Avangrid, a leading sustainable energy company in the United States, recently held its Supplier Diversity Summit to celebrate its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The event aimed to strengthen partnerships with diverse allies and ensure Avangrid’s supply chain reflects its customers and the communities it serves.
Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO, emphasized the company’s diversity and how it makes them stronger. He stated, As a member of the Iberdrola Group, we’re already a naturally diverse company made up of people with many backgrounds, stories, and ideas. Azagra also highlighted the importance of the Supplier Diversity Program in building strong relationships with diverse suppliers.
Felix Morck, Vice President of Purchasing and Insurance of Avangrid, shared that diverse suppliers are essential to the company’s mission. By opening up their supply chain to new ideas, alternative providers, and local expertise, Avangrid strives to strengthen its program and enhance its innovation, quality, and service.
The Supplier Diversity Summit hosted 60 suppliers from diverse backgrounds and 50 key stakeholders from Avangrid’s purchasing and other relevant business areas. The event included networking opportunities, a panel discussion on sourcing, diversity, and sustainability, and guest speakers from minority-owned and woman-owned businesses.
Avangrid also recognized the outstanding achievements of its diverse suppliers by presenting Supplier Diversity Awards to McNDT and Pterra. These suppliers exceeded expectations in innovation, quality, and service, contributing to Avangrid’s success.
One of the guest speakers at the summit was Theresa Eaton, CEO, Chair, and Owner of WECS Renewables, a wholesale distributor of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic parts for the renewable energy sector. Eaton praised Avangrid for its commitment to recognizing and awarding diverse businesses in the renewables sector, emphasizing the importance of sustainable, long-term partnerships.
Avangrid’s Supplier Diversity Program aims to create an inclusive environment by supporting ethnic minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+-owned businesses. The company launched an expanded Supplier Diversity Program last year and dedicated staff to proactively support diverse suppliers.
Dominick Manno, Director of Sustainability & Supplier Diversity at Avangrid, emphasized the company’s long-standing focus on supplier diversity. He expressed his personal journey and highlighted the progress made in enhancing Avangrid’s Supplier Diversity Program. Manno looks forward to continuing to grow efforts and invest in the communities where Avangrid operates.
Avangrid’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion aligns with its goal of becoming the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. With assets of approximately $41 billion and operations in 24 U.S. states, Avangrid aims to provide renewable energy solutions while supporting diverse suppliers and fostering community development.
In conclusion, Avangrid’s Supplier Diversity Summit was an opportunity to celebrate the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By strengthening partnerships with diverse suppliers, Avangrid aims to build a resilient supply chain that reflects its customers and the communities it serves. The event showcased the achievements of diverse suppliers and highlighted Avangrid’s dedication to sustainable, long-term partnerships in the renewable energy sector.
