In this episode of #BuyDiverse, Chicago MSDC President and CEO, J. Vincent Williams is joined by Carlos Cubia, SVP and Global Chief Diversity Officer of Walgreens. Hear as Carlos shares Walgreens’ commitment to diversity and internal programs in place to encourage and reward supplier support and diversity. Listen as Carlos and Vince talk about common connections and support for small business education and the preparation to be “corporate ready” to become valued members of the Walgreens family and other large companies. Carlos fills listeners in on Walgreens efforts to support expectant mothers with vitamins in key areas in America and expansion of DEI programs and initiatives to the UK in 2022. For more information on Carlos Cubia, the Walgreens Boots Alliance programs including the recent diversity report go to https://www.walgreensbootsalliance.com/ and to connect, join and support the message and mission of Chicago MSDC go to https://www.chicagomsdc.org/

In this w3r presented episode of the #BuyDiverse Podcast, Chicago MSDC President and CEO J. Vincent Williams is joined by Eric Hardy of w3r Consulting. Hear as Eric shares his career and journey in leadership at w3r as well as efforts to support and promote diversity in business. Listen as Eric talks about the growth of W3r over the years, the elements and philosophies that set this company apart and excitement about being a valued part of the Chicago business “ecosystem”.  Hear how he and w3r are looking to create and strengthen relationships in the market and within CMSDC. For more information on w3r, President and CEO Eric Hardy and the team, be sure to check out www.w3r.com

In this episode of #BuyDiverse, Chicago MSDC President and CEO J. Vincent Williams is joined by Emilia DiMenco, President and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Center. Hear as Emilia shares the importance of the partnership and longstanding collaboration with Chicago MSDC and ways the organizations work closely together over the years. Listen as Emilia talks about lessons learned through the pandemic and how a spotlight was shown on both issues and solutions as WBDC continues its efforts to empower, educate and support its clients and the community as a whole. For more information and to engage with Emilia and her organization go to www.WBDC.org

In the second part of this episode and the “Chicago MSDC Minute” Vince shares the excitement for this year’s Golf Outing happening August 16th. Listen as Vince shares the inspiration, and impact of the event as well as ways to participate and support. For more information go to http://www.chicagomsdc.org/

In this episode of the #BuyDiverse program, Chicago MSDC President and CEO J. Vincent Williams speaks with Jaime di Paulo, President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce about the lessons learned from the pandemic, education and resources available through the Chamber and importance of financial literacy to business success. Hear about programs and opportunities available and ways to connect. For more information and to connect with Jaime and his team at IHCC Go to https://ihccbusiness.net/

In the second part of this episode of #BuyDiverse presented by W3R Consulting, Vince speaks with PNC Senior Vice President and Business Market Manager, Uzma Kazmi. Hear as Uzma shares PNC Bank’s overall philosophy and commitment to small business and support for diversity and inclusion. Listen as Uzma and Vince talk about new programs and certifications being launched at PNC that will offer additional resources and expanded access to financial support.
For information on the new programs with PNC Bank go to https://www.pnc.com/en/small-business/topics/minority-owned-business.html

ALSO in the “Chicago MSDC Minute” Vince shares details and opportunities for the upcoming golf outing. Details are HERE https://www.chicagomsdc.org

In this episode of #BuyDiverse, Chicago MSDC President and CEO, J. Vincent Williams is joined by Rona Fourté, Global Community Engagement and Business Diversity Manager for United Airlines. Hear as Rona shares her role and efforts to engage and support diversity at United Airlines through supplier recruitment and coaching as well as career advocacy in the community for pilots and more. Listen as Vince and Rona preview CBOF 54 and talk about the importance of the event, the opportunities and awareness raised and the long standing support and participation of United Airlines. For more information about the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council and to sign up for CBOF 54 go to http://www.chicagomsdc.org

In this episode of #BuyDiverse, Chicago MSDC President and CEO J. Vincent Williams first talks with Terry Miller,  Chief of Diversity & Strategic Development for the Illinois Tollway. Terry shares programs and policies to engage and support small and diverse businesses and make it possible for them to prepare, participate and benefit from contracts with the the Illinois Tollway.
For more information on opportunities and education be sure to check out https://www.illinoistollway.com

In the second segment, J. Vincent Williams is joined by LGBT Chamber of Illinois, Executive Director Jerome’ Holston. Hear as Jerome’ fills us in on ways the Chamber is helping to inform and connect member businesses with opportunities and more. Jerome’ talks about events coming up, resources for members and celebration of Pride Month in Illinois this June.
To get connected to support or certify with the chamber go to LGBTCC.com

In the next segment Vince’s guest is Gita Mirchandani of Gita PR. Hear as Gita shares the story of her start in marketing and public relations, her passion for doing “good things” in both life and business and her commitment to success while supporting and promoting diversity in the workplace. Listen as Gita talks about the importance of being both a woman and leader and how culture and karma help her and the team at Gita PR be the best they can be. 

For more information on Gita PR, its clients, team and offices in the U.S and Mumbai, be sure to visit the website below and follow Gita PR on various social media platforms.

Website: www.gitapr.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamgitapr/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GitaPRFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamgitapr

In the second segment, President and CEO Williams talks with Rolling Out and Steed Media Group’s Munson Steed. Listen as Munson fills listeners in on his inspiration and commitment to create platforms,  consultancy and media content to create opportunities, education and entertainment for diverse communities. 
For more information on Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council go to http://www.chicagomsdc.org

The second half of the podcast features Dr. Joseph Lee of Kates Security Services about their security related wraparound services and efforts in the community. They talk specifically about the unique needs and initiatives for security during the pandemic that include job creation and training. Kates Security Services has been in the news in recent months for “Operation Safe Pump” where they assist communities by having a presence in areas with high rates for carjackings and crime in Chicago.

In the second half of this episode of #BuyDiverse, Vince chats with ChicagoMSDC Board Chairman Mark Hands. Longtime supporter of the Council and minority businesses, Mark is the Director of Supplier Diversity, and Associate Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) Director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  In his role at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Mark helps Business Units source quality minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) suppliers to meet the Bank’s operational needs and collaborate with key advocacy groups to provide technical assistance to M/WBE suppliers.  As Associate OMWI Director, Mark assists and represents the OMWI Director in planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating the OMWI program functions and initiatives throughout the Bank and the Federal Reserve System. 

ChicagoMSDC celebrates Chicago United President and CEO Tiffany Hamel Johnson for Women’s History Month.  Tiffany, a history-maker, is the first African American woman to hold the position since the organization’s founding.  Tiffany joins Vince in a conversation around the vision for Chicago United, how this organization makes an impact, and why our differences matter.

Then, Hire360’s Executive Director Jay Rowell talks about what they do and the upcoming Chicago Developers Conference, a joint event with Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council.

Hire360’s Executive Director Jay Rowell and ChicagoMDC’s J. Vincent Williams talk about the mission of both organizations and the ground-breaking virtual conference their organizations are hosting.  The Chicago Developers Conference, which connects real estate developers with

minority and diverse businesses for opportunities for million dollar projects in Chicago, will be held April 20-21, 2021. Some of the projects include the Obama Presidential Library, “The 78” and other large scale developments. Listen in now, and also find out more at www.chicagodevelopersconference.com.

Also…old buddies, Manuel “Manny” Flores and Vince Williams always have a lot to talk about, but on this podcast episode, they talk about SomerCor where Manny is President and CEO. Former Alderman of the 1^st Ward in the City of Chicago, Manny  shares information and his insights on SBA 504 loans and why they are important, today more than ever.

Then join ChicagoMSDC President and CEO J. Vincent Williams in a conversation with Illinois State Representative William Davis (D) who is one of the forces behind requiring corporations to report their annual spend with Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American owned businesses.