Stacey Key is the CEO and president of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, an organization that connects minority businesses to corporate supply chains, helping to create jobs and drive economic growth. Key attended the Atlanta Business League’s Congress on the State of Black Business and was a panelist in the discussion of driving economic growth and the role of supplier diversity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Key spoke with rolling out about DEI, what businesses should do to improve their initiatives, and why Black businesses are important.
How can people stay informed about DEI?
People need to be informed about what’s going on with DEI. People need to understand what they can do the impact [DEI]. We talk about building relationships and voting, but the number one thing is being informed and understanding so that you can make the right decisions for you and share that with your employees.
What should businesses be doing to improve their DEI initiatives?
We need to start doing business with other Black businesses. That’s what’s missing. I encourage all businesses to identify other minority and Black businesses that they can do business with because that’s critical if they want to continue to grow. I think Black businesses and minority businesses need to identify other businesses that they can partner with to form strategic alliances or partnerships and make sure they’re following diversity equity activities within their respective organizations because that matters and it’s setting the example for everyone.
Why are Black businesses important?
The Black community is critical. Our nation has a lot of Black businesses, and they are an integral part of this country. It was built on the sweat of Black businesses. It’s important that we continue to put dollars and money into the community so that we all can live the American Dream.
