One Step Closer is committed to embracing J.E.D.I by fostering an inclusive, trusting culture where every voice matters; normalizing hard conversations; increasing the diversity of our membership and board; offering the space and programming for members to grow, learn, and practice living out J.E.D.I values; and supporting all member companies in implementing J.E.D.I commitments. As a trade organization committed to not only serving our members but also the greater natural products industry, we created J.E.D.I Collaborative, a natural products industry project, to raise awareness on key issues, offer action steps that can be taken, support with targeted programs and learning groups, and show case studies of change made, starting with our member brands.

J.E.D.I Collaborative envisions a natural products industry that centers at its core justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to ensure that:

  • All people feel welcome in the natural products industry by being able to participate in and feel justly treated
  • Communities that support the industry thrive
  • Employees feel inspired and valued
  • Innovation is sparked by a diversity of identities and perspectives, which leads to growth and profitability
  • Voices of marginalized communities are amplified in all conversations and decisions
  • Products are accessible to those who most need them
  • We understand how social and environmental justice are interconnected and work to address both
  • Companies serve as role models as a force for good in the world

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About Us

J.E.D.I Collaborative is a project of One Step Closer that aims to help natural products companies and leaders increase their ability to actualize Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts through providing educational programming, resources, and training programs designed to increase the awareness, knowledge, and skills within the company

J.E.D.I Collaborative aims to empower companies and leaders to increase their capacity to  create space for and work alongside underrepresented communities to thrive in the natural products industry

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Pathways to Action

If you’re looking to more deeply embed justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your natural products company, we have four pathways to action for you to consider. Created specifically for the natural products industry, our content is tailored to reflect the unique business needs and systems of consumer packaged goods (CPG) and natural products brands. Each pathway is distinct so that you can continue to level up your learning.

What is J.E.D.I?

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Justice

Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals and communities can live a full and dignified life.
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Equity

Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers
—the ‘isms’—exist.
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Diversity

All the differences between us based on which we experience advantages or encounter barriers to opportunities. Diversity isn’t just about racial differences.
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Inclusion

Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, and amplifying the voices, perspectives and styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities.

“At Nutiva, we believe that inclusion is a state of being valued, respected and supported and we’re proud to focus on the needs of every member of our extensive community – from our staff, to our farmers & processors – to ensure we don’t disregard or ignore differences, but promote individual awareness for fair practices. We strive to embed these key beliefs at every level of our company to ensure that we remain committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.”

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Steven Naccarato | CEO of Nutiva

“I envision a thriving planet that lives in harmony with one another, and is reflective of the natural world around us, filled with diversity and justice. No matter what race, gender and faith, we rise to embrace and support one another, a co-existence that is beautiful to witness and inspires us to believe in healthy practices for all living systems.”

Ahmed Rahim | CEO of Numi & Co-Founder of OSC2

“As an entrepreneur, I must strive to create the world I want to live in. There’s nothing more important than creating a just, fair, and equitable society, and the natural food industry has the unique opportunity to lead the way in making this a reality.”

Vincent Kitirattragarn | CEO Dang Foods

“Imagine what we as the natural products industry (and, really, we as humans) could create if every person regardless of background, race, gender, faith or experience felt welcome and invited to participate and that their contributions were important and vital. Imagine the problems we could erase, the innovations we could birth, the opportunities we could seed, and the connections we could nurture. Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion work makes this possible.”

Carlotta Mast | Senior Vice President of Content and Market Leader New Hope Network, Informa Health & Nutrition

“There are many proof points demonstrating that more diverse teams not only drive better decisions, but more profits, more growth and significantly more innovation revenue. A more diverse natural products industry is vital to solving food and agricultural system challenges we all face and work hard to address every day.”

Lara Dickinson | Executive Director and Co-Founder OSC² and Co-Founder J.E.D.I Collaborative

“REBBL was founded by a not for profit, Not for Sale, to co-create a future without human trafficking. To do that, we work at the nexus of social and environmental justice and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion is crucial to accomplish this complex and urgent effort. A diversity of perspectives is essential for business innovation and growth, as well as building a just and regenerative economy.”

Sheryl O'Loughlin | Former CEO of REBBL and Clif Bar & Co-Founder J.E.D.I Collaborative

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