2024 Winner
Sundari Pai Luts, Bristol Myers Squibb
Sundari Pai Luts is dedicated and currently serves as the Senior Manager, Global Supplier Diversity at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). She is passionate about community empowerment and strategic advocacy. In her role, Sundari supports the development and execution of global supplier strategies, ensuring alignment with BMS’s goals. She also leads supplier diversity programs for the commercial procurement function and serves as the global wellbeing lead for BMS’s Network of Women (B-NOW) and People Business & Resource Group (PBRG). Sundari brings a unique perspective, having previously worked in leadership positions for diverse businesses and now at BMS within the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organization.
With over 17 years of experience in supplier diversity and strategic communications across commercial and government sectors, Sundari actively engages with various Minority Business Councils, State Offices, and Chambers of Commerce. She holds several advisory positions, including co-chair of the Circles of Success Committee with Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR), and advisory roles with the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) Corporate board, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Healthcare Advisory board, and US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce’s (USPAACC) WISE initiative. Most recently she was inducted as a member of The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth's Diversity Business Programs (DBP) Council.
Sundari is also a strong advocate for STEAM education, collaborating with organizations to impact individuals from elementary school to adulthood. She also mentors and coaches small and diverse businesses, playing a strategic role in their growth.
Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 ROI-NJ Influencers Women in Business, 2023 Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate by WBEC-Metro NY, and 2023 Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity and others. Sundari has a master’s degree in mass communications from the University of Maine and a bachelor’s degree in Print and Media Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India.
2024 Winner
Marcia Wallace, (CHOP) Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Marcia Wallace is the Supplier Diversity Program Manager at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a role she has held since August 2021. She is responsible for leading and supporting all aspects of supplier diversity across the CHOP Enterprise (inclusive of the CHOP Philadelphia Campus, King of Prussia Campus, and 70+ Ambulatory Sites) in support of organizational strategic goals.
As Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Marcia closely partners with various departments within CHOP, including Supply Chain, the Office of Community Engagement, clinical and support service departments, and other leaders, and she partners and works closely with external organizations and vendors. The goal is to increase CHOP procurement from local, diverse businesses and simplify the process for potential diverse suppliers to conduct business with CHOP, while also bolstering existing Supplier Diversity programs and helping businesses achieve financial prosperity, thereby growing the local economy. In just three years, the program has increased the diverse spend percentage from 4% of all CHOP spend to over 18%.
2023 Winner
Lee Lewis, Jr., Highmark Health
Lee joined the organization in April of 2021 and is responsible for the pursuit of robust goals to create remarkable health care experiences by leading the pursuit of mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses owned by diverse leaders that will enrich and empower the communities it serves. Prior to joining Highmark Health, Lee led a multiple award-winning program as Global Supplier Diversity Manager for the world’s largest and most successful car rental company.
Managing eleven billion dollars in diverse spend, he has been recognized by organizations such as WeConnect International, the Airport Minority Advisory Council and Small Business Monthly magazine. Lee received BBA from Texas Southern University and earned MAR, MDiv and Doctorate of Ministry degrees from Liberty University. Over the years, he has served on numerous
boards and committees of community based and national advocacy organizations and is a co-founder of the St. Louis Supplier Diversity Professionals Network.
View Lee's Acceptance Speech
2023 Winner
Lawrence B. Wooten, American Water
Lawrence (Larry) Wooten: has over 30 years of supply chain and supplier diversity experience. Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer Larry of American Water leads the company’s supplier diversity strategy across the business.
Prior to joining American Water Works Inc. Larry held leadership positions with: United Rentals North America, The Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), Pitney Bowes Inc. , MeadWestvaco, Time Warner Corp. and Sikorsky Aircraft (Subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.) His responsibilities varied in nature depending on the state of the supplier diversity program, from building programs from the ground up to enhancing and reinvigorating an existing programs, Larry has exceeded expectations and built a reputation as someone who takes personal responsibility for the success of the supplier diversity process
Larry spent the majority of his professional career with United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Sikorsky Aircraft Division. He held various positions of leadership throughout his time with Sikorsky, including Strategic Sourcing Manager, Program Manager, Requirements Planning Manager and Supplier Diversity Manager. Providing leadership and management of annual spend of $900 million to ensure diverse suppliers had the opportunity to compete for contracts awards. Lawrence was the lead advocate to ensure the company achieved both internal and external goals associated with U.S. Government contracts. Larry also held the position of Commodity Manager with the responsibility of managing annual raw materials spend of $30 million.
View Larry's Acceptance Speech
2022 Winner
George Robinson, UPMC
George Robinson II joined UPMC in April 2018 to enhance strategic planning and execution in the UPMC Supplier Diversity Program. Robinson brings to this position over 20 years of experience in Business and Engineering Administration, Government Management and Diverse Business Development. Prior to joining UPMC, he was responsible for the creation of Development (Real Estate) Services Group as Manager of Development Services for The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). Before relocating to Pittsburgh in 2013, Robinson last served as Deputy Director of Public Utilities for the City of Toledo, Ohio and managing the city’s $521 million Federal Consent Order engineering and construction program (The Toledo Waterways Initiative).
Mr. Robinson presently serves on several local boards, including Life’s Work, Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania, Southwest Pennsylvania Engineers Outreach (SPEO), Riverside Center of Innovation, RiverLife, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), Laurel Highlands Boy Scouts of America, and the Pittsburgh Historical Landmarks Foundation, among others.
Mr. Robinson is graduate of the inaugural cohort of The Advanced Leadership Initiative (TALI) Executive Leadership Academy held in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The Academy is an eight-month executive development certificate program provided by the Tepper School of Business focused on building the pipeline of African-American executives in the Pittsburgh region. A Toledo, Ohio native, he previously completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, an MBA with specialization in Operations Management, and Ph. D studies (ABD) in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Toledo (Ohio).
View George's Acceptance Speech
2021 Winner
Chuck Stefanosky, Independence Blue Cross
Chuck Stefanosky is director of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement at Independence Blue Cross. In this role, he develops and executes sourcing and supply chain strategies to improve the company's processes while supporting Independence’s 30+ year commitment community. Over the course of his two decades with Independence, Stefanosky has shown a deep commitment to advancing diverse businesses and bolstering Independence’s longstanding and impactful supplier diversity program. His work helps to create opportunities for growth among businesses that are owned and controlled by women, veterans, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community.
During Stefanosky’s tenure, the company saw a number of key milestones, including:
• The launch of an African American Supplier Mentoring program
• Landmark spending with diverse businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community
• Award recognition for the company’s commitment to supplier diversity
Prior to joining Independence in 2002, Stefanosky held management positions at DecisionOne, Roy F. Weston Laboratory, and Delaware Container.
Stefanosky is a sought-after advisor and speaker on best-in-class supplier diversity programs. He earned a master’s degree from Penn State and a bachelor’s degree from Gannon University.
View Chuck's Acceptance Speech
2021 Winner
Heather Herndon Wright, VISTRA Corp.
Heather Herndon Wright has served as a Supply Chain Diversity Professional for 32 years in the Private, Public and Non-Profit Sectors as well as a being a certified WBE where she Executive Produced the Eagle Award Winning documentary “BUSINESS: America’s Game – Where are the Women?” and the book, The Seeds of Success. She is a Master Compliance Administrator, a Certified Professional In Supplier Diversity and a Certified Professional in Supply Management and currently serves as the Director of Supply Chain Diversity & Sustainability for Vistra Corp. This role leads the effort for the development, promotion, and oversight of a national strategy and architecture to increase the growth of both Diverse and Small Business Enterprises across the supply chain from Suppliers to Channel Partners. It also has responsibility for ensuring Vistra suppliers have Environmental, Social and Governance policies in alignment with Vistra’s objectives.
She also serves on the board of Directors for the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the DFW Minority Supplier Development Council and serves as Chair of the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses Board of Directors.
She loves to dance, loves the Lord and is madly in love with her husband Randolph Wright, their 3 children, 4 grandchildren and her grand dog Geronimo!
View Heather's Acceptance Speech
2020 Winner
George Ehrgott, CTDI
George Ehrgott had been responsible for Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity at Communications Test Design, Inc – a global high-tech company. George started with CTDI in 1980 when they were but a small business and has grown with the company – being responsible for the development of Procurement, Materials Management, and their Supplier Diversity Program. He has been the Chairperson of the WBEC of PA/DE/sNJ (now WBEC-East), Certification Committee Chair (and still active on the Committee), part of the Program Committee, and on a number of WBENC national committees. He was honored by WBENC as a He4She Champion in 2017.
Along with his work in our Council, he participates in the WBE Canada Certification Committee, played leadership roles in the technology industry’s Supplier Diversity group now known as tech:SCALE, and was a Board of Director for the EMSDC for a number of years.
Married with three children – family, music, and great food are the important pieces to understand his life.
View George's Acceptance Speech
2019 Winner
Ajamu Johnson, Comcast NBCUniversal
Nominator Peggy Gionta of Partner's Consulting shared that Ajamu Johnson's support and mentorship has been instrumental to her company's success in developing a stronger client relationship with Comcast NBCUniversal. According to Pegggy, Ajamu is a great mentor who is always willing to answer a question or provide coaching. He is truly “present” and makes himself available, which is a testament to his commitment to increasing diversity within his organization.
Photo Caption (left to right):
▫ Awardee - Ajamu Johnson, Comcast NBCUniversal
▫ Nominator - Peggy Gionta, Partner's Consulting
2018 Winner
Anna Hakobyan, AstraZeneca/MedImmune
Nominator Cynthia Towers of JURISolutions noted that Anna Hakobyan has been a game changer for her both personally and professionally, especially because of her passion, commitment, high standards and unparalleled business acumen. Anna always goes well beyond matching WBEs with current opportunities. According to Cindy, she gets to know the WBEs and when she finds a company she feels she can help, she blazes a trail for them to gain access to opportunities within the organization.
Photo Caption:
▫ Awardee - Anna Hakobyan, Government Compliance & Supplier Diversity Lead, AstraZeneca/MedImmune
2017 Winner
Loren Hopkins-Taylor, DuPont
“We recognize that when WBEs are introduced into our supply chain, the result is a sustainable, diverse and inclusive supply chain that mirrors our employee base and creates value both for DuPont and our local economy.” - Loren Hopkins-Taylor
Photo Caption (left to right):
▫ Nominator - Peggy DelFabbro, M.Davis & Sons, Inc.
▫ Awardee - Loren Hopkins-Taylor, DuPont
▫ Amy Holland, WBEC Awards Chair, The Day & Zimmerman Group, Inc.
2016 Winner
Manuel A. Diaz, Johnson & Johnson
“I believe that Supplier Diversity is a competitive advantage, enabling corporations to conduct business in wider geographies and to more effectively identify and address customer needs - it is a business imperative for corporations who wish to remain in the forefront of innovation.” - Manny Diaz
Photo Caption (left to right):
▫ Tabitha Stanislaw, Chair, WBEC PA-DE-sNJ
▫ Awardee - Manuel A. Diaz, Associate Director, R&D Quality & Compliance Operations,
Johnson & Johnson
▫ Nominator - Barbara Bosha, President, Bosha Design+Communications
▫ Amy Holland, WBEC Awards Chair, Buyer & Supplier Diversity Administrator,
The Day & Zimmerman Group, Inc.
2015 Winner
Narciso “Pat” Patterson, Verizon Communications
According to Peggy Del Fabbro, nominator, the relationship between M. Davis & Sons and Verizon has helped her grow as a leader in her company. One of the most important statements that she could make about him is that he does what he says he’s going to do – in her book, that’s everything. Nominator Cindy Towers also said Pat has worked tirelessly to identify key decision makers in the legal space and has arranged for meetings with very influential stakeholders. Throughout their business relationship, Pat has “been extraordinarily proactive as opposed to just reactionary.”
Photo Caption (left to right):
▫ Nominator - Cynthia Towers, JURISolutions, Inc.
▫ Awardee - Narciso “Pat” Patterson, Verizon Communications
▫ Nominator - Peggy Del Fabbro, M. Davis & Sons, Inc.
2014 Winner
L. Jay Burks, Comcast Corporation
According to Fran Friedman Griesing, nominator, L. Jay Burks goes above and beyond the usual steps to identify, encourage, mentor support and promote WBE firms within his company and beyond. He is genuinely eager to support WBEs and his enthusiasm for his role is unique. His energy and efforts to advocate within his own company and to others has made a significant difference. Kathie O'Donnell, nominator, referred to him as "Superman," reflecting both his mild-mannered demeanor as well as his ability to remove obstacles. Superman is a tireless worker. The easiest path to boost his WBE spend numbers would be to limit his efforts to larger WBEs, but L. Jay is the guy who has time for the small fry, says Kathie. Passion is often an overused word, but it is fitting to describe his approach to his job.
Photo Caption: (left to right)
▫ Nominator - Fran Friedman Griesing, Partner, Griesing Law, LLC
▫ Awardee - L. Jay Burks, Supplier Diversity Manager, Comcast Corporation
▫ Nominator - Kathie O'Donnell, Principal, Corporate Distribution Ltd.
2013 Winner
Deborah Morgan, Johnson & Johnson
“I am honored and blessed to receive the Advocate of the Year award from the Women’s Business Enterprise Council. Working with Bosha Design is a model for collaboration and teamwork.” - Deborah Morgan
Photo Caption (left to right):
▫ Nominator - Barbara Bosha, President, Bosha Design, Inc.
▫ Advocate Award Winner, Deborah Morgan, Associate Director, Quality Systems and Strategy,
Johnson & Johnson.
2012 Winner
Sue Kozik, Independence Blue Cross
"Always striving to identify the ideal solution, the nominee provides a level playing field for suppliers, offering ample opportunities for WBEs to come to the table to share their ideas, insights and proposals. Forward-thinking in every sense of the word, she recognizes that the IT field still has a long way to go in terms of gender equality, and she is cognizant of the need to get WBEs involved in the conversation." - Peggy Gionta
Photo Caption: (left to right)
▫ Nominator - Peggy Gionta, President, Partners Consulting
▫ Awardee - Sue Kozik, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of
Independence Blue Cross
2011 Winner
Dennis Voulopos, Johnson & Johnson
“I am greatly honored to receive the WBEC Advocate Award and I must say quite surprised. To me I have always believed in strong professional relationships to drive outstanding results and to also always give everyone an opportunity because you never know where the next best idea will be coming from. People to me have always been a company’s best asset that is never fully utilized.” - Dennis Voulopos
Photo Caption: (left to right)
▫ Awardee - Dennis Voulopos, Manager of Procurement operations, Johnson & Johnson,
Lititz Manufacturing facility
▫ Nominator - Patricia Frances, President, Chaucer Press