New York New York Life has kept a firm commitment to supplier diversity, even as its leadership has changed through the years. Annette Ficucello, assistant vice president for supplier diversity, has helped foster that dedication and the belief that the inclusion of MWBE suppliers provides us with a competitive edge. As the company continues to publicize that commitment, Ficucello's biggest challenge has become including all potential suppliers in the selection process, since the pool of qualified suppliers keeps growing every year. There has been a consistent year-over-year increase in MWBE spend, and the 2007 increase in MWBE spend has contributed to a 36 percent compound growth rate over the last five years. Ficucello and her team have attended supplier trade fairs and networking events and are active participants in the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council.

Ficucello has also organized mini-fairs to reach out to MWBE suppliers, and finds that the day-to-day reward in her work comes from realizing she plays a small part in the success of the company's MWBE suppliers. Her efforts have garnered recognition for New York Life from various publications and organizations. A native New Yorker, Ficucello relishes the chance to strengthen the community in which she lives and works. She serves as an advisory board member for the New York & New Jersey MSDC and on the steering committee for the Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project.

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