Published 06-02-23
Submitted by The Clorox Company
The Clorox Change Makers initiative spotlights people who actively celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and practice allyship, making a positive impact on our business and culture. This week, we focus on Tamara Marshall, a distribution center operations specialist in our Supply Chain organization.
Being an athletic competitor for most of her life, Tamara has always embraced the challenge of bettering herself through knowledge amid adversity. Since starting her career in manufacturing — a field where women are disproportionately underrepresented — she has used her voice to not only advocate for her own professional development but also for the needs and best interests of her peers. Tamara’s personal accountability, initiative, dedication and enthusiasm have led her to drive engaging programs promoting greater inclusion, diversity, equity and allyship — referred to collectively at Clorox as IDEA.
What experiences created an awareness and interest in IDEA for you?
The things I have experienced as a Black woman throughout my career have greatly shaped my awareness and investment in IDEA at Clorox. Like many women, I understand what it’s like to feel or be considered “small,” and how inclusion and diversity have the power to shape modern-day activism and champion human rights.
Clorox actively engages with IDEA across the entire organization, and my awareness and investment in this space is a credit to the people who have encouraged me to show up authentically over the years. Participating in SHOW and other employee resource groups has helped me identify ways to show up for myself and those navigating similar experiences to mine. These groups illustrate the power of having leaders and colleagues coming together based on their passion for something other than their day-to-day work, and have inspired me to find opportunities to spread awareness in my community. I am thankful Clorox is agile and actively engaged in this work.
Can you tell me about an accomplishment you’re proud of?
During Women’s History Month, the SHOW leadership team wanted all the women in this company to feel seen and heard as a message of solidarity, and to remember that we’re capable of making history every day. I was thrilled when they gave me the opportunity to lead a “HerStory in the Making” event to accomplish just that.
I’m incredibly proud to have worked with fellow SHOW teammates to highlight women at Clorox and beyond around the globe who have or are currently making “her-story” with their service to justice, equity and allyship. Throughout the event we told the stories of contemporary women activists, like disability activist Judy Huemann and climate campaigner Kimiko Harata. We also heard from several women leaders throughout Clorox who inspire others through their service and activism.
What has helped enable you to be a Change Maker?
My journey has had some trials and some triumphs, but in every corner of this company — from my teammates, managers and leadership to Clorox’s resource groups — I have found an ally that goes above and beyond to encourage me and others, and reminds me to never settle for the status quo.
Leading the Southeast SHOW Book Club was a fun way for me to engage with others and get to know my teammates more through reading self-discovery and professional development literature. Additionally, being a member of other Clorox groups like Mental Health Champions, Well-Being Champions and W.O.W. Agents has been instrumental for me to be the best teammate I can be. I bring learnings, tips and resources shared within these groups back to my team to help promote wellness throughout my organization. I’ve been so moved by the level of involvement from our leaders to help enrich these conversations that tackle complex and often emotional topics.
Do you have advice on small actions others can take to bring inclusivity into the everyday?
To live our purpose and values, we must build a workplace where every person can feel respected, valued and fully able to participate in our Clorox community. We aim to lead by example, at every level within the company, and to continually challenge ourselves to do better. Learn more about our inclusion and diversity efforts here.
The Clorox Company has long been committed to purpose-driven growth. We believe our purpose is clear: to champion people to be well and thrive every single day.
Our allegiance to this shared aspiration guides and inspires our company to act with swiftness and confidence toward a more socially and environmentally sustainable future. With an ambition to mobilize all of our people and brands, we strive to act as a force for positive, lasting change in three key areas:
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