Realizing the Impacts of Supplier Diversity & Social Procurement

Date: Nov 29th, 2022 – 1:00-4:00pm
Delivered Online

While pre- pandemic, there was some interest in the value of the local supply chains, post pandemic this has intensified to encompass inclusive procurement as it relates to the underrepresented groups.  As a women business owner looking to grow and expand your business, what specifically does this mean and how does it impact you? This workshop breaks down what is meant by inclusive procurement, who is included in the underrepresented categories, what companies have these policies and how you prepare yourself to take advantage of this evolving business model in Canada and beyond.

In this session, participants will learn about:

• What is meant by Supplier Diversity, Special Procurement and Certification
• The role of these councils
• Wisdom and advice directly from Corporate or Tier 1 Suppliers which may assist you in connecting to and winning contracts with government and or corporate members
• Entrepreneur success stories showcasing opportunities and challenges
• Many tools, tips and tricks on how to be best prepared

Panelists and Presenters:

Cassandra Dorrington
President & CEO, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council – CAMSC

Cassandra Dorrington and her team lead the charge of championing business relationships and economic growth of the Canadian supply chain through the inclusion of Aboriginal and Minority suppliers. During her tenure, Cassandra has been focused on expansion of the CAMSC brand, both nationally and internationally. This has resulted in significant growth and impact in the Canadian marketplace.

Known for her involvement in both the business and community environment, Cassandra has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2021, and Diversity Canada’s Influential Women in Diversity and HR. She sits on the Supplier Advisory Council for the PSPC for the Government of Canada, Elevate International, and Dalhousie University Board of Governors.

With over 500 certified suppliers, 125 plus corporate members and more than $ 8 Billion in diverse spend, CAMSC is a proud member of both Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC), the single voice for supplier in Canada and Global Supplier Diversity Alliance (GSDA) promoting supplier diversity across the globe with sister councils in Australia, China, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Darrell Schuurman, MBA
Co-Founder & CEO, CGLCC – Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

Darrell is an advocate of effecting social change through the economic empowerment of LGBT+ entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder and CEO of the CGLCC, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to expand the opportunities and advancement of the LGBT+ business community in Canada. Darrell sits on the Supplier Advisory Committee (Public Services and Procurement Canada), the Procurement Modernization-Strategic Engagement Committee (Shared Services Canada), and the CUSMA SME Committee for the Government of Canada. Darrell is a founding member of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada, a national organization dedicated to the advancement of research, education, and advocacy of supplier diversity in Canada. Darrell is also the co-founder of the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Business Education Foundation and Travel Gay Canada. Darrell completed his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Calgary and completed his Executive MBA from Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University.

About the CGLCC

The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the LGBT+ business community and to advocating on behalf of the tens of thousands of LGBT+ owned businesses in Canada. The CGLCC’s core mission is to contribute to a thriving and inclusive Canadian economy by promoting economic growth and prosperity, in particular through supplier diversity certification, expanding global trade opportunities, and young entrepreneur mentorship. www.cglcc.ca

Deidre Guy
President & Co-Founder, Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada, IWSCC

As the President & Co-Founder, Deidre leads the IWSCC through its continuous growth, seeking opportunities for collaboration and expansion at every turn. She is responsible for signing on Corporate Members, developing and refining the certification process, hosting events, managing external relations, and most recently launching the organization’s landmark Veteran research project: Project VENT. Her passion for removing the barriers to becoming a successful entrepreneur is obvious to anyone she meets and has played a crucial role in the development of many Certified Suppliers’ businesses. The desire to make real change carries through to her advocacy work and speaking engagements, as she represents the organization externally. Deidre’s work has cemented the IWSCC as a credible and valuable part of the Canadian diversity landscape, and she continues to shape its reputation with exceptional programming and a vision for a more inclusive future. Deidre sits on the Board of CAN (Canadian Accessibility Network) and is a proud member of the SDAC (Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada).

REGISTER HERE