By Bruno Olvera, Head of Supplier Diversity Development, Stellantis North America
Stellantis’ Supplier Diversity Development group is commemorating its past and present – proudly marking our 40th anniversary supporting diverse suppliers as we celebrate recently being named to DiversityInc’s prestigious list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
This is a momentous milestone for our organization as we reflect on our journey and accomplishments over the past four decades. Throughout our history, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our supply chain. From the first OEM to mandate Tier II sourcing objectives to being named No. 2 in Supplier Diversity by DiversityInc in 2023, we have worked tirelessly to foster a culture of collaboration and support with our suppliers, particularly focusing on empowering underrepresented businesses and communities.
The DiversityInc honor is just one of many proud moments in the company’s long-standing history of supporting diverse communities. Among our many significant accomplishments are:
· Launching the National Black Supplier Development Program in partnership with the National Business League, an automotive industry first, to develop and advocate on behalf of Black-owned suppliers and enhance opportunities to secure business contracts
· Receiving the Benchmark Corporation of the Year recognition from Rainbow PUSH Coalition
· Launching the MentorWE program in collaboration with the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, to help grow and develop certified women-owned businesses
· Being named Top Corporation for Women’s Business Enterprises by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
· Earning the Best-in-Class Award from the Great Lakes Women Business Council
· Ranking No. 30 overall on DiversityInc’s prestigious list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity, our highest ranking ever, as well as No. 17 of top companies for Black executives in 2023
· Continuing our industry-leading High Focus Tier I program, which has generated over $6 billion in new sourcing opportunities for diverse suppliers in 12 years
One of our proudest achievements has been the creation of our award-winning Matchmaker program. Last fall, this annual event had more than 1,500 virtual attendees, including 200 diverse business owners and more than 100 Tier 1 supplier decision makers. Since its inception in 1999, MatchMaker has generated more than $4 billion in new business opportunities for minority-owned businesses. We even hosted three Diverse Supplier Days, mini MatchMakers of their own, to present potential contracting and construction opportunities at the Windsor, Ontario, and Kokomo, Indiana, battery plant projects. These are examples of how we are leveraging our economic clout to level the playing field for underrepresented communities.
Further contributing to our success is the support we receive from our senior leaders. In fact, for his commitment to diversity and inclusion – something that is deeply personal to him – our Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart was honored with the
National Minority Supplier Development Council’s Equity Honors Award as Chief Operating Officer of the Year. They also recognized our Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Lottie Holland with the Chief Diversity Officer of the Year award.
Stellantis’ commitment to diversity and inclusion is part of our DNA. It is central to our Dare Forward 2030 business strategy and our guiding purpose: powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves. This commitment contributes to the company being an extraordinary place to work and a magnet for people with the talent and drive to improve the lives of our customers today and in the digital and electrified future.
As we mark our 40th anniversary, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to our colleagues, suppliers and other stakeholders who have supported us over the years. Your unwavering dedication has contributed to our success and progress toward fostering a more equitable and inclusive supply chain.
