Avery Dennison celebrates 2024 foundation awardees

Avery Dennison recently honored its individual employees and teams who received a 2024 ADF Leadership Excellence Award through the Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF.)

“Through the Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF), we strive to address global inequities and envision a diverse, equitable, sustainable global community where people and planet thrive,” stated the company.

The company’s employees champion this vision daily by leading community programs and through volunteerism. Their efforts are said to enhance the quality of life in the communities where they work and live.

Each year, Avery Dennison honors the best of their achievements through the Leadership Excellence Awards. In December, the 2024 Avery Dennison Foundation Leadership Excellence awardees were honored at a ceremony held in Boston. Alicia Procello, president of Avery Dennison Foundation and vice president of corporate social responsibility, recognized two individuals and two teams uplifting one or more of Avery Dennison’s company values: integrity, courage, external focus, diversity, sustainability, innovation, teamwork, and excellence.

“Avery Dennison’s legacy of giving traces back to Stan Avery, our founder, who was a true champion of community engagement and volunteerism,” Procello shared during the awards ceremony. “Through meaningful acts of kindness and generosity, these employees are making possible new opportunities and an enhanced quality of life in the communities in which we operate.”

Individual awardees

Uplifting diverse cultures & building connections

Lesley Siuta, regional administrative assistant for materials group, reflective solutions plants in Illinois, organizes 20 community-focused events annually across multiple shifts at Avery Dennison’s Chicago locations. Over the past nine years, she has coordinated more than 180 such events. She is said to exemplify and uphold many of Avery Dennison’s values by cultivating a culture of volunteerism.

The company stated, “Her enthusiasm and integrity shine as she leads by example, inspiring her colleagues to get involved.”

“Fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at our Niles and Mount Prospect plants has always been my passion. By celebrating diverse cultures and partnering with nonprofits, we’ve created a workplace where employees feel safe, valued, and empowered to share their stories,” said Siuta. “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear why certain causes or celebrations hold special meaning for our team members. This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of an incredible group of people who make our events impactful and meaningful, and I’m grateful for their support and Avery Dennison’s commitment to community empowerment.”

Sweet acts of kindness

Shelly Fetters’s sweet acts of kindness are said to demonstrate her creative approach to driving community engagement. An Avery Dennison delivery coordinator in Arkansas, Fetters uses her ice cream truck as a tool for good. She has raised funds for people experiencing homelessness, brought joy to nursing home residents, and supported a tornado-stricken school in reopening its doors.

“Her commitment reminds us that the simplest acts of kindness can create ripples of change and bring smiles across communities,” stated Avery Dennison.

“When I started my ice cream truck, I knew I wanted it to be more than a business — it had to give back to the community. For years, I’ve teamed up with friends in the food truck world to provide essentials like food, clothing, and even cell phones to unhoused and underserved populations,” commented Fetters. “This award was such a surprise — I couldn’t believe it when they described the nominee, and I realized it was me. Being recognized for something that brings me so much joy is humbling and incredible. Avery Dennison’s commitment to community aligns perfectly with my values, and I’m grateful to be part of a company that truly celebrates giving back.”

Team awardees

Continuous school improvement project: The Avery Dennison Thailand team

The Avery Dennison Thailand team champions education access by partnering with a rural school in Thailand for the continuous school improvement project. Over the past two years, the team has visited the school multiple times, working to improve its facilities and foster a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

The team collaborated seamlessly with school staff to minimize disruptions while organizing repairs and educational sessions. They tailored activities to deepen student engagement, introduced monthly English lessons, and provided nutritious meals, reflecting a commitment to excellence and student well-being. By prioritizing inclusivity and integrating environmental education, they ensured equal opportunities and promoted sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on the school community.

According to the company, Avery Dennison Thailand teams have opened doors to new opportunities for students and teachers alike, showcasing how sustained collaboration can address inequities in education.

Community in action — The Nuan Volunteer Association: The Avery Dennison China team

The Nuan Volunteer Association is China’s first employee-led volunteer team. In 2024, the team organized 14 activities, engaging over 10,000 employees who contributed 353 service hours. Their efforts are said to demonstrate the power of teamwork in advancing sustainability and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Working with local governments and nonprofit organizations, they initiated projects like blood drives, charitable donations, and seven donation drive initiatives, which supported 500 disadvantaged individuals. The team’s signature initiative, the “I am I can” campaign, empowered intellectually disabled children to create artwork, which was transformed into souvenirs using Avery Dennison’s production capabilities. These gifts were donated to disadvantaged groups, fostering inclusivity and demonstrating the power of combining business strengths with community service. The campaign also raised $9,755, benefiting 500+ individuals.

“The Nuan team’s innovative approach and measurable success showcase how Avery Dennison China effectively integrates business operations, community engagement, and volunteerism, truly becoming a force for good,” stated the company.

“Congratulations, again, to all the 2024 Avery Dennison Foundation Leadership Excellence award winners! These awardees remind us of what’s possible when we align our efforts with our values. As we move into 2025, let us draw inspiration from their remarkable contributions and continue to uplift our communities as a force for good,” concluded Avery Dennison.