At Cornerstone Paradigm Consulting, LLC, we are deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our business. Our Supplier Code of Conduct Policy reflects our dedication to partnering with suppliers who share our values and support our mission to foster a more inclusive and equitable economy. 

Our Commitment: We prioritize working with suppliers that meet the following criteria: 

• 51% or Better Woman-Owned and Run: We actively seek partnerships with businesses that are majority-owned and operated by women. 

• Certified Women or Minority-Owned Companies: We support businesses that are officially certified as women-owned, minority-owned, or both.  

• Diverse Companies: We value suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to diversity in their workforce and leadership. 

Values Alignment: We seek to partner with companies that share our core values of integrity, authenticity, inclusivity, empowerment, curiosity, and impartiality. These values are integral to our business practices and guide our relationships with suppliers. Integrity ensures that all our dealings are transparent and honest. Authenticity allows us to stay true to our mission and vision. Inclusivity ensures that we embrace diversity and foster a sense of belonging. Empowerment encourages innovation and personal growth among our team members. Curiosity drives us to continually seek new knowledge and improvements. Impartiality guarantees fairness and objectivity in all our interactions. 

Encouraging Diverse Supplier Programs: We appreciate and actively encourage companies that have their own diverse supplier programs as part of their commitment to inclusivity and equitable practices. We value transparency and would like to understand the comprehensive framework and objectives of these programs, including but not limited to: 

• Criteria for identifying and selecting diverse suppliers, such as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. 

• Initiatives to support and develop diverse suppliers, including mentorship programs, financial assistance, training workshops, and networking opportunities. 

• Metrics for tracking the impact and success of the program, such as the percentage of spending with diverse suppliers, growth in the number of diverse suppliers, and long-term outcomes for those businesses. 

• The role of sustainability and ethical practices in the selection and development of diverse suppliers. 

• Examples of success stories or case studies that highlight the positive impact of these programs on the suppliers and the larger community. 

Policy Implementation: To ensure the effectiveness of our Diverse Supplier Policy, we will: 

• Regularly review and update our supplier selection criteria to reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This will involve assessing the current marketplace, evaluating potential new suppliers, and ensuring that our criteria are fair and inclusive. 

• Track our spending with diverse suppliers to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement. We will generate quarterly reports, analyze spending patterns, and set specific targets to increase our engagement with diverse suppliers. 

• Provide resources and support to diverse suppliers to help them succeed and grow. This includes offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to networking events to empower these suppliers to thrive in their respective industries. 

At Cornerstone Paradigm Consulting, LLC, we believe that fostering diversity among our suppliers is not only the right thing to do but also enhances our ability to deliver innovative and effective solutions to our clients. By partnering with a wide range of suppliers, we gain access to diverse perspectives and ideas that fuel creativity and drive excellence. We are proud to work with diverse suppliers who contribute to our collective success and help us build a more inclusive and sustainable future. These partnerships not only strengthen our supply chain but also support the growth and development of underrepresented communities, reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility and economic empowerment.