When Hallmark Media created its first-ever Employee Resource Council in 2020, Evans was all in, serving as one of the founding chairs of the group. He’s led extensive and impactful Employee Resource Council campaigns for Pride, Asian Pacific American Heritage, Jewish American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage, Earth Month, Women’s History Month, Black History Month, Black Music Month, Breast Cancer Awareness and more.
Starting up an ERG can be difficult, but Evans said the initiative quickly took off because of the dedication of Hallmark’s employees. “We are fortunate to have an incredibly engaged workforce at Hallmark Media who leaped at the opportunity to engage in our DEI work. It has been an inspiring experience seeing my colleagues give their time and efforts to support this important work,” he says.
Notably, during the company’s Pride Month celebration, Evans led a companywide town hall presentation that featured a panel dedicated to transgender lives. He used his own experience as a gay executive to deliver a moving panel with honest dialogue about how to be a dedicated and genuine ally. “Everyone may not be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, but we can all foster a safe and inclusive environment by being supportive allies,” Evans says. “Allyship is something we can all do to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages everyone to be their authentic selves.”
Though he excelled in his role in the digital department as Creative Digital Project and Campaign Manager, it quickly became apparent that leading DEI is a true calling. In July, Hallmark Media promoted him to this new position, where he develops company DEI initiatives and helps establish the DEI framework across the organization. He is responsible for identifying programs and cultural efforts that drive business goals and promote the needs of individuals by creating a safe and accepting environment for the Hallmark Media workforce.
Evans’ desire to make the world a better place for all extends across all aspects of his life. For the past several years, he has participated in fundraising events for AIDS/LifeCycle. He has practiced after a long day of work to take on the roles of Beyonce or Princess Tiana in preparation for phenomenal drag shows that raise thousands for the Ride to End Aids. He also trains for months to be able to physically make the Ride from San Francisco to L.A.
Evans’ work has led to Hallmark Media sponsoring three tentpole AIDS Walk event campaigns across the country. “Supporting AIDS Walk charities across the country is one of our most significant and sustained successes. Our cultural celebrations have also been nothing short of remarkable,” he says. “Our associates are great storytellers, and we’ve leveraged that talent to create amazing conversations that celebrate culture and elevate our understating of diversity and inclusion.”
