MBN USA

October 25, 2022

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James H. Lowry - 2022 Global Supply Chain Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Hall of Fame

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A: I was born in Chicago to postal workers and was fortunate enough to live in New York, Puerto Rico, Peru and Tanzania, affording global learning experience.

Q: When and why did you become a supplier-diversity and minority-business-development champion?

A: Living abroad and working for the Peace Corps and Sen. Robert Kennedy in Brooklyn [New York], I observed abject property. I found my purpose in life … to create wealth for underserved communities and minorities.

Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges and opportunities for minority business enterprises?

A: The greatest challenge is developing bold and innovative approaches to accelerating the growth of midsize and large MBEs. 

The greatest opportunities are positioning MBEs in large growth industries e.g., health, energy, construction and technology.

Q: What must MBEs do to participate in emerging technologies like AI [artificial intelligence], IoT [Internet of Things], metaverse and the globalization of supply-chain diversity?

A: MBEs must change their mindsets with respect to mergers, strategic partnerships, investing in research, equity, investments and how to establish viable relationships with tech industry giants and the venture capitalists who drive technological change.

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

A: MBEs will have to adjust and innovate in the rapidly changing supply-chain delivery system or they — and we — will lose big.

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

A:  For the last 30 years, my purpose has been to be a visionary leader in the field, fostering the growth of minority businesses and seeking to have an impact on every client I served.

Others might seek consulting contracts to grow their wealth. But my objective was always to be an agent of change for the benefit of many. 

Connect with James H. Lowry & Associates Inc. at [email protected].