Nikotris Lewis is Nurturing a More Equitable Society

A Journey of Innovation and Impact

There are individuals whose steadfast commitment to creating lasting value and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives sets them apart as true heroes. Nikotris Lewis, the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at New Seasons Market, embodies the essence of this heroism. As an accomplished DEI leader and coach dedicated to fostering a more equitable society, her journey is truly inspiring and impactful.

The Inspiration Behind Joining New Seasons Market

Nikotris was inspired to join New Seasons Market because the company recognizes the importance of community impact, equitable and inclusive systems, as well as environmentally sustainable decision-making and problem-solving practices in daily operations.

Nikotris Brings Core Leadership Principles to New Seasons Market

Nikotris’ unique approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is anchored in two core philosophies: “I am because you are” and “Leave things better than you found them.” In both, she emphasizes that collaboration and collective effort are essential for success, stating, “I believe that no success is worthwhile unless we are dedicated to creating lasting value and meaningful impact for people, processes, and the environment.”

Nikotris Aligning the Company’s Goals with the Employee’s Personal Growth

Nikotris ensures that the company’s goals align with team member’s personal growth, recognizing that these two elements are interconnected rather than just aligned. Building an equitable ecosystem requires a dynamic shift in strategy, tactics, culture, and behavior that shows care and appreciation for individuals both personally and professionally.

Guided by the New Seasons Market’s vision of “cultivating good for generations,” Nikotris prioritizes aligning every decision and action with this overarching goal. By embedding the personal growth of staff into the core of the company’s objectives, she creates an environment where employee development is not an afterthought but a key driver of success. This approach ensures that as the company thrives, so do the individuals within it, creating a culture of shared purpose and sustainable progress.

Integrating DEI into its Core Business Strategy

New Seasons Market integrates DEI into its core business strategy by recognizing and honoring the diverse social identities of both its customers and staff. Understanding that its customer base, staff, and vendors encompass a wide range of identities, including those that have been historically marginalized, the company emphasizes an inclusive approach to ensure awareness and equity in all aspects of its operations. When New Seasons Market uses terms like “everyone,” “all,” “customer,” or “staff,” it reflects a conscious commitment to embrace and incorporate these diverse perspectives into its decision-making and practices.

Notable Initiatives to Promote an Inclusive Workplace

Nikotris and her team are actively involved in several initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive workplace, each designed to address diverse needs and foster a sense of belonging. This is part of a continuous improvement process, with efforts that include implementing sensory hours, offering gender-neutral bathrooms, and integrating DEI into their employee engagement survey and performance review process. To further support the team members’ growth and integration, they have developed a training program and are working on a more comprehensive training catalog that covers topics on coaching and cultural competency.

On a broader scale, initiatives like reevaluating product naming, the color and font of signage and emails, and developing an equity-focused procurement process enabling the leadership team to better reflect the diverse identities and cultures of their staff and customers.

Addressing the Unconscious Bias within the Organization

Nikotris tackles unconscious bias within the organization through ongoing dialogue, training, and coaching. She regularly discusses unconscious bias, ensuring it remains a visible and integral part of conversations. By addressing it in real-time, she acknowledges how bias influences decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which creates opportunities for reflection and growth. Additionally, she encourages peers, managers, and teams to share diverse perspectives, emphasizing inclusion rather than focusing on debating about being “right” or “wrong.”

Staying Connected With the Communities New Seasons Market Serves

Nikotris is dedicated to maintaining strong connections with communities by deeply committing to building and nourishing local connections, especially in the area of food security. By focusing on its community impact on increasing food access, Nikotris and her team strategically support nonprofit organizations that address food insecurity, using an equity lens to meet the needs of those populations most affected.

This targeted and sustainable approach enables them to provide unrestricted funding to a select group of core partners. In fact, each year, New Seasons Market gives a quarter of a million dollars and serves as a vehicle for customers to do the same through their shopping. These partnerships are designed to create meaningful and lasting effects in three critical areas: policy and advocacy, food systems infrastructure, and wraparound services for immediate needs.

Sustainability Goals and Commitments: At the Forefront

New Seasons Market is committed to ambitious sustainability goals that demonstrate its dedication to environmental stewardship and community well being. The company aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To support this goal, they are actively working to reduce carbon emissions, particularly those associated with refrigerant leaks, which significantly contribute to climate change. Additionally, New Seasons Market is focused on addressing food security and ensuring equitable access to healthy food. This commitment includes supporting sustainable farming practices that restore soil health, improve biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of food systems.

The Latest Trends in the Grocery and Food Retail Industry

According to Nikotris, several key priorities are emerging in the grocery and food retail industry. These include ethical sourcing, local and fresh products, health and wellness, and sustainability. While these priorities are becoming more widely adopted across the industry, they continue to be essential focuses for many retailers. Additionally, technology integration is becoming increasingly important and set to revolutionize the shopping experience. Innovations such as management and advanced supply chain transparency are transforming how customers interact with retailers. This shift is also elevating consumer expectations, driving demand for convenience, efficiency, and customization. Furthermore, technology will play a critical role in meeting the growing need for culturally relevant and diverse food options. By leveraging data and analytics, retailers can gain a deeper understanding of and better respond to the preferences of an increasingly diverse customer base.

The Evolution of Consumer Behavior

Over the Years In recent years, consumer behavior has shifted towards a more conscious and informed approach to shopping. Customers at New Seasons Market, in particular, have become increasingly curious about the origins of their food. They’re also more adventurous, exploring diverse culinary offerings from various choices. New Seasons Market’s commitment to transparency enables customers to make choices that align with their values, whether they prioritize local sourcing, organic ingredients, or ethical practices. This approach makes the company more appealing to culturally and socially conscious customers.

Addressing the Significance of Industry Challenges

Sustainability is a major focus at New Seasons Market as the industry faces various climate-related challenges, including waste reduction and minimizing carbon footprints. They believe that making impactful change is essential, and they have implemented processes to reduce food waste and limit single-use packaging. Additionally, they have partnered with various organizations to create resilient and sustainable food systems. This includes an in-store recycling program that accepts materials not typically collected through curbside recycling, as well as the Restore NW Grant program, which provides funding to organizations dedicated to improving water use, reducing emissions, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing soil health.

The Future Outlook

Nikotris envisions New Seasons Market expanding its presence as a leader in the grocery industry while continuing to uphold its core values of sustainability, community, and inclusivity. Whether through the expansion of its physical stores or other methods, the future will undoubtedly involve innovation while maintaining the exceptional service that distinguishes New Seasons Market from its competitors. With a strong commitment to the community, Nikotris Lewis aims to continue shaping a food industry that’s responsible, equitable, and forward-thinking.