Author: DiversityComm

Prior to the pandemic, Black business growth was on an upward trend. From 2017 to 2020, the number of Black-owned businesses across the country increased by 13.64%—more than ten times larger than all businesses in general. Black businesses in Los Angeles have resumed the pre-covid growth trajectory with technical assistance and support from the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce’s Business Evolution Program. Starting in 2006, GLAAACC BEP mentored one promising business each year. Each mentee received one-on-on training from corporate professionals enabling them to grow their capacity and reach the next level of business success. The business…

Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, has announced a joint event with the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business’ Center for Effective Organizations (CEO), to explore the impact of employee resource groups (ERGs) on business innovation and growth. The 2023 Strategic ERG Leadership Summit is a two-day immersive experience for Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leaders to bridge the gap between research and practice for ERGs, diversity councils and ERG executive sponsors. The summit will take place August 3-4, 2023, in St. Paul, Minn. at the Omni…

Diversity in Health Care Scholarship Program to reduce ongoing health disparities in Native communities and diversify workforce. The American Indian College Fund is launching its Diversity in Health Care Scholarship Program with a $1.6 million grant from the United Health Foundation to reduce health disparities and outcomes in Native communities and to address underrepresentation of Native health care professionals in the workforce by providing academic and career services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) college students pursuing degrees in health care fields. The Diversity in Health Care Scholarship Program is expected to support a cohort of 60 Native scholars…

Pasadena, CA, June 20, 2023 Out to Innovate is proud to announce the winners of its 2023 recognition awards for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Out to Innovate has recognized exemplary individuals with LGTBQ+ Educator, Engineer, and Scientist of the Year for over 15 years. Please check our website at https://outtoinnovate.org for more information regarding the Awards ceremony. 2023 LGBTQ+ Educator of the Year: Prof. Ramón S. Barthélemy, Ph.D. The LGBTQ+ Educator of the Year award recognizes an educator who has significantly impacted STEM students through teaching, counseling, advocacy, and…

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is excited to announce it has received a grant of $220,000 from Walmart to support the Black Farmers Equity Initiative.. This funding will enable NMSDC to evaluate the program and support a second cohort of Black farmers. According to a study from McKinsey & Company, just 1.4% of farmers identify as Black or mixed race compared with about 14% a century ago. Furthermore, these farmers represent less than 0.5% of total U.S. farm sales. Perhaps, even more disturbing, Black farmers operate at 70% of US peer-level farm revenue. Thanks to initial support from…

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recently announced the appointment of Jessica G. Cavazos as Deputy Under Secretary for Minority Business Development. Under Secretary Donald R. Cravins, Jr. released the following statement: “Ms. Cavazos’ appointment as the first-ever Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development is a historic milestone for MBDA. Ms. Cavazos, who most recently served as President of the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce, has dedicated her career to serving and supporting Hispanic businesses, families, and communities. She not only brings invaluable experience to the Minority Business Development Agency, but also a…

NEW YORK — The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) are excited to announce a Strategic Partnership agreement to promote ITA’s mission to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industry and improve the global business environment. The partnership involves the following activities: To celebrate this historic occasion, NMSDC and ITA held a signing ceremony earlier today at ITA’s U.S. Commercial Service office in New York City where NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire and ITA Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Field Kendee Yamaguchi signed the Memorandum of Agreement, solidifying this…

The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) is now accepting applications to its “Supplier Diversity Champions” (SD Champions) program that celebrates the “unsung heroes” of supplier diversity. Launched in the beginning of this year, USPAACC’s latest initiative marks a purposeful shift away from awards and recognition solely based on a corporation’s ability to spend and moves toward a new emphasis that encourages transparency, innovation, inclusion, impact on the community, and integration in supplier diversity programs. “Our SD Champions program shines a new light on the true champions of supplier diversity,” said Susan Au Allen, USPAACC National…

Cargill and UNFI Support Expansion of NMSDC Acres Program to Cultivate Equity in Black Agriculture The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is expanding a program focused on increasing economic opportunity for Black farmers and ranchers. Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture trains and certifies Black farmers and ranchers as diverse suppliers. The goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets including grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets. Founding partner Cargill and UNFI have contributed more than $500,000, with a goal of tripling the number of trained ranchers and farmers to help build greater equity in…

By Jeff Haden Success, in whatever way you choose to define “success,” comes down to what you do—over and over again. But every action starts with a decision. That’s why most successful people have a process for making decisions. Oprah Winfrey decides which bridges to cross and which to burn. Jeff Bezos spends little time weighing the pros and cons of easily reversible decisions. Steve Jobs felt trusting himself made all the difference. Good stuff, but there’s an even easier way to start making better decisions. Just think of your brain as a muscle. The Neurobiology of Decision Fatigue Here’s why. To function, your brain breaks down nutrients to release energy. Byproducts of that metabolic…