en
Toronto, ONTARIO, December 17, 2020 – In 2021 Walmart Canada will expand its support of women-owned businesses by welcoming WEConnect International certified women businesses into its award-winning Women in Retail Program. Backed by the latest research in business development, the program addresses common barriers and provides practical tools for women to overcome them in four quarterly sessions.
Established in 2010, Walmart Canada’s Women in Retail Program has been profiled in Diversity Journal, HRB.org, and DiversityMBA.com. Initially, the program aimed to develop and advance more women into store management positions. Today, they have more than 250 active members in Canada, as well as a growing network in eight other Walmart International markets.
“Over the past several months, our team has sat back to challenge ourselves on how we can continue to create an impact in our communities and the broader value chain,” said Nikki Baumgartner, Manager of Culture, Diversity and Engagement. “Extending the program to women business leaders in our partner network is a great start.”
Walmart Stores Inc. has been a global strategic partner of WEConnect International, collaborating to help women-owned businesses succeed in global value chains. Walmart Canada supports WEConnect International in Canada, participating in the annual Supplier Diversity Forum and sponsoring the annual conference, Power the Economy.
To offer the program, Walmart Canada has engaged EDIT Development, a WEConnect International certified women-owned business. Lead consultant Sonia Bate, has spoken at Walmart events on several occasions, and is one of their highest-rated speakers.
“We celebrate a business match made for Sonia and we’re delighted that the Walmart team intentionally opened these professional development sessions to the women businesses in our WEConnect International community.” said Stephanie Fontaine, Country Director for Canada. “It’s an opportunity to brush up on leadership skills while networking with women in management and procurement roles.”
We invite certified women-owned businesses to request invitations to one or multiple sessions.
SESSION DATES AND TOPICS
