Sessions

Major League Baseball (MLB) has always been a leader among sports in society, most notably since the days of the Negro Leagues and the advancement of Jackie Robinson. Wendy Lewis, senior vice president of Diversity and Strategic Alliances, has been at the forefront of MLB's commitment and practice of full representation by developing social, economic and pipeline platforms. Lewis and her group design and execute initiatives that are leadership-driven and have positive franchise impact. MLB's D&I initiatives are focused on business model approaches to workforce management, supplier diversity and strategic sourcing, and club engagements. Lewis will discuss how the methodology incorporates rigorous metrics, analytics, strategic planning and resource support. You will learn about how MLB:

• Leverages their workforce strategy and reporting metrics industrywide.
• Uses SDMS (Supplier Data Management System & Supplier Diversity) to transform their supply chain.
• Customizes the D&I practice on a club-by-club basis utilizing DEIE (Diversity Economic Impact Engagement).
• Conducts their Diversity Business Summit–the premier sports employment conference and supplier diversity trade fair.
• Appointed the “Ambassador of Inclusion," former player Billy Bean, to support the LGBTQ community in baseball.