Equity in Business

This NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast episode features George Robinson, Director of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion for UPMC.

UPMC is a world-renowned health care provider, and insurer that operates 40 hospitals with more than 700 doctors’ offices and outpatient centers. It serves people throughout western and central Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and around the globe.

In this interview, Robinson unpacked UMPC’s DEI ecological model that empowers internal employees and diverse suppliers. Key takeaways include: 

• Educational, career, and entrepreneurial experiences, along with professional exposure and examples, are key factors in the success of MBEs.
• Successful MBEs and corporations seeking diverse suppliers, like UPMC, undergo multiple stages of development before achieving breakthroughs. UPMC’s supplier diversity efforts have significantly evolved over the past 33 years, becoming far more effective than when they first began.
• UPMC built a strong framework for supplier diversity by developing policies, engaging externally, advocating for diversity, fostering internal buy-in, and securing executive sponsorship.
• Employees at all levels, both new and experienced, receive training that reinforces the importance of supplier diversity as a shared responsibility across the organization.
• UPMC educates MBEs on meeting supplier requirements, scaling their businesses, and positioning themselves for opportunities with other companies.
• UPMC’s supplier diversity efforts bridge economic development and healthcare, fostering job creation and business growth at the community level. Additionally, these diverse suppliers help UPMC deliver world-class healthcare and life-changing medicine to the same communities they serve.
• UPMC’s diverse sourceable spend currently stands at 6.7–7%, compared to the national healthcare industry average of 0.75–1.25%.

Guest:

George Robinson, Director of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion, UPMC

Host and Production Specialist:

John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

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In this NMSDC Equity in Business podcast episode, host John Daniel interviews Eric Morrissette, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). 

Eric shares his personal background and how his upbringing influenced his public service career. He discusses his roles at the Department of Commerce, the legislative achievements of the MBDA, and the persistent challenges facing minority-owned businesses, particularly in access to capital and procurement.

The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships, regulatory changes, and data-driven approaches to foster minority business growth and economic competitiveness. Eric also highlights key initiatives, including the Capital Readiness Program and the development of a comprehensive minority business data repository.

Guest:
Eric Morrissette, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

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This NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast episode features Celeste Warren, Vice President of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck, a leading biopharmaceutical company. Celeste is responsible for advancing and embedding diversity and inclusion across the organization to enhance the employee experience and drive business performance.

Celeste's passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) was ignited during her childhood.  Her father, the first Black principal at a public school in Western Pennsylvania, often shared stories during their family “Kitchen Table Talks.” These conversations highlighted his challenges and how he overcame them to ensure equal access to education for all. As a result, DEI became deeply ingrained in Celeste’s values.

During the podcast, Celeste emphasized several critical points about the importance of DEI:

• One of the most significant challenges for MBEs is that many people remain unaware of the importance of DEI.
• Merck is dedicated to fostering a globally diverse workforce that emphasizes belonging, engagement, equity, and empowerment—enabling employees to fulfill their mission of saving and improving lives. These evidence-based practices are universally applicable.
• Celeste described the NMSDC as a "Godsend" for MBEs, offering a sense of community where they can learn from one another, network with corporations, and unite to defend against current challenges to DEI.
• Successful MBEs are vital to the growth and strength of the American economy.
• She is committed to partnering with the NMSDC and engaging Merck’s leadership to advance DEI initiatives. Merck has set an aspirational goal to spend $4.4 billion with MBEs by 2030. Additionally, Celeste aims to support MBEs through educational programs (e.g., partnerships with institutions like Drexel University), awareness of Merck’s initiatives, and advocacy for self-empowerment and collaborative learning.
• Addressing inequities in capital access for MBEs requires intentional dialogue at NMSDC forums and among venture capital groups. As Celeste noted, “They speak the same language,” and these conversations can foster greater access to resources.
• Celeste urged MBEs to persist in the fight against DEI threats and amplify the immense value MBEs bring to the American economy.

Guest:
Celeste Warren, Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion Center of Excellence, Merck

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

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This NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast episode features Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO of VDart Group, which has emerged as a global leader in digital talent management, solutions, and products, generating over $240M in revenue. Sidd has redefined success through his unwavering commitment to the principles of his North Star: "people, purpose, planet."

As a minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as both an MBE and a Corporate Plus member, VDart’s success story is intricately linked with Sidd’s involvement with the NMSDC. He shared that VDart had to rise to the occasion by 1) joining the network, 2) obtaining certification, 3) leveraging the network, 4) gaining access, and 5) showing up at industry group meetings. These efforts led to NMSDC educational opportunities with companies like Kellogg’s, Delta Air Lines, and Accenture, which were pivotal in driving the growth of the VDart Group of businesses.

Some of Sidd’s other key insights for MBEs include:

• Diversity of thought is critical to a company’s success.
• In every action on the job and in business, ask the “key question”: Am I helping to create value for employees, customers, and all stakeholders?
• A purpose-driven business fosters a sense of belonging across multiple and diverse communities, which ultimately drives business growth.
• Access to opportunities is more likely when you have a “proof of concept.” This proof can be developed with other MBEs before you pitch to a Fortune 1000 company.
• Get evaluated to identify if you have the right skills and seek training if needed.
• Skilled talent in emerging technologies has a longer professional life span than non-skilled trades, although trades can also be lucrative.

Guest:
Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO, VDart Group

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

In this episode of the NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast, we feature Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO of Ampcus Inc. A minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as an MBE and Corporate Plus member, Ampcus Inc., is a global IT and business staffing and consulting firm specializing in digital solutions and human capital management. 

Ann is a visionary entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in designing, developing, and delivering cutting-edge technology and human capital solutions globally.

Starting her journey in 2004 from her basement with a one-year-old, Ann identified a unique business opportunity to help companies streamline their Business Solutions, Management, and Human Capital needs. She then created and executed a "one-stop shop" solution to help customers meet that need.

In this can't-miss episode, Ann shares her recipe for success as an MBE, including:

• 15 years of growth within the NMSDC ecosystem, where she built relationships with MBEs, customers, corporate partners, government agencies, and nonprofits.
• Curiosity about market needs as the foundation for her business strategy.
• Smart growth strategies through organic expansion and acquisitions.
• A focus on people, processes, and innovation in driving successful acquisitions.
• The power of diverse thinking, surrounding yourself with professionals with varied experiences and perspectives.
• The critical role of retooling and reskilling in ensuring business sustainability and growth.

Guest:
Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO, Ampcus Inc. 

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

In this episode of the NMDSC Equity in Business Podcast, we feature Hector Quintanar, President of Trade Management Solutions (TMS). A minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as an MBE and Corporate Plus member, TMS is a leading international supply chain provider specializing in import/export, customs brokerage, all modes of transportation, warehousing, and distribution.

Hector exemplifies what it takes to thrive as a successful minority business enterprise through his journey of Learning, Earning, and Owning. In this segment, he shares insights from his international career, including roles at Xerox and Dell Inc., along with his training in manufacturing and corporate strategies at Harvard University. Hector also explains how 22 years in corporate America prepared him for his entrepreneurial path.

His advice to fellow MBEs includes:

• Develop the ability to navigate ambiguity.
• Empower yourself through continuous learning and self-encouragement.
• Be accountable to yourself and all your stakeholders.
• Raise your hand to take on the hard jobs.
• Luck is where talent meets opportunity.

This episode is a must-watch and listen for any entrepreneur seeking inspiration and practical wisdom.

Guest:
Hector Quintanar, president, Trade Management Solutions (TMS)

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

In this NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast episode, we continue our two-part series featuring ASRC Industrial. A minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as an MBE and Corporate Plus member, ASRC Industrial excels in providing environmental solutions and industrial contracting services tailored to client needs.

In part one, we featured an insightful conversation with Steve Ennis, president and CEO of ASRC Industrial, and Natalie McGrady, global supplier diversity lead for Cargill, highlighting the synergistic supplier development efforts between their companies.

Part two of our look at the company delves into the personal experiences of two ASRC Industrial shareholders and employees, Vanessa Packer, senior project manager, and Jessi Smith, HRIS and compliance analyst. Their stories exemplify the profound impact of supplier diversity on employee growth and development.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of employee career development and the positive outcomes of participation in ASRC Industrial’s "Build Your Potential Program."
• How their inclusive cultural heritage, supported by family, elders, and friends, creates a welcoming and nurturing work environment.
• The critical role of a development curriculum in fostering employee potential and advancing DEI objectives within the company.

Guests:
Vanessa Packer, senior project manager, ASRC Industrial
Jessi Smith, HRIS and compliance analyst, ASRC Industrial

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

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In this episode of the NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast, we discuss the NMSDC’s 2023 Minority Businesses Economic Impact Report. Joining us are NMSDC CEO and president Ying McGuire and Supplier.io CEO Aylin Basom. Together, they provide an insightful overview of the report's highlights, discuss how these findings can drive meaningful change, and explore ways to support NMSDC’s goal of reaching $1 trillion in NMSDC-certified MBE revenue by 2030.

Key learnings include:

• An in-depth understanding of what an economic impact report entails.
• Insight into the key metrics NMSDC monitors and their significance.
• Practical applications of economic impact reports to foster change.
• Opportunities for involvement in helping NMSDC achieve its $1 trillion revenue target for MBEs.

Guests:
Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC
Aylin Basom, CEO, Supplier.io

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

This episode of the NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast is the first installment of a two-part series spotlighting ASRC Industrial (Arctic Slope Regional Corporation).  ASRC Industrial is a minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as an MBE and Corporate Plus member, specializing in environmental solutions and industrial contracting services customized to meet clients' specific needs. 

This episode features a powerful dialogue between Steve Ennis, president and CEO of ASRC Industrial, and Natalie McGrady, global supplier diversity lead for Cargill. During this interview, they highlight the successful synergy of supplier development between their companies. 

Key takeaways for MBEs include:

•  A sense of belonging and care for employees and all stakeholders is critical to ongoing success.
• A “culture of care” that centers on employee safety and career development, service quality, and dedication to the needs of different ethnic groups.  
• How “smart growth” supports a company's sustainability through incremental and consistent measurable progress.

Guests:
Steve Ennis, president and CEO, ASRC Industrial
Natalie McGrady, global supplier diversity lead, Cargill

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

In this episode of NMSDC’s Equity in Business Podcast, we explore Sean Hobdy's journey from an entry-level position to the senior vice president of global sales at Zones, a leading global IT solutions provider.  Learn how Zones helps companies achieve their digital transformation goals, from desktop to data center, and into the cloud and beyond.

Sean Hobday shares insights including: 

• How he earned his leadership position from the “ground up” when he decided he wanted to work for the Zones technology company.
• How diverse partnerships led to the development of better products, services, employees, and leaders.
• Key lessons from his first major contracts with Starbucks and Pacific Gas and Electric.
• Finally, how the leadership of Firoz Lalji, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Zones, LLC, who hails from Uganda, taught Sean to appreciate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion from a "return on investment" perspective.

Guest:
Sean Hobday, senior vice president of global sales, Zones

Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.

About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.