About SU's Supplier Diversification Program

Supplier Diversity
About the Supplier Diversification Program

Leather worker with mallet working on a piece of leather

What is Supplier Diversity?

Supplier diversity is a business practice that prioritizes an organization’s commitment to diversity through the intentional use of businesses whose owners are typically marginalized and historically underutilized. Supplier diversity initiatives are increasingly implemented at many businesses, organizations, and government agencies. Research has shown the social and economic benefits of these programs for both purchasers and business providers (Bateman, Barrington and Date, 2020).

What is behind Seattle University's Supplier Diversification Program?

Seattle University is committed to increasing the diversity of its suppliers to move toward a more sustainable, inclusive local economy. While the COVID pandemic in 2020 had exacerbated challenges, it also brought an opportunity to respond to the disruption with a focus on equity.

Seattle University wants to lead a paradigm shift in how local large institutions do business. Beyond supplier diversity best practices, the university specifically intends to address the gap between businesses in the local Black community and its procurement pipeline. By increasing both business capacity and dollars spent locally, the objective is to build the strength and breadth of diverse local businesses, increase equity, and create a more resilient and integrated community.

A busy street in Capitol Hill, Seattle

An Investment in the Community

In fall 2019, local community leaders including Wyking Garrett (Africatown Community Land Trust) and Ms. Evelyn Allen (Black Community Impact Alliance) called on Seattle University to invest in the Black community by intentionally purchasing goods and services from BIPOC-owned local businesses.

Seattle University is located in the heart of the city, between Seattle's booming downtown and the nearby historic neighborhoods suffering from gentrification and displacement. Through programs at the Sundborg Center for Community Engagement, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Albers' Resource Amplification & Management Program (RAMP-Up), and SU's Procurement department, the university is committed to engaging and serving our diverse community neighbors in the Central District and Chinatown/International District.

Segregated Seattle

This Seattle Civil Rights & Labor History project provides more information about Seattle's history of segregation, redlining, racial covenants, and community displacement.

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What is a Diverse Supplier?

Seattle University considers diverse businesses to be those owned by individuals who identify as:

Black
Indigenous
LGBTQIA+
Person of Color
Service Disabled Veteran
Veteran
Woman