Elizabeth Vazquez

Elizabeth Vazquez, president and CEO, WEConnect International, accepts her award from Ricardo Barrientos, senior director, supplier diversity, PepsiCo.
Led by Elizabeth A. Vazquez, WEConnect International is a corporate-driven global nonprofit organization that works with the supplier diversity and inclusion community, as well as procurement professionals, to empower women business owners worldwide. Based in Washington, D.C., WEConnect provides its corporate members with a global database and resources to ensure a diverse and inclusive supply chain. Ms. Vazquez is a serial social entrepreneur and world leader in global supplier diversity and inclusion. She co-authored “Buying for Impact: How to Buy from Women and Change Our World.” The book includes information on women business owners and ways to support and leverage their potential to create a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. As the CEO of WEConnect International, Ms. Vazquez is responsible for the group’s support and impact through a network of local representatives in 17 countries. WEConnect International members are pioneers in global supplier development and inclusion, with more than $700 billion in annual purchasing power and a clear interest in buying from women-owned business enterprises. In addition to providing training and support for women’s success in all regions of the world, Ms. Vazquez sits on several boards of directors, including the Global Banking Alliance for Women and the Cornerstone Capital Group, and is an advisor to the Clinton Global Initiative.