Our purpose is what unites us at Henkel North America: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. Our pioneering spirit is reflective of the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of our employees and partners. They dare to make an impact for the world by collaborating to tackle challenges, find solutions and open up new perspectives.

Their contributions allow us to deliver products, services and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life. We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our new series, “Pioneers for Good”.

Trent Keel has been with Henkel for over two years and wears several hats as an Integrated Marketing Director for Pravana, a leading professional hair care brand known for its cutting-edge colors and products. As part of the Pravana team, Trent oversees marketing campaigns to increase awareness of the brand across the salon industry.

Trent says as a company, Henkel leaders provide employees a safe space to explore. “Leadership really gives the autonomy to each of our employees to really be a pioneer, to try or invent something new,” he says. By taking away the fear of failure, Trent has found flexibility and opportunities to follow creative avenues as part of his work.

Trent has always sought outlets to be creative. He started his career as a professional dancer and singer in Los Angeles, which ultimately brought him to the beauty industry. Between performance gigs, Trent worked as a hairdresser and eventually became a hair educator–tapping into a passion for helping others express themselves and mentoring those interested in getting into the industry.

A passion for creating safe spaces

As president of Henkel’s PRIDE ERG and member of the DEI Council, Trent is focused on supporting the company’s efforts to create safe spaces for people within the workplace–whether it’s in North America or globally.

“I’ve worked at other companies in the past that have had DEI councils, and nothing really gets done outside of the meetings,” he says. “Being part of both these groups at Henkel, I see a lot of movement; it helps us better connect to leadership and it allows me to develop meaningful relationships with colleagues around the world with similar interests.”

Trent’s passion for supporting and creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community through new policies, programs, and events extends beyond Henkel. Since 2020, Trent has been a mentor for Out for Undergrad, a nonprofit focused on helping high-achieving LGBTQ+ undergraduates reach their full potential. Trent has spoken on panels and presented to groups but says being a mentor allows him to build a more personal connection and ask questions that get at the heart of their concerns about pursuing a career.

Being a mentor isn’t the only way Trent is filling his dance card these days. He also volunteers with OutLoud Sports, which uses team sports as another place where queer and trans youth can find community; ROMBA, where he speaks to LGBTQ+ business students; and The Trevor Project, where he is a suicide hotline volunteer.

“Being able to provide a small amount of support as people come into their own authentic selves is part of what keeps me going. It’s what being a pioneer for good is all about,” says Trent.

Related Reading

Pioneers for Good Series - Alice Cheung and Alexis Kriegl (henkel-northamerica.com)

Pioneers for Good Series - Gerhard Kummerow (henkel-northamerica.com)

Making an Impact on Tomorrow (henkel-northamerica.com)

Henkel

Henkel

About Henkel in North America
In North America, Henkel operates across its three business units: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care. Its portfolio of well-known consumer and industrial brands includes Schwarzkopf® hair care, Dial® soaps, Right Guard® antiperspirants, Persil®, Purex®, and all® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales of around 6 billion US dollars (5 billion euros) in 2019, North America accounts for 26 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs approximately 9,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com, and on Twitter @Henkel_NA.

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2019, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of more than 3.2 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 52,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

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