Equity in Business
The United States is facing a racial wealth gap that has existed for over 330 years. But at the same time, businesses run by systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) still contribute nearly $400 billion to the U.S. economy, even though these communities face barriers to information, capital, and contracts. Hosted by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), this podcast channel explores how growing minority business enterprises (MBEs) is central to not only addressing the racial wealth gap but also creating a stronger, more resilient society for all.
Equity in Business
Empowering Employees through Career Development and DEI at ASRC Industrial
In this NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast episode, we continue our two-part series featuring ASRC Industrial. A minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as an MBE and Corporate Plus member, ASRC Industrial excels in providing environmental solutions and industrial contracting services tailored to client needs.
In part one, we featured an insightful conversation with Steve Ennis, president and CEO of ASRC Industrial, and Natalie McGrady, global supplier diversity lead for Cargill, highlighting the synergistic supplier development efforts between their companies.
Part two of our look at the company delves into the personal experiences of two ASRC Industrial shareholders and employees, Vanessa Packer, senior project manager, and Jessi Smith, HRIS and compliance analyst. Their stories exemplify the profound impact of supplier diversity on employee growth and development.
Key takeaways include:
- The importance of employee career development and the positive outcomes of participation in ASRC Industrial’s "Build Your Potential Program."
- How their inclusive cultural heritage, supported by family, elders, and friends, creates a welcoming and nurturing work environment.
- The critical role of a development curriculum in fostering employee potential and advancing DEI objectives within the company.
Guests:
Vanessa Packer, senior project manager, ASRC Industrial
Jessi Smith, HRIS and compliance analyst, ASRC Industrial
Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.
About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.
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