MBN USA

November 12, 2021

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Insights on supply chain challenges, opportunities

The U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) recently hosted a successful forum addressing key challenges facing the global supply chain and sustainability.

The event was titled Key to Success in Supply Chain Evolution: Environmental Sustainability. The online forum featured chief procurement officers from major corporations, including Boeing, Marriott and Ryder System, and respected academic leaders from Howard University School of Business, all sharing their strategic insights on the global supply chain.

Discussions included supply chain sustainability and success measurement; expectations from the minority business enterprise (MBE) community regarding supply chain evolution and environmental sustainability; what the MBE community can provide to address these challenges; and how business major students can best prepare to have an impact on supply-chain issues and supply chain management, respectively.

Issues related to the global supply chain – and its impact on markets and the world’s economy – have come into sharp focus during the pandemic. Recently, ongoing disruptions facing the global supply chain and its global impact have been reported by leading media outlets such as CNN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press.

“Our corporate forum was a tremendous success, fostered a genuine dialog and offered valuable insights from corporate CPOs and academia into critical areas, including supply chain and environmental sustainability, supply chain evolution, the MBE community and the importance of inclusion, and students having an impactful career in supply chain management,” said Susan Au Allen, national CEO and president, USPAACC. “From the computer chip shortage, to delays in manufacturing, inventory, and deliveries, the pandemic is testing the strength and resiliency of our global supply chain like never before, which is why our forum focused on finding real solutions to this and other ongoing challenges. I thank our terrific corporate and academic partners in this innovative effort and everyone who took part in our forum.”

Other panelists who took part in USPAACC’s forum included:

• Stéphane Masson, senior vice president, global procurement, Marriott
• Charlisha (Charli) L. Greene, vice president, supply chain - commodities systems and supplier diversity, Boeing
• Margarita Kruyff, environmental services director, Ryder System
• Anthony D. Wilbon, Ph.D., PMP, dean, Howard University School of Business
• James Haddow, director, Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management, Howard University School of Business
• Tanya Penny, professor, Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management, Howard University School of Business; senior vice president, Ampcus Inc., executive director, USPAACC CPO Council
• Denisha Philistin, student, Howard University School of Business
• Rachel Clark, senior supply chain management student, Howard University School of Business

Click here to view the video of USPAACC’s Key to Success in Supply Chain Evolution: Environmental Sustainability corporate forum. Individuals must register to watch the forum video.

“The respected thought leaders who took part in our forum shared their key insights as to the critical importance of sustainability across industries highlighting sustainability reports, tracking systems, and metrics, as well as the evolution of CPOs and, most recently, chief sustainability officers,” Allen said. “Additionally, our expert panel shared the importance of MBEs demonstrating the value they bring to corporations as their unique, value-added proposition. We also heard a discussion of key qualities for students seeking supply chain careers, including an ability to evolve with changes in the industries and that agility – the ability to come in, work on tasks, and adapt when necessary – is an essential skill.

“Our discussion also highlighted the importance of learning how supply chains operate, as well as the three key ingredients for success: passion, grit, and flexibility. Also, there was discussion regarding corporations focused on highlighting the needs and opportunities available for women in the supply chain and management,” she continued. “The students who took part in our forum brought energy and a new dynamic to the event, and I look forward to future events including more students.”

Allen added that, “As the most established, effective, and respected nonprofit organization representing Pan Asian Americans and related groups in business, sciences, arts, sports, education, public and community services, USPAACC will continue leading, advocating on issues essential to the Asian American business community, and keep working for more prosperity and a stronger economy that works for everyone. We look forward to continuing to offer real solutions on these issues with energy, enthusiasm, vision, and our positive message of inclusion.”