MBN USA

October 04, 2021

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

Garcia sees a virtual future for supplier diversity

Katherine Garcia is director of operations at Women’s Business Enterprise Council South. She joined WBEC South — based in New Orleans, Louisiana — in March 2016 after working 10 years at the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council, where she oversaw certification and business operations.

In her role at WBEC South, she manages not only day-to-day business, but also leverages her extensive knowledge of supplier diversity as the primary liaison with WBEC South’s Champions Circle sponsors and members. In addition, she is an active supporter of National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. 

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background?

A: I was born in Puerto Rico but have lived most of my life in the suburbs of New Orleans. I am proud of my Puerto Rican heritage, but I am also a Louisiana girl through and through! I have extensive experience in the service industry and in sales, both of which have helped me in my current job. In my role, I work with people on both sides of the supplier-diversity table. Our job is to connect buyers and suppliers and provide the resources they need to meet their goals.

Q: What attracted you to the supplier-diversity arena?

A: My start in supplier diversity was quite unintentional. I was working at a Spanish language school in New Orleans when I heard about a job opportunity with the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council. The job seemed interesting, but I really didn’t know what I was getting into. Working in the NMSDC network for 10 years led to me moving over to the WBENC [Women’s Business Enterprise National Council] network with WBEC South. I have to say that working with amazing business owners is my favorite part. Once I learned about supplier diversity and how it helps build businesses and communities, I was hooked!

Q: What are you most proud of about WBEC South’s role in supplier diversity?

A: I am most proud of our capacity to help people grow their businesses by connecting them to resources and corporate business opportunities. Customer service is the No. 1 priority at WBEC South, and our staff lives that every day. We are here to help, and we make it our mission to assist and support our members in every way we can.

Q: What advice do you have for diverse suppliers interested in doing business with corporate America?

A: I am not a business owner, but I have seen over the years that the most successful suppliers really dive in and take advantage of everything that organizations like WBEC South have to offer. As a certified supplier, you have so many resources and opportunities on both the national and local levels. Getting certified is just the beginning. You have to reach out and make yourself known, build relationships and market yourself aggressively. It may take a while to get a real contract opportunity, but those suppliers that put in the work of building relationships are the ones that have the most success.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of women’s business enterprise development and supply-chain diversity?

A: The future is virtual! This global pandemic has forced all of us to do things in a different way, and while things are slowly getting back to normal, I think that the expanded use of technology is here to stay. I’m very proud of the things we are building here at WBEC South that prioritize the use of technology and provide new ways for our suppliers to market themselves and connect with customers — not just in our region, but all over the world!

To learn more about wbec south, visit wbecsouth.org.

Katherine Garcia, director of operations, Women’s Business Enterprise Council South