As the supplier diversity executive for Ameren’s Business and Corporate Services, Kendra Austin can claim many successes including implementing the Best in Class Program to identify and reward companies practicing Ameren supplier diversity standards in their companies and leveraging the mentoring program to identify and develop IT areas that could help augment Ameren future work for years to come. A major achievement was utilizing a diverse paper supplier for Tier 2 spend with Ameren’s bill pay vendor. Kendra has set a goal of increasing Tier 1 and Tier 2 spend year-over-year.

Her philosophy is to ask “Why not?” when people say “no” for various reasons during diversity discussions. She is emphatic that Ameren’s managers give qualified minority-and women-owned suppliers equal opportunities. Kendra’s best practices include establishing KPIs and goals as motivators and influencers to ensure ongoing program progress and success. She also sets high standards for the supplier diversity program so there is no doubt the program is effective, ethical and successful.

Favorite Quote:

“It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. ” - Winston Churchill

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