To continue our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion we are featuring the voice of female local business owner, Diana Sison, from Little Skillet. Her catering menu options have been a great success since joining our America-to-Go Supplier Diversity Catering Program. She has been ranked as one of the top choices by shopper Evie Bamsey, Administrative Coordinator & Purchaser for the Internal Medicine Residency Program. Below Evie shares her perspective as a shopper and approver to encourage catering decision makers to reach the 25 percent goal in diverse supplier spending for their department this year.
Perspective from Shopper:
Purchasing from diverse suppliers matter for several reasons. The first being that diverse caterers offer a wealth of unique flavors and options through their cuisine that can be experienced and enjoyed by all manners of people. Secondly, diverse caterers offer much more inclusive cuisine that accounts for a multitude of dietary needs and sensibilities, particularly vegetarian and vegan requirements. People appreciate diverse options and feel much more satisfied. Lastly, ordering from diverse caterers reinforces and adds upon the foundations of our multicultural society. By catering from a diverse supplier, we are reinforcing the importance of their cuisine and the value of their business to continue offering their unique options.
Perspective from Approver:
For UCSF shoppers and approvers who are considering diverse suppliers, I would say that you should prioritize incorporating them as often as is available within your parameters. Two important factors to consider are your budget and order availability (including convenience of delivery), so if a diverse supplier meets those criteria, incorporate them into your orders. Many diverse suppliers offer excellent service and are open to accommodations and communication throughout the ordering process, ensuring great food and customer satisfaction.
Diana Sison, from Little Skillet is thankful for the orders she received from Evie and for being part of our Supplier Diversity Catering Program with America To Go. She shared a video testimonial with us, please view it here:
What Can You Do?
- Support small/local/diverse suppliers by procuring your goods and services from them whenever possible.
- Join SCM's Marliz Copado for a monthly virtual brainstorming meeting with the Anchor Away Team to discuss implementation tactics. We invite all to join. Email Copado to get involved and receive an invitation. The next session is Friday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
