I grew up in a diverse uptown neighborhood in New York City surrounded by family that valued diversity and inclusion. It’s been something I’ve always embraced. It’s ingrained in me, and it’s truly just the right thing to do.

Everyone should feel accepted, seen, respected, and valued. In my role as Manager of Supplier Diversity, I’m continuously learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout the years, the awareness of DEI has grown and empowered me to create a deeper level of awareness around supplier diversity for others. Providing diverse supplier exposure at the client and customer level is a driving force that assists the diverse supplier and client/customer to reach new heights while executing on their diversity goals.

We are committed to fostering a supply chain that is as diverse as our clients and communities. We have sponsored a series of mentorship programs geared toward these exact businesses in key U.S. markets.

Our mentorship programs are designed to help minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) scale their businesses and potentially join Avendra’s supply chain of small, diverse-owned suppliers. We also extend these mentorship programs to our contracted diverse suppliers to create growth.

Many of the programs’ mentors, speakers, and coaches are our very own employees. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, they’re sharing their time and expertise to help MWBEs compete in the marketplace.

Personally, I engage by volunteering in Aramark’s Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Our ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups made up of individuals who come together based on common interests, backgrounds, or demographic factors.

When we all work together, we make the world a better place and solve problems more effectively. Recently, there was missing spend from a diverse meat manufacturer for one of our client’s customer properties. As a team, Account Management, Analytics, Data Management, and Diversity all came together to fix the issue and better serve our client. When our clients and customers are happy with the level of service and work ethic provided, it’s a great day at Avendra.

Our supplier base reflects our values of equity and inclusion – supplier diversity creates value, opportunity, and economic impact. We are committed to continuously developing an innovative and inclusive supply chain and are proud to partner with a broad network of small organizations and businesses owned and operated by minorities, women, and other diverse populations.

Interested in joining our diverse supplier network? Get started by completing this form: https://www.avendragroup.com/contact-us/prospective-suppliers/prospective-supplier-form/