Page 25 - BEQ Magazine Iss 19

“That’s where having a consortium would make their own businesses, or just provide coaching and
such a difference,” White said. “With mentorship feedback on how they could be more successful with
and development resources, we could find and grow Nationwide or with other enterprises really makes
diverse businesses to meet those needs.” me feel good.”
While the consortium is still just an idea, White
says one-way diverse businesses can improve A CULTURE OF SUPPORT
visibility with potential partners like Nationwide is
White is also focused on recruiting diverse talent
through diversity certification and preparation. He
to join the Procurement team. Nationwide has a
acknowledges that the time and effort needed to
relationship with Howard University, an HBCU with
complete the process can seem daunting, especially
significant LGBTQ representation among students,
for entrepreneurs already pulled in many directions,
and they’re actively, intentionally moving talent
but he asserts that the return on investment is worth
within their program with diversity in mind.
it. Currently White works with about 80 LGBTBE®
“We’ve opened up more junior roles which allows
firms, but he says they need more, especially at the
us to build relationships, talent and community,” he
Tier 2 level and within industries where they are
said. “I’m looking for people with fire
underrepresented.
in their bellies who want to be
“I’m always looking for more long-term
here. People who are curious
relationships, partnerships with transparency and
and willing to do diligent
reasonable expectations,” he said. “That’s one
of the reasons I love and promote our Supplier STORY CONTINUES ON
Diversity Program. Being able to help people grow PAGE 43

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 33

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