A Book about DEI diversity, equity and inclusion and paper figurines.
A renowned chartered accountant, Mrs. Nwakaego Altraide, has said that companies could fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, goals by empowering and promoting a diverse and inclusive supply chain.
She contended that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion was not just a corporate obligation but a potent catalyst for societal progress.
Speaking on ‘Fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibility through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, DEI’, Altraide elucidated the pivotal role of supplier diversity initiatives in fortifying CSR endeavours, particularly in empowering marginalized entities and fostering DEI within organizations.
According to her, “CSR commitments through DEI initiatives not only promote inclusive business practices but also stimulate economic growth and foster employment opportunities.
“While building a diverse workforce is commendable, expanding DEI to suppliers, contractors, and firms owned by women, disabled individuals, and disadvantaged ethnic groups presents an opportunity to amplify social impact”, she asserted.
Altraide, who has achieved an award of excellence and secured the 3rd position in the ICAN 2002 May diet exam, highlighted pioneering endeavours by industry behemoths like IBM and Ford Motors, which have successfully integrated supplier diversity programs into their CSR framework.
“IBM’s diverse supplier program generates over $3 billion annually, while Ford Motors spent $5.8 billion with minority-owned suppliers in 2020 alone. This commitment not only empowers countless underrepresented entrepreneurs but also sustains the competitive edge of these corporate giants”.
She further shed light on the instrumental role played by organizations such as WEConnect International, Disability IN, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and The Billion Dollar Roundtable in championing diversity-centric initiatives.
“These entities serve as catalysts for connecting diverse suppliers with corporations, thereby fostering DEI and inclusive procurement practices,” she affirmed.
