In this episode of Founders, Future, host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Maria Gonzalez, founder of M&A Supplier Diversity Consultants, to explore her journey from law enforcement to becoming a powerhouse in supplier diversity. With over 25 years of experience, Maria shares how she built her minority-women-owned business to help BIPOC and small businesses secure certifications, unlock growth opportunities, and navigate state, federal, and private procurement systems. She reveals her 100% approval rate for certifications and how she’s pivoting toward international supply chain logistics to future-proof her business.

Maria dives into her hands-on approach, the power of networking, and her mission to make supplier diversity a standard—not an afterthought. From leveraging AI to streamline presentations to her candid advice for entrepreneurs (“Don’t be afraid to ask for help!”), Maria’s energy and wisdom shine through. She also teases her upcoming collaborations and her vision to become a national leader in diverse business certifications.