Supplier diversity: An engine for economic justice NEW INITIATIVES REPRESENT THE ABIDE HALLMARK OF INCLUSIVITY
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mid the national conversation about the importance of diversity and inclusion, AMITA Health, Ascension’s joint venture in Chicago with AdventHealth, and Medxcel — Ascension’s facilities management and construction management subsidiary — have been taking steps to address economic justice in the community through a focus on supplier diversity. The initiative, led by The Resource Group, promotes an inclusive approach to procurement by ensuring that companies owned by individuals from underrepresented groups have an equitable chance to compete for opportunities. The work, a representation of the ABIDE hallmark of inclusivity, helps level a playing field where larger suppliers often have a competitive advantage based on resources and brand recognition. To ensure inclusion, companies must be intentional about reducing the
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barriers faced by many small and diverse businesses. The hallmarks of the Ascension ABIDE framework — Appreciation, Belongingness, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity — are demonstrations of Ascension’s historic Mission, Values, and commitment to social justice, compassionate action and advocacy for all, especially the most vulnerable. As a show of its commitment, AMITA Health has pledged 8% of its annual contracted spending toward vendor services with diverse businesses. That translates to a $38 million promise to do business with firms owned by women, veterans, ethnic and racial minorities, and other groups.
“Our hospitals have an economic impact on our communities. It’s important that we work with businesses that reflect the values and diversity of the communities we serve,” said Pamela Mitchell-Boyd, ABIDE Director and former System Director of Diversity Inclusion and Language Services at AMITA Health. AMITA Health’s commitment to an inclusive procurement process extends beyond its financial pledge. It also includes: • Training and mentorship opportunities designed to support the growth and sustainability of diverse businesses. • Peer-to-peer and community-based collaborations to leverage best practices and thought leadership.
“ It’s important that we work with businesses that reflect the values and diversity of the communities we serve.” — PAMELA MITCHELL-BOYD, ABIDE DIRECTOR AND FORMER SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY INCLUSION AND LANGUAGE SERVICES, AMITA HEALTH
G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G
