Meet Karen Blackwell: Leveling the Playing Field to Bring Opportunity to Diverse Businesses
One of the Faces of Nestlé driving a positive impact on individuals & families, communities, and our planet
Karen Blackwell is a Supplier Diversity and Development Manager for Nestlé North America.
As the manager of supplier diversity for Nestlé North America, I am proud to provide supplier diversity leadership in our sourcing for everything from pet food to pizza. I have been with Nestlé for twelve years, in my role I help create jobs and support economic development in the communities where we operate.
We are committed to developing meaningful and mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers, and we recognize the value these relationships add to our company. Our Supplier Diversity Program includes women, minorities, veterans, and Hub-zone businesses. We strive to provide an environment where all suppliers, including those that meet the requirements of our Supplier Diversity program, are provided with all the information they need.
Our strategy for engaging the best suppliers includes continual outreach and education, cultivating relationships, and accessible events. We partner with trade associations and nonprofits that provide solutions to traditional barriers to diverse suppliers’ success like limited access to capital, information, and infrastructure.
At Nestlé, we believe that supplier diversity isn’t just good for our communities- it also makes good business sense. We are investing in the future of our company and in the communities in which we live and work.
If you are interested in becoming a Nestlé supplier, please register here.
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