WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL HONORS LEADERS IN WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AT INAUGURAL GALA

WEConnect International held its inaugural gala celebrating champions of women’s economic empowerment on March 30 in Washington, DC. Brenda Cockrell, Monsanto Company, received the Top Supplier Diversity Champion of the Year Award. In her present capacity as Global Supplier Diversity and Procurement Sustainability Director, Brenda influences cross-functional global champions in both sustainability and supplier diversity, fostering an environment where collaboration can occur throughout the business with sustainable solutions and diversity of suppliers to meet Monsanto’s Procurement needs in the various world regions. These approaches foster diversity of thought and bring new and sustainable ideas to help meet the growing need for innovative agricultural solutions.

Top honors also went to:

• Marriott International – Corporation of the Year
• Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka – Commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment Award
• Smt. K. Ratnaprabha – Most Supportive Government Award
• Jackie Sturm – CEO’s Award
• Melanne Verveer – Inspiring Woman Leader Award

In addition to recognizing champions of women’s economic empowerment, WEConnect International also took time to recognize several certified women’s business enterprises, including:

• Kalpana Anantaraman – Fastest Growing Business Award
• Dana Denis-Smith – Best Role Model Award
• Femi Olayebi – Best Role Model Award
• Laura Patiño Mejía – Social Impact Award
• Tania Reid – Grand Prize Video Winner
• Ebru Yildirim – Youngest Up and Coming Talent Award

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