IDEA
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access
We are on a continuous journey to enhance the way in which IDEA is embedded in the everyday actions of our business and the experiences of our associates.
Inclusion: AEO will provide an environment where all associates feel a sense of belonging and are able to succeed as their authentic selves
Equity: AEO is committed to fairness in policies, practices, opportunities, and outcomes
Diversity: Difference and individuality make AEO stronger, higher-performing and more innovative
Access: Barriers (both physical and non-physical) should be eliminated to allow stakeholders the ability
to participate in, and realize, all that AEO has to offer
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The foundation of IDEA was created by our associates to ensure everyone feels respected and empowered. We structure our efforts under the following pillars: hiring, community and development.
Hiring
AEO believes that our differences and individuality make us stronger as an organization. Through continual and inclusive improvement of hiring processes, and the strategic expansion of where we find and cultivate candidates, we can attract and convert top talent. Consistent with our goal to strategically expand our sources of talent acquisition, we engage with organizations and departments within both predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Community
Our associates have the freedom to be themselves, uniquely helping to create a vibrant community. We believe that AEO is a place where our people have a sense of belonging, are excited to come to work, believe in the work that they do, feel valued, and are appreciated for their contributions. We know that living our values of People, Innovation, Passion, Integrity and Teamwork will allow us to enrich our internal and external communities, as well as sustain our inclusive culture.
Development
We believe in equipping our leaders and our associates with the necessary resources to create and maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace, investing in the career progression of associates, and developing a pipeline of future and emerging leaders. Partnerships with external organizations, such as The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), Carnegie Mellon University and the National Retail Federation, help to expand the scope and reach of development opportunities, particularly focused on emerging leaders.
AEO ASSOCIATE NETWORKS & CONNECTIONS
A sense of belonging is critical for associates to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. These shared resource interest groups, many tied to AEO’s purpose, values and corporate responsibility, promote educational opportunities, foster a strong community and culture, and provide associates the opportunity to engage with colleagues who have similar interests, hobbies and passions.
Associate Networks
The Green Team
REAL Parents
The REAL Pride Network
Women@AEO
Veteran & Military Employee Resource Group
REAL Black Alliance
AEO Juntos
Associate Connections
The Anti-Racism Connection
New-ish to Pittsburgh
AEO REAL Creators
AEO REAL Dogs
AEO REAL Jewish Connection
Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI)
Mental Inclusivity & Neurodiversity Connection
A COMMITMENT TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Our culture provides an environment where we learn, grow, support innovation, and empower our people to achieve outstanding results.
Close Knit Co-Mentorship Program
pairs associates from different departments, levels, and experiences to form enriching relationships across the business to foster an appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Leader Development Series
focuses on the growth of our executive pipeline through a collection of hands-on workshops, training resources and self-directed classes that help associates meet their personal goals and business objectives.
Emerging Leaders
is a workshop-based program that helps lay the foundational skills for
being a manager and starts associates on the journey to leading an engaged and motivated team.
UpSkill
is a workshop series for corporate and DC associates designed to expand their toolkit. AEO experts share their knowledge, provide resources and create a space for associates to practice what they have learned and apply their new skills at work and beyond.