This LIVE virtual event is for Certified WBEs who want to learn about how to do business with “big” business. Join us on May 1st to learn more about TD Bank, one of our Corporate Members. Bring your questions, we’ll have line open for conversations.

This 1-hour online webinar is an excellent way for Certified WBEs to learn more about corporations they may be targeting with products and services.

What you will learn…

We will focus on the following topics (topics vary based on select Corporate Member supplier diversity program):

• Company information and brief background
• Supplier Diversity policy or guidelines
• Procurement processes
• Categories they purchase
• Information on working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors (if applicable)
• Best way to connect and contact information
• How to best follow up
• Special programs or opportunities available to diverse suppliers
• Tips, best practices, success stories
• Q&A

Certification has its benefits!

This webinar is reserved for our Certified WBE community. Webinars are free but participants must register in advance. Registration link will be emailed to Certified WBEs and posted in our Private LinkedIn group.

Why to join us live…

• Learn more about TD Bank’s program
• Be the first one to learn about opportunities
• Be the first one to follow up
• Ask questions and get answers LIVE on the call

Can’t join us LIVE? No problem! Send your questions to concierge@wbecanada.ca anytime between now and 1 day prior to the call. Call will be recorded and available in our online library – Tools for Growth!

Meet the Presenters

Michelle Albanese

Head of Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Diversity, TD Bank Group

Michelle Albanese is Head of TD’s Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Diversity program and activities across Canada and the US, a part of the Bank’s Ready Commitment.  In this role, Michelle drives TD’s Responsible Sourcing program, which assesses and engages suppliers to adopt best practices for social, ethical and environmental corporate responsibility, including carbon emissions reduction. She also leads TD’s Supplier Diversity program, encouraging the inclusion of diverse-owned suppliers to support enterprise-wide operations.

Michelle has over 22 years of experience in the environmental and sustainability fields; a Master of Science from the University of Waterloo, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph. She previously worked in consulting, non-profit and government sectors. Michelle is currently on the Board of Directors of WBE Canada, which supports women entrepreneurs.

Jason Cawthorn

VP and Head of Sourcing Execution, TD Bank Group

Jason Cawthorn is the Vice President and Head of Sourcing Execution within the Strategic Sourcing Group. In this role he is accountable for the overall category sourcing strategy, as well as leading the operationalization of procurement requests from intake through to fulfillment for $8.5B in goods and services that TD Bank spends with third parties on an annual basis.

Prior to joining TD, Jason held procurement leadership roles at EDS, Hewlett-Packard, Agrega (ABInBev and BAT) and Ever Corporation, where he was responsible for sourcing categories across many industries and globally across over 170 countries. With over 20 years’ experience in procurement, Jason brings both procurement expertise and thought leadership to the table.

He is also a board member of the Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council.