As the Director of Budget and Supplier Diversity at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Daylana Ervin-Parker has developed corporate-wide supplier diversity strategies, including creating a three-pillar framework that centers on contributing to the success of diverse suppliers. The three pillars are procurement opportunities through Tier 1 and Tier 2 purchasing; supplier development by offering capacity-building programs; and engagement that focuses on breaking down barriers for diverse suppliers. Daylana develops strategic alliances with internal champions and external advocacy partners as well as serves on the company’s DEI Council.
Daylana is most proud of partnering and collaborating with the Procurement teams to institutionalize polices that ensure diverse representation throughout the procurement process and maximize the number of diverse vendors in the supply chain. Procurement policies that require diverse participation in RFPs and competitive bids were established and several large contracts with non-diverse vendors must have a percentage of their business with diverse suppliers. Daylana says that strong leadership support starting with CEO Andrew Dreyfus has enabled the supplier diversity program success.