Sodexo Earns Spot on WBENC’s Top Corporations List
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — On April 11, 2018, Sodexo announced its debut on the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s (WBENC) prestigious list of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs). This accolade acknowledges organizations with exemplary supplier diversity programs that foster growth for women-owned businesses and remove barriers to their success.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
“We are committed to diversity and inclusion at all levels of our business,” stated Rohini Anand, PhD, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility & Global Chief Diversity Officer at Sodexo. “Our goal is to empower diverse businesses and forge lasting relationships with companies that share our vision.”
Supporting Diverse Business Ventures
Sodexo collaborates with approximately 2,400 vendors across the United States, including minority, women, service-disabled veterans, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. As outlined in Sodexo’s Better Tomorrow Plan, the company has set a target for 25% of its global expenditure to be allocated to local small businesses by 2025, prioritizing women and other marginalized groups.
Criteria for Partnership
To partner with Sodexo, companies must meet specific criteria: they must be at least 51% diverse-owned, controlled, and managed, and they must hold certification from relevant organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), WBENC, or the Small Business Administration (SBA).
A Voice for Women-Owned Businesses
Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC, expressed pride in honoring organizations like Sodexo. “By choosing to set the standard for access and increase opportunities for women suppliers, they are fueling innovation and empowering communities both domestically and internationally,” she remarked.
Achievements in Diversity and Inclusion
In addition to this recognition, Sodexo has received several accolades for its efforts in diversity and inclusion. The company was included in Bloomberg’s 2018 Gender-Equality Index and inducted into DiversityInc’s Top 50 Hall of Fame for its commitment to gender equality. Moreover, Sodexo has consistently ranked in the top 10 on DiversityInc’s list of ‘Top 50 Companies for Diversity’ for nine consecutive years.
About WBENC
WBENC stands as the largest third-party certifier of women-owned businesses in the United States. Partnering with 14 Regional Partner Organizations, WBENC upholds a world-class certification standard and advocates for women entrepreneurs. Through various programs and events throughout the year, WBENC fosters business development opportunities for member corporations, government agencies, and over 14,000 certified women-owned businesses across the nation. For further information, visit wbenc.org.
About Sodexo North America
Sodexo North America represents a segment of the global, Fortune 500 enterprise operating in 80 countries. As a foremost provider of integrated food and facilities management, Sodexo enhances organizational performance and enriches the quality of life for approximately 15 million customers daily across various sectors, including corporate, healthcare, and education. With a workforce of 133,000 across 13,000 sites in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, Sodexo also contributes significantly to local economies by purchasing about $9.2 billion in goods and services from diverse American businesses. Furthermore, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has invested nearly $30 million over two decades to combat child hunger in America. For more details about Sodexo, visit Sodexo Insights.
