Debra Voss is the Global Manager, Diverse Business Solutions at International Paper, and she has been instrumental in developing a world-class Supplier Diversity Program. Best practices she has implemented include building the business case for Supplier Diversity & Inclusion (SDI) and securing a strong commitment from the top down. Debra developed successful supplier diversity policies and procedures, regularly conducts in-depth spend analyses to identify opportunities, and has established Tier 1 and Tier 2 reporting requirements. An important element of her success is accountability. Debra integrates the SDI strategy with the strategic sourcing process. She also trains buyers, and tracks, measures, improves and communicates results to the organization. She is always identifying new diverse supplier relationships to grow the diverse supply chain.
Debra wants the world to evolve into a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone. She believes diversity and inclusion are critical to the success of organizations and their impact on society. The work that Debra and her team do in supplier diversity is an engine for driving systemic change within the workplace and community.