#AlwaysChristopher

Christopher Bylone van Sandwyk is a distinguished expert in fostering a sense of belonging through data-driven strategies. Growing up on a rural Southern New Jersey farm, Christopher developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a strong work ethic. His early experiences shaped his passion for creating inclusive spaces where everyone knows they are valued and respected.

Christopher's journey in advocacy began at Cumberland County College, where he started the first Gay-Straight Alliance. This bold move was not without challenges; a story in The Daily Journal outed him to the entire town, a pivotal moment that strengthened his resolve to fight for equality and inclusion. His personal experiences, including being a cancer survivor, have fueled his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Christopher currently serves as the Global Head of Belonging at Krispy Kreme. Since joining in May 2023, he has established Krispy Kreme’s first Global Belonging Strategy, launched new Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for People with Disabilities and Veterans & Emergency Responders, and developed an Inclusive Behavior Model that outlines the expectations of how all employees should act in the workplace – inclusively! His efforts have also included establishing relationships with prominent organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Best Buddies International.

Before his tenure at Krispy Kreme, Christopher held various leadership roles at International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF), a global Fortune 500 company. As the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, he managed a diverse team and led the development and implementation of IFF’s DE&I Strategy. His notable achievements include co-leading the design and launch of the 2030 ESG Strategy, guiding the launch of Global Parental Leave, and increasing the DE&I budget from $40k to $1.3m. Christopher also played a pivotal role in harmonizing DE&I programs during the integration of DuPont N&B and developed a Transgender Transitioning at Work Policy.

Christopher's belief in the power of names and identity is deeply personal. In our fast-paced, digital world, addressing someone by their name can profoundly affect our interactions and relationships. This is more than just a courtesy—it's a crucial part of his identity. For many years, before video conferencing, people often misgendered him based on the sound of his voice, assuming he was female when he went by Chris. To help people avoid this mistake, he started using his full name, Christopher. This small change significantly impacted on how he was perceived and respected.

Being addressed as Christopher rather than Chris is not just about preference—it's about ensuring that he is correctly identified and knows his identity belongs. It's a reminder that names are a fundamental part of our identity and using them appropriately can significantly impact how we feel and interact with others.

Outside of his professional life, Christopher loves being outdoors and enjoys gardening. When he retires, he dreams of owning a small farm where he can grow produce for local soup kitchens and food pantries, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others. Living in the Charlotte Metro area with his family, Christopher is a husband and father who cherishes his time with loved ones and remains dedicated to creating inclusive environments wherever he goes.