WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL CONNECTS WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS TO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES IN ORLANDO

Accenture, IBM, Intel, ExxonMobil, Monsanto and Walmart Recognized for Commitment to Supplier Diversity

WEConnect International convened more than 200 women business owners, corporate representatives, and government officials from 18 countries to its annual WEConnect International Day conference in Orlando, FL, on Monday, June 20. The event provides a platform for all in attendance to make critical connections that lead to business deals and strengthen women’s global economic empowerment.

“International Day is WEConnect International’s hallmark event that has catalyzed dozens of new business connections each year,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International. “On Monday, we welcomed an unprecedented number of representatives from more than 40 large corporations based in the U.S. and abroad. Women business owners almost never have direct access to this many qualified buyers committed to inclusive sourcing in one room.”

This year, the organization honored a number a corporations with its inaugural WEConnect International Awards. Top honors went to Accenture, Intel and Walmart for their world-class international supplier diversity and inclusion programs. One of WEConnect International’s newest members Monsanto received the Award for Best Progress. Natalie Stirling-Sanders with Exxon Mobil was awarded the Top Supplier Diversity Champion of the Year and Michael K. Robinson with IBM was awarded the CEO’s Award.

WEConnect International helps women-owned businesses succeed in global value chains. It 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, and then connects them with qualified buyers.

In photo, left to right: Kara Valikai (Walmart), Natalie Stirling-Sanders (ExxonMobil), Megan Stowe (Intel), Daphanie Pointer (Monsanto Company), Brenda Cockrell (Monsanto Company), Mark Baxa (Monsanto Company), Sanjeev Bhandari (Accenture), Michael K. Robinson (IBM), and Elizabeth A. Vazquez (WEConnect International).

CONTACT: Cate Urban, Communications Manager | WEConnect International | Phone: +1 202 810 6009 | Email: curban@weconnectinternational.org