Supplier diversity isn't charity—it's how minority-owned businesses close the racial wealth gap through billion-dollar corporate contracts.

Dr. Darcel Webb (Director of Supplier Diversity/HUB Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center & President of ACCA) and Indria Hollingsworth-Thomas (South-Central Regional DEI Manager at JE Dunn Construction) run the procurement programs that decide which minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) get access to corporate dollars.

They reveal what procurement officers actually look for when evaluating suppliers, the insider strategies MWBEs need to win contracts, and how to build supplier diversity programs that deliver measurable results.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

How Supplier Diversity Closes the Wealth Gap

Learn the direct connection between strategic procurement and economic empowerment. Supplier diversity isn't just a checkbox—it's a proven pathway to generational wealth for Black and minority communities.

What Procurement Officers Actually Look For

Get insider intelligence on how corporate buyers evaluate minority-owned suppliers. From certifications to capacity, understand exactly what it takes to compete for and win major contracts.

Strategies for MWBEs to Win Corporate Contracts

Whether you're a small business trying to break into corporate supply chains or a growing enterprise looking to scale, this episode delivers actionable strategies for positioning your business, building relationships, and securing procurement opportunities.

Building Supplier Diversity Programs That Deliver Results

For DEI leaders and procurement professionals, learn how to design and implement supplier diversity initiatives that create real economic impact. Discover how to measure ROI, track outcomes, and prove the business case for equity.

The Role of HBCU Networks in Economic Access

Both Dr. Webb and Indria share how their HBCU foundations inform their approach to creating intentional partnerships and business opportunities that open doors for Black entrepreneurs.

Real Examples from UT Southwestern and JE Dunn Construction

Hear concrete stories of how billion-dollar institutions are transforming equity commitments into contracts, revenue, and sustainable business growth for MWBEs.

WHO SHOULD LISTEN:

- MWBE owners trying to break into corporate supply chains

- Small business owners who want to scale through procurement

- Supplier diversity professionals building or expanding programs

- DEI leaders proving ROI and measuring impact

- Corporate procurement officers committed to equity

- Business development professionals seeking partnerships

- Entrepreneurs interested in B2B and institutional sales

- Anyone who believes economic equity requires systemic change

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Dr. Darcel Webb serves as Director of Supplier Diversity/HUB Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center and President of the American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA). His work directly impacts how billions of dollars in institutional spending create opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

Indria Hollingsworth-Thomas is the South-Central Regional Senior DEI Manager at JE Dunn Construction, where she leads diversity initiatives across major construction projects. She ensures equity commitments translate into real business opportunities for MWBEs.

KEY TOPICS: Supplier diversity • Minority-owned businesses • Women-owned businesses • MWBEs • Corporate procurement • Racial wealth gap • Economic empowerment • DEI programs • Contract compliance • Business certification • Corporate supply chains • HBCU networks • Construction diversity • Healthcare procurement • Strategic partnerships • Generational wealth

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New episodes every other Thursday at 5:00 AM CST.