(Phoenix, AZ) — Respect for Marriage Arizona, the statewide public education campaign led by ONE Community, today announced that Lauren Bailey, Co-Founder and CEO of Upward Projects, and Sam Foos, Chief People Officer of Upward Projects, have signed the Respect for Marriage Arizona pledge, adding one of the Valley's most recognized hospitality groups to the campaign's growing coalition of business, faith, and community leaders.
Upward Projects is the Phoenix-based restaurant and hospitality group behind Postino Wine Café, Joyride Taco House, Windsor, Federal Pizza, Churn Ice Cream, and the soon-to-open Lado A Lado, operating more than 35 restaurants across seven states.
"Respect for Marriage Arizona is about protecting the freedom and stability every Arizona family deserves, and it means even more when respected local employers step forward to say that publicly," said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community and Respect for Marriage Arizona. "Lauren and Sam understand better than most that when people feel secure in their families, they show up stronger for their communities and their teams. We're grateful to have Upward Projects standing with us."
"At Upward Projects, our mission has always been to build places where people feel good and feel welcome — that starts with how we treat our own team," said Lauren Bailey, Co-Founder and CEO of Upward Projects. "Marriage equality isn't an abstract issue for us. It's about our employees, our managers, our guests — real people who deserve the same legal protections and peace of mind as anyone else. Signing this pledge was an easy decision."
"As Chief People Officer, I see every day how much stability at home affects someone's ability to do great work and feel supported," said Sam Foos, Chief People Officer of Upward Projects. "Our people are our business. Standing behind Respect for Marriage Arizona is a natural extension of the culture we've worked hard to build — one where every member of our team can count on the same rights and respect, regardless of who they love."
