about
Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) Awards celebrate the best minority suppliers, Corporate Members, and community partners in Northern California, Nevada, and Hawai‘i.
Winners will be announced at our virtual Excellence in Supplier Diversity Awards Gala & Fundraiser.
What is the 7-word video challenge? Many of our contenders have chosen to film themselves speaking 7 meaningful words. The challenge is seeing who can convey their message in just 7 words.
About the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC)
The best way to make sure children have access to food, safety, and education is to ensure that parents and caregivers have good jobs. As a family’s income increases, their exposure to violence, poverty, and the likelihood of incarceration decreases. WRMSDC’s programs drive the job and wealth creation essential to thriving underserved communities.
Visit us at www.wrmsdc.org.
Winners will be announced at our virtual Excellence in Supplier Diversity Awards Gala & Fundraiser.
What is the 7-word video challenge? Many of our contenders have chosen to film themselves speaking 7 meaningful words. The challenge is seeing who can convey their message in just 7 words.
About the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC)
The best way to make sure children have access to food, safety, and education is to ensure that parents and caregivers have good jobs. As a family’s income increases, their exposure to violence, poverty, and the likelihood of incarceration decreases. WRMSDC’s programs drive the job and wealth creation essential to thriving underserved communities.
Visit us at www.wrmsdc.org.
honorees
Special Note: “MBE” stands for Minority-owned Business Enterprise
🏆 Winner
President's Award
EY
EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform, and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
- Fun Fact: EY collaborates with leading impact investors and entrepreneurship networks to provide skills development and coaching programs for impact entrepreneurs. EY and Tech Nation offer free courses for entrepreneurs -Please go to this link for more information: https://campaigns.technation.io/ey?hs_preview=IuEDGlkx-33335342091
- Top Three Values: Our values define who we are:
People who demonstrate integrity, respect, teaming, and inclusiveness
People with energy, enthusiasm, and the courage to lead
People who build relationships based on doing the right thing - Quote: "Our commitment is to inspire diverse suppliers to think big and be confident in their ability to provide high quality products and services that meet our needs. Through our initiative we aim to create a distinctive experience for suppliers by teaming together to develop innovative solutions, strategies and accelerating possibilities as we respond with a diverse mindset to our customers, clients, and communities around us," says Larry Phelan, EY Global Chief Supply Chain Officer.
- Impact: The EY organization has been associated with entrepreneurs worldwide for more than three decades. Our entrepreneurial advocacy spans among public policy, a global network delivering business insight and guidance, and continued celebration of their contributions to world economies. EY stands for entrepreneurs — for their ambition, vision, and can-do. We stand for entrepreneurship for all.
Assisting diverse entrepreneurs in achieving their potential is a key priority for EY. In the last decade, we have created numerous opportunities for our diverse entrepreneurs, through the following programs:
EY Entrepreneurs Access Network
EY Ripples Business Clinics
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ - Who Will Accept Award:Theresa Harrison
- Bio: As EY Director – Environmental Social Governance Services (ESGS) in Procurement, Theresa drives an inclusive and sustainable mindset to procure in a sustainable way looking beyond short-term needs and considering the longer-term impacts. She oversees EY’s approach to create a distinctive experience for small, diverse, and sustainable suppliers by teaming together to develop innovative solutions and strategies for EY, our clients, and the communities we serve.
Booth Picture of team, connecting with EAN cohort at Strategic Growth Forum
🏆 Winner
The Warrior Award
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International is a global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 29 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings in the United States and Macau.
- Fun Fact: While gaming is huge for MGMRI we are also known for entertainment. In one year, we sold more than 12 million tickets for more than 10,000 shows and attractions at our 35 entertainment venues.
- Top Three Values: Teamwork, Integrity, Inclusion
- Quote: MGM Resorts actively champions inclusion within the fabric of our business through internal ambassadors known as the Supplier Inclusion Taskforce (SIT). Led by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, this cadre is made up of senior leaders from across our organization who are empowered to evaluate and enhance all things supplier diversity. During its first year, the Taskforce has minimized critical barriers facing business owners, elevated our diversity mentorship programming, and implemented best practices to support a robust program and pipeline for diverse-owned businesses.
- Impact: As a member of the communities in which we operate, we understand our responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of where we live. Our strategies aim to reflect, sustain, and build on the best of a community, creating good jobs, strong wages, resilient skills, and workforce development opportunities for our neighbors. At MGMRI, we also give generously to our neighbors, which embodies our core value of embracing humanity every day. We are passionately committed to active engagement in volunteerism and philanthropic opportunities — from global commitments to meeting local area needs.
- Who Will Accept Award: Gregg J. Williams Sr. Vice President IT – Technology Solutions
- Bio: Gregg Williams, IT leader with more than 35 years of extensive IT infrastructure management experience and expertise. This includes experience integrating IT strategies in execution with key business objectives. Gregg also enjoys sports, volunteering, and family time.
- Extra: During 2021, MGMRI achieved 84% of their 2025 goal to graduate 50 certified diverse businesses from their rigorous Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program. Their revised goal is to graduate 150 certified businesses in the same time frame.
When we look at these photos we are reminded of the importance of community and togetherness.
🏆 Winner
The Ambassador Award
Turner Construction
Founded in 1902, Turner Construction Company helped change the way a new generation of buildings were constructed. We pride ourselves as being an innovative service provider that is dedicated to our clients and achieving the highest performance construction standards. In almost 60 years in Northern California, we’ve led the industry in Green Building, Design-Build, and contributed to some of the most iconic structures all over the Region.
7-word Challenge Video
- Fun Fact: The construction industry is building the change it wants to see in the world. Through the Time for Change Consortium and Turner's own Building Better Workplaces program, we are making a difference one organization, one jobsite, one person at a time. Turner has a zero tolerance for harassment, racism, discrimination, and bigotry. We are working closely with our industry partners, clients, and competitors to create lasting change in the industry.
- Top Three Values: 1. Create the right environment where people can be at their best, be authentic, and be treated with respect and dignity.
2. Advance social justice and economic parity through our work.
3. Lead and work with empathy. - Quote: “Belief in oneself and knowing who you are, I mean, that’s the foundation for everything great.” – Jay-Z. Yes, I've quoted Jay-Z, but I believe it is something diverse business owners should remind themselves. Stay true to who you are and the business you started. This climate has forced businesses to pivot and adapt, but it's important to keep the business integrity intact during all the change. Be intentional with your decisions and know what resources are available to you.
- Impact: Turner believes in and practices the motto “building a better future.” We strive to deliver a superior job to our customers, build enduring relationships with our trade partners, and commit to developing the communities in which we build. We have a long history of demonstrating our motto, and through our supplier diversity program we maximize opportunities for diverse businesses. As a leading builder, it is our responsibility to positively influence and engage these businesses that do not have an equal footing. To support our commitment to supplier diversity, Turner has a 20% diverse business utilization goal regardless of contractual obligations.
- Who Will Accept Award: Bianca Johnson, Community & Citizenship Director
- Bio: Native to San Francisco, Bianca is dedicated to the local community. With the social complexities and micro-communities throughout Northern California, Bianca’s tenure in the community enables Turner to advance these challenges and bring rewarding experiences to underrepresented business enterprises. With a focus on three strategic pillars – Economic Development, Youth/Workforce Development, and Philanthropy – she sets out to make the greatest impact to the community where we live and work.
In addition to driving our company's Supplier Diversity team, Bianca is a proud mother of a growing, energy-filled, baby girl named Nola. Having a child of mixed race further fuels her efforts to make even small impacts in the world she'll grow up in.
We're so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of diverse employees that come together under what's called the Mosaic Network. A Turner Employee Resource Group, these individuals have come together to support our impact in the community and further our inclusion efforts. The photo shows members of our team as they joined forces to paint Black Lives Matter on the streets of Oakland and clean-up business storefronts that were impacted during the civil unrest.
Despite having to go virtual, Turner was still able offer the Turner School of Construction Management training program to small an diverse businesses in our community. This multi-week, free program is taught by seasoned Turner employees and provides small and diverse businesses with informational training on topics including estimating, business development, bonding, insurance, scheduling, and management. Since inception, the program has graduated more than 39,000 small and diverse businesses nationally. Through programs like this, we are able to share industry knowledge and best practices that help businesses develop their capacity to grow.
7-word Challenge Video
🏆 Winner
The Guardian Award
Salvador Peinado Jr
Supplier Diversity Program Lead
Supplier Diversity Program Lead
Sal joined Autodesk Inc., in October 2020. He is responsible for developing and implementing Autodesk Inc.’s global Responsible Sourcing program which includes supplier diversity and sustainable purchasing. He is past Chair of the California Department of Insurance Diversity Task Force. He has a B.A in Economics from UC Berkeley and a M.A. in Economics from San Jose State University. Sal also taught courses in Microeconomics and Investments at San Jose State University.
Company Bio: We make the software that enables people to build a better world.
7-word Challenge Video
Company Bio: We make the software that enables people to build a better world.
- Fun Fact: I am an identical twin, and we were born on our older sister's 1 year birthday.
- Motivation: Throughout my life and career, there have been people who've looked out for me. Who believed I could do better if given an opportunity. Without those opportunities, my life would be different. Knowing that motivates me to provide others with opportunities to better themselves. I believe people rise to expectations when given the opportunity.
- Childhood Ambition: Growing up in a small agricultural town and working in the fields, I knew I did not want to work in the fields as an adult. I left for college and never went back home (except to visit mom).
- Legacy: I'd like my legacy to be that I was a good man and at times made people laugh.
- Challenges: Like others, I've had my shares of ups and downs throughout my life. When I am in a rough patch, I simply remember that I'm never too low or too high for long. In time, I always end up somewhere in the middle. It's not the destination, but rather the journey that makes life interesting.
- Meaningful Person: My mother had the most impact on my life. She was so full of life. Even when she was terminally ill, she always found something to laugh about. She was successful in the one thing that truly matters: life.
I'm enjoying life with my family.
7-word Challenge Video
🏆 Winner
The Collaborator Award
Tom Thattacherry
Head , Supplier Diversity
Head , Supplier Diversity
- Fun Fact: I am also a certified integral coach. Learnings through this dimension enables me to be more intentional in creating a safe space for people as I build partnerships, collaborate with others, and support people development.
- Motivation: Systemic inequities that exist along racial, social, gender, and economic lines are ingrained in society. A short stint in entrepreneurship made me quickly realize that the playing field is not level for smaller diverse owned companies; this experience prompted me to be a voice for them. As I got the opportunity to work with diverse businesses from the corporate side, I saw firsthand how focused these companies are in bringing value. I became more of a true believer and advocate. I saw how economic ripples through one transaction with a diverse owned company can quickly become a wave of economic opportunity in underrepresented communities. It is a fact that minority-owned businesses bring opportunities into underserved populations. My hope is that more and more corporations in this country and around the world get to know the competitive advantages you can gain from working with diverse businesses including agility and varied perspectives from smaller companies.
- Childhood Ambition: Growing up I had dreams of becoming a pilot, entrepreneur, TV anchor, and a few more. Looking back, a word that I can use to draw a common thread between all of these is ‘eclecticism.' I’ve had lived experiences in the world of chemistry, IT, HR and a dose of entrepreneurship; these experiences have expanded my thinking and taught me a valuable lesson to intentionally seek out learnings (from the good and the bad) and thoughts from my multi-disciplinary past experiences. This integrated thinking has certainly influenced my professional and personal life and how I attempt to navigate it.
- Legacy: I’d like to be remembered as someone who worked to leave the place a little better than when he found it, someone who amplified unsung voices, and someone who helped people re-discover their purpose
- Meaningful Person: When I moved to the Bay Area, I met a man by the name Greg who, although he himself was homeless until recently, was working to feed many other homeless people in the area. I was so inspired by his life’s purpose that I began joining him in serving whenever I could. The lessons that I learned from him moved me to take my own next steps to start a program called ‘serving the needy’ and this year has marked our 10th year of serving about 100 homeless people every Saturday alongside a group of other like-minded people in the community.
I've always felt incredibly connected to nature. I chose to include this photo of me in front of a glacier from a recent family vacation to Alaska because I feel that it highlights my love of the outdoors, my belief that the climate must be saved, and my hope that we can all band together and create positive change.
🏆 Winner
The Activator Award
Marjorie Davies Hutchings
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Marj Davies Hutchings became State Fund’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) in September of 2012. She brings 32 years of experience in technology, 19 of which are specific to the insurance industry. As CIO, she is responsible for the successful administration of the IT organization, overseeing daily operations and high-level planning for technology. She also serves on the Executive Committee.
Leading the team responsible for completely rewriting the claims and policy applications for the NextGen project, Marj is overseeing the process to replace more than a dozen existing, independent systems with a single software suite. Before joining State Fund, Marj was an original member of the technology team for an insurance start up whose business strategy was founded on delivering superior technology. Her experience includes work with property and casualty claims systems, property and casualty rate/quote/issue systems, online/real time customer-facing web platforms, virtualization of production systems, and the implementation of a private cloud, data security protocols, and network/applications standards for internet-based insurance transactions, and active vendor management producing on time/on budget performance.
Marj graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems from Northern Arizona University. She also earned the Leadership Fellow designation from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Company Bio: State Fund is California’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Not for profit and funded solely by premiums and investment income, we’ve supported California’s entrepreneurial spirit and played a vital role in the state’s economy for more than 100 years. By innovating in areas such as workplace safety and injured worker care, we’re committed to serving California for the next 100 as well. To learn more or get a quote, contact your broker or visit StateFundCA.com.
Leading the team responsible for completely rewriting the claims and policy applications for the NextGen project, Marj is overseeing the process to replace more than a dozen existing, independent systems with a single software suite. Before joining State Fund, Marj was an original member of the technology team for an insurance start up whose business strategy was founded on delivering superior technology. Her experience includes work with property and casualty claims systems, property and casualty rate/quote/issue systems, online/real time customer-facing web platforms, virtualization of production systems, and the implementation of a private cloud, data security protocols, and network/applications standards for internet-based insurance transactions, and active vendor management producing on time/on budget performance.
Marj graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems from Northern Arizona University. She also earned the Leadership Fellow designation from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Company Bio: State Fund is California’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Not for profit and funded solely by premiums and investment income, we’ve supported California’s entrepreneurial spirit and played a vital role in the state’s economy for more than 100 years. By innovating in areas such as workplace safety and injured worker care, we’re committed to serving California for the next 100 as well. To learn more or get a quote, contact your broker or visit StateFundCA.com.
- Motivation: to encourage growth of diverse businesses and break down barriers to success. My hope is to create jobs and increased wages in diverse communities. Lastly, some really great innovative products and services come from diverse suppliers.
- Legacy: I'd like my legacy to be that I left the world a better place than the way I found it by helping those in need and fighting for what is right in both my personal and professional life. Hopefully when people think about me, it will put a smile on their face.
🏆 Winner
The Kathleen Trimble Legend Award
Lisa Castillo
Over the last 20 years, Lisa Castillo has garnered an extensive background in Wireless, Consumer, Small Business, Government/Education, and Global Business. Formerly an Associate Director with AT&T, Lisa Castillo was responsible for fostering key stakeholder relationships for AT&T Supplier Diversity. Lisa is passionate for helping to develop small businesses, enabling them to align with Fortune 100 corporations, and she has garnered much success growing MBEs over the last decade. Lisa earned her Master of International Business and currently lives in Central Valley, California with her husband.
- Fun Fact: I qualified at 4 to be on the US Junior Olympic Swim Team. I was even trained at home by Mark Spitz's coach!
- Motivation: My motivation comes from my experience in graduate school and seeing businesses take advantage of the disenfranchised. That drove me throughout my career, especially when I joined Supplier Diversity. I am passionate about uplifting and breaking barriers for those who don't have a voice or influence.
- Childhood Ambition: My childhood ambition was to be on the cover of a magazine as a successful entrepreneur.
- Legacy: I'd like my legacy to be that I cared and wanted to make a difference in the lives of diverse business owners.
- Challenges: My greatest challenge is winning over powerful personalities. This has been a recurring theme in my life.
- Meaningful Person: My father's parents inspired me. They were entrepreneurs who traveled the world. When I was a child, they would talk about bringing me along. While this was never realized, it planted the seed in me of being fascinated with different people and cultures.
🏆 Winner
The Unsung Hero Award
Deepak Choudhary, CWW Group LLC
Deepak Choudhary traveled a long way for success - a distance he measures in more than just miles. He emigrated from India to the U.S. to pursue his Master's degree in Distributed Systems from Cornell. Deepak went on to build a successful career with several Fortune 100 companies in the Bay Area. But he wanted something more. "I didn't like the restrictions and limitations of large corporations," he explains. "The long hours, travel, and hard work didn't yield the level of success I wanted." So in 2012 Deepak started CWW Group LLC with the motto of connecting great hi-tech people to great companies
Company Bio: CWW Group is a full-service contract staffing provider of professionals with a single focus: to provide you, the client, with a candidate that exceeds your expectations faster than you anticipated. This is the value we offer to our clients on a continuous basis.
Company Bio: CWW Group is a full-service contract staffing provider of professionals with a single focus: to provide you, the client, with a candidate that exceeds your expectations faster than you anticipated. This is the value we offer to our clients on a continuous basis.
- Fun Fact: CWW stands for Consultants World Wide
CONTENDERS
All Money Is Green Contenders
This award recognizes a WRMSDC certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) that has done the most business with other certified MBEs in the previous year.
🏆 Winner
Rose International
Owners: Sue Bhatia, Founder and Chairwoman, and Sabina Bhatia, CEO
Bio: Sue Bhatia is Founder & Chairwoman of Rose International. In this role, she grew a small business into a global company. Rose International is one of the nation's largest minority- and women-owned providers of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions, serving clients in all 50 states with offices across the U.S. and India. Sue Bhatia is an advocate for women and minority entrepreneurs around the world and is dedicated to building a stronger, more diverse labor force for the future.
Sabina Bhatia is the CEO of Rose International. Prior to becoming CEO, Ms. Bhatia held various management posit ions at Rose International actively leading teams in the areas of recruiting, business development, accounting and administration and partner relations. During this time, Ms. Bhatia effected change and improvement companywide. Her proven ability to lead has allowed Rose to remain a consistent force in the Staffing and Total Talent Solutions arena. Ms. Bhatia is committed to finding ways to advocate for underrepresented groups in our communities across the country.
Company Bio: Rose International is a leading provider of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions to Fortune 500 and government agencies nationwide. With thousands of associates and branch offices across the U.S., Rose International is consistently recognized as one of the country's most successful minority-and woman-owned providers of top talent.
Fun Fact: Rose International’s Deployment to Employment program hired over 2,000 veterans as they transitioned into Corporate America.
Keywords: Staffing and Total Talent Solutions
Quote: Progressive organizations committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts set themselves apart from others. A crucial facet of DEI efforts is the supply chain. We’re living in a hyper-connected world where consumers who want to support organizations that prioritize equity examine corporate partnerships.
Inclusive procurement practices create a ripple effect that leads to broad societal benefits and economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and underserved communities, thus widening the pool of prospective suppliers that are adaptive, agile, and resilient. A lot of progress occurred in the minority business landscape in recent years, and it is poised to continue prospering. By working together and committing to advancing supplier diversity, all organizations set themselves up to thrive and exceed goals.
The future of supplier diversity is bright. We will see continued growth through a collective commitment to furthering supplier diversity because everyone benefits from an equitable supply chain.
Why Value & Support MBEs: Rose International is part of the collective effort to create an equal national workforce by prioritizing corporate diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity. Organizations that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts create prime environments for innovation.
Environments with varying viewpoints, backgrounds and experiences allow people of color and individuals from underrepresented groups to feel welcome, thus fostering participation and productivity. The business case for diversity and inclusion is established. A commitment to DEI positively contributes to a company’s connection to society, whether in one city or across the globe.
At Rose International, we understand the importance of driving change to achieve acceptance. We continuously work to create a more diverse society and world of work through our supplier diversity program, Deployment to Employment (D2E), and Rose Impacting Social Equality (RISE) initiatives. As a leading woman- and minority-owned provider of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions, Rose International is proud of the progress made and eager to positively impact more lives."
Owners: Sue Bhatia, Founder and Chairwoman, and Sabina Bhatia, CEO
Bio: Sue Bhatia is Founder & Chairwoman of Rose International. In this role, she grew a small business into a global company. Rose International is one of the nation's largest minority- and women-owned providers of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions, serving clients in all 50 states with offices across the U.S. and India. Sue Bhatia is an advocate for women and minority entrepreneurs around the world and is dedicated to building a stronger, more diverse labor force for the future.
Sabina Bhatia is the CEO of Rose International. Prior to becoming CEO, Ms. Bhatia held various management posit ions at Rose International actively leading teams in the areas of recruiting, business development, accounting and administration and partner relations. During this time, Ms. Bhatia effected change and improvement companywide. Her proven ability to lead has allowed Rose to remain a consistent force in the Staffing and Total Talent Solutions arena. Ms. Bhatia is committed to finding ways to advocate for underrepresented groups in our communities across the country.
Company Bio: Rose International is a leading provider of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions to Fortune 500 and government agencies nationwide. With thousands of associates and branch offices across the U.S., Rose International is consistently recognized as one of the country's most successful minority-and woman-owned providers of top talent.
Fun Fact: Rose International’s Deployment to Employment program hired over 2,000 veterans as they transitioned into Corporate America.
Keywords: Staffing and Total Talent Solutions
Quote: Progressive organizations committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts set themselves apart from others. A crucial facet of DEI efforts is the supply chain. We’re living in a hyper-connected world where consumers who want to support organizations that prioritize equity examine corporate partnerships.
Inclusive procurement practices create a ripple effect that leads to broad societal benefits and economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and underserved communities, thus widening the pool of prospective suppliers that are adaptive, agile, and resilient. A lot of progress occurred in the minority business landscape in recent years, and it is poised to continue prospering. By working together and committing to advancing supplier diversity, all organizations set themselves up to thrive and exceed goals.
The future of supplier diversity is bright. We will see continued growth through a collective commitment to furthering supplier diversity because everyone benefits from an equitable supply chain.
Why Value & Support MBEs: Rose International is part of the collective effort to create an equal national workforce by prioritizing corporate diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity. Organizations that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts create prime environments for innovation.
Environments with varying viewpoints, backgrounds and experiences allow people of color and individuals from underrepresented groups to feel welcome, thus fostering participation and productivity. The business case for diversity and inclusion is established. A commitment to DEI positively contributes to a company’s connection to society, whether in one city or across the globe.
At Rose International, we understand the importance of driving change to achieve acceptance. We continuously work to create a more diverse society and world of work through our supplier diversity program, Deployment to Employment (D2E), and Rose Impacting Social Equality (RISE) initiatives. As a leading woman- and minority-owned provider of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions, Rose International is proud of the progress made and eager to positively impact more lives."
Buyer of the Year Contenders
This award recognizes buyers who advocate for Supplier Diversity, Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), and WRMSDC within their company and community, but who don’t work directly within Supplier Diversity.
Emina James, Director Software Procurement, Visa
Bio: Emina is a Procurement and Supply Chain professional with 10 years of experience. Originally from Bosnia, Emina immigrated to the US with her parents and grew up in Houston, TX. She is passionate about locking in the best commercial and contractual terms with suppliers to help drive our mission of being accepted by everyone, everywhere. In her role as Director of Software Procurement at Visa, Emina has been a key supporter to help expand the Inclusion and Diversity program.
Company Bio: Visa operates in more than 200 countries and territories with products and services available on any device – cards, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. We continue to evolve, but our focus remains the same—to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere.
Quote: I whole heartedly believe that people of all backgrounds should have respect. Although we still have a long way to go, we have made a significant leap in the right direction – keep moving forward and don’t get discouraged. As Sir Richard Branson once said, “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.
Bio: Emina is a Procurement and Supply Chain professional with 10 years of experience. Originally from Bosnia, Emina immigrated to the US with her parents and grew up in Houston, TX. She is passionate about locking in the best commercial and contractual terms with suppliers to help drive our mission of being accepted by everyone, everywhere. In her role as Director of Software Procurement at Visa, Emina has been a key supporter to help expand the Inclusion and Diversity program.
Company Bio: Visa operates in more than 200 countries and territories with products and services available on any device – cards, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. We continue to evolve, but our focus remains the same—to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere.
Quote: I whole heartedly believe that people of all backgrounds should have respect. Although we still have a long way to go, we have made a significant leap in the right direction – keep moving forward and don’t get discouraged. As Sir Richard Branson once said, “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.
🏆 Winner
Marketa Dobesova, Senior Sourcing Manager, Visa
Bio: Marketa is a Strategic Sourcing professional who has worked her entire career in global, multi-cultural companies, working across organizations, regions and functions. In her current role at Visa, Marketa continues to make an impact with her Data Center stakeholders, who consider her the “go-to” data center sourcing expert, despite her needing to learn the Data Center category from scratch. Marketa’s interests go beyond global sourcing to learning about other cultures and to learning foreign languages; Marketa speaks English and German fluently and is learning to speak French. Marketa is passionate about Supplier Diversity and Inclusion and is the Sourcing Team leader in securing Supplier Diversity commitments. She was recently recognized for excellence for executing many Agreements from Suppliers, representing over $1.6M in spend, to increase their Diversity spending. In addition, Marketa leads the category team in monthly Inclusion and Diversity workshops, including discussions about race, the treatment of women in corporations and gay/transgender rights. The Data Center team has praised Marketa for her “professionalism and her ability to inspire partnerships between Visa & external suppliers” as well as being “[B]y far the best sourcing person we have had support the Data Center Team Globally.
Company Bio: Visa operates in more than 200 countries and territories with products and services available on any device – cards, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. We continue to evolve, but our focus remains the same—to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere.
Fun Fact: Marketa is a sports and workout enthusiast, who spends every day either in the gym or in the swimming pool. Marketa was a competitive gymnast who competed internationally and won numerous competitions and awards. She was a gymnastics coach and now spends time training people in gymnastics and fitness in her adopted home of Dubai.
Quote: I recognize that these are challenging times for people, communities, and businesses of color, but rest assured that there are many companies such as Visa that recognize and respect the value of the skills, experience, and leadership of the diverse supplier community and are leading efforts to incorporate diversity and increase the inclusiveness of their supplier base. Through ongoing education, employee recognition, setting of corporate goals, and the active encouragement of supporting diverse suppliers by senior leadership, Visa, and other companies, are increasing and improving their outreach to diverse suppliers.
Bio: Marketa is a Strategic Sourcing professional who has worked her entire career in global, multi-cultural companies, working across organizations, regions and functions. In her current role at Visa, Marketa continues to make an impact with her Data Center stakeholders, who consider her the “go-to” data center sourcing expert, despite her needing to learn the Data Center category from scratch. Marketa’s interests go beyond global sourcing to learning about other cultures and to learning foreign languages; Marketa speaks English and German fluently and is learning to speak French. Marketa is passionate about Supplier Diversity and Inclusion and is the Sourcing Team leader in securing Supplier Diversity commitments. She was recently recognized for excellence for executing many Agreements from Suppliers, representing over $1.6M in spend, to increase their Diversity spending. In addition, Marketa leads the category team in monthly Inclusion and Diversity workshops, including discussions about race, the treatment of women in corporations and gay/transgender rights. The Data Center team has praised Marketa for her “professionalism and her ability to inspire partnerships between Visa & external suppliers” as well as being “[B]y far the best sourcing person we have had support the Data Center Team Globally.
Company Bio: Visa operates in more than 200 countries and territories with products and services available on any device – cards, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. We continue to evolve, but our focus remains the same—to be the best way to pay and be paid, for everyone, everywhere.
Fun Fact: Marketa is a sports and workout enthusiast, who spends every day either in the gym or in the swimming pool. Marketa was a competitive gymnast who competed internationally and won numerous competitions and awards. She was a gymnastics coach and now spends time training people in gymnastics and fitness in her adopted home of Dubai.
Quote: I recognize that these are challenging times for people, communities, and businesses of color, but rest assured that there are many companies such as Visa that recognize and respect the value of the skills, experience, and leadership of the diverse supplier community and are leading efforts to incorporate diversity and increase the inclusiveness of their supplier base. Through ongoing education, employee recognition, setting of corporate goals, and the active encouragement of supporting diverse suppliers by senior leadership, Visa, and other companies, are increasing and improving their outreach to diverse suppliers.
This picture means a lot for Marketa because of the way it shows “We work as One Team at Visa,” regardless of the team, region, country, or continent we work in. We all are from different countries, with different backgrounds, colors, education, experience, and beliefs; however, altogether, we are so powerful, we can make the best decisions, and we can be much more successful than acting as individuals.
Cornerstone Of The Year Contenders
This award recognizes a Certified Class 3 or 4 Minority-owned Business Enterprise (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.
Rose International
Owners: Sue Bhatia, Founder and Chairwoman, and Sabina Bhatia, CEO
Bio: Sue Bhatia is Founder & Chairwoman of Rose International. In this role, she grew a small business into a global company. Rose International is one of the nation's largest minority- and women-owned providers of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions, serving clients in all 50 states with offices across the U.S. and India. Sue Bhatia is an advocate for women and minority entrepreneurs around the world and is dedicated to building a stronger, more diverse labor force for the future.
Sabina Bhatia is the CEO of Rose International. Prior to becoming CEO, Ms. Bhatia held various management positions at Rose International actively leading teams in the areas of recruiting, business development, accounting and administration and partner relations. During this time, Ms. Bhatia effected change and improvement companywide. Her proven ability to lead has allowed Rose to remain a consistent force in the Staffing and Total Talent Solutions arena. Ms. Bhatia is committed to finding ways to advocate for underrepresented groups in our communities across the country.
Company Bio: Rose International is a leading provider of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions to Fortune 500 and government agencies nationwide. With thousands of associates and branch offices across the U.S., Rose International is consistently recognized as one of the country's most successful minority-and woman-owned providers of top talent.
Fun Fact: Rose International’s Deployment to Employment program hired over 2,000 veterans as they transitioned into Corporate America.
Keywords: Staffing and Total Talent Solutions
Quote: Progressive organizations committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts set themselves apart from others. A crucial facet of DEI efforts is the supply chain. We’re living in a hyper-connected world where consumers who want to support organizations that prioritize equity examine corporate partnerships.
Inclusive procurement practices create a ripple effect that leads to broad societal benefits and economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and underserved communities, thus widening the pool of prospective suppliers that are adaptive, agile and resilient. A lot of progress occurred in the minority business landscape in recent years, and it is poised to continue prospering. By working together and committing to advancing supplier diversity, all organizations set themselves up to thrive and exceed goals.
The future of supplier diversity is bright. We will see continued growth through a collective commitment to furthering supplier diversity because everyone benefits from an equitable supply chain.
Owners: Sue Bhatia, Founder and Chairwoman, and Sabina Bhatia, CEO
Bio: Sue Bhatia is Founder & Chairwoman of Rose International. In this role, she grew a small business into a global company. Rose International is one of the nation's largest minority- and women-owned providers of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions, serving clients in all 50 states with offices across the U.S. and India. Sue Bhatia is an advocate for women and minority entrepreneurs around the world and is dedicated to building a stronger, more diverse labor force for the future.
Sabina Bhatia is the CEO of Rose International. Prior to becoming CEO, Ms. Bhatia held various management positions at Rose International actively leading teams in the areas of recruiting, business development, accounting and administration and partner relations. During this time, Ms. Bhatia effected change and improvement companywide. Her proven ability to lead has allowed Rose to remain a consistent force in the Staffing and Total Talent Solutions arena. Ms. Bhatia is committed to finding ways to advocate for underrepresented groups in our communities across the country.
Company Bio: Rose International is a leading provider of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions to Fortune 500 and government agencies nationwide. With thousands of associates and branch offices across the U.S., Rose International is consistently recognized as one of the country's most successful minority-and woman-owned providers of top talent.
Fun Fact: Rose International’s Deployment to Employment program hired over 2,000 veterans as they transitioned into Corporate America.
Keywords: Staffing and Total Talent Solutions
Quote: Progressive organizations committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts set themselves apart from others. A crucial facet of DEI efforts is the supply chain. We’re living in a hyper-connected world where consumers who want to support organizations that prioritize equity examine corporate partnerships.
Inclusive procurement practices create a ripple effect that leads to broad societal benefits and economic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and underserved communities, thus widening the pool of prospective suppliers that are adaptive, agile and resilient. A lot of progress occurred in the minority business landscape in recent years, and it is poised to continue prospering. By working together and committing to advancing supplier diversity, all organizations set themselves up to thrive and exceed goals.
The future of supplier diversity is bright. We will see continued growth through a collective commitment to furthering supplier diversity because everyone benefits from an equitable supply chain.
🏆 Winner
Trident Consulting
Owner: Shabana Siraj, CEO
Bio: Shabana has a true passion for placing the brightest minds in the best seats. Shabana grew up thinking every “no” had to be turned into a “yes.” She is the first MBA from a family and a community that both challenged her and motivated her. She has made transparency the foundation of Trident for the client, consultant, and the agency. Today, whether it is that elusive niche position she has to fill or the blue skies she wants to touch in the two-seater Cessna, Shabana doesn’t put much stock in luck or chance. What she believes in is hard work, and that it will get her everywhere, and she instills that into every member of her team. Another lesson that Shabana learned through her journey is that she is her own yardstick. She competes against her last year’s success and motivates her team to earn better. Also, success for her is when she not only crosses her revenue goals but surpasses her fundraising goals for various charities. Shabana’s motto: “Half the fun in succeeding is racing towards it.” She’ll ride whatever it takes to success: a solid client base, a motivated team, a safe community, a Kawasaki Ninja, or a Cessna 172.
Company Bio: Trident is a company that places the brightest minds in the best seats! Niche/Hard-to-fill skills: we service those requirements that other suppliers find hard to fulfill. Our highly motivated leadership team, along with our 80+ recruiters make it possible to eclipse our clients' needs. Technology Expertise: software development, Web/Mobile development, Big data, Cloud computing, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, Blockchain, Edge computing, RPA, ERP, IoT. Finding Diverse Talent: we have helped clients reach their diversity & inclusion goals by fulfilling their demand for a diverse workforce and by finding professionals that meet criteria including but not limited to gender and ethnicity.
Fun Fact: Our CEO is a daredevil. She did skydiving during the pandemic and is now training for a Triathlon!
Keywords: Placing the brightest minds in the best seats.
Quote: "Times are tough. But the last two years have shown us that if we stand together and fight, we can overcome these. I want to let the folks out there know and remember that we will come through for them. By offering timely mentoring, matching their skills to employers, and opening up opportunities, we (not just Trident, but the entire WRMSDC community) will be the support network they can rely on during these unprecedented times."
Shabana, the CEO of Trident, is passionate about DE&I and also passionate about supporting and mentoring women entrepreneurs in any capacity.
Together we shall always overcome and rise!
Owner: Shabana Siraj, CEO
Bio: Shabana has a true passion for placing the brightest minds in the best seats. Shabana grew up thinking every “no” had to be turned into a “yes.” She is the first MBA from a family and a community that both challenged her and motivated her. She has made transparency the foundation of Trident for the client, consultant, and the agency. Today, whether it is that elusive niche position she has to fill or the blue skies she wants to touch in the two-seater Cessna, Shabana doesn’t put much stock in luck or chance. What she believes in is hard work, and that it will get her everywhere, and she instills that into every member of her team. Another lesson that Shabana learned through her journey is that she is her own yardstick. She competes against her last year’s success and motivates her team to earn better. Also, success for her is when she not only crosses her revenue goals but surpasses her fundraising goals for various charities. Shabana’s motto: “Half the fun in succeeding is racing towards it.” She’ll ride whatever it takes to success: a solid client base, a motivated team, a safe community, a Kawasaki Ninja, or a Cessna 172.
Company Bio: Trident is a company that places the brightest minds in the best seats! Niche/Hard-to-fill skills: we service those requirements that other suppliers find hard to fulfill. Our highly motivated leadership team, along with our 80+ recruiters make it possible to eclipse our clients' needs. Technology Expertise: software development, Web/Mobile development, Big data, Cloud computing, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, Blockchain, Edge computing, RPA, ERP, IoT. Finding Diverse Talent: we have helped clients reach their diversity & inclusion goals by fulfilling their demand for a diverse workforce and by finding professionals that meet criteria including but not limited to gender and ethnicity.
Fun Fact: Our CEO is a daredevil. She did skydiving during the pandemic and is now training for a Triathlon!
Keywords: Placing the brightest minds in the best seats.
Quote: "Times are tough. But the last two years have shown us that if we stand together and fight, we can overcome these. I want to let the folks out there know and remember that we will come through for them. By offering timely mentoring, matching their skills to employers, and opening up opportunities, we (not just Trident, but the entire WRMSDC community) will be the support network they can rely on during these unprecedented times."
Shabana, the CEO of Trident, is passionate about DE&I and also passionate about supporting and mentoring women entrepreneurs in any capacity.
Together we shall always overcome and rise!
7-word Challenge Video
Executive of the Year Contenders
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
Dawn M. Bading, Vice President, Talent Acquisition & Contingent Workforce, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente 15 years ago, I have spent my career in health care organizations working in a Human Resources capacity. I currently lead the recruitment function for both our full-time employees and contingent workers supporting 220,000 employees and 45,000 continent workers. Having line of site into employees growing their careers through the recruitment process provides me with great professional satisfaction.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: When not spending time on land navigating daily conference calls, Dawn enjoys exploring the underwater sea life with her husband; she has a particular passion for octopi and has removed them from her diet.
Quote: At the end of the day, the world will either be a more or less kind, compassionate, and loving place because of your presence….your move. ~John Pavlovitz
Bio: Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente 15 years ago, I have spent my career in health care organizations working in a Human Resources capacity. I currently lead the recruitment function for both our full-time employees and contingent workers supporting 220,000 employees and 45,000 continent workers. Having line of site into employees growing their careers through the recruitment process provides me with great professional satisfaction.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: When not spending time on land navigating daily conference calls, Dawn enjoys exploring the underwater sea life with her husband; she has a particular passion for octopi and has removed them from her diet.
Quote: At the end of the day, the world will either be a more or less kind, compassionate, and loving place because of your presence….your move. ~John Pavlovitz
When at home, if I’m not working, you can find me in the kitchen.
Ready to take the plunge.
Whenever I can find time to dive in… I love seeing what’s under the sea.
Philip B. Johnson, Senior Vice President Operations and Safety, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Bio: Phil Johnson dedicated most of his professional life to public service as he held various positions with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Currently, Phil is senior vice president of the Operations and Safety Group, responsible for the District's Police Services, Cash Operations, Facilities Management, Business Continuity, and Workplace Services functions. Phil has a lifetime of people-first inclusive management experience across all levels of organizations, building diverse teams and a broad constituency resulting in effective integration of every level of every function within FR Bank and System leadership and staff to keep people safe and meet organization's mission. Throughout the years, Phil consistently demonstrates his support to small businesses and promotes supplier diversity internally and through his active involvement in communities outside the Bank.
Company Bio: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is one of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts within the Federal Reserve System, serving one fifth of the nation's population. It is the largest and most diverse District. As part of the nation's central bank, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco listens, learns, and reflects the communities it serves to make better decisions and policy to help our nation thrive. Unreserved opportunity is the touchstone of the Bank's work. Opportunity is not a luxury - it is a necessity and needs to be accessible to everyone.
Fun Fact: Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, Phil was an owner of two small businesses in the retail field. He carried over his entrepreneurial spirit and above all understanding and compassion for small business owners that he enthusiastically supports whenever opportunity presents.
Quote: Engaging with the diverse supplier community remains an important strategic initiative for me personally and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Bank). The Bank strives to be a community engaged bank and a diverse vendor roster fits our mission. Economic activity and supplier diversity fit well together as we do better when we all do better by actively lifting each other up economically. It's proven that supplier diversity results in better business outcomes and it drives economic impact in the communities we serve. You can count on our support and engagement.
Bio: Phil Johnson dedicated most of his professional life to public service as he held various positions with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Currently, Phil is senior vice president of the Operations and Safety Group, responsible for the District's Police Services, Cash Operations, Facilities Management, Business Continuity, and Workplace Services functions. Phil has a lifetime of people-first inclusive management experience across all levels of organizations, building diverse teams and a broad constituency resulting in effective integration of every level of every function within FR Bank and System leadership and staff to keep people safe and meet organization's mission. Throughout the years, Phil consistently demonstrates his support to small businesses and promotes supplier diversity internally and through his active involvement in communities outside the Bank.
Company Bio: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is one of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts within the Federal Reserve System, serving one fifth of the nation's population. It is the largest and most diverse District. As part of the nation's central bank, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco listens, learns, and reflects the communities it serves to make better decisions and policy to help our nation thrive. Unreserved opportunity is the touchstone of the Bank's work. Opportunity is not a luxury - it is a necessity and needs to be accessible to everyone.
Fun Fact: Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, Phil was an owner of two small businesses in the retail field. He carried over his entrepreneurial spirit and above all understanding and compassion for small business owners that he enthusiastically supports whenever opportunity presents.
Quote: Engaging with the diverse supplier community remains an important strategic initiative for me personally and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Bank). The Bank strives to be a community engaged bank and a diverse vendor roster fits our mission. Economic activity and supplier diversity fit well together as we do better when we all do better by actively lifting each other up economically. It's proven that supplier diversity results in better business outcomes and it drives economic impact in the communities we serve. You can count on our support and engagement.
Frank Robinson, Diverse Markets Executive, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: Frank Robinson is the Diverse Markets Executive and Community-Based Programs Manager for MUFG Union Bank, N.A. In this capacity, Robinson strategically advises the president of Union Bank and partners with Commercial, Business Banking, Small Business Administration, Affluent and High Net Worth lines of business to enable the most inclusive client engagement. He is also in charge of Union Bank’s student run branch program, the financial education centers, and Corporate Social Responsibility’s special projects.
Company Bio: Union Bank is an American full-service bank with 398 branches in California, Washington and Oregon. At Union Bank, we take a focused approach to diversity, culture, and inclusion.
Fun Fact: Father was in the military. He grow up in Germany and Turkey.
Quote: You measure a person not by how tall they are, but how low they will go down to lift someone else up. Continue to lift up people.
Bio: Frank Robinson is the Diverse Markets Executive and Community-Based Programs Manager for MUFG Union Bank, N.A. In this capacity, Robinson strategically advises the president of Union Bank and partners with Commercial, Business Banking, Small Business Administration, Affluent and High Net Worth lines of business to enable the most inclusive client engagement. He is also in charge of Union Bank’s student run branch program, the financial education centers, and Corporate Social Responsibility’s special projects.
Company Bio: Union Bank is an American full-service bank with 398 branches in California, Washington and Oregon. At Union Bank, we take a focused approach to diversity, culture, and inclusion.
Fun Fact: Father was in the military. He grow up in Germany and Turkey.
Quote: You measure a person not by how tall they are, but how low they will go down to lift someone else up. Continue to lift up people.
Offered a scholarship to a law school who was a "dreamer." Now he owns his own law firm and fights for immigrant rights.
With our high school student interns at teller training.
Created the Latino Heritage Month Young Artists Contest.
Seeing our interns graduate from high school.
Meeting with minority leaders and community advocates.
🏆 Winner
Julius Robinson, Managing Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: Julius Robinson is Head of CSR for the Americas at MUFG Union Bank, N.A. 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 Bio: 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. 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!
Quote: You have survived and persevered through the global pandemic and unrest. 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 provide vital resources that are already proven to help small businesses sustain business operations and more importantly sustain the jobs for the employees that have 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.
Bio: Julius Robinson is Head of CSR for the Americas at MUFG Union Bank, N.A. 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 Bio: 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. 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!
Quote: You have survived and persevered through the global pandemic and unrest. 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 provide vital resources that are already proven to help small businesses sustain business operations and more importantly sustain the jobs for the employees that have 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.
John Vu, VP, Strategy - Community Benefit, Research & Health Policy, PO Community Benefits, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: John Vu is the national vice president for community health at Kaiser Permanente. In this role, he leads development of strategies to improve conditions for more equitable health for all, including initiatives focused on inclusive economic development, housing and homelessness, and climate resiliency and sustainability.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: John enjoys time with his family and taking his two sons on new adventures.
Quote: I want to applaud all those on the front lines of our economy, brave enough to start businesses, strong enough to persevere. Running a business successfully is hard enough in ideal economic conditions. But it’s an entirely different level of challenge to do it in a global pandemic that has disrupted nearly all aspects of the business world, from supply chain to childcare. While it may feel lonely out there at times, please know that there are many of us rooting for you. And there are many of us with the resources and responsibility to provide support, use our power to lift the tide, and advocate for needed changes across our society.
Bio: John Vu is the national vice president for community health at Kaiser Permanente. In this role, he leads development of strategies to improve conditions for more equitable health for all, including initiatives focused on inclusive economic development, housing and homelessness, and climate resiliency and sustainability.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: John enjoys time with his family and taking his two sons on new adventures.
Quote: I want to applaud all those on the front lines of our economy, brave enough to start businesses, strong enough to persevere. Running a business successfully is hard enough in ideal economic conditions. But it’s an entirely different level of challenge to do it in a global pandemic that has disrupted nearly all aspects of the business world, from supply chain to childcare. While it may feel lonely out there at times, please know that there are many of us rooting for you. And there are many of us with the resources and responsibility to provide support, use our power to lift the tide, and advocate for needed changes across our society.
This is a photo of my dad swimming away from the helicopter he used to pick us up in our town in Vietnam to flee the country at the end of the war. He dropped us off onto a US Navy ship and then took the helicopter away from the ship to crash land it. We went from Vietnam to a refugee camp and then eventually came to America. The second picture is of my grandmother. She took care of me as a baby after I was born in Vietnam and took care of me as a child after we fled to America at the end of the war. She passed away many years ago but was always a source of never-ending unconditional love and still lives in my heart today.
7-word Challenge Video
Local Corporation Of The Year Contenders
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
Company Bio: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is one of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts within the Federal Reserve System, serving one fifth of the nation's population. It is the largest and most diverse District. As part of the nation's central bank, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco listens, learns, and reflects the communities it serves to make better decisions and policy to help our nation thrive. Unreserved opportunity is the touchstone of the Bank's work. Opportunity is not a luxury - it is a necessity and needs to be accessible to everyone.
Fun Fact: The Federal Reserve Bank is not a Federal agency but an organization and while our headquarters is in San Francisco we serve nine western states and three island territories (covering about 1.4 million square miles, or 37% of the nation).
Quote: Our Sr. VP's message is: Engaging with the diverse supplier community remains an important strategic initiative for me personally and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Bank). The Bank strives to be a community-engaged bank and a diverse vendor roster fits our mission. Economic activity and supplier diversity fit well together as we do better when we all do better by actively lifting each other up economically. It's proven that supplier diversity results in better business outcomes and it drives economic impact in the communities we serve. You can count on our support and engagement.
Supplier Diversity Team photo from Bank article celebrating our #7 Ranking of Supplier Diversity Programs in the 2021 SF Business Times List. Second Photo is a screenshot from a Bank Event during Black History Month where Cecil Plummer was the guest and Lynn Reddrick is the moderator. It is notable that the President, 1st VP, and Sr. VP-CFO are all pictured demonstrating their support.
MBE Input Committee People’s Choice Award Contenders
This award acknowledges and recognizes a Corporate Member who has supported MBEs by volunteering his or her time and resources to help the MBE community be better prepared to do business. The winner of this award is chosen by MBEs and is someone who supports MBEs by: providing mentorship/guidance; volunteering as a speaker and key advocate at MBE Input Committee (MBEIC) events; and being very accessible to the MBE community.
🏆 Winner
LaSandra Hunt, Vice President, Middle Market Banking, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
LaSandra Hunt is a Commercial Banker and a 12-year veteran with the firm. She brings the most relevant experts in the firm together to help her customers achieve the highest success. LaSandra has a passion for technology and innovation, which is part of her motivation for leveraging the firm's annual $11B investment in technology to help customers drive operational efficiency. She leverages the treasury payments experts to help examine workflow processes, introduce innovations in payments and advocate for integrated systems helping reduce cost and improve cash-flow. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, LaSandra earned her bachelor’s degree from Golden Gate University. LaSandra enjoys traveling and learning new languages like Tagalog and Croatian.
LaSandra Hunt is a Commercial Banker and a 12-year veteran with the firm. She brings the most relevant experts in the firm together to help her customers achieve the highest success. LaSandra has a passion for technology and innovation, which is part of her motivation for leveraging the firm's annual $11B investment in technology to help customers drive operational efficiency. She leverages the treasury payments experts to help examine workflow processes, introduce innovations in payments and advocate for integrated systems helping reduce cost and improve cash-flow. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, LaSandra earned her bachelor’s degree from Golden Gate University. LaSandra enjoys traveling and learning new languages like Tagalog and Croatian.
National Corporation Of The Year Contenders
This award recognizes a National 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.
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Company Bio: 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: Cisco Networking Academy (also known as NetAcad) launched in October 1997 with 64 educational institutions in seven states. The Networking Academy has spread to more than 150 countries. Since its inception, over 1.6 Million students have enrolled at more than 10,000 Academies located in high schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, and community-based organizations. The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive e-learning program that provides students with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy delivers web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry standard certification. There are over 30 Cisco Networking Academy centers in Nigeria and the country has the highest NetAcad female participation in Cisco Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Russia (EMEAR) region with over 35,000 females trained since inception, with Nigeria having the highest number of females trained in FY’16 at 46% of the total figure of 21529.
Quote: 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.
Company Bio: 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: Cisco Networking Academy (also known as NetAcad) launched in October 1997 with 64 educational institutions in seven states. The Networking Academy has spread to more than 150 countries. Since its inception, over 1.6 Million students have enrolled at more than 10,000 Academies located in high schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, and community-based organizations. The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive e-learning program that provides students with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy delivers web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry standard certification. There are over 30 Cisco Networking Academy centers in Nigeria and the country has the highest NetAcad female participation in Cisco Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Russia (EMEAR) region with over 35,000 females trained since inception, with Nigeria having the highest number of females trained in FY’16 at 46% of the total figure of 21529.
Quote: 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.
Our Supplier Diversity team at the National Procurement Awards in Miami before the pandemic - Mory Ware, Terri Hirahara, Bryan Wiggins, & Denise Lombard.
7-word Challenge Video
Intel Corp
Company Bio: Actively expanding semiconductor design and manufacturing company with a global footprint.
Quote: "The bold 2030 goal we set to double our diverse supplier spending will require an ecosystem-wide approach, which includes engaging deeper into our supply chain, working with our fellow travelers, leveraging industry associations such as RBA, SEMI, and others, and increasing our external partnerships globally. We will continue to leverage the playbooks we have developed to expand our supplier diversity within the US and to accelerate our progress with our international suppliers. Reaching our goal of $2B in annual diverse spending will increase our momentum to create a more diverse and inclusive technology industry." - Jackie Sturm, CVP Global Supply Chain"
Company Bio: Actively expanding semiconductor design and manufacturing company with a global footprint.
Quote: "The bold 2030 goal we set to double our diverse supplier spending will require an ecosystem-wide approach, which includes engaging deeper into our supply chain, working with our fellow travelers, leveraging industry associations such as RBA, SEMI, and others, and increasing our external partnerships globally. We will continue to leverage the playbooks we have developed to expand our supplier diversity within the US and to accelerate our progress with our international suppliers. Reaching our goal of $2B in annual diverse spending will increase our momentum to create a more diverse and inclusive technology industry." - Jackie Sturm, CVP Global Supply Chain"
7-word Challenge Video
Kaiser Permanente
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: KP was an inaugural member of the DiversityInc Top 50 Hall of Fame in 2018.
Quote: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty ahead. Affordability, diversity, impact, and the commitment to our communities are more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: KP was an inaugural member of the DiversityInc Top 50 Hall of Fame in 2018.
Quote: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty ahead. Affordability, diversity, impact, and the commitment to our communities are more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
🏆 Winner
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Company Bio: 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.
Quote: 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 have become 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. WRMSDC works tirelessly to level the playing field by creating unique value propositions for MBEs to achieve success.
Company Bio: 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.
Quote: 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 have become 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. WRMSDC works tirelessly to level the playing field by creating unique value propositions for MBEs to achieve success.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Company Bio: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. In 2022, PG&E will be relocating its headquarters from San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. There are approximately 23,000 employees who carry out Pacific Gas and Electric Company's primary business—the transmission and delivery of energy. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 16 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California.
Fun Fact: The electricity you are using right now was made less than a second ago. The amount of electricity put into the grid must always balance the amount of electricity that is being used. The Smart Grid gives grid operators tools to help them better understand the electric demand. The Smart Grid allows PG&E to gain more energy from renewable sources. This innovation is a win for customers, the environment, and all of California.
Quote: Our local diverse vendors also provide essential services to our communities during challenging times. During Public Safety Power Shutoffs in 2020, a San Francisco Bay Area woman-owned company produced more than 7,500 portable battery units for PG&E customers to keep their medical devices powered. During the severe winter storm at the end of 2021, an LGBT business provided laundry services and mobile showers for residents of Nevada County.
Our diverse suppliers have proven to be enthusiastic stewards of our Planet as well. When PG&E redesigned our Larkin substation in San Francisco, an Asian American architectural firm incorporated a green wall as part of the exterior design. The disabled veteran business mentioned earlier created building systems for PG&E using materials that can be recycled at the end of a building’s life span. Diverse suppliers also help us deliver for California’s Prosperity, in part by helping us keep energy costs affordable. PG&E used an African American enterprise to save about $8 million by refreshing the company’s contact center IT infrastructure.
-Patti Poppe, CEO, PG&E Corporation"
Company Bio: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. In 2022, PG&E will be relocating its headquarters from San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. There are approximately 23,000 employees who carry out Pacific Gas and Electric Company's primary business—the transmission and delivery of energy. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 16 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California.
Fun Fact: The electricity you are using right now was made less than a second ago. The amount of electricity put into the grid must always balance the amount of electricity that is being used. The Smart Grid gives grid operators tools to help them better understand the electric demand. The Smart Grid allows PG&E to gain more energy from renewable sources. This innovation is a win for customers, the environment, and all of California.
Quote: Our local diverse vendors also provide essential services to our communities during challenging times. During Public Safety Power Shutoffs in 2020, a San Francisco Bay Area woman-owned company produced more than 7,500 portable battery units for PG&E customers to keep their medical devices powered. During the severe winter storm at the end of 2021, an LGBT business provided laundry services and mobile showers for residents of Nevada County.
Our diverse suppliers have proven to be enthusiastic stewards of our Planet as well. When PG&E redesigned our Larkin substation in San Francisco, an Asian American architectural firm incorporated a green wall as part of the exterior design. The disabled veteran business mentioned earlier created building systems for PG&E using materials that can be recycled at the end of a building’s life span. Diverse suppliers also help us deliver for California’s Prosperity, in part by helping us keep energy costs affordable. PG&E used an African American enterprise to save about $8 million by refreshing the company’s contact center IT infrastructure.
-Patti Poppe, CEO, PG&E Corporation"
Virtual Meeting of the PG&E Supply Chain Responsibility team. Photo One--Top row: Jess English and Tim Evans. Middle row: David Pell, Jerilyn Gleaves, Paul Quickert. Bottom row: Tiffany Rodriguez. Not pictured: Alejandro Serrudo, Bob Lefave, and Ruth Sandoval.
PG&E Supply Chain Responsibility Team. Top Row: Tim Evans and Jerilyn Gleaves. Middle Row: Bob Lefave, Paul Quickert, and Tiffany Rodriquez. Bottom Row: Jess English, Ruth Sandoval, David Pell and Alejandro Serrudo.
Prime Supplier of the Year Contenders
This award recognizes a Prime Supplier that prioritizes doing business with Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs).
🏆 Winner
AMN Healthcare
Company Bio: 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: DEI is truly in our DNA and is prioritized at all levels of our company, and in all three pillars of Workforce, Workplace, and Marketplace. We are especially proud that the AMN Healthcare Board of Directors (which is 33% BIPOC and 56% women) is one of 10 boards nationwide named as best of the best in the 2021 National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards.
Quote: “The past two years have been challenging for all, but the burdens have not been evenly borne. The health and economic tolls of the pandemic, amplified by systemic and endemic racism, have hit people and communities of color, including MBEs in heartbreaking and clarifying ways. But still, we see signs of hope. Many are finally awakening to a deeper understanding of and the moral and economic imperative to dismantle barriers to equality and end systemic racism. There is fresh momentum and understanding of the power and ROI we can unleash when we invest in and support people and communities of color, including MBEs. We believe that together, we can catalyze change and move mountains. We can come together and build a just and equitable world where all can thrive. AMN Healthcare’s steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means that we are constantly seeking new opportunities to extend our help and resources so minority-owned businesses can succeed,” said Susan Salka, President and CEO of AMN Healthcare. MBE certification can be critical for Minority-owned businesses to thrive, opening many doors to contracting opportunities, which will in turn allow businesses to boost job creation and aid local economies.”
Company Bio: 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: DEI is truly in our DNA and is prioritized at all levels of our company, and in all three pillars of Workforce, Workplace, and Marketplace. We are especially proud that the AMN Healthcare Board of Directors (which is 33% BIPOC and 56% women) is one of 10 boards nationwide named as best of the best in the 2021 National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards.
Quote: “The past two years have been challenging for all, but the burdens have not been evenly borne. The health and economic tolls of the pandemic, amplified by systemic and endemic racism, have hit people and communities of color, including MBEs in heartbreaking and clarifying ways. But still, we see signs of hope. Many are finally awakening to a deeper understanding of and the moral and economic imperative to dismantle barriers to equality and end systemic racism. There is fresh momentum and understanding of the power and ROI we can unleash when we invest in and support people and communities of color, including MBEs. We believe that together, we can catalyze change and move mountains. We can come together and build a just and equitable world where all can thrive. AMN Healthcare’s steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means that we are constantly seeking new opportunities to extend our help and resources so minority-owned businesses can succeed,” said Susan Salka, President and CEO of AMN Healthcare. MBE certification can be critical for Minority-owned businesses to thrive, opening many doors to contracting opportunities, which will in turn allow businesses to boost job creation and aid local economies.”
Putting Our Supplier Diversity Strategy To Work: we love connecting the dots, and this was an opportunity to shine a light on a Black-Owned Business, while helping build allies and strengthen our culture of belonging.
WRMSDC Gala: We have been honored to be a part of the WRMSDC family. This beloved community has brought us connection, learnings, opportunities, value, and joy!
Continuing Our Commitment to Racial Justice & Equity: having senior executives, led by our CEO, on the front lines of our shared fight for racial equity and justice!
Presenting on DEI: our greatest opportunity to catalyze justice and equity lives in our ability to engage and inspire others to deepen their commitment to DEI. There are few things more special to us than inviting others along on the journey to a just society where racism and inequity are relegated to the dustbin of history.
7-word Challenge Video
CBRE
Company Bio: CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2021 revenue). The company has more than 105,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
Fun Fact: At CBRE, we enable our people and business partners to thrive by fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment …where everyone can succeed.
Quote: “We’re looking for the economic impact within communities and making sure that diverse suppliers are an integral part of our supply chain process. It’s about their value and impact.” - Tim Dismond, CBRE Chief Responsibility Officer
Company Bio: CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2021 revenue). The company has more than 105,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
Fun Fact: At CBRE, we enable our people and business partners to thrive by fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment …where everyone can succeed.
Quote: “We’re looking for the economic impact within communities and making sure that diverse suppliers are an integral part of our supply chain process. It’s about their value and impact.” - Tim Dismond, CBRE Chief Responsibility Officer
We have a dedicated Global Supplier Diversity team that is devoted to growing our spend with diverse suppliers in multiple markets and regions. Each dot in the map above notates someone on the Supplier Diversity team helping to increase our spend with diverse suppliers. Our program embraces our corporate commitment to help mentor, refer, and integrate qualified and certified suppliers into the provisioning of products and services for our customers. Our approach to engagement allows participating suppliers to engage in business opportunities in multiple ways.
Turner Construction
Company Bio: Founded in 1902, Turner Construction Company helped change the way a new generation of buildings were constructed. We pride ourselves as being an innovative service provider that is dedicated to our clients and achieving the highest performance construction standards. In almost 60 years in Northern California, we’ve led the industry in Green Building, Design-Build, and contributed to some of the most iconic structures all over the Region.
Fun Fact: In the past two decades, Turner has built some of the tallest buildings in the world: Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, and Taipei 101. This year is our 120th anniversary and our history is comprised of all the visions, successes, and cultures of our clients, partners, and employees serving the communities in which we work.
Quote: Unapologetically strive for greatness when you wake up to when you go to bed. You are irreplaceable.
Company Bio: Founded in 1902, Turner Construction Company helped change the way a new generation of buildings were constructed. We pride ourselves as being an innovative service provider that is dedicated to our clients and achieving the highest performance construction standards. In almost 60 years in Northern California, we’ve led the industry in Green Building, Design-Build, and contributed to some of the most iconic structures all over the Region.
Fun Fact: In the past two decades, Turner has built some of the tallest buildings in the world: Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, and Taipei 101. This year is our 120th anniversary and our history is comprised of all the visions, successes, and cultures of our clients, partners, and employees serving the communities in which we work.
Quote: Unapologetically strive for greatness when you wake up to when you go to bed. You are irreplaceable.
Photo of Bianca Johnson, Marcus Gary, and Mick Penn at a co-planned WRMSDC mixer event (enjoying the partnerships WRMSDC enables us to have amongst one another)
Procurement Leader of the Year Contenders
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.
Carlos Aguilar, Vice President, Sourcing, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: Carlos Aguilar joined Kaiser Permanente in 2017 and currently serves as Vice President, Buy to Pay overseeing the National Sourcing function at Kaiser Permanente representing over $21B in spend. Carlos previously held executive positions as Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Alliances at Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Walt Disney Company where he led shared service transformations for strategic sourcing and procurement functions. Carlos holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Claremont Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Quote: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty ahead. Affordability, diversity, impact, and the commitment to our communities are more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
Bio: Carlos Aguilar joined Kaiser Permanente in 2017 and currently serves as Vice President, Buy to Pay overseeing the National Sourcing function at Kaiser Permanente representing over $21B in spend. Carlos previously held executive positions as Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Alliances at Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Walt Disney Company where he led shared service transformations for strategic sourcing and procurement functions. Carlos holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Claremont Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Quote: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty ahead. Affordability, diversity, impact, and the commitment to our communities are more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
I grew up without a father; my mother raised our family without a husband by her side. I now have my own family and am so grateful for what we have.
The best decision of my life was when I daringly asked this wonderful woman to marry me.
As a Mexican kid growing up in East LA I never “felt” like a minority...until I went to college and there were only two Hispanics in my class – me and my roommate. It turned out great as he is still one of my best friends but we sure felt awkward those first few weeks!
Kimberly Chastang-Lee, Senior Director, Services Sourcing, Salesforce
Bio: Kimberly is an accomplished Strategic Sourcing and Center of Excellence executive with extensive and progressive experience across a diverse set of industries. She has a strong background in strategic sourcing/planning/execution, program management, and governance. In her career, Kimberly has developed and implemented valuable cost reduction methodologies and built sustainable models to support long-term strategies. She has demonstrated leadership skills with a thorough understanding of strategic sourcing processes, risk mitigation, supplier value management, and change management.
Company Bio: Salesforce is the world’s #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform. We help your marketing, sales, commerce, service, and IT teams work as one from anywhere — so you can keep your customers happy everywhere.
Fun Fact: Kimberly is a game show enthusiast. She has been on two...and won both times!
Quote: "My message comes in the form of questions I would challenge the diverse supplier community to contemplate as they navigate these challenging times:
- What is your superpower? Really know what you do best when framing up for companies about how you can support them. Know your value proposition.
- How can your superpower support the current needs of a business? Understand the Company’s needs you are targeting (i.e. pain points, challenges), and how you can support or solve for these needs.
- What makes you uniquely qualified to be the purveyor of these goods or services? Why you versus a competitor…be authentic and be bold.
Challenging times should be seen as opportunistic for you to engage and/or accelerate those partnerships you really want to target."
Bio: Kimberly is an accomplished Strategic Sourcing and Center of Excellence executive with extensive and progressive experience across a diverse set of industries. She has a strong background in strategic sourcing/planning/execution, program management, and governance. In her career, Kimberly has developed and implemented valuable cost reduction methodologies and built sustainable models to support long-term strategies. She has demonstrated leadership skills with a thorough understanding of strategic sourcing processes, risk mitigation, supplier value management, and change management.
Company Bio: Salesforce is the world’s #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform. We help your marketing, sales, commerce, service, and IT teams work as one from anywhere — so you can keep your customers happy everywhere.
Fun Fact: Kimberly is a game show enthusiast. She has been on two...and won both times!
Quote: "My message comes in the form of questions I would challenge the diverse supplier community to contemplate as they navigate these challenging times:
- What is your superpower? Really know what you do best when framing up for companies about how you can support them. Know your value proposition.
- How can your superpower support the current needs of a business? Understand the Company’s needs you are targeting (i.e. pain points, challenges), and how you can support or solve for these needs.
- What makes you uniquely qualified to be the purveyor of these goods or services? Why you versus a competitor…be authentic and be bold.
Challenging times should be seen as opportunistic for you to engage and/or accelerate those partnerships you really want to target."
🏆 Winner
Patrick Curry, Director, Procurement Operations of America (POA) Governance, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Bio: Procurement leader with a proven track record of driving efficiency in multiple areas of procurement operations. Experience in all facets of Procurement including Procurement consulting, International Procurement, Direct/Indirect Sourcing, Governance, and Supplier diversity initiatives. Has excellent communication skills and ability to relate to all levels of the organization. Has a strong passion for driving diversity programs in hiring, engagement, and supplier usage. Strategic thinker known for putting clients first and executing with speed and quality.
Company Bio: MUFG Bank is one of the world’s leading financial groups with total assets of approximately $3.1 trillion (USD). MUFG offers services in corporate and investment, commercial, and consumer banking, as well as transaction banking, securities, wealth management, and more. MUFG Union Bank has long supported WRMSDC. We maintain a long standing commitment to supplier diversity and the work of the WRMSDC; being the champion of MBEs within our company through aggressive goal setting, monitoring, and performance management; providing thought leadership to the Western Regional council as a means to expand and explore its effectiveness to the general MBEs in the region.
Fun Fact: In undergrad, Patrick served as the school’s mascot for 2 years. He was the AGGIE DOG for NC A&T SU. His nickname was the Dancing Dog. How is that for fun...
Quote: You are capable, enough, and your goods or services are needed.
I learned some years ago that using diverse companies is a business imperative first and foremost and not a social program. Business is hard and rewarding. When I mentor diverse businesses I challenge them to think as big as they want to be and understand they can compete. I attended an HBCU, graduated with honors, and still doubted if I was good enough. When I started working on a level playing field, I realized I was more than enough. I realized I was much more than just a diverse option. I realized that I was very capable, more than enough, and needed in the spaces where I was allowed to engage.
Diverse businesses are needed and the time is now to thrive. Believe and move through the challenges.
Bio: Procurement leader with a proven track record of driving efficiency in multiple areas of procurement operations. Experience in all facets of Procurement including Procurement consulting, International Procurement, Direct/Indirect Sourcing, Governance, and Supplier diversity initiatives. Has excellent communication skills and ability to relate to all levels of the organization. Has a strong passion for driving diversity programs in hiring, engagement, and supplier usage. Strategic thinker known for putting clients first and executing with speed and quality.
Company Bio: MUFG Bank is one of the world’s leading financial groups with total assets of approximately $3.1 trillion (USD). MUFG offers services in corporate and investment, commercial, and consumer banking, as well as transaction banking, securities, wealth management, and more. MUFG Union Bank has long supported WRMSDC. We maintain a long standing commitment to supplier diversity and the work of the WRMSDC; being the champion of MBEs within our company through aggressive goal setting, monitoring, and performance management; providing thought leadership to the Western Regional council as a means to expand and explore its effectiveness to the general MBEs in the region.
Fun Fact: In undergrad, Patrick served as the school’s mascot for 2 years. He was the AGGIE DOG for NC A&T SU. His nickname was the Dancing Dog. How is that for fun...
Quote: You are capable, enough, and your goods or services are needed.
I learned some years ago that using diverse companies is a business imperative first and foremost and not a social program. Business is hard and rewarding. When I mentor diverse businesses I challenge them to think as big as they want to be and understand they can compete. I attended an HBCU, graduated with honors, and still doubted if I was good enough. When I started working on a level playing field, I realized I was more than enough. I realized I was much more than just a diverse option. I realized that I was very capable, more than enough, and needed in the spaces where I was allowed to engage.
Diverse businesses are needed and the time is now to thrive. Believe and move through the challenges.
Picture of me with my Mother and Brother after receiving my Fraternity's Founder's award for my work in the community and fraternity.
Picture of me dressed up as Santa Claus at our annual Christmas toy giveaway shown giving away bikes.
Picture with my son (Kordell) at the first clothes closet we started at NC A&T State University with my non-profit Kordell's Closet.
Picture of me hosting some of the members of the mentoring program I started at a local HBCU.
Picture attending the annual Proud Father Breakfast to promote positive father images in the Black community.
Supplier Diversity Leader of the Year Contenders
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.
Julia Arnold, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Bio: Julia has many years of experience within the technology industry specializing in procurement strategy and business operations with a longstanding passion for Environmental and Social Governance. Julia focuses her time on Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Justice efforts, supporting Inclusion & Diversity initiatives within HPE as well as influencing commercial industry trends.
Company Bio: HPE is the global edge-to-cloud company built to transform your business. Turning insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today's complex world.
Quote: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." - Confucius
Also: "Always remember, there is enough sunshine for everyone".
Bio: Julia has many years of experience within the technology industry specializing in procurement strategy and business operations with a longstanding passion for Environmental and Social Governance. Julia focuses her time on Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Justice efforts, supporting Inclusion & Diversity initiatives within HPE as well as influencing commercial industry trends.
Company Bio: HPE is the global edge-to-cloud company built to transform your business. Turning insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today's complex world.
Quote: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." - Confucius
Also: "Always remember, there is enough sunshine for everyone".
Todd Gray, National Director, Supplier Diversity NFS, Kaiser Permanente
Bio: Todd is a 20 year leader in supplier diversity. He has developed and led world class programs in financial services, retail, and healthcare. He has dedicated his professional and personal journey to eradicating social and economic disparities in communities across the U.S. In his spare time he enjoys family, friends, and experiencing new places and cultures.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: Todd Gray ran for city council in a major city and plays the cello.
Quote: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty ahead. Affordability, diversity, impact, and the commitment to our communities are more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
Bio: Todd is a 20 year leader in supplier diversity. He has developed and led world class programs in financial services, retail, and healthcare. He has dedicated his professional and personal journey to eradicating social and economic disparities in communities across the U.S. In his spare time he enjoys family, friends, and experiencing new places and cultures.
Company Bio: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health plans, serving 12.5 million members with headquarters in Oakland, California, understands the critical link between health, jobs, income, economic security, the built-environment, accessibility to healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods. We believe in using the full weight of our organization’s financial, technical, intellectual, and non-clinical assets to address the upstream determinates of health and work to support groundbreaking innovations, drive positive outcomes, and identify ways to make our members and our communities healthier.
Fun Fact: Todd Gray ran for city council in a major city and plays the cello.
Quote: As we continue to lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty ahead. Affordability, diversity, impact, and the commitment to our communities are more important than ever. We will continue our enterprise commitment to equity by supporting businesses led by communities of color and other underrepresented communities.
7-word Challenge Video
Quanittia Harris, Supplier Diversity Partner, MGM Resorts International
Bio: Quanittia believes small and diverse businesses are the key to the economic stability and growth of our communities. In her role she advocates and collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure inclusion and helps support these local small and diverse businesses by shopping with local MBEs.
Company Bio: MGM Resorts International is an innovative leader in Supplier Diversity with transforming economic impact in local and diverse communities. Through our voluntary Supplier Diversity Program, we identify, advocate, and connect certified, diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within our supply chain.
Fun Fact: Loves trying new things; everything from dinner in the dark to snorkeling in Hawai'i.
Quote: I love this quote that Henry Ford once said: 'If You Always Do What You've Always Done, You'll Always Get What You've Always Got.' In challenging times, do something different!
Bio: Quanittia believes small and diverse businesses are the key to the economic stability and growth of our communities. In her role she advocates and collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure inclusion and helps support these local small and diverse businesses by shopping with local MBEs.
Company Bio: MGM Resorts International is an innovative leader in Supplier Diversity with transforming economic impact in local and diverse communities. Through our voluntary Supplier Diversity Program, we identify, advocate, and connect certified, diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within our supply chain.
Fun Fact: Loves trying new things; everything from dinner in the dark to snorkeling in Hawai'i.
Quote: I love this quote that Henry Ford once said: 'If You Always Do What You've Always Done, You'll Always Get What You've Always Got.' In challenging times, do something different!
This photo represents two firsts for me: becoming a mother and grandmother; both are titles that mean more to me than anything in this world. Thank you, Carlittia & DJ Johnson!
Rose Davis at our 2022 Mentorship graduation; the smile and support for her being in attendance speaks volumes.
This picture is a WOW moment as we begin to celebrate the diverse suppliers who were committed and who graduated in the 5th years mentorship program; 5 local MBEs graduated.
David Pell, Expert Consultant, Supply Chain Responsibility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Bio: David has devoted his career to promoting the value of diversity as a small business owner, consultant, and employee. He has 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, he has 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 Bio: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. In 2022, PG&E will be relocating its headquarters from San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. There are approximately 23,000 employees who carry out Pacific Gas and Electric Company's primary business—the transmission and delivery of energy. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 16 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California. In 2021, PG&E spent $4.01 billion with diverse businesses. This spending represents 38.7 percent of net procurement and 16 consecutive years of exceeding the CPUC goal of 21.5 percent. During this same period, PG&E spent $2.38 billion with minority businesses.
Fun Fact: David commuted by motorcycle from San Rafael to San Ramon for 14 years (over 100 miles per day)..
Quote: Even as the pandemic has very adversely impacted minority businesses throughout the United States, 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 resilient 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.
Bio: David has devoted his career to promoting the value of diversity as a small business owner, consultant, and employee. He has 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, he has 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 Bio: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. In 2022, PG&E will be relocating its headquarters from San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay to Oakland, California. There are approximately 23,000 employees who carry out Pacific Gas and Electric Company's primary business—the transmission and delivery of energy. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 16 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California. In 2021, PG&E spent $4.01 billion with diverse businesses. This spending represents 38.7 percent of net procurement and 16 consecutive years of exceeding the CPUC goal of 21.5 percent. During this same period, PG&E spent $2.38 billion with minority businesses.
Fun Fact: David commuted by motorcycle from San Rafael to San Ramon for 14 years (over 100 miles per day)..
Quote: Even as the pandemic has very adversely impacted minority businesses throughout the United States, 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 resilient 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.
This photo is me on my Ninja motorcycle with Tomales Bay in the background circa 2000!
7-word Challenge Video
🏆 Winner
Donna Ruff, VP, Supplier Diversity & Development, 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 Bio: 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.
Quote: 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, to stretch our thinking, to propose innovative ideas, and most importantly to call out behaviors that do not align with our values and conduct.
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 Bio: 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.
Quote: 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, to stretch our thinking, to propose innovative ideas, and most importantly to call out behaviors that do not align with our values and conduct.
Supplier of the Year Contenders
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.
Class 1 (Annual Sales Of Less Than $1M) Contenders
🏆 Winner
JL Linen Recovery, Inc.
Owner: Juana Uribe, Owner
Bio: Juana Uribe is a wife, loving mother of 4 children, grandmother of 9 and great grandmother of 1. Juana started her business as a sole proprietor in 1995 working from her garage then worked her way up to a S-Corp in 2002. As a women minority business owner, she worked hard to build her family business, teaching her children to follow in her footsteps to continue growing her business. Now, her children work together to keep her legacy going strong.
Company Bio: JL Linen provides quality and exceptional service. JL Linen promotes environmental programs such as reclamation of reducing or reusing items. JL Linen only uses the best fabrics to reduce cost.
Fun Fact: We are a family-owned business, a family that works together plays together.
Keywords: Cleaning Rags, Pool Re-upholstering, Cabana Re-skins, GRA bags, reclamation, trash can skirts, table linen cleaning, rejuvenate pool cushions
Quote: Never Give Up. Times are tough but as a community we can get through it together.
Owner: Juana Uribe, Owner
Bio: Juana Uribe is a wife, loving mother of 4 children, grandmother of 9 and great grandmother of 1. Juana started her business as a sole proprietor in 1995 working from her garage then worked her way up to a S-Corp in 2002. As a women minority business owner, she worked hard to build her family business, teaching her children to follow in her footsteps to continue growing her business. Now, her children work together to keep her legacy going strong.
Company Bio: JL Linen provides quality and exceptional service. JL Linen promotes environmental programs such as reclamation of reducing or reusing items. JL Linen only uses the best fabrics to reduce cost.
Fun Fact: We are a family-owned business, a family that works together plays together.
Keywords: Cleaning Rags, Pool Re-upholstering, Cabana Re-skins, GRA bags, reclamation, trash can skirts, table linen cleaning, rejuvenate pool cushions
Quote: Never Give Up. Times are tough but as a community we can get through it together.
Class 2 (Annual Sales From $1M - $10M) Contenders
🏆 Winner
BB Mechanical, LLC
Owner: Boss O. Oroke, Owner/Managing Member
Bio: Boss Oroke is the owner of BB Mechanical, LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boss is a BBA graduate from Davenport University in Michigan. His daughter, Princess, a UNLV and LSU graduate, is the office/project manager; his youngest son, Lord, is a UNLV graduate and the safety manager; his son, Prince, a UNLV graduate, is in law school at the University of Pennsylvania. Boss is a man of faith whose positive, can-do attitude has helped grow BB Mechanical into a successful company.
Company Bio: BB Mechanical LLC started as a 1-man operation in 2015 with a $10,000 bid limit. In seven (7) short years, their bid limit is now $5.6 million, construction income of about $5.8 million in 2022, with an average between 44 to 50 employees. BB Mechanical LLC will ALWAYS listen, offer value engineering and excellent service. We will complete every project on time and under budget with determination and integrity!
Fun Fact: The "BB" in BB Mechanical LLC stands for "Blessed Boss."
Keywords: Honesty, Hard Work, Determination, Integrity, Humility, and Community Involvement
Quote: Have FAITH, Be Thankful For All You Have, and Pay It Forward!
Owner: Boss O. Oroke, Owner/Managing Member
Bio: Boss Oroke is the owner of BB Mechanical, LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boss is a BBA graduate from Davenport University in Michigan. His daughter, Princess, a UNLV and LSU graduate, is the office/project manager; his youngest son, Lord, is a UNLV graduate and the safety manager; his son, Prince, a UNLV graduate, is in law school at the University of Pennsylvania. Boss is a man of faith whose positive, can-do attitude has helped grow BB Mechanical into a successful company.
Company Bio: BB Mechanical LLC started as a 1-man operation in 2015 with a $10,000 bid limit. In seven (7) short years, their bid limit is now $5.6 million, construction income of about $5.8 million in 2022, with an average between 44 to 50 employees. BB Mechanical LLC will ALWAYS listen, offer value engineering and excellent service. We will complete every project on time and under budget with determination and integrity!
Fun Fact: The "BB" in BB Mechanical LLC stands for "Blessed Boss."
Keywords: Honesty, Hard Work, Determination, Integrity, Humility, and Community Involvement
Quote: Have FAITH, Be Thankful For All You Have, and Pay It Forward!
Humble Beginnings
Certus Cybersecurity Solutions LLC
Owner: Ryan McKamie, CEO & Co-Founder
Bio: Ryan McKamie is CEO and co-founder of Certus Cybersecurity, a leading provider of product security services.
Prior to co-founding Certus Cybersecurity, Ryan was a director at Visa Inc., where he worked in the company’s information security and risk organizations. At Visa, Ryan planned and executed standards-based information security assessments, led development of information security metrics and reporting for the company’s board, and supported programs focused on assessing and improving the security posture of Visa’s partners across the payments ecosystem.
Earlier in his career, he served as a commissioned officer in the US Army, where he planned and executed IT and cybersecurity initiatives in support of Army missions and exercises in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Asia-Pacific.
Company Bio: Certus Cybersecurity is a leading provider of product security services to global corporations.
Fun Fact: We have employees everywhere from Hawai'i to North Carolina and international team members in Germany and India.
Keywords: Cybersecurity, Information Security, Application Security, Cloud Security, Technology, IT
Quote: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - MLK
Owner: Ryan McKamie, CEO & Co-Founder
Bio: Ryan McKamie is CEO and co-founder of Certus Cybersecurity, a leading provider of product security services.
Prior to co-founding Certus Cybersecurity, Ryan was a director at Visa Inc., where he worked in the company’s information security and risk organizations. At Visa, Ryan planned and executed standards-based information security assessments, led development of information security metrics and reporting for the company’s board, and supported programs focused on assessing and improving the security posture of Visa’s partners across the payments ecosystem.
Earlier in his career, he served as a commissioned officer in the US Army, where he planned and executed IT and cybersecurity initiatives in support of Army missions and exercises in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Asia-Pacific.
Company Bio: Certus Cybersecurity is a leading provider of product security services to global corporations.
Fun Fact: We have employees everywhere from Hawai'i to North Carolina and international team members in Germany and India.
Keywords: Cybersecurity, Information Security, Application Security, Cloud Security, Technology, IT
Quote: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - MLK
Sunbay Supplies LLC
Owner: Steven D. Sun, President
Bio: Steven D. Sun is the Founder and President of Sunbay Supplies LLC. He earned an MBA in Management Information Systems and in Finance. Steven supports charities and loves sports and traveling.
Earlier in his career, he served as a commissioned officer in the US Army, where he planned and executed IT and cybersecurity initiatives in support of Army missions and exercises in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Asia-Pacific.
Company Bio: Sunbay Supplies LLC functions as a product designing, sourcing, customization through contracts, and domestic warehousing distribution entity serving the hospitality industry worldwide since 2005. Our products span many categories, from hotel guestroom and outdoor furniture, bedding, linen, and amenities accessories to janitor equipment, table-top, promotional gift items, etc. We're honored to have key customers including but not limited to Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Wynn & Encore Las Vegas, Macau, Resorts World, Cosmopolitan, and Station Casinos.
Fun Fact: Word of Mouth Marketing!
Keywords: Product Diversity, Service Accessibility, Operation Flexibility, Performance Sustainability
Quote: Stay Hopeful. Work Hard. Trust yourself and Trust God.
Owner: Steven D. Sun, President
Bio: Steven D. Sun is the Founder and President of Sunbay Supplies LLC. He earned an MBA in Management Information Systems and in Finance. Steven supports charities and loves sports and traveling.
Earlier in his career, he served as a commissioned officer in the US Army, where he planned and executed IT and cybersecurity initiatives in support of Army missions and exercises in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Asia-Pacific.
Company Bio: Sunbay Supplies LLC functions as a product designing, sourcing, customization through contracts, and domestic warehousing distribution entity serving the hospitality industry worldwide since 2005. Our products span many categories, from hotel guestroom and outdoor furniture, bedding, linen, and amenities accessories to janitor equipment, table-top, promotional gift items, etc. We're honored to have key customers including but not limited to Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Wynn & Encore Las Vegas, Macau, Resorts World, Cosmopolitan, and Station Casinos.
Fun Fact: Word of Mouth Marketing!
Keywords: Product Diversity, Service Accessibility, Operation Flexibility, Performance Sustainability
Quote: Stay Hopeful. Work Hard. Trust yourself and Trust God.
7-word Challenge Video
Class 3 (Annual Sales From $10M - $50M) Contenders
🏆 Winner
Honolulu Fish & Seafood Corp.
Owner: Wayne Samiere, CEO, President, and Founder
Bio: Wayne Samiere, formerly a marine biologist, launched Honolulu Fish Co. in 1995. As a San Francisco native, his passion for fish would eventually lead him to Hawai'i, where he founded the company.
Company Bio: Honolulu Fish Company (HFC) is the nation’s top Ahi Sashimi expert, delivering more than 30 varieties of eco-friendly sashimi grade product to customers across the country. With more than 25 years of experience, HFC is known for Sashimi grade products. The company's identity has long been forged by a belief in sustainable resource management and a commitment to supporting sustainability in its fishing practices.
Fun Fact: Despite being thousands of miles from the US Mainland, Honolulu Fish Company is able to work with daily boat landings and deliver fresh fish anywhere in the country overnight.
Keywords: Sustainable, ahi sashimi, seafood market, Sashimi, Ahi tuna, seafood online, fresh seafood
Quote: Stay true to your original cause and look through the fog of the uncertainties surrounding us. Your purpose is still vital to everyone now and will be down the road ahead.
Owner: Wayne Samiere, CEO, President, and Founder
Bio: Wayne Samiere, formerly a marine biologist, launched Honolulu Fish Co. in 1995. As a San Francisco native, his passion for fish would eventually lead him to Hawai'i, where he founded the company.
Company Bio: Honolulu Fish Company (HFC) is the nation’s top Ahi Sashimi expert, delivering more than 30 varieties of eco-friendly sashimi grade product to customers across the country. With more than 25 years of experience, HFC is known for Sashimi grade products. The company's identity has long been forged by a belief in sustainable resource management and a commitment to supporting sustainability in its fishing practices.
Fun Fact: Despite being thousands of miles from the US Mainland, Honolulu Fish Company is able to work with daily boat landings and deliver fresh fish anywhere in the country overnight.
Keywords: Sustainable, ahi sashimi, seafood market, Sashimi, Ahi tuna, seafood online, fresh seafood
Quote: Stay true to your original cause and look through the fog of the uncertainties surrounding us. Your purpose is still vital to everyone now and will be down the road ahead.
The early days of the company, farming Tilapia on lush farmland in Kahalu'u, Oahu.
Class 4 (Annual Sales Over $50M) Contenders
🏆 Winner
World Wide Technology, Inc.
Owner: Dave Steward, Founder and Chairman
Bio: Dave Steward is chairman and founder of World Wide Technology (WWT), a market-leading systems integrator and supply chain solutions provider. In addition to his business success, Mr. Steward is the author of two books. "Doing Business by the Good Book," published in 2004, matches scriptural messages with guidelines for sound business practice and provides a foundation for aligning one’s personal beliefs with professional conduct. The Stewards have been married for over 45 years and have two children and two grandchildren.
Company Bio: We combine strategy and execution to help organizations accelerate growth and realize a brighter future. We turn complex technology solutions into a practical and actionable way forward. Then we help deliver them globally.
Fun Fact: Dave's car was repossessed while Dave was having a customer meeting.
Keywords: We Make a New World Happen for All
Quote: "Innovation doesn’t happen without a person of color or a diversity of thought being at the table in order to challenge the status quo." - Dave Steward
Owner: Dave Steward, Founder and Chairman
Bio: Dave Steward is chairman and founder of World Wide Technology (WWT), a market-leading systems integrator and supply chain solutions provider. In addition to his business success, Mr. Steward is the author of two books. "Doing Business by the Good Book," published in 2004, matches scriptural messages with guidelines for sound business practice and provides a foundation for aligning one’s personal beliefs with professional conduct. The Stewards have been married for over 45 years and have two children and two grandchildren.
Company Bio: We combine strategy and execution to help organizations accelerate growth and realize a brighter future. We turn complex technology solutions into a practical and actionable way forward. Then we help deliver them globally.
Fun Fact: Dave's car was repossessed while Dave was having a customer meeting.
Keywords: We Make a New World Happen for All
Quote: "Innovation doesn’t happen without a person of color or a diversity of thought being at the table in order to challenge the status quo." - Dave Steward
