Supplier Diversity 101: Breaking Down Supply Chain Access Barriers For Diverse Owned Businesses

A.J. Stewart (He/Him) Is the Manager of Business Development For Supplier Diversity at Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). As a subject matter expert for Supplier Diversity, A.J.’s goal is to connect diverse entrepreneurs to a broad network of Canada’s largest corporations with an invested interest in diversifying their supply chains, as well as fellow diverse owned businesses. IDEA is a family business for A.J. and he is excited to be speaking to diverse and allied businesses at this year’s event.

Brian Hanna is a procurement and sustainability professional with 5 years experience across Food and Beverage, Retail, and Hospitality – having worked at companies such as Hellofresh and Wal-mart. In his current role at Accor, he is focused on sustainability and supplier diversity within the procurement office, with the goal of working with suppliers that can help Accor reach its commitments of enabling a sustainable and equitable future.

Debra Quade has served as the Supplier Diversity Manager at Kellogg Company since 2011. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served as Supplier Diversity Specialist at Toyota Boshoku America in Erlanger, Kentucky and Magna Donnelly in Holland, Michigan. Debra serves as Vice Chair for the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and represents Kellogg Company on the Corporate Advisory Council for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Programs Committee, the Food Marketing Institute Supplier Diversity Committee and both the National Minority Supplier Development Council CPG and Food & Beverage Industry Groups. She leads the WEConnect International Food, Beverage & Agricultural Industry Group and provides ongoing support for the Michigan Diversity Connections (MiDiCo) module that meets monthly to offer support, training and networking to the West Michigan supplier diversity community.

Devin Powell is a seasoned business professional with experience in the food and beverage industry.
Currently serving as the General Manager of Pulp and Press Juice Co, he has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success since joining the team in 2018.
Devin began his career in the logistics and home services industry working in various roles, including operations and marketing, before eventually moving into senior management roles.
He has a strong track record of delivering results, and is known for his strategic thinking and ability to build rewarding relationships.

In his role at Pulp and Press Juice, Devin has overseen all aspects of the business, from production and distribution to sales and marketing. Devin now spends the majority of his time on Sales and Strategic Development of both the US and Canadian sides of the business.

Both Devin and Pulp & Press are committed to delivering high-quality, organic products to customers, and are passionate about promoting healthy living through nutrition and wellness.

Outside of work, Devin enjoys staying active with wife Marija, and his two sons, Niall and Callan by enjoying time outdoors at their cottage in Northern Ontario.