Simone Ray is the Director, Corporate Procurement & Supplier Diversity at Hilton, where she leads an award-winning Supplier Diversity effort. She says her success is largely due to the support of the entire Hilton enterprise, but also being in frequent contact with the people the Supplier Diversity team wants to engage and empower. Simone led her team in hosting the third annual HSM Supplier Diversity Virtual Summit to connect with industry experts, leaders, and the diverse supplier community. She develops transparent and collaborative relationships with suppliers.
Simone keeps pushing because she wants to create an economic impact in underutilized and undervalued communities, so they can grow and flourish. She has a seat at the table to introduce new ways of doing business to make the greatest economic impact. Through Hilton Supply Management and Supplier Diversity, she is identifying, promoting, and mentoring diverse-owned businesses doing good in the world. Simone believes Supplier Diversity is a mission and not just a program. She takes satisfaction from knowing the supplier diversity goals are shared and backed by Hilton.