Honoring WBE Stars & America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises

June 8, 15, 22, and 29

engaging sessions
inspiring speakers
exclusive networking

Registration is now open!

 

Co-Chairs

 

About this Event

Focus on the Future

This year, WBENC is focused on the future — specifically, ensuring a successful and sustainable future for our network.

We are on a mission to help our constituents not only survive these uncertain times, but also grow and thrive.

Join us this June for an innovative virtual event series laser-focused on supporting our network of women business owners and those who support them.

What to Expect:

  • 4 robust days of exclusive content & interaction 
  • Networking opportunities with WBENC Corporate Members and WBEs 
  • Gain insights into trending topics across various industries  
  • Access exciting and inspirational celebratory events 
  • Industry-focused spotlights and panel discussions  
  • Important conversations on critical topics of importance to women business owners  
  • Face to face interaction — turn your camera on and participate in meaningful dialogue  
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Schedule

In the Spotlight

Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

TUESDAYS 12:00-1:30pm ET

Join us as we celebrate the WBENC WBE Stars and 2019 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises through a series of dynamic discussions that lay the foundation for the afternoon’s Think Tank sessions. 

Interactive Industry Think Tanks

TUESDAYS
2:00-3:00pm ET

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.  

Think Tank Outcomes

Trends & Solutions

TUESDAYS 3:00-4:30pm ET

Following the Interactive Industry Think Tanks, we will come together for a robust wrap-up and report out of the day’s Think Tank discussions. 

Industry Session Details

Each Tuesday will focus on three to five industries

 

Click on the session names below to learn more about each session, think tank topics and what WBE Stars and Top Corporations will be featured each day.

June 8
12pm | In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

12:00 – 1:30 PM ET

Join us as we celebrate WBENC’s WBE Stars and 2019 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises through a series of dynamic discussions that lay the foundation for the afternoon’s Interactive Industry Think Thank sessions. 

This Tuesday will honor: 

WBE Stars
  • Tammy Cohen
  • Emily Erskine
  • Patricia Marx
  • Annette Springer
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  • Comcast NBCUniversal
  • Sony Pictures Entertainment 
  • The Walt Disney Company
Energy
  • BP America, Inc.
  • Chevron
  • Exxon Mobil Corporation
  • Shell
Insurance
  • Allstate Insurance Company
  • MetLife
  • Nationwide 
Travel & Hospitality
  • American Airlines 
  • Avis Budget Group, Inc.
  • Delta Air Lines, Inc.
  • Marriott International
  • MGM Resorts International
  • United Airlines
2pm | Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Think Tank: Driving Equality and Change

Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

These past few years have brought inequality to the forefront of the entertainment and media industry, from the Me-Too movement to the country’s fight on systemic racism and inequality. How does this change the landscape of supplier diversity for this industry and how do suppliers best aid in this needed change?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company

2pm | Insurance Think Tank: Talent Strategies

Insurance Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Many companies shifted to a remote work environment due to COVID-19. In a hybrid workplace, how will culture and inclusivity be redefined and how can WBE suppliers support insurance corporations in offering a more supportive infrastructure?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Allstate Insurance Company, MetLife, Nationwide

2pm | Energy Think Tank: Carbon Footprint Reduction - Being a Part of the Global Energy Transition

Energy Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Join the Top Energy Corporations in an engaging, solution-focused discussion on being a part of the global energy transition to a reduced carbon world. Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for this dynamic, moderated session, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring BP America, Inc., Chevron, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Shell

2pm | Travel & Hospitality Think Tank: Opportunities from Emerging Trends

Travel & Hospitality Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

The pandemic stopped this industry in its tracks. Now, as the world begins to travel again, what trends will redefine the industry and where can suppliers add the most value in emerging opportunities?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Avis Budget Group, Inc., MGM Resorts International, United Airlines

2pm | Travel & Hospitality Think Tank: Travel and Sustainability

Travel & Hospitality Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

COVID-19 has changed our world in many ways. Through the lens of a traveler, how does sustainability play a leading role in our lives moving forward?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Marriott International

3pm | Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

3:00 – 4:30 PM EST

Immediately following the Interactive Industry Think Tanks, we will come together for a robust wrap-up and report out from representatives of each of the day’s Think Tank discussions.

Don’t miss the opportunity to collect the observations, trends, and solutions from the other Interactive Think Tanks from the day.

June 15
12pm | In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

12:00 – 1:30 PM ET

Join us as we celebrate WBENC’s WBE Stars and 2019 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises through a series of dynamic discussions that lay the foundation for the afternoon’s Interactive Industry Think Thank sessions. 

This Tuesday will honor: 

WBE Stars
  • April Diez
  • Rosa Santana
  • Deborah Trevino
Automotive
  • Adient
  • Ford Motor Company
  • General Motors Company, LLC
  • Honda of America Mfg
  • Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
  • TOYOTA
Food & Beverage and Consumer Products
  • Cargill
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Kellogg Company
  • PepsiCo, Inc.
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Sodexo, Inc.
Industrials
  • Cummins Inc.
  • DuPont
  • Raytheon Technologies
Utilities
  • DTE Energy
  • Entergy Corporation
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  • Southern California Edison
  • Vistra
2pm | Automotive & Industrials Think Tank: Driving the Future of WBEs in Automotive and Industrials

Automotive & Industrials Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Join this dynamic session and explore how these Top Corporations have continued to thrive over the last 2 years and how they are consistently advancing the growth and development of WBEs in their supply chains on a global basis.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Adient, Cummins Inc., General Motors Company, LLC, Nissan North America, Inc., Stellantis

2pm | Automotive & Industrials Think Tank: Driving the Future of Supplier Diversity in Automotive and Industrials

Automotive & Industrials Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Join this dynamic session and discover how these Top Corporations have continued to thrive over the last 2 years and how the vision of Supplier Diversity has evolved with changing socioeconomic trends.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring DuPont, Ford Motor Company, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC, Raytheon Technologies, TOYOTA

2pm | Food & Beverage and Consumer Products Think Tank: The “New Normal”

Food & Beverage and Consumer Products Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

With so much disruption in the Food & Beverage and Consumer Product supply chains, this Think Tank will explore the industry trends where there is the most opportunity for suppliers in this “new normal”.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Cargill, PepsiCo Inc., Procter & Gamble

2pm | Food & Beverage and Consumer Products Think Tank: Preparing for Supply Chain Disruption

Food & Beverage and Consumer Products Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

With so much disruption in the Food & Beverage and Consumer Product supply chains, this Think Tank will explore solutions to these challenges and how can other corporations and/or WBEs can best prepare for future challenges

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring The Coca-Cola Company, Kellogg Company, and Sodexo, Inc.

2pm | Utilities Think Tank: Creating the Resilient Grid of the Future

Utilities Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Extreme weather events such as wildfires and winter weather disasters, as well as workforce changes due to the pandemic, have tested the U.S. utilities grid and infrastructure. With a new focus on grid modernization, digitization and cybersecurity, what opportunities are there for WBEs to support this important transformation?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring American Water Inc., CenterPoint Energy, DTE Energy, Entergy Corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, Vistra

3pm | Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

3:00 – 4:30 PM EST

Immediately following the Interactive Industry Think Tanks, we will come together for a robust wrap-up and report out from representatives of each of the day’s Think Tank discussions.

Don’t miss the opportunity to collect the observations, trends, and solutions from the other Interactive Think Tanks from the day.

June 22
12pm | In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

12:00 – 1:30 PM ET

Join us as we celebrate WBENC’s WBE Stars and 2019 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises through a series of dynamic discussions that lay the foundation for the afternoon’s Interactive Industry Think Thank sessions. 

This Tuesday will honor: 

WBE Stars
  • Rashmi Chaturvedi
  • Kari Donovan
  • Ranjini Poddar
  • Rajashree Varma
Healthcare
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Medtronic
  • Merck & Co.
  • Pfizer Inc.
Technology
  • Apple Inc.
  • Dell Technologies
  • IBM Corporation
  • Intel
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Pitney Bowes Inc.
Information Communications Technology
  • AT&T
  • Ericsson, Inc.
  • T-Mobile US Inc.
  • Verizon
2pm | Healthcare Think Tank: Disruption and Innovation – Intersectionality and Outcomes

Healthcare Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Exploring how the disruption of the past 16 months has driven innovation and highlighting the positive changes that will remain after we have recovered.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Merck & Co., Pfizer Inc

2pm | Healthcare Think Tank: The Pandemic's Impact on Consumer Product Marketing and the Supply Chain

Healthcare Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Understanding the impact of the pandemic on consumer facing products, the supply chains that bring them to market and the marketing strategies that drive sales.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Bayer US, CVS Health

2pm | Technology Think Tank: Digital Transformation – the acceleration and opportunities ahead

Technology Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

The pandemic rapidly accelerated digital transformation. The way we live and work evolved into a new digital reality overnight. Work from home, virtual learning, contactless payment all seemed to change and become the new normal. This session will discuss what trends are here to stay and what opportunities WBEs can explore.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring AT&T. Ericsson Inc., IBM Corporation, Intel, Verizon

2pm | Technology Think Tank: Cyber Security & Today's Realities - what you need to know and how you can lead

Technology Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

This past year we saw an unprecedented increase in cyber-attacks. In this new era of technology and risk, learn how WBEs can help lead the way in cyber.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Dell Technologies

2pm | Technology Think Tank: Diversity & Inclusion in the Technology Industry

Technology Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

This think tank will dive into the opportunities and challenges technology leaders have in navigating DEI from inclusive products to delivering data-drive technology solutions that reflect and promote a diverse and inclusive technology workforce and supply chain.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Pitney Bowes Inc., T-Mobile US Inc.

3pm | Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

3:00 – 4:30 PM EST

Immediately following the Interactive Industry Think Tanks, we will come together for a robust wrap-up and report out from representatives of each of the day’s Think Tank discussions.

Don’t miss the opportunity to collect the observations, trends, and solutions from the other Interactive Think Tanks from the day.

June 29
12pm | In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

In the Spotlight: Insights from WBE Stars & Top Corporations

12:00 – 1:30 PM ET

Join us as we celebrate WBENC’s WBE Stars and 2019 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises through a series of dynamic discussions that lay the foundation for the afternoon’s Interactive Industry Think Thank sessions. 

This Tuesday will honor: 

WBE Stars
  • Gabrielle Christman
  • Staci Redmon
  • Iris Vincent
Financial Services
  • Bank of America
  • Capital One
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • TIAA
  • U.S. Bank
  • Wells Fargo
Professional & Technical Services
  • Accenture
  • EY
  • Kelly Services, Inc.
  • ManpowerGroup
  • Robert Half
Retail
  • The Kroger Co.
  • Macy’s Inc.
  • Office Depot, Inc.
  • Target Corporation
  • Walmart Inc.
Transportation & Logistics
  • FedEx
  • UPS
2pm | Finance Industry Think Tank: Customer Engagement and Evolving Ecosystems

Financial Services Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Recognizing that customer expectations and needs have rapidly changed, financial institutions are now implementing programs aimed at improving customer engagement. How can they reimagine and improve customer engagement and the user experience? As the financial ecosystem continues to evolve, what are ways in which Financial Services companies can partner with suppliers to bolster the solutions needed in this changing landscape.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Bank of America, Capital One, Fifth Third Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co., TIAA, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo

2pm | Professional & Technical Services Think Tank with Accenture on 2021 Trends

Professional & Technical Services Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

When the world moved in 2020, so many norms and assumptions fell away. Displacement creates new opportunities. Let’s discuss those new trends, new opportunities.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Accenture

2pm | Professional & Technical Services Think Tank: Women Business Development Reimagined - What will the WBE of the future need to develop?

Professional & Technical Services Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

We know the odds remain stacked up against women, especially going backwards during COVID. The evidence is all around, statistics are well documented, so what are we going to do about it and how can we as a collective, utilize our resources and know-how to better prepare our WBEs to be more successful? This interactive session will be a focus group to help EY and WBENC improve our women’s business development programs:

  • Create learnings/experiences to remove barriers for you and your business
  • Criteria for selection – Does it need to change/be adjusted
  • Access- meaningful connections going beyond introductions – Positioning your product/service with our network

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring EY

2pm | Professional & Technical Services Industry Think Tank: Designing a Diverse Staffing Model

Professional & Technical Services Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Join us for an interactive discussion on the future of staffing as we explore how to design a diverse staffing model, and uncover the industry’s challenges, trends, and solutions moving forward.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Kelly Services Inc., ManpowerGroup, Robert Half

2pm | Retail Think Tank: Growing A Successful Consumer-Facing Product Business

Retail Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

There are so many products trying to get shelf space. What are the best practices for a company to get into stores and grow a successful consumer-facing product business?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring The Kroger Company, Target Corporation

2pm | Retail Think Tank: E-Commerce's Impact on the Industry

Retail Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

How is the heavy demand on e-commerce creating innovation in the industry? How will this continue to shape the consumer experience moving forward?

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring Macy’s Inc., Office Depot, Inc., Walmart Inc.

2pm | Transportation & Logistics Think Tank: Connecting Innovators with Decision Makers

Transportation & Logistics Industry Think Tank

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

In this interactive session, Top Corporations FedEx and UPS will share some of the rapid innovations within the transportation and logistics industry as well as what is on the horizon. For Fortune 100 companies like these, connecting innovative suppliers and solutions to the right internal initiatives and procurement teams is critical. Join us as we roll up our sleeves and work together in a LIVE Hackathon, using innovative thinking and original ideas to solve this challenge and ultimately create greater opportunities for innovative WBEs in all industries.

Turn your cameras on and join the conversation for one of these dynamic, moderated sessions, hosted by the America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

Featuring FedEx, UPS

3pm | Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

Think Tank Outcomes: Trends & Solutions

3:00 – 4:30 PM EST

Immediately following the Interactive Industry Think Tanks, we will come together for a robust wrap-up and report out from representatives of each of the day’s Think Tank discussions.

Don’t miss the opportunity to collect the observations, trends, and solutions from the other Interactive Think Tanks from the day.

Honorees

America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises

The WBENC Top Corporations award honors those corporations who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the inclusion of women-owned businesses in their supply chains. These corporations successfully implemented world-class diversity and inclusion programs that enable growth and innovation, while breaking down barriers for women entrepreneurs.

The 2019 Top Corporations collectively spent more than $51.9 billion with WBENC-Certified WBE suppliers in 2018, all 75 require supplier diversity language in their procurement requests and mentor WBEs to help drive results.

See the Current Recipients

Women’s Business Enterprise Stars

The Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Star Award, is the nation’s premier award for excellence among Women’s Business Enterprises. Selected by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) that administer WBENC certification in each of their territories, the awardees are some of the most engaged and successful women leaders in the WBENC network.

The 2020 WBE Stars illustrate this country’s vital ability to build successful businesses. These businesswomen inspire their employees, peers, and clients with their tireless dedication to excellence in every facet of their lives.

Meet the WBE Stars

Speakers
For this event series, we are bringing together representatives from America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises along with our WBE Stars to participate in panel discussions, lead engaging dialogues, and engage with attendees. Hear from corporate leaders, successful women entrepreneurs, buyers, procurement professionals, and more.

Meet the Speakers

Cost
WBENC-Certified WBE
WEConnect WBE
National Member
Regional Member
Government
Non-Profit
Other
Don't miss out on this exciting event!
Register Today
FAQs
Is there a per session rate available if I cannot attend all sessions?

The rates are inclusive of the entire month of programming and all sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on demand 24 hours after session completion until July 14, 2021. 

How would I obtain a coupon code for the event?

WBENC has already discounted the registration at 50% of our standard June event fees. The promo code entry is for specific internal uses. 

How can I network during this event?

There are different ways to maximize networking throughout the event.  

  • Make sure to join Interactive Industry Think Tank sessions each week from 2:00-3:00 PM EST for the opportunity to be a part of the discussion. These sessions are all open dialogue with the chance for attendees to interact and connect.  
  • Review the Top Corporation profiles to identify their current sourcing needs and reach out accordingly.  
  • Make your individual profile public and share either your capabilities overview or your sourcing needs. 
  • Join the chat during every session (click the comment icon on the top-right-hand corner of the live stream window) to be a part of the conversation.  
Will the sessions be recorded?

Yes, all sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on demand after session completion until July 14, 2021. Recordings will be posted within 24 hours of the session. 

Do I need a special app to access the event?

The event is hosted on the Chime Live platform and you do not need a special app. Registered attendees will be provided a link and login credentials on June 1, 2021, or shortly following registration if registering after June 1. This email will come from mobilesolutions@psav.live. 

Some sessions will be hosted on Zoom. To participate, you will access the Zoom link in the session description in the schedule on Chime. 

What is Chime Live?

Chime Live is the virtual event platform where registered attendees will access all WBENC 2021 event sessions and network with fellow attendees.

Registered event attendees will receive an email from mobilesolutions@psav.live with information on how to login to Chime.

  • All attendees who registered before June 1, 2021, will receive their Chime login instructions on June 1. 
  • All attendees who register after June 1, 2021, will receive their Chime login instructions within 10 minutes of registering. 

If you registered for the event and did not receive the email with Chime login instructions, please contact mobilesolutions@encoreglobal.com.

Learn more how to use Chime here.

 

Will I receive updates to the schedule if it changes?

This website and the Chime Live platform will have the most up to date schedule information, so be sure to check frequently. There will also be an email sent to all attendees each week with the upcoming week’s schedule.   

Contact Us

Questions about this event? Contact us at wbenccustsvc@wbenc.org.