Diversity and Inclusion

Josi Swonetz blog

01 Dec: Best Buy Health attorney recognized for dedication, passion

Committed. Dedicated. Progressive. These are all words to describe Josi Swonetz, who recently received the California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) Loren D. Miller Lawyer of the Year Award.

As senior corporate counsel for Best Buy Health, she has built a successful career while devoting time to CABL for the past six years. The organization focuses on enriching the community of Black law students, lawyers, and judges in California. Members meet regularly with State Assembly and Legislature officials to talk about legislation that could adversely affect the Black community.

Brazen Blog

21 Nov: Chicago employee thankful for newborn baby, Best Buy’s adoption support

November is National Adoption Month. By sharing stories and offering an array of benefits and resources, Best Buy is committed to supporting employees who are growing their families in this way. Content warning: This article discusses cancer and fertility struggles.

As Wesley and Julie Brazen snuggle their daughter, their faces radiate the joy of being new parents. Dakota Christine — named after Wesley’s late father, Chris — just turned three months old, and after being on a long path to parenthood, the parents are celebrating every milestone.

Veterans Day blog

10 Nov: Best Buy employees share life lessons learned from military experience

From leadership to resilience to teamwork, our military employees bring varied skills and perspectives to their roles at Best Buy.   

We’re committed to providing resources and support for veterans to thrive at Best Buy, and we’re grateful for our employees, customers and communities who support our military. 

As Veterans Day approaches, we talked to some of our veterans and members of our Military Employee Resource Group to learn more about what the holiday means to them. 

Krag Bullis, Advanced Repair Agent (Charleston, West Virginia)   

U.S.

Best Buy Logo

09 Nov: Best Buy makes Forbes’ Best Employers for Veterans 2022 list

We’re excited to announce that Best Buy was named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2022. This is our first time on the list.  

Forbes surveyed 7,000 U.S. veteran employees. Participants were asked to rate their employer on career development, diversity, and topics specific to veterans in the workplace, such as recruitment processes and pipelines. Companies were also evaluated on veteran representation in leadership roles and philanthropic efforts geared toward veterans.  

Support for veterans 

Veteran employees can find support at Best Buy through benefits, resources and community. 

ttc blog

07 Nov: Best Buy, Timberwolves and TCL team up for tech equity

Minnesota members of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® will get a courtside view of the different types of technology careers that bring the Timberwolves and Lynx seasons to life, both on and off the court.

The Best Buy Foundation is partnering with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, and electronics company TCL, to advance tech equity and empower youth at Twin Cities Teen Tech Centers through career opportunities. The partnership with the Timberwolves and Lynx will give local Teen Tech Center members a behind-the-scenes look at how tech is used during each basketball game.

Claudia Hernandez Blog

01 Nov: Kentucky Agent blends Mexican culture with art

Tradition is everything to Geek Squad City Agent Claudia Hernandez. Claudia — known in the Louisville community as Clay Mata — is a proud Chicana self-taught artist who spreads her culture with each brushstroke.

Claudia’s inspiration comes from the colorful and culturally vibrant Día de los Muertos holiday, also known as Day of the Dead. The Mexican holiday is observed annually from Nov. 1-2 with a joyful celebration to remember and pay respect to friends, family members and loved ones who have died.

Election Day Blog

28 Oct: Best Buy employees serve their communities on Election Day and beyond

Best Buy is committed to support employees in using their voice and exercising their rights, whether it’s through voting, volunteering or becoming an elected official.

With Election Day just around the corner (Nov. 8), we talked to a few employees to learn about how and why they’re getting involved to serve their communities.

Volunteering at the polls on Election Day

Voting locations all over the country are looking to recruit thousands of individuals to help keep polling sites open and available for in-person voting.

TTC blog 2

13 Oct: Best Buy customers donate $7.5 million to support Teen Tech Centers

We’ve always known Best Buy customers are the best. Now we have proof – over the last 5 months, Best Buy customers stepped up and contributed more than $7.5 million to the Best Buy Foundation in support of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®. 

Between May 1 and Oct. 1, customers contributed in stores and online to help continue the expansion of the Teen Tech Center network, including programming for career and post-secondary transitions for teens from disinvested communities.  

“It is inspiring to see our customers show up in a big way year after year to support this important cause,” said Andrea Wood, Best Buy’s vice president of social impact.

Ray blog

03 Oct: Store culture gives Massachusetts employee confidence to be himself

On his first day at a Massachusetts store, Ray’s leaders told him their priority was for him to feel safe and comfortable at work so he can be his fullest self.

While simple, the statement meant a lot to the sales advisor. As a gay man who has autism, there have been multiple situations throughout his life where Ray has had to hide or hold back part of who he is. This immediate affirmation from his leaders gave Ray courage to ask for accommodations and talk openly about his background.

TTC Blog

29 Sep: Best Buy, Google team up for new Teen Tech Center in California

Today, The Best Buy Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center® at Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) in San José, California. The center provides teens with access to cutting-edge technology, including tools for film, digital media, audio engineering and music production. 

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is co-funding the Teen Tech Center. Their contribution to MACLA will support the work the center is doing to provide tech access, digital skills training and mentorship for youth.

MERG award blog

28 Sep: Best Buy recognized for support of military employees

Best Buy was recently recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Defense for benefits and assistance available to military employees with the Above and Beyond Award.

In addition, multiple leaders across the company have received Patriot Awards for their personal support of an employee serving in the National Guard.

The Best Buy Military Employee Resource Group (ERG) leadership team accepted the Above and Beyond award on behalf of the company at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 30.

“We are genuinely honored to receive this award,” said ERG chair Nikki Kukla.

yardbird blog 2

20 Sep: Best Buy, Yardbird provide outdoor furniture for Minneapolis cancer nonprofit

While undergoing treatment for illness, spending time outside in fresh air can be a respite for a patient and their loved ones. And it’s even better when enjoyed with a comfortable place to sit.

That’s why when Katie Berens, a Best Buy senior product manager, saw on her social media feed that the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis needed to replace its damaged patio furniture, she wanted to see how we could help.   

The Hope Lodge provides a home away from home for cancer patients and caregivers who must travel more than 40 miles for treatments.