RWU and CVS Health Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Executive Learning Series for Diverse Suppliers

September 13, 2024By Jordan J. Phelan '19

Officials from RWU, CVS Health, and alumni from the Executive Learning Series for Diverse Suppliers program celebrated the 10th anniversary of the program on Sept. 10 at the Providence Marriott Downtown with an alumni reunion and networking gala. (All photos by Mae Gammino/Gammino Creative Group)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Celebrating a decade of empowering success for business owners nationwide, Roger Williams University and CVS Healthonce again partnered to present CVS Health's Executive Learning Series (ELS) for Diverse Suppliers, an acclaimed, first-of-its-kind training and mentorship program that has equipped more than 150 diverse vendors with critical management skills in leadership, business innovation, marketing, and finance.

The ELS is part of CVS Health's commitment to supplier diversity, helping to create jobs and provide equal opportunities for businesses that reflect the wide range of backgrounds among its colleagues, customers, and the communities the company serves.

"We believe that when we invest in small and diverse suppliers, we are not only strengthening our supply chain, but we are also building stronger communities," said Monette Knapik, Executive Director of Supplier Diversity for CVS Health. "Our collaboration with Roger Williams University enables us to provide suppliers nationwide with valuable education, training, and networking opportunities. This empowers them to acquire the essential skills required to engage in business with large companies like ours and unlock their full potential."

Since its launch in 2014, the ELS has made a national impact by elevating minority and diverse business owners from 30 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico to succeed in an incredibly competitive market.

This year's ELS Summit, which took place from Sept. 10-12, offered diverse suppliers with valuable networking opportunities, personalized executive coaching, and a comprehensive curriculum designed to expand their business capacity, professional skill level, and growth potential. The three-day in-person program focused on developing an extensive array of competencies, such as effective brand and communication strategy, empowering participants with the tools needed to scale their businesses and successfully engage with Fortune 500 companies like CVS Health. Following the summit, program participants receive virtual executive coaching to continue to build their personalized business plans.

"At Roger Williams University, we are dedicated to partnering with organizations to design and deliver innovative programs that leverage our academic strengths to meet the evolving needs of the community, students, and businesses," said Gena Bianco, Dean of University College at Roger Williams University. "Our decade-long collaboration with CVS Health has been central to sparking the entrepreneurial spirit among diverse business owners from across the United States by providing them with essential resources and opportunities to thrive. RWU's continued involvement in the ELS for Diverse Supplies reaffirms our commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting the success of diverse entrepreneurs, and we are proud to commemorate 10 years of impactful partnership and advancement."

CVS Health works with several national diversity councils each year to nominate suppliers to participate in the program, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council and regional affiliates, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and regional Affiliates, National Veteran Business Development Council, Disability:In, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and regional affiliates, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Rhode Island Commerce.