The Missouri City chapter of Rich’s Kaleidoscope Associate Resource Group (ARG) welcomed 22 high school students for plant tours and product tastings on June 17, 2025, as part of Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation’s (MCJCF) STEM to STEAM Youth Day, a program designed to help students explore tech careers that often lack diversity. This was the newly formed ARG’s first community outreach event, and it proved to be a meaningful, inspiring and impactful opportunity to engage with future talent. 

“The visit was a unique opportunity to connect, share, and inspire, as we opened our doors to future leaders eager to learn and engage,” said Ami Parker, Operations Assistant, Rich’s Missouri City. (MC) “We look forward to building on this connection and supporting the incredible work MCJCF does in our community.”

Councilwoman Monica Riley (District A) and Anthony Snipes (Parks Foundation President and former City Manager) brought a group of local high school students to Rich’s to gain a better understanding of opportunities in manufacturing post-graduation.

Pennie Bannister, a founding member of the MC chapter of Kaleidoscope, was one of the tour guides. Pennie leveraged her experience as a former teacher to generate a connection with the students by sharing insight into her 11-year journey to Warehouse Leader and showcasing her in-depth understanding of Rich’s manufacturing operations. 

“Growing up, manufacturing was not on the spectrum of where I’d be working, I didn’t know what it entailed,” recalled Pennie. “This event was an opportunity to show the students that we do so much more than just make products. I took them through every department, from beginning to end of the product journey. It was clearly an eye-opening experience for a lot of them. And I think was good for them to see a female in a leadership role.”

Rich’s was one of five stops on the students’ agenda that day and Councilwoman Riley said it was a favorite among many participants. Ami said the strong response from students and the pride she and others felt from coordinating and participating in the event reaffirms their commitment to doing more moving forward, both for the community and for associates through the ARG.

“We have 133 members in our resource group since we opened registration in March,” reported Ami of the immediate interest that far exceeded the committee’s goal of 50 participants in year one. “Everyone is engaged and eager to learn and share.”

The mission of Kaleidoscope at Rich’s is to foster an empowering environment of diversity and inclusion that focuses on associates of color. Upon launching this spring, the Missouri City chapter first focused its efforts on celebrating associates of color through career spotlights. Plans are in the works for educational and development opportunities moving forward.

Rich’s Kaleidoscope ARG is the first to expand its footprint beyond Rich’s world headquarters in Buffalo and launch a chapter at a manufacturing site. 

“The launch of the Missouri City chapter of Kaleidoscope is a groundbreaking step forward for all of Rich’s Associate Resource Groups, and our worldwide commitment to putting people first,” said Chris Cobb, R&D Manager, Desserts, and Kaleidoscope Plant Contact Leader. “The ARGs are an important part of our associate experience that help foster a culture where all associates feel included, and everyone can thrive.”

Today, Rich’s has 14 Associate Resource Groups that create inclusive spaces where all are welcomed to come together, celebrate and make an impact.