2016 Champions of Diversity Expand Supplier Diversity Outward
Generally speaking, until 2015 the Champions of Diversity concentrated on continuing to build the business case for supplier diversity with senior leadership, refining portals, and strengthening relationships with community diversity organizations. The efforts of people like our past Champions have been so successful that there is a noticeable shift in the focus of the 2016 Top 30 Champions of Diversity. They are on the move as they partner with senior leaders to drive supplier diversity as an organizational core value, meaning it is embedded in everything the organization does. Diverse suppliers are becoming key partners in organizational success.
All the Champions say that support of executive and senior leadership is crucial to embedding supplier diversity in operations. Each Champion submitted responses to a questionnaire that asks about their achievements, how they inspire innovation, and key best practices. Utilizing their exceptional professional and communication skills, the Champions successfully proved supplier diversity programs should be much more than standalone programs that are "nice to have." They made convincing arguments that utilizing diverse suppliers is a strategy for being innovative, competitive, and agile in a changing business environment.
With the support of the people at the top, the Top 30 Champions of Diversity were ready to present the business case to unit and department heads, sourcing and procurement professionals, and anyone else involved in projects or activities involving suppliers. Supplier Diversity ceased to be a separate program on the fringes of sourcing and procurement and became a core component of decision-making. The significance of this shift in perspective cannot be overstated. The Champions were instrumental in helping their organizations embrace diverse suppliers as a source of inspiration, innovation, information, new perspectives, knowledge of multicultural markets, and competitiveness.
Many of the Champions began to roll out Supplier diversity programs globally, an extremely challenging process given the different perspectives and laws from country to country. This is why it is so important for supplier diversity to be a core value because the principles remain solid no matter where the organization operates. The Champions are growing programs that have much higher goals than just ensuring diverse suppliers are included in the RFP process. They believe that forming relationships and partnerships with diverse suppliers encourages continuous learning. They want supplier diversity programs to be catalysts for economic progress in communities. They believe in challenging the status quo, shaking things up and making an impact.
Specifically, what kinds of strategies did the Champions implement? Diana Domenech with AIG is taking the Supplier Diversity Program outside the U.S. Scott Marolf with Eli Lilly and Company shares information with other companies on a regular basis. Shirley Tang with Eli Lily established a reward/recognition program for procurement professionals. Angela Curley with Henkel is expanding supplier diversity into different business unites. Debra Voss at International Paper develops diverse suppliers as strategic partners. Andrew Butler oversees Proctor & Gamble's membership in the Billion Dollar Roundtable. This is just a sample of the variety of activities the Champions of Diversity are involved in. One of the most impressive characteristics of Champions is their passion for diversity which drives them to develop innovative approaches rather than doing "business as usual."
This year, as in past years, a variety of industries are represented. They include logistics, work clothing, healthcare, office supplies and equipment, hospitality, airlines, health insurances, auto and life insurance, consumer goods, and auto manufacturing. We are pleased to point out that technology, the U.S. Post Office, pharmaceuticals, energy, the Major League Baseball (MLB), and nonprofit industries are also included. This is a definitive sign that the principles of Supplier Diversity are growing solid roots and more organizations are recognizing they need to get on board or miss out in a global, diverse, and connected world.
DiversityPlus Magazine is pleased to present the 2016 Top 30 Champions of Diversity. We encourage everyone to read the short bios and take note of the immense variety of approaches and strategies. Every organization will find one or more takeaways. Do not hesitate to contact any of the Champions for further information because they each believe we must all work together to expand Supplier diversity programs as a means of accelerating economic progress for communities. Supplier Diversity Programs are thriving because of the dedicated efforts of people like the Champions.
DiversityPlus magazine is one of the nation's leading diversity publications that is focused on the most current and impactful thinking about diverse supplier relationships. The subscriber base targets minority suppliers, and corporate purchasing and supplier diversity executives at worldwide firms. For more information about the 2016 Top 30 Champions of Diversity or DiversityPlus magazine, visit
www.diversityplus.com or call Steven Surujballi at 973-275-0142 ext. 702.
Diana Domenech
Senior Director of Global Sourcing and Procurement Services & Head of Supplier Diversity
AIG
Diana Domenech
Senior Director of Global Sourcing and Procurement Services & Head of Supplier Diversity
Diana Domenech Expands AIG's Supplier Diversity Efforts
Diana Domenech is a Senior Director of Sourcing and Procurement Services & the Global Head of Supplier Diversity at AIG. Since 2013, she has overseen significant growth in the AIG supplier diversity program, including the launch of a Tier 2 program and the expansion of the supplier diversity program outside the U.S. AIG hosts Supplier Diversity Fairs in the U.S. and U.K., demonstrating a strong commitment to global communities of operation. The AIG supplier diversity program continually coaches and supports qualified diverse suppliers to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.
To build a robust supplier diversity program, Diana works closely with senior leaders and executives who are committed to setting and meeting goals, and holding teams accountable. She believes that inspiring innovation requires fostering a culture open to new ideas, setting clear goals, and trusting teams to develop creative solutions to customer needs. Diverse suppliers play a critical role in the process. Diana works closely with decision-makers to ensure diverse suppliers can bid on and win contracts based on their capabilities and merit.
Favorite Quote:
"A rising tide lifts all boats."- Diana Domenech
Brenda Burke
Staff Vice President of Supplier Diversity
Anthem
Brenda Burke
Staff Vice President of Supplier Diversity
Brenda Burke Brings Innovation to Anthem's Supplier Diversity Program
Brenda Burke is the Staff Vice President of Supplier Diversity at Anthem, Inc. She has been instrumental in developing a robust Supplier diversity program. With the support of corporate leaders, Brenda implemented a Supplier Diversity Champions and Mentoring Program, and an innovative Supplier Pay Program that helps diverse owned businesses meet expenses and other business needs by accelerating supplier payments. Brenda engages the executive leadership team in supplier diversity through quarterly progress reports and other activities. Recently, Brenda met with Anthem's Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer who agreed to take on another role, Supplier Diversity Executive Sponsor!
Throughout Anthem's broader organization, Brenda works in partnership with other Supplier Diversity advocates including mentors, champions, Associate Resource Groups, new business RFP teams, and Procurement.
Brenda has implemented a large number of best practices. To embed supplier diversity in the Anthem culture, goals are included in annual performance standards. Annually, Anthem associates who have gone above and beyond in "raising the supplier diversity bar," are recognized by the CEO. Tier II spend is expected in all RFPs. Other initiatives involve benchmarking for continuous improvement, community partnerships, enterprise/procurement communications, and active participation in supplier diversity advocacy organizations.
Favorite Quote:
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Scott Vowels
Supplier Diversity Business Manager
Apple
Scott Vowels
Supplier Diversity Business Manager
Scott Vowels Has Bigger Ideas for Apple's Supplier Diversity Program
Scott Vowels is often recognized for his enthusiasm and candid discussions on Supplier Diversity and minority business enterprises. In his current position as the Apple Supplier Diversity Business Manager, he is a recognized leader in inspiring innovation through inclusion. His strategy is working towards a more inclusive procurement environment through the integration of diverse suppliers, leading to greater innovation and efficiencies throughout the company. Scott along with Alex Alvarez are building a robust supplier diversity program by making sure that diverse suppliers are included in every competitively bid opportunity where applicable and by developing the internal resources needed for success.
Scott published the industry's largest economic impact study that is focused on minority business for the NMSDC. He is the co-founder and lead moderator for The BIGGER Discussion, a nationally broadcasted panel discussion on The Future of Supplier Diversity. Scott also published the book "Don't Be Afraid to Call the Baby Ugly: How The Bigger Discussion Changed an Industry." The book became an Amazon Best Seller in the dual categories of Supplier Diversity and Minority Business.
Favorite Quote:
"If you do not intentionally include, you unintentionally exclude." - Scott Vowels
Tim Dolan
Global Director, Indirect Sourcing
Boston Scientific
Tim Dolan
Global Director, Indirect Sourcing
Tim Dolan Expands Boston Scientific’s Supplier Diversity Program
Tim Dolan is the Global Director, Indirect Sourcing at Boston Scientific and is credited with launching the supplier diversity program in 2012. He benchmarked other companies, sold the business case to management, and put in place the resources, processes, and metrics to drive program growth. The program is now considered one of the top supplier diversity programs in the region. To ensure growth, Tim worked with management to set spend goals and created ambitious objectives for his team to meet with over 100 new diverse suppliers each year. He also set an RFP inclusion target so that each category manager must consider diverse suppliers during the bid process.
Tim dedicates time at each monthly staff meeting to innovate processes to drive greater value for Boston Scientific and enhance the supplier diversity program. He is responsible for optimizing $2 billion in external indirect spend and is leading an indirect sourcing and procurement transformation to achieve $100 million in savings over the next three years. Tim has made supplier diversity a core component of all innovation and sourcing efficiency efforts.
Favorite Quote:
"Diversity and inclusion are about valuing different perspectives and backgrounds. We must continue to leverage those varied experiences and perspectives in order to create a high performance culture where our employees and Eli Lilly and Company can excel."
- Mike Mahoney, Chairman and CEO, Eli Lilly and Company
Scott Marolf
Senior Director of Procurement for North America
CHEP
Scott Marolf
Senior Director of Procurement for North America
Scott Marolf and Team Embed Supplier Diversity into the CHEP USA Culture
CHEP USA has experienced 800 percent growth in spend with diverse suppliers since 2010, reflecting the dedication of Scott Marolf and team to embedding supplier diversity into the CHEP USA culture. As the Senior Director of Procurement for North America, Scott has led the team that developed a sophisticated supplier diversity program that consists of a structured approach to maintaining a strong pipeline of diverse suppliers through consistent reviews of spend opportunities across all functional areas. This approach ensures that a qualified diverse supplier is given opportunities to compete for CHEP business.
To maintain program strength while inspiring innovation, Scott's team partners with advocacy groups to develop and grow diverse suppliers and provides forums and coaching on ways to improve diverse businesses. They also developed a solution to share the CHEP program with other companies, focusing on the growth of three principal areas - customers, suppliers and the supplier diversity community. As a result of their unique approaches to supplier diversity, CHEP has been recognized by external customers, suppliers and advocacy groups for making a difference.
Favorite Quote:
"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." - Confucius
Pamela Brailsford
Senior Director of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability
Cintas
Pamela Brailsford
Senior Director of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability
Pamela Brailsford Cultivates Diverse Supplier Relationship at Cintas
As the Senior Director of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability at Cintas Corp. Pamela Brailsford's achievements include the development of an executive steering committee to drive success in the Supplier Diversity Initiative. The committee is made up of senior-level employee-partners from different areas of the business and is charged with making supplier diversity systemic and integrated through leader empowerment. She has also overseen the hosting of business retreats to bring MWBEs and corporate procurement leaders together to drive economic inclusion. Pamela developed a strong mentoring program that shares best practices with suppliers across the country through business development courses.
Pamela welcomes team ideas that challenge the status quo. In "start, stop, continue" exercises, the supplier diversity team steps back and assesses strategies for growing the supplier diversity program in a way that drives continual improvement and innovation. Key best practices include an annual assessment of national standards for supplier diversity programs, a SWOT analysis to determine the changes that can have the greatest positive impact, and the regular delivery of the business case for supplier diversity across the organization.
Favorite Quote:
"Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters."- Michael Josephson
Karmetria Burton
General Manager of Strategic Programs and Supply Chain Management
Delta
Karmetria Burton
General Manager of Strategic Programs and Supply Chain Management
Delta's Karmetria Burton Relies on Expert Communication
Karmetria Burton, General Manager of Strategic Programs and Supply Chain Management at Delta Air Lines, is recognized for her strong business acumen and communication skills. She utilizes her ability to influence people to create an alignment between Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and purchasing teams. The alignment enables MBEs to grow their businesses, while Delta benefits from the value proposition suppliers bring to the corporation. Karmetria envisions an impact on suppliers and Delta that will continue for many years as supplier diversity is managed as a long-term strategy for corporate sustainability.
At Delta, Karmetria encourages MBEs to sell innovative solutions and not just products and services. One of the strategies she employs is developing MBEs who understand the importance of doing research on their customers in order to transform and revolutionize solutions that would likely not be considered otherwise. This approach sets the MBE up for a long-term relationship with Delta as business conditions and needs change. Karmetria uses NMSDC's blueprint of best practices as a tool for maintaining a robust supplier diversity program.
Favorite Quote:
"Show up!" - Karmetria Burton
Jaspreet Singh
Director of Supply Chain Management
DTE Energy
Jaspreet Singh
Director of Supply Chain Management
Jaspreet Singh Encourages Open Supplier Dialogue at DTE Energy
As the Director of Supply Chain Management for DTE Energy, Jaspreet Singh is focused on developing a high-quality diverse supply chain in a global marketplace. He oversees a vigorous mentorship program for local diverse suppliers, creating and sustaining jobs. The Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council has named DTE Energy the Corporation of the Year for five years. In 2016, DTE Energy was awarded the EEI Supplier Diversity Excellence Award. Jaspreet utilizes several best practices to build and grow a quality diverse supply chain, including garnering strong CEO support, developing a supplier diversity action plan, and setting goals and producing metrics within individual business unit and supply chain groups.
Jaspreet has been instrumental in creating an organizational environment that encourages open dialogue. Suppliers feel safe to freely express opinions and concerns, and to offer innovative ideas. Continuous improvement tools are applied to address waste and defects in the process to help improve supplier performance. Jaspreet also works to ensure the right resources are available to grow, develop, and align suppliers with the business unit and supply chain initiatives.
Favorite Quote:
"If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life." - Anonymous
Shirley Tang-Audritsh
Supplier Diversity Program Manager
Eli Lilly and Company
Shirley Tang-Audritsh
Supplier Diversity Program Manager
Eli Lilly's Shirley Tang-Audritsh Grows Supplier Diversity for Innovation
Shirley Tang-Audritsh brings a strong technical and pharmaceutical sourcing background to her current role as Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Eli Lilly and Company. She has overseen the transformation of the supplier diversity program over the past five years. Major achievements include the highest engagement of the senior leadership and procurement organization; expansion of the program to include LGBTs, VBEs and economically disadvantaged groups; development of a supplier diversity eLearning program; and establishment of a reward/recognition program for procurement and mentoring program for small/diverse suppliers. Eli Lilly was rated "Outstanding" on a SBA compliance audit with specific mention given to the small business program.
Innovation is key to Eli Lilly as a research-based pharmaceutical company, so Shirley works closely with small/diverse suppliers and the procurement organization to encourage creative thinking. She partners with advocacy groups, benchmarks, shares learning with supplier diversity peers, and educates diverse suppliers on a variety of topics like message delivery and developing value propositions. She also created a just-in-time recognition and reward program for Sourcing Category Owners involved in supplier diversity.
Favorite Quote:
"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air."- John Quincy Adams
Heather Herndon Wright
Director of Supplier Diversity
Energy Future Holdings
Heather Herndon Wright
Director of Supplier Diversity
Heather Herndon Wright Builds Energy Future Holdings Supplier Diversity on Relationships
Heather Herndon Wright brings an extensive background in entrepreneurship, publishing, documentary production, supply chain management and advocacy to her current position as Director of Supplier Diversity for Energy Future Holdings/Luminant/TXU Energy. Her greatest achievements are the development of relationships with diverse business owners and their employees, Energy Future Holdings corporate executives and staff, diversity advocacy organizations, and community members. She leveraged her ability to form long-term business relationships into gaining executive-level support and participation for the supplier diversity initiative. Heather believes nurturing a corporate culture that values diversity is critical, and Energy Future Holdings now has Champions of Diversity throughout the business.
Relationships are founded on effective communication, so Heather inspires innovation in the supply chain by providing substantive information from as many sources and perspectives to suppliers and corporate staff. She provides a forum for discussion and understanding to foster and ignite "beyond the box" solutions with opportunities to deliver on them. Heather built a robust program using key best practices like accurate and consistent tracking and reporting, and proactive supplier relationship management and development.
Favorite Quote:
"To whom much is given much is required." - Luke 12:48
Angela Curley
Head of Corporate Diversity & Inclusion and Social Progress
Henkel
Angela Curley
Head of Corporate Diversity & Inclusion and Social Progress
D&I and Social Progress are Focus of Henkel's Angela Curley
Angela Curley's title is Head of Corporate Diversity & Inclusion and Social Progress at Henkel North America, reflecting an organizational belief that corporate diversity as a core value should advance community prosperity. To achieve goals, she has integrated the supplier diversity program into Henkel's operations as a way of doing business. Each year, supplier diversity expands into additional business units in North America and globally. Angela's relentless efforts led to Henkel being named the 2016 FCA Supplier of the Year for Diversity Production and the 2016 Corporation of the Year for the Pacific Southwest MSDC.
Angela's formula for inspiring innovation is to promote continuous learning so that everyone remains hungry for the next opportunity. She built a thriving supplier diversity program through implementation of several best practices, beginning with the alignment of supplier diversity goals and objectives to business strategy. Angela also developed and manages a compelling employee and stakeholder communication plan; conducts benchmarking; sets annual S.M.A.R.T goals, and regularly meets with MWBEs to identify, develop, and retain outstanding diverse companies.
Favorite Quote:
"To whom much is given much is required." - Luke 12:48
Kavy Lenon
Senior Supplier Diversity Manager
Herman Miller
Kavy Lenon
Senior Supplier Diversity Manager
Relationship Building is Foundation of LENON'S Efforts AT HERMAN MILLER
Kavy Lenon finds satisfaction as the Senior Supplier Diversity Manager in giving outstanding companies like Michigan Certified MBE Eagle Packaging opportunities to bring creative solutions to Herman Miller. Working with business units, she develops strong relationships between Herman Miller and suppliers, and between suppliers, exemplified by Eagle Packaging's collaboration with Purchase Complete suppliers to streamline shipping. Kavy also engages suppliers to partner with Herman Miller Inclusiveness Resource Teams (IRT) to do community volunteer work and projects. She believes the ideal suppliers value quality, service and community.
Kavy uses a variety of tools like mind-mapping to explore opportunities, inspire creativity and solve problems. Innovation comes from thinking outside a personal comfort zone, and Kavy encourages internal leaders and suppliers to explore new ideas that challenge the status quo. She is continually improving the supplier diversity program by helping other groups at Herman Miller extend the work of her team.
Favorite Quote:
"Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability and be proud of it after you have completed the task." - Kavy Lenon's Father
Fred Lona
Senior Director Supplier Diversity & Performance Management
Hilton
Fred Lona
Senior Director Supplier Diversity & Performance Management
Hilton's Fred Lona Develops Award-Winning Supplier Diversity Program
Fred Lona, CPSM, CPSD is Hilton's Senior Director, supplier diversity and performance management. Fred is responsible for managing the corporate supplier diversity program strategy development and execution. In addition, he also oversees the Supply Management Marketing and Communications department. Fred focuses on the incorporation of innovative procurement practices into supplier processes and diversity. He pursues a strategy of integrating qualified diverse suppliers into Hilton's global procurement process so that both suppliers and organizations' procurement decision-makers can learn and benefit from the relationships.
Fred has earned a variety of awards from diverse organizations that impact the hospitality industry. He tirelessly partners with community members and advocacy groups to engage diverse professionals and suppliers. Fred has most recently earned the NMSDC "Trailblazer Award," the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce "Corporate Champion of the Year," the Asian Business Association "Advocate of the Year," and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development "Volunteer of the Year."
Favorite Quote:
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." - John F. Kennedy
Debra Voss
Manager of Supplier Diversity
International Paper
Debra Voss
Manager of Supplier Diversity
Debra Voss Develops International Paper Suppliers Through Coaching
As the Manager of Supplier Diversity for International Paper, Debra Voss has developed several successful initiatives that have positioned IP as a leader in their industry and on the path to best-in-class. She launched a Champion's Program, Tier II Program and a mentoring program. She developed and implemented an online supplier diversity training program for procurement professionals & oversaw the implementation of a comprehensive online data management system. Debra believes that spurring a wave of innovation depends on creating a culture of acceptance that encourages idea sharing through active listening and brainstorming. Suppliers actively participate in the process of finding innovative diversity business solutions to create value, becoming strategic partners.
Debra also goes beyond the normal endpoint of the sourcing process by partnering with diverse suppliers who are unsuccessful in the bid process. She holds debriefing sessions and provides coaching to help suppliers improve competitiveness. Debra regularly provides ongoing mentoring or coaching to select diverse suppliers, conducts seminars to assist MWBES with effectively responding to RFPs with large organizations, and conducts awareness training on International Paper's supplier diversity program throughout the organization. Supplier diversity is linked to business goals and integrated into the strategic sourcing process.
Favorite Quote:
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Corey Smith
Senior Director for Supplier Diversity for Diverse Business Partners
MLB
Corey Smith
Senior Director for Supplier Diversity for Diverse Business Partners
MLB's Corey Smith Focused on Diversity for Economic Impact
Corey Smith is Major League Baseball's (MLB) Senior Director for Supplier Diversity for Diverse Business Partners (DBP). The DBP program was created to increase the engagement of baseball clubs in supplier diversity to accelerate greater inclusion of diverse suppliers. Corey develops the annual MLB Diversity Business Summit which all 30 MLB clubs attend with procurement and key decision-makers looking for diverse suppliers. The three-day conference includes matchmaking, workshops and networking opportunities, attracting new diverse suppliers and increasing diversity spend by tens of millions of dollars.
Corey attributes the success of the supplier diversity program to three best practices. First, baseball clubs act locally but think globally to support local businesses while also identifying diverse suppliers able to handle large-scale opportunities. Second, the supplier diversity program has the full support of MLB Clubs and entities such as MLB Network. Third, supplier diversity is not solely focused on spend but also on the economic impact in a city based on its diverse business relationships. Corey encourages sharing of diversity of thought and experiences to generate innovation.
Favorite Quote:
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
- President Barack Obama
Carla Hunter Ramsey
Global Sr. Director of Supplier Diversity & Sustainability
National Grid
Carla Hunter Ramsey
Global Sr. Director of Supplier Diversity & Sustainability
Carla Hunter Ramsey Creates Energy in National Grid's Supplier Diversity Program
Carla Hunter Ramsey is the Global Sr. Director of Supplier Diversity & Sustainability at National Grid. She developed and launched a global supplier diversity program in 2015 to expand on the existing supplier diversity program, and since then has established a successful Tier 2 mentorship program and created two mentorship programs at Roger Williams University and Syracuse University for supplier development. She brings a passion for diversity to every interaction with suppliers and buyers to generate energy and creativity. Carla's formula for success is to understand the needs of stakeholders and seek opportunities where suppliers can meet those needs and add additional value through innovation in efficiencies, waste reduction, risk mitigation, and cost reductions.
To ensure the supplier diversity program remains robust, Carla developed process flows for main operations across units and commits to following them. She periodically re-examines and challenges the steps in the processes and makes course adjustments as necessary. She also conducts quarterly category reviews and includes discussion on the needs of customers, identifying successes and opportunities for improvement, and developing a follow-up plan.
Favorite Quote:
"Let your life be guided by your mission and your journey will steer you to your destiny."- Carla Hunter Ramsey
Frantz Tiffeau
Director of Supplier Diversity and Development
Nationwide
Frantz Tiffeau
Director of Supplier Diversity and Development
Nationwide's Frantz Tiffeau Engages All Stakeholders in Supplier Diversity
Frantz Tiffeau is the Director of Supplier Diversity and Development at Nationwide Insurance. He is a recognized and experienced diversity and inclusion strategist who believes his greatest achievements are the solid relationships that regularly develop between diverse suppliers and internal stakeholders. These relationships lead to positive results in that suppliers get additional business across the Nationwide organization, while Nationwide benefits from the value propositions that diverse suppliers bring to the table. Frantz has worked to increase the engagement of the Nationwide's senior leadership in the supplier diversity program, leading them to become advocates and champions.
Promoting creativity is important to sustaining competitiveness, and Frantz's approach is to remove any potential boundaries or conditions that impede free thought and creativity. He engages diverse suppliers and stakeholders in the creative process as early as possible so they take ownership and feel a level of accountability for the success of the project or initiative. Frantz has aligned the supplier diversity strategy with key organizational strategies and initiatives, ensuring support at all levels of the organization for the supplier diversity program.
Favorite Quote:
"If you find and work at something that you love, then you will never work a day in your life." - Confucius
Marcella McCullough
Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity, Purchasing Strategy
Nissan
Marcella McCullough
Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity, Purchasing Strategy
Collaboration: Marcella McCullough's Supplier Diversity Strategy at Nissan
Marcella McCullough, Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity, Purchasing Strategy at Nissan North America, is an experienced supplier diversity professional who has been instrumental in developing increasingly robust supplier diversity programs in the auto manufacturing industry. She implements internal policies, mentors diverse business owners, develops commodity team training programs, and identifies tools for continuous improvement. Marcella has expert ability to adapt programs to changing business environments and works closely with suppliers to ensure they are always moving toward meeting new technology requirements to fulfill market demands. She also coaches diverse businesses that need capacity building in utilizing strategies like teaming, strategic alliances or joint ventures.
Marcella collaborates with her team on program enhancements using NMSDC Best Practices to generate actionable ideas for supplier diversity progress. She also collaborates externally with suppliers to identify the next generation of products and technologies, ensuring Nissan North America innovates through the inclusion of diverse suppliers. Best practices utilized to maintain a robust program include top-down leadership commitment, formal corporate policy, internal training, an effective communication process, and team accountability.
Favorite Quote:
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy." - Norman Vincent Peale
Gloria Pualani
Corporate Director, GSDP/Government Relations
Northrop Grumman
Gloria Pualani
Corporate Director, GSDP/Government Relations
Northrop Grumman's Gloria Pualani Outreaches to Diverse Suppliers
Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director, GSDP/Government Relations at Northrop Grumman, oversees a variety of programs that have exceeded goals for over 10 consecutive years. The winning strategies she manages include aggressive outreach programs and initiatives designed to increase the utilization of all classes of small businesses in Northrop Grumman's procurement processes. They include the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs; the mentor/protégé AbilityOne Program for people with disabilities; the Mentor-Protégé program that assists small and minority businesses; the HBCUs, Minority Institutions (MIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) Programs.
Northrop Grumman relies on innovation to maintain its competitive advantage. The company is focused on producing technologically advanced products, goods and services to its customers. Innovation is achieved through collaboration with employees, suppliers and customers. Gloria brings together internal business leaders and suppliers to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. This process promotes inclusion and engagement. A number of key practices are implemented: external outreach programs by commodity, location, SBE category and contract-specific requirements; engagement of ERGs; and inclusion of small business liaison officers on enterprise agreement sourcing teams. And most importantly, this all begins with CEO buy-in.
Favorite Quote:
"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela
Terrence Clark
President and CEO
NYNJMSDC
Terrence Clark
President and CEO
NYNJMSDC's Terrence Clark Accelerates Diverse Supplier Development
Terrence Clark is the President and CEO of the New York New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council (The Council), where he leads and focuses on the growth and development of diverse businesses in New York and New Jersey. His corporate members consist of fortune 500 companies who contribute to the mission of the Council. Terrence's former position as the VP of Entrepreneurship and Business Development for the National Urban League has given him the proven track record to continue his service to community and economic development. The Council conducts a number of activities and programs to advance business owners and build relationship for his corporate members. One of the programs he is particularly proud of is the AcCelerate CEO Academy: Business Advancement Program II. The 18-month business development curriculum is specifically designed for certified MBEs who need additional development to take their businesses to the next level.
During the program, participants engage in comprehensive interactive executive education learning experiences, grounded in real-world business scenarios. These practical applications through Executive coaching and Peer2Peer strategy sessions focus on Tier 1 & 2 supplier diversity opportunities. Participants have access to Rutgers Business School Executive Education's resources, corporate executive coaching, and mentorships which are through professionally facilitated peer-to-peer strategic growth groups. Program participants also develop a strategic growth plan that are shared with their coaches for guidance and direction.
"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better, and your better, best."
- Terrence Clark
Carmen Deale
Diversity Program Manager, Merchandising Tier II
Office Depot
Carmen Deale
Diversity Program Manager, Merchandising Tier II
Office Depot's Carmen Deale Relies on Collaboration to Find Solutions
Carmen Deale was promoted to Diversity Program Manager, Merchandising Tier II at Office Depot in April 2016, after 11 years of experience working in the marketing department and on various projects as a Marketing analyst with the Offer Strategy and Pricing team. During her Office Depot career, she has earned a reputation as a problem solver and collaborator, and promoted utilization of diverse suppliers as a source of innovation even before assuming her current position. She continues to ensure diverse suppliers are well represented in the sourcing and procurement process. Carmen is pleased that Office Depot, as a WBENC Ambassador, sponsored a new MBE into the Sonoco Executive Program in September 2016. In addition, the vertical market sales team worked closely with South Coast Paper, a MBE, to win an RFP with Chicago Public Schools
To grow the supplier diversity program, Carmen uses her collaboration skills to form strong partnerships with diverse suppliers and drives targeted solutions that provide gateways to customers and new markets. She also empowers diverse suppliers to become self-sustaining providers of goods and services to customers and Office Depot.
Favorite Quote:
"Together Everyone Achieves More." - Carmen Deale
Joan Kerr
Director of Supplier Chain Responsibility
PG&E
Joan Kerr
Director of Supplier Chain Responsibility
Joan Kerr at PG&E Incubates Supplier Diversity Internally and Externally
As the PG&E Director of Supplier Chain Responsibility, Joan Kerr is proud of incubating supplier diversity at different companies. In her current position, she developed strategies that include designing and implementing prime supplier programs that exponentially expand opportunities for diverse businesses. She proactively recruits first tier suppliers, inspiring them to launch or strengthen their own initiatives, thus leveraging connections to drive global diversity and inclusion. Joan has also helped create a culture of supplier diversity excellence in the telecom industry through the integration of supplier diversity into every element of TelcomNXT, the industry's main trade show and conference.
Sharing cutting-edge insights and information is one strategy Joan uses to create a culture where new ideas and unconventional thinking are welcomed. She believes that developing a robust supplier diversity program requires a fully staffed team and adequate funding. Other key best practices she executes are establishing supplier diversity performance goals and creating a diversity cross functional team for each line of business that includes a senior officer's empowered representative, and sourcing and supplier diversity professionals.
Favorite Quote:
"If not me, who? If not now, when?" - Hillel The Elder
Jay Sheldon Wesley
Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Performance
Pitney Bowes
Jay Sheldon Wesley
Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Performance
Jay Sheldon Wesley, Head of Global Supplier Diversity, Develops Suppliers for Pitney Bowes Future Success
Jay Sheldon Wesley brings depth of experience in supplier diversity, procurement and supply chain management across six industries to his position as the Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Performance for Pitney Bowes. He developed a process for diverse suppliers that is more engaging and easier to navigate in order to encourage greater participation. Jay also developed a process to build capacity of bid-ready diverse suppliers. Suppliers not meeting capacity needs are added to a development list under supplier connections and offered the academy for mentorship, counsel, and development to make them bid ready for future opportunities.
Key diverse suppliers are mentored and developed in a way that ensures they understand Pitney Bowes culture of innovation that helps them win bids. Key best practices include keeping the pipeline filled with diverse suppliers through the promotion of the supplier diversity supplier-connection.net portal. The groundbreaking portal provides supplier opportunities from 36 corporations across numerous industries. It is an innovative approach to allowing corporations as a collected group to develop a pool of value-added diverse suppliers.
Favorite Quote:
"Every diverse supplier has a seat at the economic table to obtain the American Dream of Business Ownership and Success". - Jay Sheldon Wesley
Andrew Butler
Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager
P&G
Andrew Butler
Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager
Andrew Butler Links Supplier Diversity to P&G Community
Andrew Butler, Procter & Gamble's Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager, attributes the success of the supplier diversity program to the company leaders' unwavering commitment to ensure the supply network reflects the diversity of the organization's consumers, employees and stakeholders. Andrew communicates a clear, inspiring vision that people adopt as their own. The clarity of the communication system means other people can easily link the supplier diversity strategy to the overall strategy of the business, enabling action.
Alignment of a compelling purpose, vision, and strategy for the supplier diversity program embeds the program in all sourcing and procurement processes internally. Andrew also links to and develops diverse suppliers in the community through mentoring and partners with diversity advocacy organizations. He also leads P&G's membership in the prestigious Billion Dollar Roundtable and is a recognized leader in developing high performing supplier diversity programs. To keep the P&G program on track, he measures results qualitatively and quantitatively. Andrew sits on the boards of the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council and the Ohio River Valley Women's Business Council.
Favorite Quote:
"A diverse supply network will outthink and outperform a non-diverse supply network." - Andrew Butler
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Founder and President
Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Founder and President
Rev. Jesse Jackson Pushes for Measurable Progress in Inclusion
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, is a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workforce, on corporate boards, and in supply chains. He believes that "talk" must be replaced with action and measurable results. Rainbow PUSH hosts a variety of critical initiatives designed to hold governments and corporate America accountable for making true progress. The Rev. Jackson was the first to challenge large tech companies to publicly report their minority labor participation rates, revealing serious inequities resulting from a history of exclusion. He also started the "Rainbow PUSH Silicon Valley Digital Connections Project." Because of his efforts, major tech companies have committed millions of dollars to fund STEM student education programs and scholarships, and investments in MWBEs.
Rainbow PUSH hosts a variety of initiatives, conferences, workshops and events throughout the year. They include the Wall Street Project, the PUSHTech2020 Summit, Money Matters Workshops and the Global Automotive Summit. The Rev. Jackson advocates for minorities and women on many fronts, including poverty, justice, home foreclosures, corporate inclusion, and voter registration.
Favorite Quote:
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26
Christina Morrow
Global Category Travel Director
Ricoh
Christina Morrow
Global Category Travel Director
Christina Morrow Drives Supplier Diversity Business Case at Ricoh
Christina Morrow, Global Category Travel Director, is instrumental in the strategic development, implementation, and execution of procurement, sourcing, and supplier management strategies for travel and the growth of Ricoh's supplier diversity program. She has driven the business case for the organization's increased participation and investments in affiliations and partnerships with groups like WBENC and the NMSDC. Christina worked to increase the knowledge and support of Ricoh's sales organization to recognize the importance of supplier diversity as part of the selling and business relationship process, leading to greater inclusion of diversity sub-contractors.
Christina collaborates with cross-functional teams, linking the supplier diversity brand to Ricoh's overall brand strategy which promotes innovation. To develop a strong supplier diversity program, Christina works with the executive sponsor to increase program visibility and presence. Her team maintains a registration portal to enable proactive pre-screening and inclusion of diverse suppliers in RFPs, and is building a database of diverse suppliers to strengthen the program. Christina and her team also support the inclusion of diverse suppliers in all RFPs issued by strategic sourcing.
Favorite Quote:
"Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else."- Sara Blakely
Marc Ensign
Director of Global Category Management
Sonoco
Marc Ensign
Director of Global Category Management
Sonoco School's Len Greenhalgh Develops Thousands of Minority Businesses
Marc Ensign, Director of Global Category Management for Sonoco, has grown the Supplier Diversity Program through supplier development in terms of knowledge and capacity. Working with his team, he expanded Sonoco's annual diversity conference to increase the number of financial sponsorships afforded to new diversity businesses to attend Tuck. Marc also oversees the funding provided to the regional NMSDC affiliate to sponsor an MBE Leadership Academy for new diverse businesses. He is particularly pleased that the value of diversity is embedded in the Sonoco culture, so internal discussions are now focused on how to do more at a faster pace and on how to promote innovation.
Marc works closely with a supplier diversity team, a D&I Council, and procurement and sales professionals. Each team member represents a particular business element and has specific responsibility related to the full supplier diversity initiative. Marc has a highly respected supplier diversity team that is held accountable for its actions and results. The team develops diverse business relationships and is expanding Sonoco's supplier diversity presence into new territories.
Favorite Quote:
"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten." - Henry Ford
Matt Greene
Manager, Toyota Purchasing - Exterior
Toyota
Matt Greene
Manager, Toyota Purchasing - Exterior
Matt Greene: An Advocate for Continuous Improvement
Toyota's founding principles – respect for people and continuous improvement – have always inspired Matt Greene's leadership style at the company.
While Supplier Diversity Manager at Toyota, Matt oversaw programs that advanced diversity and inclusion throughout the organization. He helped enhance communications with internal and external stakeholders by revamping the editorial focus and distribution of Toyota's supplier diversity newsletter. Matt also updated the Toyota supplier diversity policy and commitment statements to better reflect the company-wide dedication to diverse supplier development.
By connecting the dots between buying opportunities and M/WBEs, Matt and his team positioned current and future Toyota suppliers for greater economic growth. And because precise diverse spend reporting is essential for measuring progress, he initiated changes to Toyota's Tier I and Tier II tracking systems to better focus sourcing efforts.
Matt recently transitioned to a new role with Toyota Purchasing, where he'll continue to support his passion for expanding excellence and diversity within the company's supply base.
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years of trying to get other people interested in you" - Dale Carnegie
Rupert Warner Jr.
Program Manager for Supplier Diversity
USPS
Rupert Warner Jr.
Program Manager for Supplier Diversity
Rupert Warner Proactively Engages Diverse Suppliers at USPS
Rupert Warner Jr., Program Manager for Supplier Diversity at the United States Postal Service (USPS), believes proactive outreach is the key to engaging diverse suppliers in the buying process. He worked with a team to develop the supplier diversity corporate plan to ensure a continued focus on relationships with SMWOBs and institutes proactive business processes that provide suppliers greater access to USPS opportunities, including supplier registration. Rupert also developed a "Let's Do Business" guide to foster building relationships with a diverse community of suppliers.
Innovation is critical to USPS success, so Rupert vigorously scouts for emerging technologies, products and services that are of benefit to the USPS. He shares his findings with the appropriate stakeholders and business decision-makers, promoting the utilization of diverse businesses. Rupert conducts key business meetings to discuss USPS direction and to gather innovative ideas. He names four key best practices as critical to supplier diversity program success which are establishment of a formal corporate supplier diversity plan with performance indicators, institution of a policy, leadership support and goal setting.
Favorite Quote:
"I believe success is achieved by ordinary people with extraordinary determination." - Zig Ziglar
Mark Cartwright
Senior Director of Supplier Diversity
Vizient
Mark Cartwright
Senior Director of Supplier Diversity
Vizient's Mark Cartwright is Recognized Leader in Supplier Diversity
Currently the Senior Director of Supplier Diversity for Vizient, Mark Cartwright was previously the first Director of Supplier Diversity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is recognized for his knowledge, experience, and insights on supplier diversity processes, practices, and strategic importance. Mark currently collaborates with Vizient leaders to grow supplier diversity in clinical, operational and supply chain performance. Under his leadership, Vizient's supplier diversity program has become an industry recognized standard for quality and for achieving progress.
As the healthcare industry continues to transform, it is heavily dependent on innovation to offer delivery of affordable services and improved patient outcomes. Mark fills an industry leadership role in developing and implementing strategies to bring diverse suppliers into the healthcare supply chain to generate innovation while supporting local economic development. He has earned numerous awards and recognition from diversity advocacy groups, including the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Southwest Region. He is often invited as a supplier diversity expert to speak to industry business groups like the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Symposium.
Favorite Quote :
" If serving is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you." -Mark Cartwright