A Conversation with HSM's Supplier Diversity Director
A corporate commitment to diversity is essential in today's business. Simone Ray, Supplier Diversity Director at Hilton Supply Management (HSM), knows that increasing Hilton's commitment to woman-owned businesses is a huge step toward promoting inclusion, support and visibility within the hospitality landscape. HSM's industry-leading Supplier Diversity Program carries this important charge forward.
What have you been able to accomplish with HSM's Supplier Diversity Program?
The program began a decade ago, and since then we have cultivated relationships with more than 4,900 women-, minority-, veteran- and LGBTQ-owned businesses. Our supplier spend with these types of businesses has reached over $266 million, and we've committed to doubling our sourcing from diverse suppliers by 2030.
Can you share the overall journey of the Supplier Diversity Program?
In 2019, we embarked on a journey of transformation. The journey included investing even further in the program, innovating our communications and outreach to better tell our story and increasing Hilton's involvement in the conversation around supplier diversity. We have truly elevated our program to best-in-class.
How has this transformation journey included a focus on women?
HSM has made it a priority to offer content and programing that is relevant and empowering to women, like our collaboration with the Women Presidents' Educational Organization (WPEO) to host our annual "Doing Business with Hilton" event. Suppliers in attendance were able to hear firsthand from industry leaders and experts and to make important connections. We also recently partnered with the Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) to host our second annual Supplier Diversity Summit.
How is HSM's commitment to woman-owned businesses making a difference?
The economic development strategies from HSM's Supplier Diversity team are designed to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship among our suppliers, which results in high- quality goods and services that benefit our incredible owners, customers and clients. When the procurement playing field is level, excellence emerges, and everyone wins.
KEY STATS
Ranked #1 best supplier diversity program by DiversityInc $266 million total diverse supplier spend 4,900+ diverse and women-owned suppliers 11,000+ properties touched by HSM's programs
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