My name is Beth Shimko. I am a District Sales Leader for Frito-Lay, Inc, a division of PepsiCo and have been in this position for over 10 years. I began as a route sales associate and worked my way up in the company through the self-nomination process. I have been given every opportunity to succeed within this organization, not because of or in spite of my gender, sexual orientation, religion or color, but because Frito-Lay fosters hard work and dedication above all else and has gone above and beyond to make sure that their employees will be judged by merit and not prejudice. I was honored to speak at a city council meeting in Tampa recently and it was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. I knew then that I would forever be joined in this movement, to help spread this very important message and to make a difference in any way that I could.

I am very proud to be associated and employed by PepsiCo/Frito-Lay. The culture of our organization is one where we truly are a team. This could not be the case if we did not foster inclusion and respect for the individuals that make up our team. I am certain that this is the very core of our success at PepsiCo. And, to take it one step further, I believe it is the core of our success as a country, state, city and town. The whole is much stronger than the sum of its parts. As people, we need to come together as one and rid discrimination everywhere. If each company, city, town , state joins in this belief and adopts the ideals that PepsiCo, as a company, represents, then I believe this country will be a far better place, a happier place and more productive place. I simply cannot wait for that day.