The Penn Supplier Diversity Forum & Expo will be held on Thursday, June 20. This event will bring together University buyers, suppliers, local agencies and organizations from across campus and throughout Philadelphia to celebrate supplier diversity; showcase the resources available to local, diverse and small businesses; and provide an excellent opportunity for business networking.

The event will focus on “Advancing Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Through Collaboration” and begins with a Poster Sessions by several community organizations that will be conducted 10:30-11 a.m., prior to the 11 a.m. Forum in room 200, College Hall.

Opening remarks will be offered by Penn’s Executive Vice President Craig R. Carnaroli, and he will address the state of economic inclusion at the University.

The Forum will then feature a panel discussion among local business and community leaders who are regarded as agents of change and are driving community and economic development across Philadelphia neighborhoods as they examine the vital role collaboration plays in business.  Panelists include:

Lucia DiNapoli, director of strategic initiatives for administration, School of Nursing;

Jennifer Rodriguez, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce;

Winfred J. Sanders, president, Neta Scientific, Inc.;

Craig Williams, president, American Power Electrical Supply Company.

Members of the Penn buying community are also invited to visit the outdoor Expo celebration in the Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, noon-2 p.m. along Locust Walk between 34th and 36th Streets. Local and diverse suppliers will be in a large tented area where they will showcase their services and answer questions from eventgoers. A variety of tasty samples also will be available from many local caterers.

Advance registration is required to gain access to the Forum as well as the Expo’s tented area to visit with the suppliers.

Registration is available at www.upenn.edu/purchasing/diversityforum_expo

The Penn Supplier Diversity Forum & Expo is hosted by the University of Pennsylvania under the auspices of the Offices of the President, Executive Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, and the Division of Business Services.