This award recognizes a WRMSDC certified MBE that has done the most business with other certified MBEs in the previous year.
This award recognizes buyers who advocate for Supplier Diversity, MBEs, and WRMSDC within their company and community, but who don’t work directly within Supplier Diversity.
This award recognizes a Certified Class 3 or 4 MBE or affiliate organization that has demonstrated company-wide support of WRMSDC and whose Supplier Diversity initiatives are moving the needle toward a more inclusive and diverse landscape.
ATR International
Company Owners: ATR was founded over thirty years ago by two immigrants, Maria Novoa-Brenholz and Jerry Brenholz. They began ATR so they could give opportunities to those who were overlooked or misunderstood by others. Ever since, ATR has been determined to make the world a better place, one job at a time.
Company Profiles: ATR International is a staffing and consulting leader that serves the IT, engineering, accounting & finance, professional, manufacturing, medical, and scientific industries. The organization delivers next-generation recruiting that enables businesses and communities to thrive while putting people to work.
Fun Fact: We have placed over 35,000 people into jobs totaling more than 14 million working hours.
Company Keywords:Staffing, Diversity, IT, Engineering, Recruiting, Jobs
Message to Community: Adversity will always exist. ATR was founded out of tremendous adversity, and we have experienced countless challenges over the years, the pandemic included. However, just because there will always be adversity does not mean we should give up hope. It should inspire us all to fight that much harder for true equality.
Diverse communities are rich and beautiful, and the world is slowly waking up to that fact with each passing day. The needle is moving slow, but through our collective efforts it is moving, and that progress is crucial. We’re not just fighting for ourselves or our peers; we’re fighting for our children, our grandchildren, and all the future generations of diverse individuals. If those living 50 years ago could see our foothold today, they’d be proud. Together, we can all make sure that diverse individuals 50 years from now are born into a society and business world of absolute equality.
🏆 Winner
Trident Consulting
Company Owners: Shabana grew up thinking every “no” could be be turned into a “yes.” She is the first MBA from a family and a community that both challenged, yet motivated her.
She has created the foundation of Trident, stressing transparency: client, consultant, and agency. Shabana learned through her journey that she is her own yardstick. She continually competes against her own success and motivates her team to do the same for themselves. Also, success for her is when she not only crosses her revenue goals but surpasses her fundraising goals for the various charities.
Shabana’s motto: “Half the fun in succeeding is in the process!”
She’ll ride whatever it takes to success: a solid client base, motivated team, safe community, Kawasaki Ninja, Mercedes SL550, or a Cessna 172!
Company Profiles: Trident's core competency surrounds finding the ideal candidate for client’s niche, and hard-to-fill positions. Trident has also recently been ranked #180 on Inc. 5000's 2021 fastest-growing private companies in California; and we're not done yet! Here are Tridents top 2 core competencies: - Niche/Hard-to-fill skills: We successfully service our clients' hard-to-find requirements with our dedicated team of 80+ recruiters along utilizing latest technology enabled ATS that makes it seamless to constantly deliver. - Accelerating clients D&I goals: We help clients fulfill their demand for diverse talent by finding professionals that meet criteria, including but not limited to gender and ethnicity.
Fun Fact: Our CEO is a dare devil. She even did Skydiving during the pandemic!
Company Keywords: Proudly staffing niche positions and diverse candidates.
Message to Community: The pandemic has brought seemingly insurmountable challenges to people across the world. But the optimist in me sees a bright side to it too. It has brought us closer and has taught us that working together regardless of race, ethnicity, community or color, makes us incredibly strong. I believe that even as we maintain healthy competition, we should support each other, and bring our combined forces to beat this unforeseen disaster. Together we can, and we will.
7-word Challenge Video
World Wide Technology, LLC
Company Owners: David Steward is the founder and chairman of IT provider World Wide Technology. In the early days, Steward sometimes went without a paycheck and once watched his car get repossessed from the office parking lot. Today he is majority owner of the $13.4 billion (sales) company.
Company Profiles: Founded in 1990, WWT has grown to become a global technology solution provider with $13.4 billion in annual revenue. With thousands of IT engineers, hundreds of application developers and unmatched labs for testing and deploying technology at scale, WWT helps customers bridge the gap between IT and the business. By bringing leading technology companies together in a physical yet virtualized environment through its Advanced Technology Center, WWT integrates individually impressive technologies to produce game-changing solutions.
Fun Fact: In 2020 we celebrated one of our best years and our 30th Anniversary during the Pandemic. WWT is the most successful company in the history of the 8A Program.
Company Keywords: Delivering Digital Outcomes & Modernizing IT Infrastructure Globally
Message to Community: We know that minority-owned businesses are struggling. This is a great opportunity to redefine your value. Fortune 500 companies have stated that they want to do more with minority owned businesses, but we have to be here in order for us to hold them accountable. At one point, WWT was millions of dollars in debt and we survived, you can too! Just keep your faith! -D. Arnold
This award recognizes an executive not working directly within Supplier Diversity who ensures that their company allocates resources (financial and otherwise) to WRMSDC and Supplier Diversity in the region
Devon Bryan, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: Devon Bryan is Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for MUFG Union Bank, N.A. and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive information security strategy and program to ensure that information assets and technologies are appropriately protected. Focused on developing solutions rather than just implementing policies, Devon facilitates business enablement versus enabling a narrowly defined security approach.
Company Profiles: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. With approximately 360 years of history, MUFG's global network has about 2,700 offices in over 50 markets with over 180,000 employees. As part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. MUFG Union Bank Americas is 13,000 colleagues strong connected by a commitment to inspire each other and propel a better financial future for our customers, community, and industry. We believe that by living our values, we’ll achieve a balance of size, success, and stability. And we’ll positively impact every individual, organization, and community we touch. With every action, we foster long-term relationships built on honesty, mutual understanding, and a passion for doing right. At every step, we embrace inclusion and diversity, in people and in thought. We inspire the best in each other and welcome new ideas and new thinking.
Fun Fact: Devon’s information security career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for over a decade as a Captain and lead network security engineer working on systems and programs to protect the critical network and communications networks of the Air Force’s Air Combat Command.
Message to Community: The late Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Junior is quoted as saying, “Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question is, What Are You Doing for Others?” I look forward to doing my best to keep answering his call to serve those less fortunate as much as I can and for as long as I can.
Dr. Ronald Copeland, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: Dr. Ronald Copeland is senior vice president and Chief Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Officer for Kaiser Permanente. He leads the work of the National Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (NEID) department and is responsible for leading the implementation of Kaiser Permanente's equity, inclusion, and diversity strategy, developing key initiatives, and providing expert consultation throughout the enterprise.
Company Profiles: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Fun Fact: When Dr. Copeland was 12 years old and thought he was going to be a budding artist, he sold his first four paintings.
Message to Community: At this time, feelings of stress and anxiety may be compounded for our members, colleagues, and communities by the social isolation and other challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge you to stay safe, and practice even more inclusiveness, understanding, and kindness. Leading equity is a choice and demands compassion, integrity, and courage. Lead where you stand and serve a cause bigger than yourself.
Denise Jackson, AMN Healthcare
Bio: Ms. Jackson is responsible for AMN Healthcare’s legal, corporate governance, compliance, equity compensation strategies, risk management, real estate, and government and community affairs functions. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arizona, a Master of Public Health from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the University of Arizona. Ms. Jackson is licensed as an attorney in California, the District of Columbia, Arizona, and New York, and holds the role of Corporate Governance Chair on the Board of Tractor Supply Company.
Company Profiles: AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for healthcare organizations across the nation. With insights and expertise, AMN Healthcare helps providers optimize their workforce to successfully reduce complexity, increase efficiency and improve patient outcomes. AMN Healthcare is committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.
Message to Community: For everyone in the healthcare industry and particularly within our diverse supplier community, 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges. Our society has been stressed and torn by a pandemic, racial injustice, and political divisiveness. This tested AMN Healthcare in how we continue serving the healthcare community while fulfilling our corporate social responsibility goals and advancing our mission amidst a turbulent environment.
Our COVID-19 response was a critical part of our business strategy and community commitment in 2020. With the need for healthcare professionals reaching historic levels during the pandemic, AMN Healthcare placed nearly 50,000 nurses, physicians, allied, and other professionals at hospitals and other facilities. Many of our nurses and other clinicians selflessly traveled to multiple pandemic hotspots on consecutive assignments. Our telehealth and other technology solutions became vital for healthcare organizations and schools to pivot and deliver critical healthcare services in a virtual environment. Our corporate staff achieved incredible feats in sourcing, recruiting, credentialing, placing, and onboarding clinicians to get them where they were needed most. The result was the most extensive and critical mobilization of healthcare professionals in our company’s history, which helped provide care to patients who needed it most.
7-word Challenge Video
Mary Beth Lang ScD, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: Mary Beth Lang joined Kaiser Permanente in March 2019 as the VP, Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer. She is a recognized for consistent success in developing clinically driven supply chain analytics, processes, and procedures to streamline health care operations, and enhance margin performance.
Lang obtained her Doctor of Science (DSc) in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University, where she researched physicians’ perceptions of changes to provide care delivery under healthcare payment reform. She holds a Master of Public Policy and Management in healthcare from Carnegie Mellon University and a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a licensed, registered Pharmacist in the state of Pennsylvania.
Company Profiles: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Message to Community: We have a responsibility to ourselves, each other, and our communities to be bold in our thinking and actions, innovative in our practices, and collaborative in our work.
Alexandra Lopez, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Bio: Alexandra Lopez is Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Cisco Systems, Inc. In this global leadership role, she oversees supplier diversity, sourcing and supplier management, contracts, purchasing, travel, contingent workforce, ethics, and risk. Her executive experience spans a spectrum of functions and verticals including operations, sales, marketing, strategic planning, finance, supply chain, engineering, transportation, logistics and banking. Alexandra is energized daily by the focused alignment between Cisco’s purpose of powering an inclusive future for all and the mission and commitment of her and the team she leads. She also takes pride in serving as Board Member and Past President of the YWCA, a Silicon Valley non-profit community service organization, providing local programs and services to women and girls.
Her executive experience covers a broad spectrum of functions and verticals including operations, sales, marketing, strategic planning, finance, supply chain, engineering, transportation, logistics and banking.
Company Profiles: Cisco is the worldwide technology leader with a global presence of 70,000+ people strong in nearly 100 countries. Throughout its 35-year legacy of helping customers do the impossible, Cisco prides itself with helping customers connect, secure, and automate to accelerate digital agility in a cloud-first world. Driving Cisco’s actions, conversations, and priorities is one company purpose: power an inclusive future for all. The company remains committed to its vision of accelerating full-spectrum diversity—including gender, age, race, ethnicity, orientation, ability, nationality, religion, veteran status, background, culture, experience, strengths, and perspectives. This starts with an executive leadership team (ELT) with 40% identifying as women, and 53% identifying as diverse in terms of gender and ethnicity. Collectively, this makes the company a global industry leader in ELT diversity.
Message to Community: I truly believe that the time is now for diverse supplier communities. In my opinion, there is a clear global shift in awareness and intentionality, regardless of industry. Finding companies to partner with that lead with dignity, respect, fairness, and equity, and show intentionality with their actions is critical now and in the future. To achieve an inclusive future for all, we need to work together which takes trust, transparency, and responsible behavior. This means ensuring that we continue our commitment to supplier diversity through the ongoing efforts to recruit and develop diverse businesses and provide them with access to opportunities. We’ve found that when access to opportunities exists, 23% of the diverse suppliers win the business..
🏆 Winner
Julius Robinson, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: Julius Robinson is Head of CSR for the Americas at MUFG Union Bank. As part of his responsibilities, he leads the bank’s Supplier Diversity efforts across the enterprise. To this end, Julius invests his time in a multitude of community economic educational organizations – both regionally and at the national level.
Company Profiles: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. With approximately 360 years of history, MUFG's global network has about 2,700 offices in over 50 markets with over 180,000 employees. As part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. MUFG Union Bank Americas is 13,000 colleagues strong connected by a commitment to inspire each other and propel a better financial future for our customers, community, and industry. We believe that by living our values, we’ll achieve a balance of size, success, and stability. And we’ll positively impact every individual, organization, and community we touch. With every action, we foster long-term relationships built on honesty, mutual understanding, and a passion for doing right. At every step, we embrace inclusion and diversity, in people and in thought. We inspire the best in each other and welcome new ideas and new thinking.
Fun Fact: Julius has an affinity and has developed a knack for cooking - experimenting with different flavors, textures and colors!
Message to Community: Now is not the time to give up hope but rather to redouble your efforts in growing your business - sustaining strong partnerships and business relationships that contribute to expanding value proposition for the work that you do. Resources like WRMSDC provides vital resources that is already proven to help small businesses sustain business operations and more importantly sustain the jobs for the employees that become so very important this year during the pandemic.
I think small businesses are really lucky to have an organization like WRMSDC which advocates strongly for small businesses to grow and prosper and compete directly and formidably with their mainstream counterparts. The WRMSDC works tirelessly to level the playing field by creating unique value propositions for MBEs to achieve success.
Gavriella Schuster, Microsoft Corporation
Bio: Gavriella is the Corporate Vice President of the Microsoft Commercial Partner team leading a global portfolio of channel partners that has influenced over $1 trillion in ecosystem revenues through Microsoft's fastest growing ecosystem. She has over 30 years of leadership in digital and cloud transformation roles, driving strategy and execution spanning all aspects of business model and product development, launch, marketing, sales and partner development. As a builder and change agent, she specializes in building new businesses. Last fall she was awarded the ATHENA global leadership award for her advocacy on behalf of women in IT. She most recently gave a TEDx talk on gender equity.
Company Profiles: Microsoft is a technology company whose mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We strive to create local opportunity, growth, and impact in every country around the world. Our platforms and tools help drive small business productivity, large business competitiveness, and public-sector efficiency. They also support new startups, improve educational and health outcomes, and empower human ingenuity. As the world responds to the outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”), we are working to do our part by ensuring the safety of our employees, striving to protect the health and well-being of the communities in which we operate, and providing technology and resources to our customers to help them do their best work while remote.
Fun Fact: I have played the violin since I was 5 years old
Message to Community: I believe it's important for leaders to understand now is the time to drive for change and we play a critical role in creating access for under-served communities, and doing so isn't just the right thing to do for society, it's the right thing to do for your business too. According to a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group, organizations with diverse leadership teams have 19% higher profitability. They have greater levels of employee engagement. They have higher levels of customer satisfaction. Because a diverse leadership team is creating products and services that better reflects the diversity of their customer base. Of course, that level of inclusion extends to the suppliers we work with.
In my organization at Microsoft, we've been talking a lot about how important it is to have a diverse partner ecosystem that is building for impact and an inclusive economy--an economy built on participation, equity, growth, stability, and sustainability. Inclusive growth strategies lead to shared prosperity, especially for communities facing the greatest barriers to equal social participation. It's up to all of us as leaders to create the change the world needs.
7-word Challenge Video
Alex Victor, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Bio: Alex Victor joined PG&E in 2011 as the Director of the Data Center Modernization. In 2014 Mr. Victor was promoted to Sr. Director, IT Data Center Operations and then spent a year and a half as Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations assignment. Currently, he is Senior Director, IT Applications & Infrastructure. Mr. Victor is known for his open communication and seeking to understand the other person’s point of view. He is an “active leader” in that once he agrees with a direction, he will immerse himself into that implementation and see it through. During his tenure at PG&E, he has consistently collaborated with diverse suppliers on many IT projects and while he demands value, he motivates diverse suppliers to achieve greater success with positive coaching and encouragement. He is always respectful and cares deeply for his employees and business partners alike.
Company Profiles: For nearly 40 years, Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) partnership with diverse suppliers has increased economic opportunities in our local communities while enhancing our mission to provide safe and affordable gas and electric service to our customers. PG&E is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California.
Fun Fact: Alex is Greek but loves Mexican food.
This award recognizes a Local/Regional Corporate Member that has demonstrated company-wide support of WRMSDC and whose Supplier Diversity initiatives are moving the needle toward a more inclusive and diverse landscape.
🏆 Winner
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Company Profiles: Cisco is the worldwide technology leader with a global presence of 70,000+ people strong in nearly 100 countries. Throughout its 35-year legacy of helping customers do the impossible, Cisco prides itself with helping customers connect, secure, and automate to accelerate digital agility in a cloud-first world.
Driving Cisco’s actions, conversations, and priorities is one company purpose: power an inclusive future for all. The company remains committed to its vision of accelerating full-spectrum diversity—including gender, age, race, ethnicity, orientation, ability, nationality, religion, veteran status, background, culture, experience, strengths, and perspectives. This starts with an executive leadership team (ELT) with 40% identifying as women, and 53% identifying as diverse in terms of gender and ethnicity. Collectively, this makes the company a global industry leader in ELT diversity.
Message to Community: To achieve an inclusive future for all, we need to work together which takes trust, transparency, and responsible behavior. This means ensuring that we continue our commitment to supplier diversity through the ongoing efforts to recruit and develop diverse businesses, and provide them with access to opportunities.
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Company Profiles: Established in 1914 by the state legislature, State Fund is California's most reliable provider of workers' compensation insurance and a vital asset to California businesses. State Fund supports California's entrepreneurial spirit and plays a stabilizing role in the economy by providing fairly priced workers' compensation insurance, helping California employers keep their workplaces safe, and restoring injured workers.
Message to Community: During the pandemic, our CEO began to distribute written and video messages to keep our workforce connected and informed. Topics may include business updates, successes, and new strategies. Our CEO also speaks out about social issues such as the George Floyd murder, Asian American hate, and ethnic holidays and occasions. In an address to our workforce regarding George Floyd, our CEO, Vern Steiner said, “Let’s please remember our Core Values, particularly the value of ‘Respect Everyone.’ If we focus on that, we may be able to improve both our understanding of and our empathy for those who have suffered through experiences that make Mr. Floyd’s death an unnecessary tragedy as well as a deeply personal reminder of cruel injustice and frightening vulnerability. Let us be a beacon of understanding and kindness to each other and those we are here to serve.”
This award recognizes a Corporate Member that has demonstrated company-wide support of WRMSDC and whose Supplier Diversity initiatives are moving the needle toward a more inclusive and diverse landscape.
AMN Healthcare
Company Profiles: AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for healthcare organizations across the nation. With insights and expertise, AMN Healthcare helps providers optimize their workforce to successfully reduce complexity, increase efficiency and improve patient outcomes. AMN Healthcare is committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.
Fun Fact: In March 1985, AMN Healthcare (formerly American Mobile Nurses) placed its first traveler, Doris Ward, through Washoe Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. Since then, the company has expanded to acquire 22 organizations and become the largest total talent solutions partner to healthcare systems across the nation.
Message to Community: For everyone in the healthcare industry and particularly within our diverse supplier community, 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges. This tested AMN in how we continue serving the healthcare community while fulfilling our corporate social responsibility goals and advancing our mission amidst a turbulent environment.
Our COVID-19 response was a critical part of our business strategy and community commitment. With the need for healthcare professionals reaching historic levels during the pandemic, AMN Healthcare placed nearly 50,000 nurses, physicians, allied, and other professionals at hospitals and other facilities. Many of our nurses and other clinicians selflessly traveled to multiple pandemic hotspots on consecutive assignments. Our technology solutions became vital for healthcare organizations and schools to pivot and deliver critical healthcare services in a virtual environment. By acquiring Status Video, the largest and foremost telehealth-based language interpretation services company, we also expanded on our solution to achieve health equity and address healthcare disparities. Our corporate staff achieved incredible feats in sourcing, recruiting, credentialing, placing, and onboarding clinicians to get them where they were needed most. The result was the most extensive and critical mobilization of healthcare professionals in our company’s history, which helped provide care to patients who needed it most.
7-word Challenge Video
Apple
Company Profiles: Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms—iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS—provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.
Message to Community: In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.”
With every breath we take, we must commit to being that change, and to creating a better, more just world for everyone. - Tim Cook
🏆 Winner
Kaiser Permanente
Company Profiles: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Message to Community: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much uncertainty ahead. Affordability and the commitment to our communities is more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Company Profiles: At MUFG Union Bank, we believe that by living our values, we’ll achieve a balance of size, success, and stability. And we’ll positively impact every individual, organization, and community we touch. With every action, we foster long-term relationships built on honesty, mutual understanding, and a passion for doing right. At every step, we embrace inclusion and diversity, in people and in thought. We inspire the best in each other and welcome new ideas and new thinking.
Message to Community: Resources like WRMSDC provide vital resources that are already proven to help small businesses sustain business operations and more importantly sustain the jobs for the employees that became so very important this year during the pandemic. Small businesses are fortunate to have organizations like WRMSDC, which advocate strongly for small businesses to grow and prosper and compete directly and formidably with their mainstream counterparts. The WRMSDC works tirelessly to level the playing field by creating unique value propositions for MBEs to achieve success.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Company Profiles: For nearly 40 years, Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) partnership with diverse suppliers has increased economic opportunities in our local communities while enhancing our mission to provide safe and affordable gas and electric service to our customers. PG&E is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California.
Fun Fact: For the first time in its 40 year history, PG&E is proud to report its highest spending ever with WMDVLGBTBEs—$3.9 billion or 38.9 percent of Net Procurement.
Message to Community: "Energy companies like PG&E exist for one fundamental purpose—to serve our customers well. Delivering on that promise is my passion. I see our job as producing results that flow beyond the profit and loss of a traditional balance sheet, yielding tangible benefits for people, the planet, and our shared prosperity.
PG&E’s diverse suppliers contribute to all three elements of this “triple bottom line.” In addition to the goods and services essential to our daily operations, they provide jobs and create opportunities. They help drive efforts to speed the clean energy transition and work to thwart climate change. And they bolster the economies of the communities they call home, and which we are privileged to serve.
Amid the unprecedented challenges of 2020, we saw this value more clearly than ever. Despite a global pandemic that left many small businesses reeling, PG&E’s diverse suppliers came through for us in remarkable ways, and when we needed them most.
- Patti Poppe, Chief Executive Officer, PG&E Corporation
- 2020 PG&E Annual Report and 2021 Annual Plan"
This award recognizes director-level or above team leaders working within Procurement and Purchasing who advocate for Supplier Diversity, MBEs, and WRMSDC within their company and community but who don’t work directly within Supplier Diversity.
Ivan Calderon, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: Ivan graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) in 2006 with concurrent bachelor’s degrees in Supply Chain Management and Business Management, and a certificate in International Business. After college, Ivan started his career at Citigroup as an Operations Analyst. Ivan also worked for American Express as a Risk Strategy Manager, followed by Wells Fargo as an Operational Risk Consultant prior to joining MUFG in 2016 as Procurement Manager.
Company Profiles: At MUFG Union Bank, we believe that by living our values, we’ll achieve a balance of size, success, and stability. And we’ll positively impact every individual, organization, and community we touch. With every action, we foster long-term relationships built on honesty, mutual understanding, and a passion for doing right. At every step, we embrace inclusion and diversity, in people and in thought and inspire the best in each other by welcoming new ideas and new thinking.
Fun Fact: Ivan is a famous comedian and singer!
Message to Community: Small businesses are fortunate to have all organizations like WRMSDC which advocate strongly for opportunities for small businesses to grow and prosper and compete directly and formidably with their mainstream counterparts. The WRMSDC works tirelessly to level the playing field by creating unique value propositions for MBEs to achieve success.
Brooke Fan, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: Brooke Fan is the Executive Director of Buy to Pay Customer and Supplier Experience at Kaiser Permanente. Brooke is responsible for driving strategic initiatives to improve the full procure to pay process, including leading the Buy to Pay Vendor Risk and Data Office. In her previous role as the Executive Director of Demand Planning and Inventory Optimization, she co-led the KP Supply Chain Transformation Initiative building supply chain fundamentals and demand and inventory planning capabilities across the Kaiser Permanente regions.
Company Profiles: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Message to Community: In these uncertain and unprecedented times, it’s important for our communities to come together. Only by taking care of each other, in whatever ways we can make our world equitable, just, and healthy.
🏆 Winner
Walter Freeman, Apple
Bio: Walter’s passion for supporting the Blacks in America & Business efforts started with his parents who were involved in the Civil Rights efforts in the 60’s & 70’s in the Hartford/Windsor, CT area. Walter has been involved in supplier Diversity efforts during his employment at Apple, Compaq, Dell, Digital Equipment Corporation and Pratt & Whitney. Currently Walter leads Apple's Supplier Diversity Program Walter is a graduate of Boston University and has a Masters in Management from Cambridge College, which are both located in Boston, MA.
Company Profiles: Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms—iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS—provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.
Fun Fact: Distant relative of W.E.B.Du Bois
Message to Community: Today, more than ever, Apple is laser-focused on ensuring that MBE companies are provided an opportunity to work and grow with Apple.
7-word Challenge Video
David Kevane, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Bio: David was born in San Juan Puerto Rico and lived there until going off to school in Pennsylvania. He earned a BA in American History and after several years running a pizza joint, earned an MBA in Marketing. He has worked at 4 Fortune 500 companies spanning hospitality, telecom, financial services and now energy/utilities. He is married with 4 smart daughters and lives in Oakland, CA.
Company Profiles: For nearly 40 years, Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) partnership with diverse suppliers has increased economic opportunities in our local communities while enhancing our mission to provide safe and affordable gas and electric service to our customers. PG&E is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California.
Fun Fact: One of 8 children; born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico; climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and recommends it to everyone as a fantastic journey
Message to Community: Lets continue to work together to make California a more lasting, just home for everyone.
7-word Challenge Video
Denise Lombard, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Bio: Denise is well known for her ability to build and lead high performing global teams. Her expertise in solving complex business problems and providing outstanding service to internal and external customers sets her apart in transforming operations. In over 14 years with Cisco, she has held various leadership positions within Services, Sales, and Operations.
Company Profiles: Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that has been making the Internet work since 1984. Our people, products, and partners help society securely connect and seize tomorrow’s digital opportunity today.
Fun Fact: Denise is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children and board member of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley.
Message to Community: To achieve an inclusive future for all, we need to work together which takes trust, transparency, and responsible behavior. This means ensuring that we continue our commitment to supplier diversity through the ongoing efforts to recruit and develop diverse businesses, and provide them with access to opportunities.
This award recognizes a Supplier Diversity professional (Executive, Director, Manager, Coordinator, Specialist working within Supplier Diversity) who has made significant contributions to WRMSDC with their time, support, and advocacy, and who has championed Supplier Diversity and MBEs within their own company.
David Pell, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Bio: I have devoted my career to promoting the value of diversity as a small business owner, consultant and employee. I have had the opportunity to help some of Northern California’s largest corporations develop best in class supplier diversity programs. Since joining PG&E in April of 2013, I have been responsible for implementing key supplier diversity initiatives to increase PG&E supplier diversity program performance with seven lines of business essential to PG&E’s successful business operations.
Company Profiles: For nearly 40 years, Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s partnership with diverse suppliers has increased economic opportunities in our local communities while enhancing our mission to provide safe and affordable gas and electric service to our customers. Pacific Gas and Electric Company is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California.
Fun Fact: David enjoys spend weekends exploring beautiful Northern California with his wife Melissa.
Message to Community: Even as the pandemic has very adversely impacted the small and diverse business throughout the United States and the rest of the world, the commitment of corporations like PG&E and the other corporate members of WRMSDC is a testament to the benefits these companies reap from having robust supplier diversity programs. A supplier diversity commitment benefits a company because it: promotes innovation through the introduction of new products, services, and solutions; provides multiple channels from which to procure goods and services; and drives competition (on price and service levels) between the company's existing and potential vendors..
7-word Challenge Video
🏆 Winner
Miquel "Mick" Penn, Swinerton
Bio: Miquel “Mick” Penn works for Swinerton Builders as the Northern California Regional Community Relations Liaison. Mr. Penn currently serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Minority Contractors – Nor Cal, Cypress Mandela Training Center, Mission Hiring Hall and City of Richmond Workforce Development Board. Mr. Penn has a BA from San Francisco State and a Master of Public Administration from University of San Francisco, where he focused on intersectoral leadership.
Company Profiles: Swinerton is proud to celebrate our 28th year of our Supplier Diversity Program. Swinerton is strongly committed to promoting and increasing participation of small, minority, women, veteran, and disabled veteran business enterprises in all our purchasing and contract business.
Fun Fact: Mick used to be a 5-night-a-week professional DJ – Mushroom Jazz Mondays, Breathe Deep Tuesdays, Self-Promotion Fridays, Release Saturdays and Spundaze Sundays!
Message to Community: Those 7 words from the challenge THINK BIG DREAM BIG BE YOUR BEST is my message. I know that the last year and this one have been so challenging for our MBEs but we are turning the corner of the pandemic. I think the diverse suppliers should be able to think and dream BIG and be prepared to seize the opportunities that are coming our way.
7-word Challenge Video
Sylvia L. Daniels Ray, Cardinal Health
Bio: Sylvia L. Daniels Ray is a multi-disciplinary supply chain and supplier diversity professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in Supplier Diversity program management, Vendor Management, Diversity & Inclusion, and policy compliance.
Company Profiles: Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. is a global, integrated healthcare services and products company, providing customized solutions for hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and physician offices worldwide. The company provides clinically-proven medical products and pharmaceuticals and cost-effective solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency from hospital to home. Cardinal Health connects patients, providers, payers, pharmacists and manufacturers for integrated care coordination and better patient management. Backed by nearly 100 years of experience, with approximately 50,000 employees in 46 countries, Cardinal Health ranks among the top 25 on the Fortune 500.
Fun Fact: Sylvia is also a writer, a published author and an entrepreneur.
Message to Community: During these challenging times, I've watched diverse suppliers shine. From business owners who pivoted to use their connections and business integrity to find and secure safe PPE products for clinical staff caring for sick patients, to those that pivoted to manufacture PPE products when their core industry was fashion design. I've seen businesses pull their resources together and partner to ensure they both survived the financial storm and I've seen businesses move quickly from an in-person model to an in-home model to help serve their customers. I've even personally experienced business owners that felt overwhelmed by the stress of this time, but they got back up, dusted themselves off and tried harder because so many were dependent upon them. Your courage in the midst of these times is worthy of celebration. You have grit. You are tenacious and we appreciate what it takes for you to help our communities and our Country survive and thrive. Never give up!
7-word Challenge Video
Donna Ruff, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: The commitment to promote economic vitality through supplier diversity is what drives me to continue advocacy for DBE's through promotion, outreach and mentorship.
Company Profiles: At MUFG Union Bank, we believe that by living our values, we’ll achieve a balance of size, success, and stability. And we’ll positively impact every individual, organization, and community we touch. With every action, we foster long-term relationships built on honesty, mutual understanding, and a passion for doing right. At every step, we embrace inclusion and diversity, in people and in thought. We inspire the best in each other and welcome new ideas and new thinking.
Message to Community: Listen Up. Speak Up. With everything that is going on in the world, I don’t think there is a more important time than now to actively listen to diverse perspectives, stretch our thinking, call out behaviors that do not align with our values and conduct, and propose innovative ideas.
Scott A. Vowels, Apple
Bio: I have been in the Supplier Diversity Industry almost 20 years. I have published 2 best selling books in the Supplier Diversity. I am in my 8th year at Apple, which is the longest I have ever held a job in any one organization.
Company Profiles: Apple is the world's largest company (as of this writing) based on Market Cap. Apple's Supplier Diversity spend has grown more than 12-fold since 2013, when Scott started. As of FY202 Apple currently employs more than 147 thousand people globally.
Fun Fact: I have never seen an episode of The Voice, The Bachelor (Bachelorette) or any Real Housewives show. My nephew is about to graduate from the University of Michigan and has never made less than a A in his entire academic career (kindergarten through college).
Message to Community: Whether it’s co-creating The Bigger Discussion (TBD) series with over 100,000 YouTube views, writing best selling books on Supplier Diversity or simply sharing an opinion on a panel, I have always tried to move the industry I am so passionate about and privileged to serve in, to the next level. There is still so much more work to do, but I have to believe that we as a race--the human race--can, must, and will do better. I want and need desperately to be a positive catalyst for that change. I am so proud to be a member of the larger Supplier Diversity community because I believe there is strength in numbers, and I know that each and every member of this community is striving to make this world a better place.
Bryan Wiggins, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Bio: For Bryan, promoting diversity is all about passion. In his current role as Supplier Diversity Program Lead, he embraces diversity and drives the program forward to meet Cisco’s ever-evolving needs. Bryan is also the Co-Chair of the Cisco RTP Veteran’s employee resource organization, Past President of Temple Beth Or in Raleigh, NC, and a graduate of NC State University.
Company Profiles: Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that has been making the Internet work since 1984. Our people, products, and partners help society securely connect and seize tomorrow’s digital opportunity today.
Fun Fact: Bryan was a former US Army helicopter pilot.
Message to Community: To achieve an inclusive future for all, we need to work together which takes trust, transparency, and responsible behavior. This means ensuring that we continue our commitment to supplier diversity through the ongoing efforts to recruit and develop diverse businesses, and provide them with access to opportunities..
7-word Challenge Video
Edna Zapata-Fuller, State Compensation Insurance Fund
Bio: I am passionate about supporting diverse vendors and providing avenues for them to do business with not only State Fund but other companies. I'm an advocate and mentor to all who wish to inquire.
Company Profiles: Our vision of becoming California’s Workers Compensation Carrier of Choice and provide fairly-priced workers compensation insurance helps make workspaces safe and restore injured workers.
Fun Fact: I am a chocoholic.
Message to Community: Failures and obstacles are the things that lead to success. Believe in what you do best. With perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude, nothing is impossible. Stay strong and do not give up! We are in this together and we will prevail.
This award recognizes four WRMSDC certified MBEs that demonstrate excellence in their services and products and show growth in sales and job creation. Winners are automatically entered in the NMSDC competition.
🏆 Winner
CESS
Company Owners: Oscar Aliaga has been in the electrical industry since 1997; starting in the warehouse as a driver, he worked his way up to ownership in 2010. He became a US citizen in 2009. Since moving here from Peru in 1981, Oscar has lived in Las Vegas, NV and has raised 5 amazing boys.
Company Profiles: CESS is a streamlined supply chain solutions provider, supplying lighting, electrical, and low voltage product solutions for a variety of customers across multiple industries.
Fun Fact: CESS used to supply Tiger Shampoo for the Siegfried & Roy show.
Company Keywords: Lighting, Electrical, Datacommunications, Sustainability, LED Technology, Supplier, Project Management, Supply Chain
Message to Community: Tough times don't last, tough people do.
7-word Challenge Video
Sonny Sushi Company, Inc.
Company Owners: Sann Ni (Sonny) is originally from Burma. He founded Sonny Sushi Company, Inc. in 2002 as a small family business and has helped the company grow to a Class 2 MBE today. He enjoys reading and travelling around the world with family.
Company Profiles: Sonny Sushi is a large-scale event supplier of sushi and gourmet products. We are an award-winning Las Vegas company providing fresh and healthy foods to our customers. Community development and contributing to local Nevada economy is one of our values.
Fun Fact: Quality, Excellent Service, Safety, Healthy, Fresh, Award Winning
Company Keywords: Quality, Excellent Service, Safety, Healthy, Fresh, Award Winning
Message to Community: Staying positive is the key to success in business, especially in these challenging times. Stay positive and strong with dedication and hard work. Good things will come along.
Trilyon, Inc.
Company Owners: Carolyn Joshua is Trilyon’s president and CEO. She credits her parents, who are both entrepreneurs, as part of her inspiration to start her own business. Her first job after earning an MBA in business and finance was in the consulting space where she gained a wealth of experience, technical know-how and an appreciation for customer service excellence. Those experiences and opportunities gave her the confidence and drive to begin her business. A results-driven and accomplished business leader, she is passionate about building great companies, recruiting and developing strong teams, and creating a win-win model for global customers and partners.
Company Profiles: For over a decade, Trilyon has set the standard for excellence in consulting services. Its primary niche is structured content management and product documentation services. The company’s full-service solutions have contributed to the success of such well-known Silicon Valley companies as Google, Cisco, Samsung, Hitachi and Oracle. Trilyon’s projects are staffed by an extensive network of top industry specialists; typical job classifications include information architects, instructional designers, technical writers, content developers, video producers, localization experts and editors. Consultants have proven experience in highly sought-after areas of expertise including content strategy, structured authoring with DITA and Content Management Systems (CMS).
Fun Fact:Our motto is to think like a trilyon-aire!
Company Keywords: Technical Writing, Content Strategy, Video Production, Localization, Program Management
Message to Community: At a time when many corporations are re-evaluating their business model, focusing on niche and custom tailored services can be an MBE's competitive advantage.
Press Release