The Supplier Diversity Organization, which administers the Minority, Woman and Disabled Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (MWDVBE) initiative, is in the unique position to positively and powerfully affect our company and our communities.

Today, Qwest's Supplier Diversity Organization has a new mission and vision - and sharper focus. We are committed to a proactive business process that reflects our diverse customer base and communities and provides all suppliers equal access to purchasing opportunities.

Through the procurement process, we provide opportunity, sustain direct and indirect MWDVBE spend growth, grow Qwest market share, increase customer loyalty and enhance awareness and exposure for Qwest among diverse communities.

The Supplier Diversity Organization at Qwest reports directly to the chief procurement officer and is structured to support opportunities for minority, woman and disabled veteran-owned businesses to work either directly, or indirectly, for our company. To assure continued growth for these opportunities, the Supplier Diversity Organization works closely with company strategic sourcing managers and the various Qwest Business Units. It also tracks and monitors corporate MWDVBE objectives. Team members work with MWDVBE organizations and local ethnic and woman chambers of commerce to identify resources, actively participate in trade fairs and other MWDVBE networking opportunities, conduct seminars and workshops, and serve on various boards and committees. For information on MWDVBE successes, see Celebrating Success.