates is the ultimate goal. My role as the Group Leader of the Black Professionals BRG is to drive alignment with the Kohl's D&I strategy, help identify key initiatives and opportunities, as well as mentor/advise this amazing team.
8. What are you most proud of as it relates to the work Kohl’s BP BRG has been able to accomplish in the community?
The BP BRG has been able to facilitate great relationship-building along the way. I’m proud because we continue to partner with organizations that elevate the communities we serve. We have built great relationships with various Boys and Girls Clubs across the country. In addition to this, I’m proud of our efforts with the Cristo Rey High School, a non-profit college prep school that helps lower income children get a quality education. The BP BRG has been able to help students prepare themselves to work in a professional environment. Now, it’s amazing to see the college prep academy achieve a 98% graduation rate with the majority of students being accepted to top collegiate institutions including USC, University of Michigan, Fordham, Dartmouth, Georgetown and many more. We look forward to working with this group again in the future.
9. Thank you for your time and for helping lead Kohl’s celebration of Black History Month. What words of wisdom do you have for the next generation of Black people who are currently looking to design their own futures and seek job opportunities?
My advice is to be the author of your own story. You have to take chances and never be afraid to stretch yourself. Listen more and never stop developing yourself, either through experience or continuous learning.
