Featured spotlight article in corporate newsletter published by Kohl's Pride BRG & distributed to 2,000+ internal employees.
Created by Amelia Keith, Lisa Emery, & Emma Rarick
Creating Space for Every Whole Self
For more than three years, Emma Rarick has brought creativity to Kohl’s as an Assistant Artist on the women’s Croft & Barrow team. She brings that same spirit to her work with the diverseAbilities BRG as the Communications Design Co-Chair and as an active Pride BRG member. Outside of work, Emma is pursuing a master’s degree through the Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing on disability advocacy through her paintings.
An Invitation to Belong
For Emma, a personal invitation into a space can be especially powerful. Having a disability often means being excluded, so when she was invited to join the BRGs, she jumped right in. “I was excited to be invited to this space. The space is open to everyone, so I’m going to be here and I’m going to be involved because I can.”
Because she understands the impact of feeling genuinely welcomed, Emma regularly invites her team and other associates to BRG events, shares learning opportunities, and encourages fellow BRG members to do the same. As she explains, “It feels like, ‘I want you to be in my space,’ rather than, ‘You can be there if you want.’”
Intersectionality Through Identities
As a member of both BRGs, Emma sees a common thread that connects the LGBTQ+ and disability communities: both involve deeply personal aspects of people’s lives and their ability to live authentically. “We’re all just humans trying to live our best life,” Emma said. “The ability to connect and support people despite what you assume of their personal lives is how those two communities connect for me.”
Emma also encourages others to recognize that identities and life experiences are not always fixed or easily placed into a single box. She notes that disability can be part of someone’s life from birth or become temporarily or permanently part of their experience through aging or an accident. Likewise, people’s understanding of their sexuality can evolve over time. “It just feels really unrealistic for people to assume that they’re going to belong to one identity their entire life,” she explains.
Valuing Our Shared Humanity
As we recognize both National Coming Out Day and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Emma’s perspective is a meaningful reminder that belonging is built through curiosity, intentional invitations, and a commitment to seeing and valuing the whole person.
“The BRGs bring people together and make us more human in the corporate environment,” she explains, while also noting that a comment, note of encouragement, or engagement with BRG content can help associates feel seen and affirm that their work is making an impact.
Through her art, connection, and advocacy, Emma is creating welcoming spaces for associates across Kohl’s. When asked what advice she would give her younger self, she shared words that capture the warmth she brings to others: “Keep being there for people, because they need your smile more than you think they do.”
