WestRock’s director of supplier diversity, Keya Grant,was one of 30 Emerging Women recognized by the Manufacturing Institute at the STEP Ahead Awards during a reception in Washington, D.C. on April 11. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C suite.
"This award symbolizes how WestRock empowers women in manufacturing across its enterprise," said Grant. "I work for a company that produces some of the most innovative products in the world and encourages and promotes a diverse workplace."
In her role, Grant is responsible for supplier diversity strategic planning and diversity sourcing and procurement. Since joining the company in 2016, Grant has increased diverse supplier spend year over year and expanded the company’s classifications of diverse suppliers to include LGBTQ suppliers.She currently leads the first state-sponsored business development program of its kind, the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection Program.Since Grant became director of supplier diversity, WestRock has earned nine awards for various aspects of supplier diversity. The Atlanta Tribune named Grant one of its "Women to Watch" in 2017.
The STEP Ahead Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and leadership for attracting, advancing and retaining strong female talent. The Manufacturing Institute is an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers and serves as the authority on the attraction, qualification and development of world-class manufacturing talent.
Source: WestRock press release
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/