By Sandra H. Shichtman
Banking, insurance and financial services plan for the future and lift up the local communities they serve as they invest in people and the technology that helps them.
As the investing population diversifies, so, too, must the workforce that serves them. That’s why today’s Hispanic professionals influence tomorrow’s financial sector outcomes as a diverse voice that reflects the community they serve. They’re also part of organizations dedicated to ensuring, supporting, investing in, and lifting up the communities they serve, and to providing technology that helps them.
Saavedra Kochalski Ensures Capital One Customer Needs Are Digitally Met
Although Carla Saavedra Kochalski started her career journey wanting to become a journalist, and even earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism, it was her first job after college as a web editor that changed her mind.
“I found I loved building digital experiences, whether that was improving the website, starting a blog or rolling out our strategy on social media, more than writing stories,” she remembers.
So she followed that path, which led her to move on to lead a digital servicing strategy and operations at another company before joining Capital One, a financial services company with subsidiaries that include banking.
Saavedra Kochalski, who also has an MBA, was hired to lead social media products and pivoted toward building the company’s first conversational assistant. “We leveraged machine learning capabilities to build a conversational assistant that could answer customers’ servicing questions in an empathetic way. It led to the creation of Eno, our intelligent assistant,” she notes.
Today, she’s senior director of Capital One’s experiences and optimization platform. “I lead a multidisciplinary team that leverages new technology to build products and services aimed to make a meaningful impact on peoples’ financial lives,” she explains.
Her team focuses on building products and creating experiences for today’s customers, as well as for future customers. Saavedra Kochalski works with designers, engineering partners, and data scientists, as well as with her product team to help them understand strategy. She also ensures the needs of the stakeholders are being met.
According to Saavedra Kochalski, Capital One focuses on developing its employees and building high-impact teams. “Much of this comes from a growth mindset and the passion for continuous learning among our tech and product teams.”
For anyone interested in a career in product design or development, she advises, first of all, to “invest in yourself and be a life-long learner. That’s the key to being a great product manager at any company, and especially at Capital One.”
Her own career at Capital One went from being an individual contributor to a senior director position, a role in which she leads leaders. “I’m still honing my technology skills so I’m able to guide teams in the right direction. Continuous learning through courses, blogs, reading and doing is how I keep up,” she adds.
Capital One has several business resource groups (BRGs) designed to create an inclusive environment where associates can connect with each other, have access to development opportunities, and feel a sense of belonging. One is the Hispanic/Latinx BRG (HOLA), which empowers Hispanic and Latinx associates to thrive both inside and outside Capital One.
“As an alumna of HOLA’s Hispanic Leadership Development Program, it was one of the first times I felt like someone was investing in me and my career,” she shares.
Saavedra Kochalski graduated from the program in 2016, and, for the past two years, she’s been co-leading HOLA, giving back by mentoring product managers who are early in their careers.
Find out about career opportunities with McLean, VA-headquartered Capital One at capitalonecareers.com. Connect on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Ortega-Ponce Builds His Tech Acumen at Ameriprise Financial
Mark Ortega-Ponce was hired into Ameriprise Financial, which provides financial planning products and services, with a degree in computer science, which he earned in April 2023. He’s currently an associate in Ameriprise Financial’s Technology Leadership Development Program (TDLP), an 18-month rotational program designed to provide exposure to various areas of technology within the company.
“I’m currently in my second rotation where I’m focused on software development,” he indicates. “My primary responsibilities in this rotation are to build, enhance, and support technology for Ameriprise financial advisors and clients.”
After completing the program, Ortega-Ponce’s goal is to transition into a software developer role.
In Summer 2022, Ortega-Ponce had two research internships at his college. “In one,” he explains, “I developed a desktop application for data analysis for the physics department. In the other, I worked on self-aware robots using reinforcement learning for autonomous navigation.”
Those internships helped him showcase his skills during the interviews at Ameriprise Financial, demonstrating his practical experience and problem-solving abilities.
He was initially interested in joining Ameriprise Financial because of his long-standing interest in finance and wealth management, and because of Ameriprise’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I).
“My first interaction with the company happened when they hosted a workshop at my college, focusing on best practices for internship and job search processes. This event provided valuable insights, and I subsequently applied to the Technology Leadership Development Program at Ameriprise,” recalls Ortega-Ponce, who joined Ameriprise Financial in June 2023.
He receives mentoring and training to support his career development. “I participate in regular one-on-one meetings with my managers, during which time I receive valuable feedback about my performance and my areas for improvement.”
He also has the chance to express his professional interests and work on projects aligned with his career goals.
In addition, Ortega-Ponce participates in the Hispanics, Latinos & Amigos (HOLA) business resource network, which provides a forum at Ameriprise Financial for engagement with Hispanic and Latino culture.
“I joined to connect with people who share similar backgrounds and experiences, as well as to participate in roundtable discussions with Latino leaders at Ameriprise,” shares Ortega-Ponce, who also joined because the group provides opportunities to attend fun events and to network with his peers.
Find out about career opportunities with Minneapolis, MN-headquartered Ameriprise Financial at ameriprise.com/careers. Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Renaissance Man Manjarres Helps Provide Value at Truist
Jorge Manjarres’ interest in starting his career at Truist, a financial services company, came about while he was still an undergraduate double-majoring in management and finance. A fellow student told him about Truist’s leadership program, which he knew could lead to a successful career.
“I joined the company as a call center representative while I was earning my degree,” he remembers.
Although, he admits his GPA wasn’t “stellar,” joining the company allowed him to show his work ethic and abilities. “My managers were supportive of my application to a leadership development program upon graduation,” he adds.
In his 23-year career at Truist, Manjarres has held a wide variety of roles, some lateral moves, some promotions. Graduating from the company’s development program was a stepping stone to start his career journey. “I provided solutions to small business banking clients as a business banker.”
Then, interested in commercial real estate, he turned to underwriting to being another path. “I started as an underwriter, then managed a portfolio of troubled real estate loans through the Great Recession [in the late 2000s], and, ultimately, served as the first underwriting team lead for our affordable housing investment team, Truist Community Capital.”
When he sought a change once again, he joined Truist’s finance team. “Since then, I’ve served as finance support to many of the company’s business units, helping their leaders achieve the company’s goals.”
Manjarres is currently senior financial officer for Truist’s corporate functions, which include its human resources (HR), finance and risk management organizations. “My team is tasked with providing clear financial reporting, enabling their leaders to make sound decisions,” he details.
While those function aren’t generally income-generating, Manjarres’ team shares its insight with them to help their leaders create value for the company.
A true Renaissance man, Manjarres has received both formal mentorship from Truist and informal mentorship from his teammates. “I’ve also been fortunate to participate in formal training programs such as the leadership program that I joined after graduation and a leadership accelerator program later in my career,” he points out.
More recently, he participated in Truist Leadership Institute training sessions and leveraged other on-demand training opportunities. “Finally, I take advantage of the professional career coaching available at the bank to help with career development and coaching advice.”
According to Manjarres, Truist offers various opportunities for leadership growth for its technical employees. “The level of technical proficiency needed varies widely, depending on the role. There are roles that require leaders to have deep knowledge of the process and work. Other roles may afford a leader with a strong ability to learn the opportunity to lead a team outside of their area of expertise.”
The bank offers tuition reimbursement, certain study paths via edX.com, as well as the resources that Manjarres took advantage of that have helped his career development.
He’s a member of all of Truist’s business resource groups (BRGs), too, which allows him to learn about the experiences of other members, connect with teammates and leaders across the company, and to advocate for human rights, which is part of his purpose for joining them.
Find out about career opportunities with Charlotte, NC-headquartered Truist at careers.truist.com/us/en. Connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram.
Sanchez Engineers Software Solutions for JPMorgan Chase Customers While Empowering & Mentoring His Team
With more than 25 years of experience in software engineering and a bachelor’s degree in computer science earned in 1993, Kenny J. Sanchez began with participation in INROADS, a program that creates pathways to careers for talented minority, college-level students.
“The INROADS experience prepared me for corporate life,” he reflects. “It exposed me to proper business etiquette and prepared me for various types of interviews.”
It also helped him get internships and work experience in several financial services firms, including JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Sanchez joined JPMorgan in 2013, then left three years later for a start-up investment company. When the start-up’s mission to allow everyone to make trades changed, Sanchez grew dissatisfied and wanted to return to JPMorgan Chase. “I applied for a mobile position in 2019, attended a job fair at the request of a JP Morgan recruiter and interviewed with the hiring manager.”
He returned to the company as vice president of software engineering. He also participated in an internal program aimed at expanding diverse representation at senior levels within the company.
Currently, Sanchez is a senior vice president/senior manager of software engineering, and works with the wealth management team to help customers do self-directed investing on its mobile app. “I manage agile software delivery teams focused on bringing the self-trade experience to customers on both Android and iOS devices while partnering with relevant stakeholders,” he details.
Sanchez earned the promotion by expanding his responsibilities and growing into the new job, which, he advises, is a great way to move ahead in one’s career.
“[As a leader], I’m passionate about building a diverse and inclusive culture. I empower the team and mentor team members to help them progress in their technical and professional skills,” adds Sanchez, who’s also a member of the Latino global technology community group.
Being a role model for other people of color who are interested in the technology field brings him satisfaction. However, having to prove his abilities and worthiness is a challenge that he deals with by continuing to extend his training and learning, and by advocating for himself.
Sanchez further explains that he was on a technical track originally, but moved into management, and recommends that software people have a solid technical path before transitioning into management. “This will allow you to understand the software development life cycle and be a better leader.”
Find out about career opportunities with New York, NY-headquartered JPMorgan Chase at careers.jpmorgan.com/US/en/home. Connect on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
Lopez Leads Shared Services at Aflac
At Aflac, a supplemental insurance provider whose acronym stands for American Family Life Assurance Company, Daniel Lopez is vice president of digital services solutions. “I’m the leader of the shared services department, which supports critical capabilities, along with owning the various data, analytical and artificial intelligence (AI) technology solutions,” notes Lopez, who also leads Aflac’s dental and vision information technology (IT).
His position within the company enables him to use his technical background – he has a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry – to have a meaningful impact on Aflac’s various business lines.
Lopez came to Aflac with a work ethic that began when he was a high school student, that continued during a 15-year career in technology consulting during which time he was exposed to the insurance industry, and that culminated in experience in commercial and eventually accident and health lines of insurance.
Through his network, he became aware that Aflac was undertaking a large transformation program for its growing group insurance line. “I shared my resume and was able to meet with key leaders of that transformation program,” he recalls.
“This informal meeting allowed us to share experiences and challenges, and when Aflac had an opening for a director of data transformation, I was able to reach out to the recruiter indicating my interest.”
Lopez joined Aflac in June 2016 to lead a data transformation program focused on modernizing Aflac’s data infrastructure and business capabilities. Since then he’s taken advantage of the leadership training the company offers, and took advantage of the formal and informal mentorships provided by Aflac leaders.
While he joined Aflac at a management level, Lopez indicates that technical employees can advance into management providing they have the skills, the work ethic, and the experience that can advance the company’s goals. Development programs and coaching are available, too.
Individuals can take ownership of their career paths and take advantage of the support Aflac provides. “Aflac has supported my personal development with sponsoring industry-specific leadership development programs and executive coaching,” Lopez concludes.
Find out about career opportunities with Columbus, GA-headquartered Aflac at careers.aflac.com. Connect on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Klaber Supports International Business Development & Strategy for Prudential Financial
When David Klaber earned his MBA in 2017 – he already had a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in strategic finance – a friend who’d finished an internship at Prudential Financial spoke highly to him about the positive experiences she’d had there, and thought that the company would provide an excellent fit for Klaber both personally and professionally.
This prompted Klaber to reach out to Prudential Financial. That contact resulted in several interviews, and an offer to join the company, which he accepted.
Klaber previously had significant internships and consulting experiences that were closely related to both his initial and current positions at Prudential Financial. His internship at the Latin American desk of an investment bank was especially important.
“It further enhanced my financial acumen, and provided me with a deeper understanding of financial markets and transactions within the Latin American context,” he points out. “The combination of strategic thinking from my consulting background and financial skills from my investment banking experience positioned me as a strong candidate for the selective MBA program at Prudential.”
Klaber joined Prudential Financial in July 2017 as a CFO associate within the MBA Rotational Program, which consisted of a full week of training, learning sessions and networking opportunities with senior executives.
“This immersive experience not only facilitated my integration into the company, but it also underscored Prudential’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional growth,” he notes.
He went on to a position as a CFO associate in Prudential Financial’s annuity business, then joined Prudential’s international finance team for Europe, Latin America and Africa. Following that, Klaber became the director of the international finance team’s emerging markets and then its vice president.
Currently, Klaber is the vice president of business development and strategy at Prudential International Insurance.“I support the president of emerging markets in driving a value-creating agenda, focusing on both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. I’m responsible for spearheading strategic initiatives and providing guidance for business development strategies,” he details.
According to Klaber, Prudential Financial places strong emphasis on training and mentorship to support the success of its employees. In fact, he’s also benefited from that by participating in training sessions tailored to specific topics relevant to his role and professional development aimed at fostering leadership, technical, and strategic-thinking skills.
The company might also provide financial support for employees pursuing further education or certifications relevant to their career goals, he further indicates. This support can come in the form of tuition reimbursement, sponsorship for courses or certifications, and paid time off for studying or attending classes.
Klaber also co-leads Juntos, which means “together” in Spanish, Prudential’s business resource group (BRG) for Latinos and their allies. Its primary objective is to promote the values of Latino culture while promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I), and promoting opportunities for the Hispanic community, as well as creating opportunities for the growth and success of all Prudential employees.
Find out about career opportunities with Newark, NJ-headquartered Prudential Financial at jobs.prudential.com. Connect on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Glassdoor and Facebook.
Protecting People, Property, Possessions & Personal Assets
Banking, insurance and financial services lift local communities they serve as they invest in culture and influence to reflect and support them. And there are many ways in which college graduates can begin and advance their careers in the banking, financial services, and insurance industry, which protects people, property, possessions, and personal assets. Those with degrees in finance, economics, accounting, or business can work in banking and financial services. They can fill positions such as accountants, business consultants and investment analysts.
Graduates with degrees in business administration, actuarial science, and risk management can be hired to fill positions such as claims examiners, risk managers, actuaries, and insurance underwriters in the insurance industry.
And the rise in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), and other tech and apps are also opening up areas of growth in the industry in terms of investment in product and growth. In fact, this is causing some experts to be optimistic about the future of bank-fintech partnerships in 2024, with some even noting that they think this year should be a bonanza for most Banking as a Service (BaaS) providers as a result. And the banking and finance industry should follow and remain on a growth trajectory, experts add.
Thus, overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. About 911,400 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace employees who leave the occupations permanently.
Captions & Callouts:
Carla Saavedra Kochalski is senior director of Capital One’s experiences and optimization platform.
“Invest in yourself and be a life-long learner.”
Mark Ortega-Ponce is an associate in Ameriprise Financial’s Technology Leadership Development Program (TDLP), an 18-month rotational program designed to provide exposure to various areas of technology within the company, and is in his second rotation where he’s focused on software development.
“My first interaction with the company happened when they hosted a workshop at my college, focusing on best practices for internship and job search processes. This event provided valuable insights.”
Jorge Manjarres is a senior financial officer for Truist’s corporate functions, which include its human resources, finance, and risk management organizations.
“I take advantage of the professional career coaching available at the bank to help with career development and coaching advice.”
Kenny J. Sanchez is a senior vice president/senior manager of software engineering at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
“I’m passionate about building a diverse and inclusive culture. I empower the team and mentor team members to help them progress in their technical and professional skills.”
Daniel Lopez is vice president of digital services solutions at Aflac.
“Aflac has supported my personal development with sponsoring industry-specific leadership development programs and executive coaching.”
David Klaber is the vice president of business development and strategy at Prudential International Insurance.
“This immersive experience [in the the MBA Rotational Program] not only facilitated my integration into the company, but it also underscored Prudential’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional growth.”
erprises (MBEs).
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), supplier diversity is becoming a top priority for corporations in the private sector. It points to a study by the Hackett Group that found that almost three quarters of those organizations either run or plan to expand their global supplier diversity programs through this year, and that the average target is to spend 13% with suppliers that are more than 51%-owned or -controlled by an individual or group that’s traditionally underrepresented or marginalized.
In addition, Forbes has also reported that customer trends, material shortages, political pressures, and climate change, many as a result of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, have created a sense of urgency to increase the health, resilience, and diversity of companies’ supply chains.
This bodes well for people already working in supplier diversity and for those who want to work in that environment in the future. It also bodes well for MBEs as leaders in supplier diversity champion them, and help expand opportunity and growth for them.
See how several of these supplier diversity leaders in a variety of industries are paving the way, opening doors, and spurring growth for MBEs and Hispanic entrepreneurs while investing in and empowering the communities they serve.
Otero Leads Comcast’s DEI Initiatives to Promote Supplier Diversity
Having earned several degrees including a law degree, Juan Otero began his career at Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, one of the largest telecom, media, and entertainment companies in the world, as a vice president of government and external affairs in the Michigan region, where he was responsible for federal legislative advocacy with members of Congress and the White House.
“I subsequently transitioned over to corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as a vice president. Since then, I’ve overseen the growth of the company’s DEI data analytics team, and have led the effort to deploy a data-driven approach to advancing DEI throughout the business,” he explains.
His current role as senior vice president of DEI now allows him “to provide strategic counsel for many issues including procurement, given its importance in uplifting marginalized populations. The ability to create wealth in communities is a critical component in our DEI work.”
Otero leads corporate DEI initiatives across the enterprise, oversees DEI governance policy issues, and manages the company’s external corporate DEI advisory committee. “I also provide strategic counsel around a variety of business issues including, but not limited to, workforce, procurement, community investment, and programming. Supplier diversity is one element of our overall DEI strategy,” he adds.
Otero attributes his success, in part, to his father, who taught him that anyone can identify a problem. “It’s what you do about the problem that matters. I’m lucky to be in a position where I get to ask tough questions and add insight into how we can make our products, platforms, and workforce more equitable and inclusive,” he notes.
Otero indicates that diverse suppliers who want to do business with ComcastNBCUniversal need to register on its portal and comply with the company’s code of conduct for suppliers and business partners.
“They should also be able to deliver a quality product or service, be financially sound, committed to service and responsiveness, be able to serve existing and new business, and have a current diverse supplier certification from an appropriate council or government agency,” he further points out.
To qualify as a diverse supplier, a company must be minority-, woman-, veteran-, service-disabled-veteran-, disability- or LGBTQ+-owned. Comcast also has active partnerships with national and local supplier-diversity organizations with the same memberships.
“We track our spending with direct purchases from approximately 4,250 diverse suppliers, with direct and indirect subcontracting spend reported from non-diverse-owned suppliers, and issue our spend report each June,” Otero elaborates.
In addition, he underscores, “we maintain robust supplier diversity reporting and communications with internal leaders who make vendor partner decisions across our various business units. This helps expand our supplier diversity impact, and identify opportunities for current and new diverse vendor partners.”
“We know that continuously diversifying our supplier base fosters increased competition, and this helps keep the costs of goods and services in line with changing market conditions,” Otero observes. “Equally important, when we work with small and diverse businesses, they help create jobs for people within their communities, distributing more opportunity and wealth among members of that community.”
To support supplier diversity during the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Comcast launched its RISE program in 2020 to help small businesses recover and thrive by providing more than $110 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants.
Otero feels that his career at Comcast has challenged him, and every shift in position has made him a better professional. “My hope is that five years from now I’ll still be guided by that same north star of intellectual fulfillment,” he concludes.
Find Philadelphia, PA-based Comcast’s open positions at jobs.comcast.com. Connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Glassdoor, YouTube and Instagram.
Pineiro Manages Supplier Diversity for IT Software Procurement at IHG
Johanna Pineiro came to IHG Hotels & Resorts from the aerospace industry. The move into hospitality was an easy one for her. “I have a strong customer and supplier relationship background from throughout my entire career, and that’s helped me coming into the procurement world at IHG Hotels & Resorts,” she indicates.
Pineiro was hired into the leading hotels and resorts company as an IT software procurement manager, her current position. “I oversee working with the business to meet our software needs for our corporation. I get to work with the suppliers to negotiate contracts and bring the best technologies to our organization,” she explains.
As part of IHG’s global procurement team, Pineiro supports IHG’s commitment to an inclusive supply chain. “I’m passionate about the work that IHG and our supplier diversity team are doing, and ensure I make it a priority to seek diverse suppliers to participate in our procurement activities,” she shares.
She further believes her ability to work well with everyone and to be a team player, her determination, and her being a hard worker all contribute to her success at IHG.
As a procurement manager, Pineiro partners with IHG’s supplier diversity manager. “We work to ensure we have a diverse supplier participate in my procurement activities. I also challenge my colleagues to do the same. We have diverse spend metrics that we track on a quarterly basis that provides insight into how we’re tracking against our goals,” she notes.
They’ve forged partnerships with organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Greater Women’s Business Council, to gain exposure to diverse businesses.
“Supplier diversity is a part of IHG’s 10-year business plan, Journey to Tomorrow,” points out Pineiro. “Our commitment to working with diverse suppliers is important commercially because it shows our corporate customers that we’re acting responsibly, and we’re the kind of company they want to do business with. We’re focused on creating an environment where our people and communities can thrive.”
In addition to her procurement work, she’s a member of IHG’s Hispanic-American employee resource group (ERG), and she encourages the organization to partner with diverse businesses to support the ERG’s programming, which she feels is a great way to advance supplier diversity.
For anyone interested in working in supplier diversity, Pineiro advises them to seek quality internships to expand their knowledge and to gain experience in specific fields of interest.
Find Atlanta, GA-based IHG’s open positions at careers.ihg.com. Connect on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Army Vet Burgos Helps Veteran Businesses to Support Supplier Diversity at MGM Resorts
Jorge Burgos, strategic sourcing partner, procurement, at MGM Resorts International, a global hospitality and entertainment company that includes gaming, is responsible for keeping suppliers’ licensing up-to-date with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission so it can continue to do business with those suppliers.
He gives all products used in the casino and stored in MGM Resorts’ warehouse item numbers for easy identification by employees in all departments who need to know inventory availability and to make purchases.
“One other important task is creating relationships between the community and MGM Resorts by identifying and supporting local and diverse-owned suppliers,” Burgos adds.
His interest in supplier diversity is a result of his desire to help and support people, no matter who they are, things he learned in his native Puerto Rico and as a veteran of the U.S. Army.
“There’s no better feeling than working together with minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, just to name a few. Engaging with diverse suppliers gives me the opportunity to prove that we can all work together, and that there’s an opportunity for everyone to be successful,” he explains about his career choice.
His initial position with MGM Resorts was as a warehouse attendant in Springfield, MA. “My dedication, motivation, determination, attention to detail, teamwork, and desire to work and share my knowledge with others lead me to a promotion to inventory control supervisor,” notes Burgos, whose next promotion was into his current role as strategic sourcing partner.
MGM Resorts actively engages suppliers in opportunities, and supports their development through its supplier diversity mentorship program.
“We connect to diverse-owned businesses through the mentorship program, which is an eight-month program where diverse-owned businesses are paired with MGM Resorts executives to identify gaps in their businesses and make them more competitive in working with companies like ours,” Burgos details.
“I usually work with the suppliers, guide them and provide support to make sure the process to get the diverse certification is completed.”
He adds that the company’s goal is to graduate 150 businesses from the program by 2025.
Find Las Vegas, NV-based MGM Resorts’ open positions at careers.mgmresorts.com. Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and X (formerly Twitter).
Rizik Ensures Supplier Diversity for Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Food Purchases
Emi Rizik is the retail operations manager at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which is one of the hospitals in the Mass General Brigham system, which is based in Somerville, MA. He oversees the cafeteria and Charlie’s Café, managing their operations, staff, sales, and meal planning.
“I’m also responsible for the execution and coordination of all catering functions at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, oversee conference room bookings, audio-visual equipment functionality, and assist with the coordination of meetings when needed,” elaborates Rizik, who adds that he feels his creativity and opinion are highly valued, making this a perfect place for him to work.
Because employees at Newton-Wellesley Hospital come from countries all over the world, Rizik tries to incorporate their recipes and cooking ideas in the food services he manages. This includes purchasing items from his main suppliers, as well as a variety of local stores, ensuring supplier diversity.
“We use Mass General Brigham-approved suppliers/vendors 99% of the time unless they don’t carry certain spices that we source from local ethnic shops,” he indicates, explaining that it’s the same for all the partner-hospitals in the Mass General Brigham system.
Rizik came to Newton-Wellesley Hospital with prior work experience with a food and facilities management company, beginning as a cafeteria manager in one of the hospitals they manage and receiving several promotions. Between 2013 and 2017, he was the director of food service at another of its managed hospitals. He also worked as a district manager at a restaurant chain, managing 10 restaurants in Massachusetts. In 2019 he came on board at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts.
“I’m always interested in helping innovate and improve our business and the way we interact with our staff, our customers/patients, and our suppliers,” he shares.
Rizik remembers that, during the recent global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the challenges that were faced. “We have had challenges, but we have many approved vendors that have done a great job helping us with alternatives. We have spent lots of time sourcing the various items that we need to meet our patients and customer’s needs,” he points out.
Find Newton, MA-based Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s open positions at nwh.org/careers/careers, and find Somerville, MA-based Mass General Brigham’s open positions at massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/careers. Connect on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Martinez Zimerliz Directs North American Purchasing from Diverse Suppliers at ADM
After gaining what she calls “a basic level of experience in the purchasing area,” Evelyn Martinez Zimerliz joined Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) a decade ago. She worked for the multinational food, pet and animal nutrition company in Paraguay, where she began as a senior buyer in 2013.
She was promoted several times and took on roles of increasing responsibilities, including purchasing manager, regional senior purchasing manager, and her current role as director of site purchasing for North America.
“In each of these positions, my primary responsibilities revolved around fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and the supplier market,” she notes, adding that she recently transferred to ADM’s U.S. headquarters.
“In my current role, I’m responsible for overseeing a team of more than 40 buyers and five purchasing managers spread across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. We maintain close communication and foster strong relationships with plant managers, directors, and vice presidents in various areas of the organization that require assistance from the procurement team.”
Martinez Zimerliz indicates that ADM participates in councils that certify businesses owned by women, Hispanics, Asians, African-Americans, Native Americans, veterans, LGBTQIA, and people with disabilities in order to seek and identify diverse suppliers. It also partners with food industry groups to find suppliers for sourcing opportunities.
“Procurement teams consistently include diverse suppliers in their sourcing events, actively promoting and supporting supplier diversity initiatives,” she points out. “We also work to increase the diverse spend with current suppliers.”
She believes that making purchases from diverse suppliers gives ADM access to new talent, capabilities, and innovation in some of the most dynamic emerging market segments around the world.
“At ADM we have a best-in-class supplier diversity program and strategy, which enables us to continue to build a diverse global supplier network that reflects ADM’s diverse customer base and business community,” underscores Martinez Zimerliz, who’s fluent in four languages.
Spanish and Guarani are what she calls her “mother tongues,” and she learned Portuguese to effectively lead the ADM team in Brazil. She attributes her proficiency in English, which she learned as a young girl, with facilitating her ability to communicate well with leaders in the U.S.
“This commitment to learning and embracing new languages has not only expanded my communication abilities, but it’s also enriched my understanding of diverse perspectives, which has proven invaluable in my career progression within ADM,” she concludes.
For a college student interested in working in supplier diversity, Martinez Zimerliz suggests earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, gain at least five years of experience in a supplier diversity or strategic sourcing role, and look into becoming an ISM-certified professional in supplier diversity (CPSD) or earning a similar accreditation.
Find Chicago, IL-based Archer Daniels Midland’s open positions at adm.com/en-us/culture-and-careers. Connect on LinkedIn.