Redwood Classics Apparel (asi/81627) announces that President Kathy Cheng was recently named the WBE Canada Ambassador 2017 at WBE Canada’s National Conference and Matchmaker Innovate + Ignite in Toronto. Cheng received the award in recognition of her efforts to promote supplier diversity in Canada.

Kathy Cheng (third from left) with fellow award recipients at WBE Canada’s National Conference.

“In a workforce that’s driven by creative, fiercely intelligent women, it is an honor to receive WBE’s recognition as an ambassador of Canadian women-owned business enterprises,” Cheng told Promogram Canada. “As a champion of them, I look forward to continuing my work with WBE to open more doors and shatter more ceilings.”

WBE Canada, a nonprofit organization, supports new opportunities in Canadian supply chains, and certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women. It also partners with governments, women’s business centers and other women’s communities across Canada to offer education, training, coaching and mentoring programs.

The National Conference in Toronto welcomed more than 200 procurement professionals from leading corporations, as well as supporters of supplier diversity, WBE Canada partner organizations, owners of innovative women-owned businesses and more. The awards ceremony recognized both people and organizations who have promoted supplier diversity.

“The awards celebrate outstanding businesses,” said Mary Anderson, president of WBE Canada, in a statement. “Those honored include corporations and public procurement organizations that open doors to do business with women businesses, and WBE-certified businesses who, through persistence, innovation and dedication, have become suppliers to large corporations and government achieving significant business success.”