As the leading provider of integrated food and facilities management in more than 6000 locations throughout North America, Sodexo strives to be a partner in driving community-based initiatives that benefit employees, customers, clients, shareholders and the surrounding communities. One of these grassroots efforts is our partnership with the National Urban League Black Executive Exchange Program in giving classroom presentations at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the year. Sodexo is the leading provider of outsourced services to more than 30 HBCUs, and we are committed to sharing the expertise of our executives with these organizations and their students.

The Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) is the National Urban League’s oldest signature program. Established in 1969 through a grant from the Ford Foundation, BEEP exposes students at four-year HBCUs to working professionals in their fields of interest. Its mission is to share learning experiences across generations, cultivate new leaders and inspire achievements “beyond the possible” through committed involvement and operational excellence.

Keysa Minnifield, VP, Human Resources, Sodexo Campus Dining

Keysa Minnifield, VP, Human Resources with Sodexo, is a “BEEPer.” She currently serves as a member of the BEEP Executive Advisory Council (EAC), which is the governing body for the program. When asked how she became involved in the program Keysa said, “I became involved initially through a friend who works for another company. She suggested that I get involved as she felt it was a great way to give back and share my experiences in corporate America with students. I started BEEPing about five years ago. Since that time, Sodexo has become a corporate sponsor.”

Sodexo’s participation in BEEP is of great benefit for both the student and our company. According to Keysa, “BEEP provides Sodexo executives the opportunity to give back to the next generation, while sharing the Sodexo story and experience with more than 50,000 students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These students could eventually become future employees of our company.”

Each year, more and more Sodexo managers are signing up to become “BEEPers.” Even with demanding schedules, Sodexo executives are finding the time to give back. “BEEP is a great program that benefits the students, the company and the individual. I encourage Sodexo managers to participate as they will find the experience to be rewarding both personally and professionally.“ says Keysa.