“ Our work at the Asian American Writers’ Workshop centers the safeguarding and cultivation of our community’s imaginations, and we are incredibly grateful to the Amazon Literary Partnership for their continued support that makes this critically necessary work possible.” Jafreen Uddin Executive Director, Asian American Writers’ Workshop Supporting Inclusivity in Our Communities We are committed to promoting people in our communities who come from historically underrepresented communities. For example, at Whole Foods Market, our Inclusive Product Strategy expands our existing partnerships with brands that are owned and operated by women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color. As part of this strategy, we spotlight one supplier per month across internal communications channels. Select supplier spotlights from 2021 include: • Shea Radiance , a Black- and women-owned beauty brand whose shea butter is sourced directly from women-run cooperatives to create economic access through trade. • Undefined Beauty , a Black-, women-, and LGBTQ+-owned business that delivers innovative and high-quality products at an accessible price point. • Pop & Bottle , a women-operated and -owned, plant- based bottled coffee business founded by two new mothers with an interest in wellness. Another example is our continued commitment to the Amazon Literary Partnership (ALP) —a grant program founded in 2009 that funds organizations championing diverse, marginalized, and underrepresented authors and storytellers. In 2021, ALP awarded 80 grants totaling more than $1 million to organizations across the country that support writers and underrepresented voices. $21 Million Program for Real Estate Developers of Color Addressing the housing crisis starts with removing barriers. In 2021, we announced an accelerator program to help real estate developers of color kick-start their projects through the Amazon Housing Equity Fund. The $21 million, two-year, part-time professional development program aims to help real estate developers of color progress in an industry known for high barriers to entry. We partnered with local social impact and economic justice organizations to develop curriculums and networking opportunities that reflect the specific issues facing their communities. We also partner with Enterprise Community Loan Fund, Inc. to administer grants of up to $200,000 to qualified real estate developers of color. These grants are open to anyone who applies to the Amazon Housing Equity Fund and needs assistance with the capacity-building and pre-development expenses associated with the preservation and creation of affordable housing within Amazon’s three focus regions. Learn more about how we support diverse entrepreneurs, business owners, and local producers . Learn more on About Amazon . 2021 Sustainability Report Introduction I Environment I Society I Governance I Appendix 55
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