Baker Hughes Foundation Contributes $175,000 to Support Supplier Diversity Around the World

HOUSTON, September 27, 2023 /3BL/ -The Baker Hughes Foundation announced Wednesday two grants focused on supplier diversity around the world: a $75,000 grant to Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC), and a $100,000 grant to WEConnect International. Both organizations share Baker Hughes’ vision of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as well as reducing inequality within and among countries.

HMSDC provides training on sustainable business practices and connects minority entrepreneurs with corporations that value diversity and inclusion. WEConnect International helps women-owned businesses succeed in global markets by certifying their ownership and offering them access to a network of corporate buyers.

Baker Hughes is committed to becoming an industry leader with a diverse and inclusive supply chain that creates value for its customers and reflects the communities in which it operates. Ensuring a diverse supply chain results in better communities and stronger business solutions. This grant will assist the HMSDC in developing and implementing a tailored training program that equips minority entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and implementation skills in sustainable business practices. Acknowledging that women are often at the forefront of gender inequality, WEConnect International’s grant will help develop nationwide marketing campaigns and learnings systems to help drive revenue and grow the number of registered women-owned businesses in the WEConnect network.

Both donations support Baker Hughes’ commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically SDG 8 to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Also, SDG 10 to reduce inequality within and among countries.

“At Baker Hughes, supplier diversity is integral to our success, and it is our duty to support organizations that fuel building a more inclusive supply base and take the steps necessary to ensure business practices mirror our diverse landscape,” said Lynn Buckley, Supplier Diversity and Business Development Sourcing leader.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from the Baker Hughes Foundation, which will enable us to expand our network of women-owned businesses and promote gender-inclusive procurement practices globally. We share Baker Hughes’ vision of advancing sustainable economic growth and reducing inequality, and we look forward to working together to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the energy sector and beyond,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and co-founder of WEConnect International.

“The HMSDC is excited and honored to be a recipient of a grant from the Baker Hughes Foundation. We believe to close the equity gap in communities of color, we must ensure that diverse businesses understand and meet the business sustainability requirements of today’s corporate and government supply chains,” said Ingrid M. Robinson, president of HMSDC. “This grant allows us to share sustainability best practices with minority-owned businesses and help them develop and integrate sustainability focused policies and processes that will allow them to grow their businesses.”

To learn more about Baker Hughes’ work in supporting its communities, visit our Corporate Responsibility website.

About the Baker Hughes Foundation:

For 25 years, the Baker Hughes Foundation has been a steward of charitable resources for meaningful community impact. The Foundation seeks to advance environmental quality, education, health, safety, and wellness around the world by supporting organizations with shared values, demonstrated leadership, evidence of impact, financial soundness, and the capacity to implement initiatives and evaluate their success. The Baker Hughes Foundation makes strategic philanthropic contributions, matches Baker Hughes employee contributions, and awards volunteer recognition grants for outstanding employee community service.

About Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ:BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

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