Josh Oates is the Senior Regional Director at Office Depot and directs the strategic and daily business activities of six Retail Districts. He is a servant leader, who has many successes that led to his recognition as the voice and vision of D&I. Josh launched and still leads the Men of Color Associate Resource Group (ARG), a group that provides a platform for men of color associates to hold candid conversations about social justice and equality. The MOC ARG also has targeted initiatives around Business and Professional Development. Josh has developed numerous internal and community outreach programs. He partnered with the current Miami Dolphins fullback, Alec Ingold, to deliver a financial literacy camp for high school students, spearheaded the MLK Donation Drive Initiative to benefit 27 Title 1 schools nationwide, and led the MOC Helping the Homeless Initiative.
Josh has been awarded the prestigious Champion Circle twice. He builds cross-functional partnerships across the organization and external partnerships with leaders and organizations that have a shared purpose in D&I. Relationship building has increased diverse supplier spend and awareness. Josh implemented D&I actions in recruitment and onboarding, developed a Mentorship Program for talent and collaborated with leadership to identify an ESG target.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “I truly believe we all can make a difference, and we all play a part in creating meaningful change. With that said, every positive action we take, whether small or large, is a step forward towards progress.” — Josh Oates