Incentive - March 2008 - (Page 19)

COVER STORY Q&A with Kathryn Homeyer How long have you had a address the changes and challenges in the diversity program in place? workplace. The program is comprised of Kathryn Homeyer: As part of UPS’s three components: UPS Connections, Comcommitment to diversity, the company munity Connections and Business Connecformally launched the UPS Supplier tions. The WLD aligns with our core UPS Diversity Program in 1992. The program, values. WLD also parallels our strategic which grew to become national in scope in 1998, provides opportunities to small, minority- and women-owned businesses and offers current and potential suppliers information on company purchasing needs and requirements. UPS supplier diversity goals are established and tracked at the highest level of the organization. A Diversity Steering Council, co-chaired by the CEO and the senior vice president of human resources, meets Kathryn Homeyer, director of the UPS Supplier Diversity Program twice a year to review the results of supplier diversity goals and focus of creating a diverse customer and accomplishments. James Mallard, vice supplier base through our marketing and president of procurement services, pressupplier diversity programs. We are also ents the results to the Diversity Steering engaged in addressing cross-generational Council. Supplier diversity, therefore, has issues, since this is the first time in history the full support from the top down. when four generations of workers have been in the workplace at the same time. How large is UPS, and how diverse is the workforce? KH: At What is the philosophy behind UPS, our workforce is multicultural, multithe program? KH: At UPS, we all dimensional and reflective of the broad share a strong belief and passion in proattributes of our global communities. viding a climate in which women and Throughout our 100 years, we’ve continminority owner-entrepreneurs can thrive. ued to promote a culture of inclusiveness, By being involved in the communities in respect and cooperation. Each year since which UPS delivers and touches every day, 1999, UPS has been ranked by Fortune we all strive for these businesses to flourish magazine as one of the 50 Best Compain today’s increasingly diverse global and nies for Minorities. competitive business environment. In its most basic definition, supplier Has the focus changed over the diversity means providing equal access and time you’ve had a diversity opportunity to small, minority- and womenprogram in place? Women in the owned business. However, in today’s marworkplace, for example? KH: UPS is ket, it also means that we mentor, educate, working to impact the retention and devel- provide access to capital, partner and eleopment of women in management. In vate small, minority- and women-owned 2006, UPS developed a Women’s Leaderbusinesses, as their success translates into ship Development (WLD) program to ours. They are all potential customers. By Jennifer Juergens Q Q What are some of the programs and initiatives? KH: Our Supplier Diversity Program gives us access to companies that provide services and helps to make us a successful company. At the different conferences, like Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPACC), and National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), to name a few, providing networking opportunities to learn, build mutually beneficial relationships and [gain] exposure, UPS has been able to develop business relationships with other top corporations and minority- and women-owned businesses. How do you get the word out about your Supplier Diversity Program? KH: We get the message out via our participation in the many organizations that support small, minority- and women-owned business development. UPS is an active participant in local and national minority and women business organizations. The company is active in 36 of the 39 National Minority Supplier Development Council affiliates and 11 of the 14 chapters of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Q Q Q Q What achievements give you particular pride and sense of accomplishment? KH: I feel blessed to have a career which I have a strong passion for and really enjoy. I feel supported in my job from a company that has supported diversity throughout its 100-year history. It’s also very gratifying to be part of a team that helped UPS get named among “America’s Top Corporations for Women Business Enterprises” (WBEs) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council for the eighth consecutive year in a row, in March 2007. Then in October 2007, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) named UPS “Corporation of the Year.” incentivemag.com Q | March 2008 | Incentive | 19 http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - March 2008

Incentive - March 2008 Contents Editor’s Note: Delivering on Diversity In The News Cover Story: Leveraging Diversity in the Workplace Incentive Interview: Paul Levesque on Why Awards Fail Case Study: AEIS’ Max!-imum Incentive Program Mine Employees’ Creativity with Innovation Incentives Incentive Must-Reads The Third Annual Gift Card Roundtable My Turn: Motivation or Bribery? Everybody Get Together In Her Shoes: Why Bosses Should Be Flexible Incentive Primer: Passport Problem-Solving potentials Here and Now Is CES Electronics Heaven? China and Crystal: More Than a Pretty Face Travel News Florida: What’s New on the Beach? Smooth Sailing for Incentive Cruising Come To Hawaii And Take It Fast Last Word: But Enough About You

Incentive - March 2008

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