It's time to announce the Corporate Member of the Month! A series dedicated to highlighting the Corporate Members going above and beyond to serve the women-owned businesses in their communities.
Here at the Women's Business Council - Southwest, we are honored to work with over 80 Corporate Members in order to ensure our shared vision of lifting up women-owned businesses to positively impact the community through inclusive and prosperous partnerships for all. Each corporation brings a unique set of benefits to the WBEs that are a part of our network, and each month we are going to shine a light on all they are doing across its region!
Introducing our December 2023 Corporate Member of the Month:
“Women are the backbone of our society, providing care and economic support to this generation and guiding future generations; this is why supporting women-owned businesses helps our communities grow and prosper, while fostering an inclusive business environment for all” - Jeanette Schutz, Senior Director of Supplier Development for Dallas College
In what ways has Dallas College gone above and beyond to engage women-owned businesses in our region?
Dallas College is committed to helping women-owned businesses by
- Hosting one on one introductions of qualified businesses with internal buyers.
- Providing training on “How to do Business with Dallas College.”
- Attending networking events to seek out and meet qualified businesses that can partner with Dallas College.
- Emailing upcoming solicitations to women owned businesses in the WBCS directory.
- Hosting an annual 4-part supplier development series.
What successes has Dallas College had this year while advocating for women-owned businesses?
During the last year, we have introduced over 30 women-owned business to available opportunities at Dallas College in the areas of IT, Construction, Staffing and Marketing. To list a few of our successes:
- Energy Study with Energy Utility Group
- Marketing Video Laguna Media Group
- Incorporation of Argent Associates to list of cooperative vendors
- Contract with Fireman’s Paving Contractors
- Security Contract with Metropolitan Security
As a result of our efforts, we have increased the utilization of women-owned companies from 36 in 2022 to 46 in 2023 and our total spend from $5.33 million to $5.56 million in 2023.
What focuses on initiatives should we be on the lookout for Dallas College?
In the upcoming year, we are very excited to announce we will be hosting a contractor’s academy in which we will help business owners understand how to organize and grow their business to take advantage of upcoming opportunities at Dallas College. It will be a seven-part series starting March 1st and culminating on May 31st, 2024. Learn more and register here!
Where should WBEs start if they want to participate in anything upcoming with Dallas College?
If you would like to be informed about upcoming solicitations with Dallas College, please register in Jaggaer. Information on how to register on Jaggaer and Workday is available at the Dallas College Supplier Development website. For more information please email us at [email protected]
