CelebrASIAN 2021 Turns into a Goldmine of Supplier Diversity information
Washingtoner/10118076

WASHINGTON - Washingtoner -- As USPAACC completed a 3-day flagship CelebrASIAN Business+Procurement Conference, Agility &  Adaptability were the key takeaways for the small, minority, and diverse business community. Now on its 36^th year, USPAACC assembled 66 speakers from Fortune 1000 Corporations, Federal Agencies, Chamber Leadership Alliance Presidents, CEOs, and Founders, & Asian American suppliers and entrepreneurs over 25 sessions for the CelebrASIAN Conference. More than 800 participants tuned in on the virtual platform, held June 8-10.

Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA) started off the day with encouraging remarks on how minority communities supported each other during the pandemic. Subash Iyer, Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration of U.S. Dept of Transportation, shared his insights on how jobs are the centerpiece in the re-opening of the economy especially through increased infrastructure funding. Edith McCloud, MBDA, U.S. Dept of Commerce applauded USPAACC's work and effort and shared her agency's mission in expanded help for the minority business community.

More on Washingtoner

• Northeast Airlines and Travel, Inc. Initiates FAA Part 121 Certification for Boeing 737-800 Freighter Cargo Operations
• Walker's Realty and North Jersey Properties Introduce Extraordinary Luxury Estate for Rent in West Orange, New Jersey
• Extreme Heat Strains Home Appliances: Appliance EMT Offers "Summer Rescue" Relief
• Independent West Texas Metal Multi-Instrumentalist & Producer. "MAD CHAD™" Russell Surpasses 1.9 Million Project Interactions Via DFGS Productions
• No Download Needed: Goosechase Adds Browser Play to Every Experience

At the popular CPO Forum2 Rachel Kutz, VP, Global Connections Supply Chain Strategic Initiatives, AT&T encouraged minority businesses to know their financial capabilities, learn how to respond to RFPs, and ask for help when necessary. "We are here to mentor," Kutz added. Talking about the evolution of the supply chain and current trends in procurement, Shahid Javed, CPO, TIAA, said, "Don't be a generalist, be a specialist. MBEs should be demanding."  Wassel Lewis, CPO, Aflac, emphasized risk management as a prerequisite.

Jalayana Bolden, Director, AT&T, shared key tips for prospective suppliers:"Get certified and register with organizations like USPAACC and build a portfolio. Sell us the solutions, not just your products. Share ideas on how to save money and increase efficiency. Help us help you get into our supply chain." Clayton Judge III, Global D&I Lead, Nike, shared the corporation's plans to increase participation from diverse communities: "We are starting a mentorship and internship diversity program called the Nike Academy. We focus on connection, innovation, competition, and impact for our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives."

More on Washingtoner

• iCustoms launches iWarehouse, an AI bonded warehouse platform for customs and excise storage
• Spokane: City Council Members Commends Unified Wildfire Response
• National Night Out in Spokane Cancelled Due to Wildfire Conditions
• Haven Treatment Center Achieves IMD Certification, Expanding Access to Residential Care
• U.S.-Arab Trade Reaches $121.7 Billion, But the Stakes Are Rising

Gigi Dixon, Executive VP & Head of External Engagements, Wells Fargo and USPAACC National President & CEO Susan Au Allen closed the virtual conference in a candid conversation about how far the two organizations' collaborative work has come.   "It is not a conclusion but an intermission, and we will continue our series of innovative D&I programs. We will keep expanding our efforts for small and minority businesses with the help of corporations and the Biden government," Allen said. "We thank our sponsors, speakers, and participants for helping to make CelebrASIAN conference a big success."
For more information about USPAACC, click here (http://uspaacc.com/).