Breaking past limits and connecting women-owned businesses with supplier diversity advocates are the themes built into Business Works, a procurement event hosted by the Women’s Business Council-Southwest. 

This year’s event, which drew around 345 attendees, was held at the Arlington Convention Center. Sessions included one-one-one matchmaker meetings, a new session called WBE Speed Connect, luncheon, half day trade expo, silent auction, and networking reception.

There was a lot to highlight and celebrate at the luncheon. Joe Mossinger Strategic Sourcing Manager at Toyota was awarded the Cheryl Stevens Legacy of Leadership Award. Read about his contributions to WBCS here.

WBEs Patti Winstanley, President of Aztec Promotional Group and Rachel Sanchez, CEO of Prestige Maintenance USA were presented the Women Working Together Award after they submitted an outstanding Done Deal. This award highlights the importance of WBE to WBE business opportunities and you can read the story behind their Done Deal here.

Additionally, every company who reported money spent with a WBE was honored and this year’s grand total was over $8.6 billion in spend with certified WBEs located throughout the country. 

The luncheon featured keynote speaker Thear Suzuki, Americas Advisory Talent Leader at Ernst & Young. She is responsible for innovating and leading comprehensive programs designed to attract, retain, grow, and develop over 17,000 professionals across the Americas to achieve their career and development aspirations while delivering exceptional client service.Suzuki spoke of purpose, passion, and how women can strive to be in leadership positions. 

Check out more Business Works event photos here!