Nicole Wiggins, Chief Diversity Officer at Navistar, developed a successful supplier diversity program that required a strategic and inclusive approach. Key elements included fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and setting and achieving measurable goals. She actively seeks out diverse suppliers and provides them with equitable opportunities. Nicole collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness. She conducts regular assessments and makes adjustments based on feedback and evolving industry standards to sustain supplier diversity program success.
With top-down leadership support, Nicole ensures diversity goals are integrated into the overall business strategy. This support allows for the allocation of resources, provides a framework for policy development, and fosters a culture of diversity in which diversity is part of the company’s DNA. Nicole has developed leaders who champion diversity initiatives, creating a broader inclusive environment. An essential leadership skill is adaptation due to rapid tech and social changes. Nicole is flexible in adapting to new communication channels and digital and social media platforms for effective networking and relationship-building within the supplier community.