Unlocking Opportunity: Strengthening Canadian Procurement & Supply Chains with Purpose
Unlocking Opportunity: Strengthening Canadian Procurement & Supply Chains with Purpose
April 30 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 am MDT
Join CGLCC and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce for a high-impact breakfast event designed to spark meaningful dialogue on the future of Canadian procurement and supply chain strategy!
We’re thrilled to welcome Jessica Grey, Global Procurement Strategy & Supplier Inclusion at RBC, who will share insights from one of Canada’s leading corporations on advancing supply chain innovation through Supplier Diversity.
As Canada faces economic headwinds—from rising tariffs to increasing pressure to buy local—the opportunity to strengthen supply chains through diverse, innovative suppliers has never been more important. Darrell Schuurman, CEO of CGLCC, will open the morning with a timely address on national procurement trends, the shifting EDI landscape, and the business economic imperative for inclusive sourcing.
Additionally, you’ll hear from one of CGLCC’s certified suppliers, Precipice Development. Kerri and Jess will offer their perspectives on navigating the corporate procurement ecosystem.
Whether you’re just beginning your Supplier Diversity journey or looking to accelerate your impact, this event offers actionable insights, authentic perspectives, and a welcoming space to connect.
A complimentary breakfast—and plenty of coffee—will be served.
Location:
SAIT Room, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
112 4 Ave SW Suite 410, Calgary, AB T2P 0H3
*This event is designed for our corporate partners and prospective partners, municipalities, and academic institutions. Please limit registration to 2 representatives from each organization, as space is limited.
SPEAKERS
Our Team
Darrell is an advocate of effecting social change through the economic empowerment of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder and CEO of CGLCC, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to expand the opportunities and advancement of the 2SLGBTQI+ business community in Canada.
Under Darrell’s leadership, CGLCC is spearheading the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, a landmark $25 million investment by the Federal Government. Through this initiative, he has directed $8.5 million to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem nationwide and allocated $3 million to establish the national 2SLGBTQI+ Knowledge Hub, fostering innovation and support for diverse business leaders across Canada.
Darrell is a founding member of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada, a national organization dedicated to the advancement of research, education, and advocacy of supplier diversity in Canada. He sits on the Supplier Advisory Committee (Public Services and Procurement Canada) to provide support in identifying potential improvements to Federal Government procurement.
He is also the co-founder of the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Business Education Foundation and Travel Gay Canada.
Darrell completed his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Calgary, and completed his Executive MBA from Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University.
In Jessica’s current role, she works with a team of Procurement and Business Professionals, across the globe, leading the Bank’s Supplier Diversity strategy, reporting into the Strategy team in RBC Global Procurement under the Chief Administration Office umbrella. Jessica firmly believes that inclusive procurement practices strengthen local economies, forge new business opportunities and create value for communities.
She is known for her strong relationship building skills and strong record in engaging teams, which sets her up for success in her current role. She is bold and is known to tap into the full RBC network to identify the best opportunities for diverse suppliers.
Jessica is energized by connecting with suppliers and spends her time on finding ways to advance the equality of opportunity for Women, BIPOC, LGBT+, people with disabilities, service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses by promoting an inclusive supply chain and levelling the playing field for disadvantaged suppliers.
In her spare time Jessica carries that love for sports and you can often find her playing baseball, soccer or basketball with various GTA women’s leagues.
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