Debra A.
Jennings-Johnson
Debra A. Jennings-Johnson
Senior Director, Supplier Diversity
BP America
Helping minority and women owned businesses enterprises (M/WBE) win contracts is Debra Jennings-Johnson’s mission and passion. As director of Supplier Diversity at BP America, she works to maximize the inclusion of diversity in the supply chain. During her tenure, BP has tripled their diverse suppliers to more than 300.
Debra’s career encompasses more than 20 years as an advocate for minority- and women-owned businesses. She was recruited by BP to work with corporate leaders to create and implement a sustainable comprehensive supplier diversity plan. Debra mentors business owners who receive BP contracts to help grow/maintain their relationship. Valued as an advisor for combining “old school” spirit for minority business development with current procurement practices she has been described as charismatic, but tough.
She serves on the board of the Women’s Business Development Center Chicago, the National Minority Supplier Development Council and Women Business Enterprise National Council. She is actively involved with Chicago United, Chicago Urban League and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Debra has shared her expertise in presentations and lectures on topics such as Subcontracting Opportunities for MWBEs; Non-traditional Purchasing, Building Strategic Alliances; Second Tier Purchasing; and Program Strategies for Corporate America. Additionally, she has participated on numerous panels addressing issues facing minority and women owned businesses.
She has received numerous awards for her achievements such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (Applause Award), Advocate of the Year by Southern Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, MSDC-Chicago, Women’s Business Development Center, Chicago United and the Minority Business Development Agency.
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