Opportunities for Growth with EBRGs
This month, we sat down with our Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), African American Leadership Forum (AALF), to learn more about the organization and highlight one of AALF’s members, Denzel K. Turner Sr.
African American Leadership Forum (AALF) works to inspire and develop leaders who make lasting contributions to Sodexo and the communities in which we live and work. This Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG) comes together to create a space to listen, heal, and support one another. Through events, history, and engaging in the community the organization looks towards creating long-term and lasting change. AALF focuses on four principles: mentoring, development, community, and networking.
As we honor Black History Month, we reflect and recognize the lasting impact of our leaders, innovators, and community members. We are celebrating this month by highlighting one of AALF’s members, Denzel K. Turner Sr.
In 2017, Denzel was selected to be an intern with the Robert Jones Facility Management program sponsored by our African American Leadership Forum (AALF). AALF announced Denzel’s acceptance at their national conference, and he began his internship at the largest Sodexo account, Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Denzel helped manage over 120 schools, allowing him to gain experience in leadership, human resources, contract comprehension, and client interaction. His team also created an apprenticeship program to guide students on a fast two-year program to receive their boiler operator and stationary engineer licenses with the goal of becoming Sodexo employees.
Additionally, while interning, Denzel moved to Gary, Indiana, after three weeks at CPS to meet other SodexoMagic food service managers and receive his ServSafe certification. A ServSafe certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an understanding of food safety and sanitary principles in the food service and hospitality industry.
After a successful internship, Denzel was offered a Resource Manager position for the Mid-Atlantic Region. This allowed him to travel to multiple accounts and lead different marketing programs at various school districts.
Through hard work and determination, Denzel secured an Operations Manager position six months later with SodexoMagic at East Orange School District. He stayed in this position for two years before moving to our Campus segment to serve as an interim General Manager for his alma mater, Alcorn State University. Not too long after this, Denzel became Director of Resident Housing at Jackson State University.
He was recruited back to East Orange in 2021 after finishing his assignment at Jackson State. In a full circle moment, he became the General Manager for one of the accounts where he started his journey.
Denzel’s career progression exemplifies how the proper mentors, tools, and opportunities can help develop and shape an individual’s career. Together, we celebrate Denzel’s growth, success, and the lasting change he has made at Sodexo.