Sodexo Canada has been presented with WEConnect International’s 2018 Corporation of the Year Award in Canada for its commitment to diversity, inclusion and focus on gender equality. This award is presented annually to a corporation that has demonstrated exemplary support for the inclusion of women-owned businesses in their supply chains and innovative approaches to creating new opportunities for inclusion in Canada.

“Through its policies and programming, Sodexo Canada has demonstrated a firm commitment to ensure supplier diversity and inclusion is top of mind across its organization,” said Chelsea Prescod, country director for WEConnect International in Canada. “Sodexo’s focused training and education programs that highlight the importance of developing inclusive procurement strategies with women-owned businesses vaults the company into a leadership position.”

An example of how Sodexo has worked to support women-owned businesses includes rolling out its first virtual “meet the member event”, which works to engage and expand its supply chain across Canada.

“This award is a result of our relentless effort to measure and track the work we do to ensure women-owned businesses are included in sourcing opportunities across Canada,” added Elizabeth Auceda, supplier diversity manager at Sodexo Canada. “We have more work to do to support and mentor other companies. We look forward to partnering with WEConnect International to continue the momentum.”

Auceda was recognized in 2017 as one of Canada’s most influential women in human resources and diversity by DiversityCan Magazine.

Photo (from left to right): Chelsea Prescod, WEConnect International and Elizabeth Auceda, Sodexo Canada.