MBN USA

October 23, 2022

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Alex F. Alvarez - 2022 Global Supply Chain Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Hall of Fame

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges and opportunities for MBEs?

A: Supply-chain diversity and minority businesses can be vastly underrated. They must overcome challenging odds to get a seat at the table. My advice [to minority business enterprises] is to keep innovating, adapting and persevering. In life and in business, you will experience a roller coaster of successes and failures. It’s difficult. No great leader has achieved significant success in a few years. The key point is to stay committed and invest in yourself. “Pasos cortos, vision larga” means “short steps, long vision.” I often remind MBEs that succeeding in business is like running a marathon — not a sprint.

Q: What is your vision for supply-chain diversity over the next five to 10 years?

A: I proudly stand on the shoulders of many individuals and companies who have driven supply chain diversity for over 60 years. In the 1960s, at the height of the Civil Rights movement, supply chain diversity was created to help address the frightening economic disparity in contracts to the underserved communities such as the African American, Hispanic American owned businesses. Since then, the definition expanded to include additional underserved communities such as Asian Pacific and Asian Indian Americans, Native American, Women, Veteran, LGBTQ+, and People with Disabilities in the United States. Proudly I played a key role in the vision being expanded globally in many countries to include ethnic minorities, women, and under-represented, to name a few. My vision for supply chain diversity equity and inclusion is that it seizes to exist, not because it’s not vital, but because we will have achieved economic parity. We will live diversity, equity and inclusion.

Q: What would you like your legacy to be as a champion of supplier diversity?

A: My core is faith, family and friendship. As a change agent, I cared and always strived to do what I felt was right. Technology is a tool that helps society overcome its limitations. Like the car did for transportation and the iPhone did for communication, supply-chain diversity, equity and inclusion is doing for economic parity. I influenced and drove transformative change for the technology industry and many industries, inspired many and positively raised the economic trajectories for many people, businesses and communities. I worked tirelessly to drive equity across supply chains globally. I provided and received development and mentorship to and from many, while advancing the profession. In times of challenge and controversy, I led with empathy and compassion to drive inclusive equitable economic growth and pushed people and businesses forward while making the world a better place. Finally, I had the honor of doing this purposeful work and achieving significant large-scale results with the help of many talented people. 

THANK YOU

In closing, I am humbled and honored by this Hall of Fame recognition. I would like to thank God, all my family, friends, mentors, employers, leaders, teams, colleagues, NGOs and great diverse suppliers for their tremendous support to make this possible. In addition, I would like to thank the Minority Business News USA team and Don McKneely. They have spent a lifetime covering and promoting the advancement of supply-chain diversity. Congrats to all the honorees, leaders and companies who continue to do a lot of splendid work within supply-chain diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Together We Can! (Juntos Podemos!) and Together We Lead! (Juntos Lideramos!) 

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