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Washington, DC
WASHINGTON D.C., June 10, 2021 – In partnership with Disability:IN and the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), WEConnect International announced its 2021 Top 10 Global Champions for Supplier Diversity & Inclusion (SD&I) today with Merck claiming the number one spot this year.
Winners were announced in a 10-minute virtual “Top 10 in 10” live awards ceremony in which some of the world’s largest corporations that have demonstrated their commitment to global inclusive sourcing from diverse groups including minority-, women-, LGBT- and disabled-owned businesses were recognized. Following Merck in the number one spot, honorees included Kelly Services, IBM, Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Intel, Ford, Randstad and EY.
“Merck has demonstrated its continued leadership and focus on global supplier diversity and inclusion results by empowering regional teams to collaborate and achieving one of the highest percentages of non-US diverse spend among all survey participants,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International.
WEConnect International, a global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with women-owned suppliers around the world, conducts this one-of-a-kind annual survey. Supplier diversity and inclusion is a strategic business process aimed at providing companies owned by historically underutilized diverse groups, an equal opportunity to become suppliers to major corporations, governments and multinational organizations so that they can grow their businesses.
“At Merck, we recognize the power of economic inclusion and supplier diversity and how the utilization of diverse suppliers positively impacts our local and global communities,” said Susanna Webber, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Merck. “Economic inclusion and supplier diversity are central to Merck’s diverse and inclusive procurement practices. The results of our investment in and development of diverse suppliers create a ripple effect. We are a driver of growth, innovation, and our successes strengthen Merck’s competitive advantage. We’re honored to be recognized as the top Global Champion for Supplier Diversity and Inclusion. This ranking shows that our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is core to who we are and we’re making a difference by driving innovation to create more equitable and inclusive economies.”
Additional companies recognized as being “noteworthy” in their SD&I efforts include Adient, AstraZeneca, The Boeing Company, CDW, Cummins, Eaton, General Mills, GSK and Marriott International.
About WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers around the world. It works with over 125 multinational buyers, with over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 125 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies women’s business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. For more information, visit www.WEConnectInternational.org.
