Ms. Rivers is the director of Supplier Diversity for Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. Lesa oversees the diversity supplier program and its objectives which include helping to create jobs in local communities, meeting customer diversity requirements, mentoring small businesses and providing sales training and education.
Prior to this position, Lesa served as corporate director of supplier diversity at Corporate Express which was acquired by Staples in 2008. Lesa was recognized by DiversityBusiness.com as one of "America's Top Diversity Advocates.” This honor is bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to solutions in diversity issues on a global and national level as well as having a significant impact on diversity issues in employment, procurement, housing and education.
Ms. Williams-Hopkins has been the Program Manager for Supplier Diversity-U. S. Postal Service since December 1999. She leads the development and implementation of policies, programs, and processes to cultivate business relationships with small, minority-owned and woman-owned businesses.
Janice serves as liaison with industry, other government agencies and special emphasis groups on supplier development and diversity issues. Under her leadership, the Postal Service has been recognized over the past 11 years as one of ‘America’s Top Agencies for Multicultural Business Opportunities’.
Janice championed the development of the first computer-based training course on Supplier Diversity for the U.S. Postal Service that has been widely used throughout industry. She assists in the management of the Postal Service’s supplier relationships with expenditures valued at nearly $13 billion annually.
DIR's continued success is due in large part to the guidance and leadership offered by our Board of Directors. Consisting of practiced, well-respected supplier diversity professionals, the Board provides real-world insight that continuously improves the products and services we offer.
And just as a reminder .... about DIR!
Founded in 1968, DIR is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. DIR partners with SupplierGATEWAY™ to power its online data management portal. DIR is proud to be the only data management and publishing organization focused exclusively on developing and supporting supplier diversity programs. DIR advances supplier diversity initiatives through comprehensive, flexible solutions, superior technology, personal service and the proven expertise to help corporations build the best possible supplier diversity programs.
Our exceptional products (seminars and publications) and services support both corporations and suppliers, facilitating the advancement of corporate diversity as a whole. More information at www.diversityinforesources.com.
Our exceptional products (seminars and publications) and services support both corporations and suppliers, facilitating the advancement of corporate diversity as a whole. More information at www.diversityinforesources.com.
