Navigating Supplier Diversity in an Anti-DEI Environment: Why This Conversation Can’t Wait

Supplier diversity is at a crossroads.
Once embraced as a vital part of corporate DEI strategies, supplier diversity programs are now facing heightened scrutiny—from legal challenges and political pushback to increasing concerns about reputational risk. In today’s climate, leaders in procurement, sourcing, and DEI must rethink how these programs are positioned, protected, and ultimately sustained.

That’s why Scaleup is hosting an urgent and timely virtual roundtable:
🧭 Navigating Supplier Diversity in an Anti-DEI Environment
📅 Wednesday, March 26, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
🔗 Register Now

​This roundtable is designed for procurement and supplier diversity professionals who are looking for real strategies, not just talking points—especially as external pressures mount and internal support gets harder to secure.

What’s at Stake
Supplier diversity has always been about more than checkboxes and quotas. It's about strengthening supply chains, unlocking innovation, and building economic equity. But in today’s anti-DEI climate, these programs are being questioned, defunded, and deprioritized.

For supplier diversity leaders, the question is clear: How do we move forward—smarter, stronger, and more aligned with evolving corporate realities?

What You’ll Learn
This panel will tackle the hard questions and provide actionable insights around:

• Expanding the Business Case: How to better quantify and communicate the value of supplier diversity beyond traditional DEI frameworks.
• Reframing the Narrative: Is it time to shift toward “inclusive procurement”? What language aligns with today’s legal and public sentiment?
• Mitigating Risk: What operational changes can insulate your program from legal or political backlash? How do you ensure compliance while maintaining impact?
• Strategic Messaging: How can procurement and DEI leaders protect their brands while remaining authentic and compliant?

Meet the Experts
We’ve assembled a panel of top-tier leaders across legal, procurement, strategy, and communications:

• Alexandra Garrison Barnett, Partner, Alston & Bird
  Legal strategist and co-leader of the firm’s DEI Strategy Practice, Alexandra advises clients on navigating the evolving legal landscape impacting diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Kris Oswold, Owner, Bidra Verdi LLC & Former VP of Global Supplier Diversity, UPS
  With decades of experience leading supplier diversity and global business transformation, Kris brings practical insights into embedding diversity into core business processes.
• Roy Broderick Jr., Chief Growth Officer, WHTWRKS
  A marketing and communications powerhouse, Roy helps organizations frame their DEI commitments in ways that build trust, buy-in, and brand protection.
• Rayford Davis, CEO, Scaleup (Moderator)
  A leader in procurement innovation, Rayford specializes in using AI and technology to streamline supplier inclusion and demonstrate program impact through data.

Why You Should Attend
This isn’t your typical roundtable. You’ll leave with:
✔️ Clear strategies to defend and future-proof your supplier diversity programs
✔️ Legal insight to help you avoid risk while remaining compliant
✔️ Messaging approaches to maintain authenticity and credibility
✔️ Real-world lessons from leaders who’ve done the work

​If you’re serious about sustaining supplier diversity in 2025 and beyond, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

📅 March 26, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
🔗 Reserve Your Spot

Join us for an honest, strategic, and future-focused conversation. The stakes are high—and the time to act is now.