The Women’s Business Council – Southwest works hard to provide valuable programming to connect our women-owned businesses with opportunities to grow their businesses. This is something we can’t do without the support of our sponsors. Over the next few months, we will highlight our Champion Circle Platinum Sponsors, and bring you some information about their supplier diversity programs.

First, we asked Tim Yamada, Supplier Diversity Manager of Toyota a few questions about Toyota’s supplier diversity program and insights to working with Toyota.

Supplier diversity is a priority. 

Specifically, Toyota’s objective is to develop world-class standards for diversity throughout every aspect of our operations, including our community and business partnerships.

"We know that partnering with suppliers who provide innovative ideas and new efficiencies - in addition to delivering excellent manufacturing support, material goods and professional services - will yield significant competitive advantages for our company.- Tim Yamada - Supplier Diversity Manager, Toyota

Most important, as we build relationships with minority entrepreneurs and WBEs in communities across North America, our supplier base continues to better reflect the diversity of our customers, partners and team members. 

Our diversity program continues to flourish!

Our mentorship program, focused on helping small and diverse businesses has continued to flourish. The program is proud to have mentored 35 mentees since 2015 and the learnings experienced have impacted both the mentee and participating mentors. 

Mentees have experienced significant hard benefits through operational savings and mentored execution of growth strategy. Soft benefits included personal growth in executive presence, expanded networks, and leadership.

We continue with our pursuit and focus on building strong, sustainable partnerships with diverse entrepreneurs - generating more potential opportunities for business development and localized economic growth.

Toyota encourages WBE's to work with us. 

WBEs and MBEs are encouraged to enter their information in our supplier diversity portal, which is within our Supplier Diversity website. For information about our supplier diversity program and portal please visit Onetoyotasupplierdiversity.com

If interested in attending Toyota’s mentorship program, please reach out to Lindsay Pittard for more information and how to apply.