J&L Communications

Supply chains: not just about logistics! ?? Kristin Malek uncovers the hidden power of diverse supply chains to drive economic growth and opportunity at TEDxLogan Circle. https://lnkd.in/ex_-us8K #TEDxLoganCircle #SupplyChainDiversity #RethinkInnovation

Im excited to share my promotion to Executive Director, Global Economic Inclusion and Business Diversity. I am incredibly grateful for the support and collaboration of my amazing team, my incredible leadership, my mentors, sponsors and partners. Together, we will continue to champion diversity, foster inclusive growth, and create sustainable business opportunities globally. ??? Thank you to everyone who has played a significant role in my journey. ??

?? Reflecting on a Milestone Event (and Celebrating 7 Years at CDW) ?? We were proud to host the New York City Diverse Supplier Tech Connect yesterday. Michael Garner, NYC Chief Business Diversity Officer in Mayor Adams' administration shared inspiring updates: since 2022, NYC has awarded $12.3 billion in contracts, with 33% to Minority Business Enterprises (MBE). This is just the beginning, as NYC plans to open up and transform "resistant" sectors, driving significant change towards diversity and inclusion. With $6.3 billion in contracts last year alone, NYC boasts the largest MBE program in the country. Governor Hochul recently unveiled an initiative to promote MWBE certification across New York State. Oscar Martinez , Founder of Ozkar Services LLC, a full-service IT provider in New York and an active participant in CDW's Mentor Protégé Program, attended the event. He discussed the importance of not seeing other MBEs as competitors but rather as partners who can help each other augment and leverage each other’s strengths. Oscar also importantly, highlighted that Tier 2 diverse spend is the access to capital vehicle that can historically limit MBE utilization in high value projects. Since the inception of our business diversity practice in 2007, CDW has been a champion of promoting local, diverse, and undervalued supplier participation. Our program has been recognized globally by organizations like Gartner and the Billion Dollar Roundtable Dollar Roundtable. At CDW diversity isn't ever a checkbox activity, it's a catalyst for innovation and a tapestry of technology that includes everyone. Today marks my seven-year anniversary at CDW, and I am grateful for the connections we've nurtured over the years. Reflecting on this journey, from my early days with mkt my meetings at DOITT to these pivotal moments, reminds me of how far we've come together. In our digital economy, we recognize the disparities that exist. Systemic issues in housing, healthcare, and education continue to widen the wealth gap. Equity remains invaluable and urgent. Despite the pressures, there is no time limit on equality. As we navigate these challenges, it’s clear that equitable circumstances provide solutions for today’s most complex issues. There is no deadline for doing the right thing. Together, let’s reevaluate our successes and missteps and create impactful solutions. Aim higher, embrace success, and become scale masterminds. Let’s focus on equity and environmental stewardship hand in hand. If we go together, we grow together. Let’s make amazing happen. Here's to more groundbreaking work ahead! Ty for our comms+marketing NYCWBE partner, J&L Communications Swag partner,branded socks by Lisa Riggs #CDW #Diversity #Inclusion #Innovation #Leadership #NYCTechConnect #MBE w/ Ben Bourbon Pat O'Brien Ken Frankel Aleah Menefee Adam Akmal-Gonzalez Terrance Miller Shane Lau Maryann Pagano Mark Ellis IBM Palo Alto Networks Dell Technologies

Driving Economic Equity: Insights from the City & State 2024 Diversity NY Summit I recently had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking event hosted by City & State & State New York where the conversation centered around the crucial role of investing in minority+ women-owned businesses (MWBEs) to create a more equitable economy. My colleagues, Adam Akmal-Gonzalez +Keith Sanders participated as panelists at the event, discussing how to build better MWBE+ DEI programs in New York. Their respective groups also discussed the systemic barriers MWBEs face, including limited access to loans and bonding, and proposed strategies to enhance MWBE programs and foster inclusive economic growth. Certifying as a MWBE alone is complex and takes time-something that business owners don’t have a lot of! In fact, I was surprised to hear that despite having the highest MWBE utilization rate in the country, New York’s state program faces a significant backlog of over 3,700 businesses awaiting certification, hindering its mission. We also learned that private sector support is vital for MWBE’s success. Adam underscored the critical role of mentorship and access to capital for MWBEs. CDW offers value-added services and volume purchasing power to support MWBEs competing effectively in the market. He emphasized the need for more formal mentorship programs in the private sector to bridge the gap. We’re happy to say we led a successful Mentorship Protégé Program with CUNY in 2022 and the New York Power Authority last year. This year, we have begun an extension of that same program with MD Anderson that will continue to build upon our strong relationships with our clients and the diverse suppliers we can connect them with to collaborate on meaningful work. Two additional highlights for me included: ? Partnering with prime contractors can significantly expand MWBE’s access to capital and capabilities. A tiered partnership model enables small businesses to scale and grow sustainably. Recognizing and addressing disparities in contract awards to MWBE firms is crucial for fostering equity. ? A collective effort, or "village," is always essential to support small businesses, especially those in low-to-moderate-income communities. Initiatives like the New York City contract financing program can provide much-needed assistance. Senator James Sanders stressed the importance of community economic development in driving change. The key message from the event was clear: investing in MWBEs is not just a matter of social justice, but a crucial driver of economic growth and resilience. We can foster a more inclusive and equitable business ecosystem in New York City, New York State, and beyond by dismantling systemic barriers and providing access to capital, mentorship, and opportunities. As a fellow advocate for diversity and inclusion, your thoughts and experiences on this matter are invaluable. Let's continue the dialogue and actively support MWBEs in our communities.

Today, as we celebrate National Working Moms Day, I want to recognize and appreciate the incredible dedication and hard work of all the working mothers out there! Shout out to some in my community that I admire: Rebecca Bauer, Kristin Malek, Erica DyReyes, Michelle Mucci, Dana Sadiq, Michelle Projekt, Amy Call Well, Erika Chambers, @Marissa Ivo, Liza Morse, Hope Reisinger Cobera, Amy Dashoff, Holly Esteves, @Molly Ward, Moon Kim, Ruhi Joshi, Mary Burens Petzinger, Kristin Mastrandrea Meza, Jill Forbes, Gillian Fitzgerald, Valerie Kemme-Smith, Kelly McAuley, Jennifer Northam, Marina Paulus, Amanda Resnick, Lizzie Newland McWilliams, Michelle Sing, Abby Ross Toth, Lindsay Woodward, Matilda Sung, Lauren Anderson Narwold, and Sallie Moffat, among so many others!? ? Balancing work and family responsibilities can be a challenging feat, but these amazing women tackle it with grace and resilience every single day. As a community, it's essential for us to rally around and offer our support wherever we can. I also want to celebrate all the working parents out there as it takes a team and a village. ? Curious about ways to support working parents in your life? Here are some gestures from both friends and colleagues that I've appreciated: -Offer to watch the kids. Even a few hours of uninterrupted time can make a world of difference. -Ask about their needs. Sometimes, a simple conversation can lead to discovering ways you can offer support that you may not have thought of otherwise. -Schedule hangouts that are child-friendly. Finding time for socializing can be tough for working parents, so organizing activities that accommodate both parent and child can be a thoughtful gesture. -Recommend resources in your community. Whether it's recommending local support groups, childcare facilities, or other services, connecting parents with valuable resources can make life a bit easier. ? Let's show our appreciation and support for the working mothers, and working parents, in our lives. Happy National Working Moms Day! #WorkingMomsDay #SupportingWorkingMoms #CommunitySupport

This International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting on the pivotal moments and individuals who have shaped my journey-and the journey of our company. Today, I want to express my gratitude to?Joy Taylor – not only for her unwavering support but for being the catalyst behind the inception of J&L Communications. ? I vividly remember the day when?Joy, our first client, uttered those empowering words: "If you create a company, I will be your first client." True to her word,?Joy?not only became our client but also became the cornerstone of our early success. Her endorsement and word of mouth played a significant role in garnering awareness for our budding business. ? I first crossed paths with?Joy?during my involvement in the EY Winning Women program back in 2013. Her entrepreneurial spirit was infectious, and her belief in my ability to market both myself and my business planted the seed of possibility within me. It was her encouragement that gave me the courage to take the leap and establish J&L Communications. ? Eight years down the line, as I reflect on our journey, I am humbled by how far we've come.?Joy's faith in us wasn't just a promise; it was a testament to the power of women uplifting and supporting each other. It only takes one woman, one encouraging word, one promise to spark a transformational journey. ? Thank you, Joy Taylor for not only believing in us but for being the driving force behind our success. Your unwavering support has not only shaped our business but has also inspired us to pay it forward and uplift others along the way. Happy International Women's Day!?#IWD #WomenSupportingWomen #womenentrepreneurs #winningwomen