Kathleen Castore, Disability:IN Supplier Mentoring & Development Consultant, today I am shining a Mentoring Spotlight on our DOBE mentee and Corporate Member mentor, ADP and Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
KC: Hello Joyce and so glad to have you share your story during your mentoring time with Olivia and Laurinda from ADP’s Supplier Diversity Team. Please tell us about Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
JB: Bender Consulting Services, Inc. provides services to support private and public sector organizations in removing barriers to employment and access for individuals with disabilities. Our cornerstone talent programming services have connected employers to the talent found in the disability community for nearly 30 years. Our expansive suite of services offers companies the ability to assess current processes and policies, create strategy, train their workforce, and test their virtual environments for compliance with digital accessibility guidelines. If a company is looking to get started or refine their disability inclusion approach, we are here to support that journey.
KC: I know our readers would like to hear how/why did you begin your journey as an entrepreneur?
JB: My journey as an entrepreneur really began in 1988 when I started Bender and Associates. Bender and Associates was a technology-focused, executive search firm based in the Pittsburgh, PA area. This is the work that I was doing when I became a member of the disability community and laid the foundation for my approach to disability employment equity. During this period of my life, I was experiencing what were misdiagnosed as fainting spells. These fainting spells were actually seizures. After having an accident in 1985, as a result of a seizure, I was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. This experience left me hard of hearing in one ear due to the impact that fractured the bones of my ear and the knowledge that I had epilepsy.
It was after this that I was asked to share my expertise about how to get and keep a job at a local program for people with disabilities entering into careers in information technology. Given the talent shortage in the technology field at the time, I was impressed with the skills they were learning and shocked at the lack of interest by employers. It was through this community work that I learned about the disparate unemployment rate for people with disabilities. It was also through this work that I began working pro bono to connect people with disabilities to competitive employment opportunities.
From this volunteer work came the idea for Bender Consulting Services. I wanted to impact more people with disabilities while helping my customers build a pipeline of talent which would have positive impact on their bottom line. This is why Bender Consulting Services is a for-profit firm. It was critical to me when I started this company that our talent programs be viewed as the service they were – that it was clear that people with disabilities wanted ”Paychecks Not Pity”.
KC: I know you are a trailblazer with Disability:IN as our very first certified DOBE. Why has this certification become an important part of your business journey?
JB: First, I just want to say it is such an honor to know that Bender is the first certified DOBE. I can remember the beginning of Disability:IN, then the USBLN, and I believe this group has truly surpassed the original vision to become a key organization to the future of disability inclusion. I proudly tell everyone that I am the first DOBE. I believe this is important, because for so long disability wasn’t even a part of the conversation.
KC: What drew you to sign up for the mentoring program opportunity with Disability:IN and how has it helped your business successes?
JB: I have always believed that there are tremendous opportunities available in participating in mentoring programs, both as mentors and mentees. It is my hope that in participating in this program that I can give as much to my mentor as they give to me. Being a mentee of a great company like ADP is a gift to me as a DOBE.
KC: You are always so generous and thoughtful with your time in volunteering, I am so happy having you as part of the Mentoring Program for the past couple years in the role of Master Mentor for our participating DOBEs. Can you explain what this is and give us some insight on why you do it?
JB: Disability:IN has provided me an incredible gift—an entrée to meet corporate leaders who are now partners. I want to pay it forward to DOBEs. At the Disability:IN conference I am known for saying, “Sign the contract.” For years all that companies wanted to do when it came to disability inclusion was talk about it. Now companies are taking action and realizing the benefits of working with our community. I want all DOBE’s to be successful, because when we are successful, both our customers and our communities can benefit.
KC: You have a great mentor in Olivia. What are the keys to your success?
JB: Olivia is wonderful to work with. I think communication is one of the most important elements of our relationship. For a mentoring program to work, it is critical to hear what the person needs and for an open dialogue to take place where you can share in a meaningful exchange. I want to learn everything I can from Olivia, while sharing my expertise with them as well.
KC: Would you speak to some of the goals you have worked on with ADP and what has kept you focused?
JB: ADP’s commitment and passion about my work is awesome. Right now, we are focusing on the competitive employment of people with disabilities and visiting their corporate office.
KC: Once you complete the program, how do you intend to keep implementing what you have learned and stay focused on those goals?
JB: The work with ADP has proven to me that relationships with mentors is a long- term partnership and I will continue to take advantage of their advice and knowledge.
KC: We know you are such an advocate for DOBEs. Why should Corporate America work with these suppliers?
JB: DOBEs offer unique insights and solutions that have a history of improving products and services for all people. When everyone has a voice and an opportunity to contribute, we all perform at our highest level. Today, it is advantageous from a business perspective to ensure that in procurement supplier diversity includes DOBEs.
KC: What advice would you give to potential mentees that might help them get the most out of the DOBE Mentoring Program?
JB: Go into the program knowing what you hope to get out of it and with clearcut steps for how to reach that goal. The more you are able to define your goal for your mentor, the more you will get from the program. I would also encourage people to think bigger than just getting work from your mentor’s company. This mentorship program only lasts for a pre-determined period. You want to focus on building processes that will have an impact for your company past the mentorship period.
KC: In closing, is there anything you would like to mention regarding Disability:IN?
JB: I have immense respect for Jill and Disability:IN. It has created a community of people who are invested in pushing the bar forward for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. It has moved the conversation past a focus on minimum compliance to centering the conversation on return on investment. People with disabilities represent a community which should be a part of business solutions. Together we can accomplish so much more. This is why I have always volunteered so much of my personal time with Disability:IN.
KC: Thank you, Joyce, for all you do!
JB: Thank you, Kathleen for being the great advocate you are to support all Disability Owned Enterprises on a global basis. You are awesome!
KC: Greetings Laurinda and Olivia, our readers would love to know more about your role and journey into supplier diversity at ADP. Can you give us some background?
LT: I joined the ADP Global Procurement Organization 13 years ago. I have had numerous responsibilities as it relates to supply chain needs for our global organization. I currently manage Spend in the non-IT commodity space and the Supplier Diversity program with responsibility for the development, implementation, and strategy as it relates to diverse businesses. With over 20 years’ experience in supply chain management, I assist top performing diverse suppliers in securing business opportunities with ADP.
I advocate for supplier diversity by educating ADP stakeholders about the benefits of utilizing qualified diverse suppliers to help drive innovation. I also ensure growth strategies are met through mentorship of diverse suppliers and continued expansion of the second-tier supplier diversity program.
OD: I joined ADP’s Global Procurement Organization in May 2023. In my role as Supplier Diversity Manager, I work to ensure that small and diverse businesses are included in ADP’s overall supply chain, bringing a competitive advantage and innovation to the company. This includes engagement with stakeholders to drive the inclusion of diverse suppliers in their strategies, education on the importance of supplier diversity both internally and externally, and mentorship and capacity building with small and diverse business owners. I also manage our Tier II Program, ensuring our prime suppliers hold the same commitment to diverse supplier inclusion by reporting their spend to us on a quarterly basis. I had previously come from a global supplier diversity program and strive to expand ADP’s supplier diversity program globally as well. I’m excited to be celebrating one year with the company soon and can’t wait to see how Laurinda and I are able to continuously grow the program.
KC: How come Disability:IN is important to you professionally and personally to be so involved as a DOBE mentor? What have you gotten out of it so far?
OD: Disability:IN is such an important organization to be part of as a supplier diversity professional and truly as a person. Attending my first conference in 2022, I learned far beyond how to do business with DOBEs. It opened my eyes to the disability community and educated me on how to be an ally and advocate. I met amazing DOBEs and fellow supplier diversity professionals, including the first time I met Laurinda!
Being involved with Disability:IN as a mentor has also become such an important part of my professional and personal development. I met Joyce back in 2021 when I was working at Merck, and learned so much from her. When she approached me to be her mentor in 2023, I couldn’t say no as I knew there would be mutual learnings for the both of us. So far through this year’s mentorship program, I have built a stronger connection with Joyce and have grown my knowledge of not only Bender Consulting and the importance of hiring people with disabilities, but also how I can communicate that better within my organization and company.
KC: Would you mind sharing more about the Supplier Diversity Program and ADPs commitment to it?
LT: At ADP, we proactively identify, build relationships with, and purchase goods and services from minority, women, veteran, disability, LGBTQ-owned and other qualified diverse business enterprises. We strive to partner with businesses that reflect the local and global markets we serve, while obtaining the highest level of quality goods and services for our clients. Diverse suppliers have an equal opportunity to be included in ADP’s strategic sourcing and procurement process. Companies that seek to do business with ADP must demonstrate the ability to add value and provide high-quality goods and services that are competitively priced, reliable, and aligned with our superior level of service. ADP is committed to increasing spend with diverse businesses year over year and we strategically set goals that include awareness, and knowledge of our program internally and externally.
KC: You have a powerhouse as a mentee. What has your mentoring experience been like with Joyce this year?
OD: Mentoring Joyce this year has been such a pleasure and a truly mutually beneficial experience. When we first started our mentorship together, I was fairly new to ADP, so this experience also gave me the opportunity to quickly navigate internally with different stakeholders in my organization and beyond to connect with Joyce. I have also learned so much from her in terms of Disability Rights and activism in the U.S. and globally. She has broadened my understanding of what it means to be living with a disability and how I can be a better advocate and ally.
KC: Can you give us an example or two on how you have approached some of the goals with Joyce internally and any outcomes you have already had. What was that process like?
LT: We work internally to ensure Joyce has opportunities to meet and connect with different business units at ADP. Joyce and her team learn from conversations that align with the focus of the ADP Accessibility Team, HR, IT, and others. Our goals align with getting her in front of the business as well as Thrive, ADP’s Disability Business Resource Groups. We feel setting up meetings with key stakeholders are not only educational for Joyce and team, but also beneficial to the ADP stakeholders. Ultimately, we want to secure opportunities for additional conversations that will lead to game changing initiatives because Joyce is a wealth of knowledge in her space.
KC: As a Corporate member of Disability:IN, why do you feel it is so significant for ADP to be involved with the DOBE community from a business perspective?
OD: It’s extremely important for ADP to be involved with Disability:IN from a business perspective. Our customers and associates are also part of the disability community. As we know, representation matters and to have a company like ADP participate in the DOBE community really shows our commitment to inclusive procurement and creating sustainable supply chain practices. We know that diverse and small business, including DOBEs, are often more nimble and responsive than their larger counterparts, helping to make our supply chain more sustainable for the long-run.
KC: Have you had any mentors in your career? How has that experience helped you in your work life and now as a supplier diversity leader?
LT: Mentors are imperative to the success of any individual or business. I would not be where I am today if it were not for my mentor. She saw something in me and took the time to guide me in my career. When I think about my work life and especially supplier diversity, I know the guidance, support, and advice I received helps me daily in the decisions I make, how I set goals, and more importantly, how I overcome challenges. Professional and personal development help you succeed in any work that you do and having a mentor’s encouragement and guidance is vital to your success.
KC: Would you share with potential mentors why they should consider volunteering to become one and the benefits they will receive from their involvement?
OD: Potential mentors should consider volunteering for this program. It truly is a symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship. In 2024, it’s not enough to just say you’re a member of an organization; how you are contributing and positively impacting that organization is just as important. The Disability:IN mentorship program gives you the opportunity to get involved, positively impacting the DOBE you are partnered with, while also being able to learn more from a successful business owner.
LT: Mentors help support growth. Mentors can also help shape a journey. When I think about supplier diversity and how we interact with our diverse businesses, we should provide as much knowledge and constructive feedback as possible when it comes to assisting DOBEs with opportunities to provide their products and services to our corporations.
KC: In closing, is there anything you would like to mention regarding Disability:IN?
OD: I would just like to thank Disability:IN for offering us supplier diversity professionals the opportunity to learn directly from the DOBEs they certify. Disability:IN has been such an amazing organization and I truly believe everyone who participates in this mentorship program will learn something new and gain a new perspective on the disability community and inclusive supply chain practices as a whole.
LT: As I work more and more with Disability:IN, I truly understand how initiatives like the mentorship program will assist not only DOBEs but also my corporation. I admire and respect all the hard work and the achievements that come out of the partnerships and connections Disability:IN makes with corporate partners and DOBEs. It truly takes a village, and I am proud to be part of such an amazing organization that focuses on awareness and inclusion.
KC: Thank you, Laurinda and Olivia, it was great having you spend some time with me.
KC: Thank you, Bender Consulting Services and the ADP Supplier Diversity team for participating in the Disability:IN Spotlight on Mentoring. Till next time…
