How Merck is Closing the Equity Gap for Minority Businesses

Raul, an immigrant from Cuba didn’t speak English when he came to America but ascended to a leadership role at Merck— as the Director of Global Economic Inclusion and Supplier Diversity. Because of and in spite of his challenges as an immigrant, Raul is driven to assist Minority Business Enterprises to become successful by being persistent, professional, and resilient. Don’t miss this dynamic leaders’ “call to action” on this episode of the NMSDC Equity in Business podcast.Guest:Raul Suarez-Rodriguez, director of global economic inclusionand supplier diversity, MerckHost and Production Specialist:John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.