Kristin Malek built a supplier diversity initiative, now at $2 billion annual spend, by listening to customers' goals, aspirations, and requirements. As the CDW Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity, she focuses on developing customer solutions that include diversifying their procurement processes with impactful sourcing. Kristin's thoughtful approach includes developing a flexible diverse supply chain that onboards local small and diverse suppliers while including strategic diverse suppliers when it makes sense. This ensures customers, suppliers, and CDW are in a win-win-win situation.
As the architect of a successful supplier diversity initiative, Kristin relied on her people-oriented leadership skills. She suspends judgment, listens carefully, is outspoken on important issues, and remains persistent. She has many successes, including growing the annual company’s diverse spend and leveraging supplier diversity to strengthen CDW's relationship with local communities. Kristin is particularly proud of CDW's sponsorship of the inaugural 2019 V3Gate Sales Summit. V3Gate, a Service–Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, is a CDW customer and a supplier. The Summit attracted speakers from large corporations and top government official David Epperson, CIO of DHS.