MBN USA

June 25, 2024

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For Honda, a diverse supply chain matters

By Georgeann Ikuma

For Honda, a diverse supply chain matters. So, it’s no surprise that the automobile giant continues to find ways to bring new minority-owned and women-owned suppliers into the fold.

For example, Honda recently partnered with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEC Ohio River Valley and Great Lakes Women’s Business Council to host a Women’s Lunch & Learn.

The event brought together passionate and dedicated women professionals and entrepreneurs to deliver comprehensive educational insight to women business enterprises (WBEs) on how to do business with one of the largest and most diverse manufacturers in the United States.

At Honda, an inclusive environment that​ empowers women, ​embraces their voices, ​and provides opportunities for women ​to reach their personal potential is a top priority.

“As a company founded on a strong respect for people, we are focused on advancing inclusion and diversity within our own walls and beyond by providing diverse suppliers with equitable access to business opportunities,” said Mike Lapham, vice president of procurement at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, and one of the event’s guest speakers. “This event brings together a room full of talented, business-oriented minds who are ready to take action.”

Part of Honda’s success is having a clear set of core values that are grounded in human respect and a commitment to living those values through actions that strengthen fairness, justice and equity in the workplace and within the community at large.

“Intentional events like these are so important,” said Monica Oliverio, vice president of general administration for American Honda, and another of the event’s guest speakers. “A space where women can come together and learn, share and grow from each other’s experiences is invaluable. Being a part of Honda helped me realize that when we support each other, we’re able to achieve meaningful impact quickly, and the size and scope of our problems quickly become less intimidating.”

The Women’s Lunch & Learn also included women from all levels of Honda — from engineering to quality control — to share ideas, give advice and support each other’s personal and professional development.

“An element of our company culture at Honda is something we call the ‘Challenging Spirit’ where the idea is that, instead of running away from something hard, your run towards it to embrace the challenge, meet opportunity head on with curiosity, determination and a propensity toward growth,” Oliverio said. “In nearly 30 years with the company, I’ve been fortunate to see this skill in action — by women who are leading in important areas critical to our company’s success — all of whom embody that Challenging Spirit. One thing I know with certainty is that women are powerful — individually, yes, but especially when we come together.”

To learn more about Honda’s supplier diversity program, visit purchasing.honda.com/diversity.html.