Gladys Z. Lopez is the supplier diversity and E-sourcing program manager at American Express. Despite the economic challenges and the actions the company took to reduce its expenses during the downturn, Lopez continued to push for a focus on supplier diversity and identified opportunities to award business to minority firms.

Since enhancing supplier procurement procedures in 2004, Amex has experienced a substantial increase in spend with minority-and women-owned suppliers. Lopez is actively engaged in strategic sourcing discussions to minimize the impact of the reduction in spending to suppliers and continues to seek new diverse suppliers.

The main focus continues to be increasing diverse spend and suppliers in the supply chain, while the greatest challenge is identifying diverse suppliers for the right opportunities at the right time. Lopez has helped to develop a comprehensive program to actively meet, engage and learn more about the diverse pool of supplier candidates available to be able to address this challenge.

Quote: “Well done is better than well said.” - by Charles Swindoll

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