November Monthly Meeting- From Pitch to Partnership: How to Win Over Procurement Teams

  • Thu, November 06, 2025
  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Ross Auditorium at Franklin University- 301 E. Rich S Columbus, OH 43215 United States

Registration

  • Includes 2 tickets and an exhibit table for company display.
  • Includes a ticket for a NAWBO member and the opportunity to bring a guest at a reduced rate.

Registration is closed


From Pitch to Partnership: How to Win Over Procurement Teams

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED. THERE ARE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKETS AVAILABLE.

Please email arien@nawbocolumbusohio.com to attend.

Join NAWBO Columbus for a powerful afternoon of procurement insights and networking designed to help women-owned businesses position themselves for contract success. This month’s meeting features a fireside chat with Makeda Matthews, Sr. Manager of Supplier Diversity at Delta Airlines, who will share insider perspectives on what procurement teams look for and how to build lasting vendor relationships.

Whether you're new to bidding or ready to level up your strategy, this session will cover:

  • What makes a vendor stand out in the procurement process
  • Common mistakes to avoid when pitching
  • Building trust and long-term partnerships with sourcing teams
  • Navigating corporate and government contracting opportunities

About our Speaker

Makeda Matthews is the Sr Manager of Supplier Diversity at Delta Air Lines. In her role, Makeda focuses on supporting the enterprise in finding, qualifying and integrating diverse suppliers within the supply chain once they’ve won business via a competitive sourcing event. Moreover, she’s bringing a huge focus on supplier development to Delta… because she believes that helping suppliers develop, grow and scale their business only results in a bigger and better Delta. She is keen in communicating that the conversation around Small & Diverse Business strategies should evolve from a “good thing to do” to what it is: a crucial business strategy that helps to sustain the American economy.

Prior to joining the team at Delta 3 years ago, Makeda split her time between a sourcing/procurement leader and supplier diversity leader with two companies over 6 years. In this experience, she’s experienced Small & Diverse Business best practices, and not so best practices. In addition, Makeda proudly holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and strives to bring efficiencies to everything she’s involved in.

 


Registration closes Friday, October 31st at 5pm. 

To view boxed lunch choices click HERE



THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR 


Event Exhibitors

Aventi Enterprises
City of Columbus Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Columbus Urban League Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC)
Combined Insurance 
Ohio Statewide Development Corporation 
Signal Tower Microsites



Event Centerpieces provided by Fresh Greens Houseplant Designs

Green up your space with Fresh Greens Houseplant Designs! We’ll match you with the right plants, in the right places and keep them thriving with our Maintenance Memberships.

Need plants for an event or home staging? We rent those, too! Don’t miss our lush holiday centerpieces during the winter months.