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

• Spokane City Council Members Introduce Tenant Protections
• Gigasoft 2026 JavaScript Chart Comparison: ProEssentials, Highcharts, SciChart, LightningChart, ECharts
• Experienced eXp Realty Agent Kerri Lawless Guides Buyers and Sellers Through Life's Next Chapters in St. Tammany Parish
• Supreme Garage Door Repair Redirects Marketing Dollars Into North Texas Communities
• Spokane: Flags Lowered in Honor of Dolly Parton

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

• RAS AP Consulting Spotlights Managed AP Governance™ at Esker All Access
• Kent Youth And Family Services Names Omar Malik As New Executive Director
• Spokane: SPD Seek Assistance in Locating Missing Vulnerable Adult Female
• ANSI BSR Upholds Appeal of AFDE Member Andrew Sulner, MSFS, JD, finding the AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB) Violated ANSI Essential Requirements
• Haven Treatment Center Surprises Team Member with New Bicycle After Transportation Challenge

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/).