We believe in the power of water and believe that it should be accessible to everyone who seeks it. Our goal is to create a world where all people are respected, valued, and affirmed; a world where everyone is welcome on the water.
We will focus our efforts on promoting racial and ethnic diversity
as well as LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation.
Access to the joys of the water is not equal for everyone. We recognize the history and obstacles that communities of colour face when it comes to experiencing life in, on, and by the water. We are committed to helping remove these barriers through education, access, and financial investment.
In partnership with Claima and with creative direction led by Bimma Williams, we have created a three-part docuseries aimed at educating and inspiring a more equitable environment in the water space. Directed by prominent filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast, Faith E. Briggs, "Reclaim Your Water" highlights three Black entrepreneurs who are connected to and inspired by water, and shows how each one reclaims what was once weaponized to build community and create change.
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Faith is a documentary filmmaker, creative producer and podcast host passionate about sharing contemporary stories from diverse communities. Both behind and in front of the camera, she works with brands, non‑profit organizations and institutions to create media representative of the world we live in and the better one we are working together to create.
Jahmicah has a passion for the outdoors and strives to help foster diversity not only in the outdoors but on the water.
Originally founded as Black Sand Surf, Ebony Beach Club is a vision of the multi‑cultural and harmonious future of surfing and life on the water. Their goal is to reset the tone and show the surfing community that peace and inclusivity are the best ways to combat hate.
Founded by multitalented musicians and creatives Thurman & Torrence Thomas in Louisiana, TANK PROOF is a nonprofit that gives youth in under‑served communities education and essentials to navigate life's currents. Based on their belief that "swimming is for everyone", they've currently served over 3,500 kids nationwide.
We respect and support everyone for who they are, where they come from, and who they love. And while we acknowledge June is a celebratory month, Pride is a year‑round initiative including employee education sessions and putting in the work to become a more inclusive brand through our partnership with PFLAG National.
Claima was created on the premise to help creatives of colour to not only claim a seat at the table but also build their own tables. The company evolved from a passion project podcast to a creative content agency focused on storytelling that represents and inspires all creatives and entrepreneurs of colour. Sperry is proud to partner with Claima on a modern grassroots effort to "Reclaim The Water".
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies. With hundreds of chapters and 250,000+ members and supporters, PFLAG has incredible reach and visibility, and has been changing hearts, minds, and lives for nearly 50 years.
Camber is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 that equips Partner organizations across the $887 Billion Outdoor Recreation Economy to implement best practices in Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Workplace DEI).
We are a full‑year gold level partner of PFLAG National. This partnership goes beyond our donation of $50,000, and includes employee education sessions, amplifying PFLAG's mission to our consumers, and working with the PFLAG National team on becoming a more gender inclusive brand.
Our partnership with PFLAG National is a full‑year, brand‑level, guaranteed donation, rather than being dependent on the number of Pride shoes that are sold. Our focus is not only on the products we make, but also on educating our employees to create lasting change.
In 2022, we spotlighted entrepreneurs of colour who are creating real change in their communities. We created a 3‑part docuseries highlighting these entrepreneurs, rolling out over an 8‑week period in July and August. While telling their stories to create awareness, Sperry also donated $15,000 to each organization to help them remove barriers from, and increase access to, water. Finally, through an internal panel featuring our entrepreneurs of colour, Claima co-founder Bimma Williams led a conversation delving deeper into their stories. Sperry's internal team had an opportunity to engage and learn, with insights used in future initiatives to create meaningful change.
As a brand of Wolverine Worldwide, we ensure that all qualified individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed based solely on their qualifications, conduct, and abilities. We make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or other categories protected by applicable laws and regulations. For more information, please see page 16 of our Code of Conduct.
We value kinship and the transformational power of shared experiences with
an array of people and perspectives. Sperry is not reserved for one class or gender, but rather intended to be enjoyed by all. We will ensure that the water is welcome for all who seek it.
