NEWS | EVENTS

WBE Spotlight on Tenacious International Inc.

Tenacious International was WBE certified in 2019 and has been working closely with the WBE Canada team to access opportunities for women-owned SME’s.

Trisha Welch, Founder and CEO of Tenacious International has been working in electronics manufacturing and supply chain solutions since she graduated from university in 1996. Throughout the years she has had to break through male dominated ceilings to prove her abilities to be a part of the supply chain solutions. Trisha has been supplying battery packs for JCI’s Tyco Fire and Security division for the past 15+ years. Recognizing this tenacity, JCI awarded Tenacious International the Bronze Execution Award. Among its thousands of suppliers, JCI recognized only 11 Execution Award winners in Milwaukee, USA in November 2022.

The Execution Awards honour those suppliers having achieved the best results on JCI’s rigorous scorecard which assesses key factors such as quality control, environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility, and risk management.

Trisha has seen how the increased demand for sustainable portable electronics and battery storage solutions has driven the need for the kinds of solutions Tenacious International provides. Some examples are battery packs for security, mining, handheld devices, and electric vehicles. Businesses increasingly rely on portable energy solutions to provide mobility, opportunities to innovate, and realtime replacement sources.

Trisha notes that as a certified WBE, she is excited about developing new relationships in the automotive manufacturing businesses. “I see real opportunity to supply for the automotive manufacturing sector that seeks reliable power solutions from diverse suppliers,” Trisha observes. We asked Trisha a few questions to better understand her background and how it relates to her business focus.

WBE Canada: What led you to become an entrepreneur in solution sourcing/development and supply chain management?

Trisha: I’ve had a long-standing interest in the circular economy — the complete life cycle of power solutions for businesses. I did a degree in Environmental Studies at York University prior to attending Teachers College. When I graduated, there were no teaching jobs, so I joined a maledominated sector that sourced electronics. It was a steep learning curve, but that experience is where I realized I was entrepreneurial and there were opportunities in manufacturing. I just completed an executive program at the Rotman School of Management in Sustainability Leadership: Innovation for Growth.

WBE Canada: How did you get involved in WBE Canada?

Trisha: I became aware of the organization through referral and became certified in 2019. I see the value that WBE Canada brings to its members, and I’ve benefited from attending WBE Canadasponsored events and conferences. I’m hoping to build on that early success by developing partnerships in the automotive manufacturing sector.

WBE Canada: What do diverse suppliers bring to the corporate table?

Trisha: For me, supplier diversity means an opportunity to compete as a small, fully femaleowned business. Businesses will succeed or fail based on their merit. I don’t want special treatment. I just want to have an opportunity to compete.

Trisha Welch has been an independent business owner/operator for more than 20 years. With an academic background in environmental studies, education and sustainability, Trisha has focussed on being a solutions provider. This includes product development, manufacturing and supply chain management. Her presence in the Asia-Pacific rim has enabled her successful participation in the global market. Trisha’s company, Tenacious International, Inc. values integrity, inclusion, efficiency and excellent customer service.

March 21-23 | WBENC Conference

WBENC is the largest supplier diversity conference for women-owned businesses in USA

March 21 | WBE Canada BWB

Cross-Border Connection

Our Breakfast with Brands: Cross-Border Connection event is run in sync with WBENC’s National Conference and is designed to connect Canadian women-owned businesses to Canadian and US corporate buyers.

2023 WBE Meet & Pitch

WBE Meet & Pitch - Open exclusively to WBE Canada’s Corporate Members and Certified WBEs, this event connects category buyers with WBEs as they hear their pitches and provides the opportunity for Corporate Members to ask questions and grow their list of prospective suppliers.

• March 29 - WBE Meet & Pitch: IT (Software, Hardware, AI, Cloud)

• April 27 - WBE Meet & Pitch: CORPORATE GIFTING (Corporate Gifting Solutions, Promotional Products, Swag Bags, Experiences, Packaging)

• June 8 - WBE Meet & Pitch: STAFFING (IT, HR, Contingent Labour)

• June 14 - WBE Meet & Pitch (category to be confirmed)

• September 20 - WBE Meet & Pitch (category to be confirmed)