Corporate Member Story: Toyota
Toyota Motor North America has been impassioned to build relationships with diverse entrepreneurs across North America for the past 30 years. In today’s increasingly globalized economy Toyota believes it is imperative to cultivate a corporate culture which fully engages the passions of diverse people who believe there is always a better way.
As Toyota builds relationships with minority entrepreneurs and WBEs in communities across the country, their supplier base continues to reflect the diversity of their customers, partners and team members. Supplier Diversity is an intense focus not just inside the procurement team but throughout all aspects of their operations.The enterprise as a whole demonstrates a continuing commitment to establish and grow strong, sustainable partnerships with diverse entrepreneurs, thus generating more opportunities for business development and localized economic growth.
At Toyota, supplier diversity is an essential business strategy, and they strongly value their WBE Canada corporate membership. Since 2015, Toyota has been actively involved with WBE Canada, participating in networking opportunities, meeting WBEs who bring innovative ideas and new efficiencies to the table, conferring with other corporate members to share best practices on supplier diversity strategy, and ultimately grow their spend in the diverse space.
“Toyota has a long standing history of leadership in supplier diversity”, said Jennifer Hoffman, Supplier Diversity Manager, Toyota Motor North America. “Our program has been in existence for more than 30 years. We recognize it as a strong corporate priority across the entire organization because we understand the importance of our supply base mirroring our customer base”
Jennifer Hoffman
Manager Supplier Diversity, Toyota Motor North America
Jennifer Hoffman joined Toyota’s Supplier Diversity team in March 2022. Prior to her current role as Manager, Supplier Diversity, Jennifer spent more than 7 years in direct parts buying for Toyota. Before joining Toyota, Jennifer worked for two other fortune 500 companies in a variety of supply chain roles. Throughout her career, regardless of the organization or role, Jennifer has found her strong passion for diversity and inclusion to be a core value and driving motivation. Originally from the Louisville area, Jennifer is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She also earned her MBA from Bowling Green State University.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming a WBE Canada Corporate Member or Partner? Find out more www.wbecanada.ca/corporate-membership