Houston is a community with an energy born of residents from around the globe who've made the city their own, shaping its character, culture, dining and industry as they build their futures. Our urban fabric is woven of two million stories and a unique open-hearted welcome. Ours is a city where people can be themselves and belong to something bigger.
Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone.
In 2022, the organization engaged a global workforce company to assess team member perception, which included a survey of nearly 70 questions. Houston First not only scored above the average, but also scored high enough to receive the prestigious Great Place to Work certification. In 2023, the organization completed the assessment once again, receiving an even higher score and again earning the certification.
Since 2022, Houston First's DE&I Council and Business Resource Group (BRG) have helped guide the organization's DE&I efforts. The Council, made up of diverse members of the senior executive team, has been responsible for setting goals for the company and assuring implementation of programs and policies that foster a diverse and equitable environment of inclusion. The BRG, comprised of diverse team members of all levels, is tasked with providing recommendations to the Council that address issues, support the company’s culture and help progress Houston First forward. It is this group that reviews the findings of the Great Place to Work survey and develops recommendations.
The organization continues to build on these efforts thorugh expanded professional development resources and DE&I traning for staff as well as additional educational activities around diversity and cultural heritage months.
In 2023, Houston First launched a new Tourism Diversity Matters Apprenticeship program to ensure our newest team members and the company perspective are representative of the community we serve.
Programs
Hospitality Industry DE&I Internship Program
By participating in the 8-week summer Hospitality Industry Diversity and Inclusion Internship Program, college-level students not only get paid for their work, but also develop a first-hand understanding of the industry through our comprehensive education and enrichment series.
Get more info and see how to apply.
Apprentice to Hire Program
The Tourism Diversity Matters Apprenticeship Program provides recent or upcoming diverse college graduates a paid opportunity to gain valuable hands-on cross training experience across several department within the Houston First Corporation.
See the requirements and how to apply.