UC Procurement embraces diversity opportunities with Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce

On Friday, July 29, President Janet Napolitano delivered a well-received address to 90 people at the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce “Distinguished Speakers Series” program followed by a lunch meeting focused on UC business opportunities for Latino-owned companies and academic opportunities for young Latinos.

Participants in the lunch meeting included the chairman and CEO of Southern California Gas Company, two bank executives, the president of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission (and former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina), the president of an architecture and urban planning company, the CEO of a chain of movie theaters and the board chairman of the Latino Chamber of Commerce.

Most of the discussion focused on UC procurement contracting and subcontracting opportunities. President Napolitano announced Stephanie Lopez in her new position as Special Programs Manager, whose duties include systemwide procurement program development and outreach in the areas of small and diverse businesses, and leading the soon to be established Small/ Diverse Business Advisory Council, which will consist of UC internal representatives and external business leaders. Bill Cooper spoke to the various procurement efforts across the system, and UCLA’s Procurement Director, Bill Propst, described efforts to increase collaboration at his campus.

Overall, participants were enthusiastic in their offer to help UC expand opportunities with small and diverse businesses.

UC President Janet Napolitano and members of the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce