Despite the challenges currently facing the airline industry, Valerie S. Nesbitt succeeded in leading Delta Air Lines to a new record spend of more than $207 million with minority and women-owned businesses last year in her role as the company's general manager of supplier diversity. By carefully scrutinizing the company's cost-cutting measures, Nesbitt ensures that supplier diversity remains a priority at Delta by staying ahead of the curve and adjusting her department's initiatives to remain relevant and engaging in creative outreach projects. One example is through the work Delta does with Habitat for Humanity. The airline partners with minority and women-owned businesses to work on a corporate community project together. Buyers work side by side with suppliers in an informal setting, building not only homes, but relationships as well, while contributing to the community at the same time. In addition, Delta also hosts a Supplier Diversity Star Awards ceremony every year to honor top diverse suppliers and individuals in supply chain management. The brief awards ceremony takes a back seat to the private luncheon or dinner that follows, where buyers and suppliers can mingle and strengthen their relationships on a one-to-one basis. Nesbitt joined Delta in 1998 and has earned widespread industry recognition for her contributions to diversity and beyond.

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"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." - Michelangelo