To support our expanding research and policy agenda, we are pleased to announce the formation of the Lab’s inaugural Advisory Council.
Our council members, who represent the wide range of stakeholders who are committed to promoting supplier diversity in higher education, will provide feedback and guidance as we conduct research and raise awareness of how supplier diversity can contribute to the vitality of local communities and advance the institutional missions.
They all participated in the first annual Supplier Diversity Symposium in May 2022.
OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL
JERRY EPPS
Director of Vendor Diversity at Babson College
Jerry has over 35 years of experience in supply chain, with direct involvement in capital equipment purchases and program management. He has successfully transformed organizational culture to integrate corporate values of diversity and multiculturalism through the development of contracts and mutually beneficial arrangements with suppliers. Jerry holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) focused on Business Management from Newbury College and is a Certified Supplier Diversity Professional.
JERRY EPPS
Director of Vendor Diversity at Babson College
Jerry has over 35 years of experience in supply chain, with direct involvement in capital equipment purchases and program management. He has successfully transformed organizational culture to integrate corporate values of diversity and multiculturalism through the development of contracts and mutually beneficial arrangements with suppliers. Jerry holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) focused on Business Management from Newbury College and is a Certified Supplier Diversity Professional.
MARGARITA POLANCO
Supplier Diversity Manager for DPR Construction
Margarita is committed to developing relationships with underutilized business enterprises throughout MA, CT, NH, and RI. Margarita helps DPR’s project partners develop and promote a diverse contracting community through education, awareness, and advocacy. Her efforts continue to be recognized, most recently being honored by the NAMC as a Diversity and Inclusion Leader. Margarita holds a BS from Northeastern University.
MARGARITA POLANCO
Supplier Diversity Manager for DPR Construction
Margarita is committed to developing relationships with underutilized business enterprises throughout MA, CT, NH, and RI. Margarita helps DPR’s project partners develop and promote a diverse contracting community through education, awareness, and advocacy. Her efforts continue to be recognized, most recently being honored by the NAMC as a Diversity and Inclusion Leader. Margarita holds a BS from Northeastern University.
TIM SINGLETON
Assistant Vice President of Capital Projects at Northeastern University
Tim has wide-ranging experience in construction management in several sectors, most recently in higher education. Projects have included new construction and renovations in occupied areas and have involved extensive coordination with senior management, public officials, users, contractors and designers. He holds an MBA from Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst.
TIM SINGLETON
Assistant Vice President of Capital Projects at Northeastern University
Tim has wide-ranging experience in construction management in several sectors, most recently in higher education. Projects have included new construction and renovations in occupied areas and have involved extensive coordination with senior management, public officials, users, contractors and designers. He holds an MBA from Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst.
VAMSHIDHAR THAKKALLAPALLI
Founder, Terva Corporation
Terva Corporation is a construction consulting firm that provides planning, design, and construction management to owners during all phases of construction projects, including for higher education institutions. He holds a civil engineering degree from Birla Institute of Technology and Science.
VAMSHIDHAR THAKKALLAPALLI
Founder, Terva Corporation
Terva Corporation is a construction consulting firm that provides planning, design, and construction management to owners during all phases of construction projects, including for higher education institutions. He holds a civil engineering degree from Birla Institute of Technology and Science.
GORDON THOMPSON
CEO, Westnet, Inc.
Gordon’s company is a medical research supply vendor company, serving some of the nation’s largest medical institutions, as well as institutions of higher education, including Northeastern University. Mr. Thompson was the founder of Mass Youth Committed to Winning (MYCW) an education-based athletic program for children in fifth to tenth grades with a mission “to inspire and teach.” He holds an MBA from Northeastern University.
GORDON THOMPSON
CEO, Westnet, Inc.
Gordon’s company is a medical research supply vendor company, serving some of the nation’s largest medical institutions, as well as institutions of higher education, including Northeastern University. Mr. Thompson was the founder of Mass Youth Committed to Winning (MYCW) an education-based athletic program for children in fifth to tenth grades with a mission “to inspire and teach.” He holds an MBA from Northeastern University.
KAREN WALLACE
Executive Vice President, Marketing, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
Karen is an accomplished business leader with experience in B2B, B2C, B2B2C, higher education, and nonprofit environments. She has developed and led highly effective teams responsible for elevating corporate brands, increasing audience engagement, managing corporate communications and executing award winning marketing campaigns. She holds a BS and MBA from Simmons College.
JEFFREY ROY
Head of Category Management, Northeastern University
Jeffrey Roy is the Head of Category Management at Northeastern University and serves as a member of the board of the National Association of Educational Procurement representing institutions in New England and upstate New York.. He is a dedicated procurement professional with extensive experience in higher education.
DAYLANA ERVIN PARKER
Director of Budget and Supplier Diversity, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Daylana is the Director of Budget and Supplier Diversity at BCBS of Massachusetts, where she spearheads initiatives to engage diverse vendors and enhance their capacity. She has been recognized twice by Diversity Plus Magazine as a top woman in diversity leadership. Daylana also oversees financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting, and actively contributes to various advisory boards. She earned her BS in Economics from Boston College and an MBA in Finance from Northeastern University.
DR. GAYL CRUMP SWABY
President, New Generation Consulatants & Associates Inc
Gayl is the President of New Generation Consultants & Associates, Inc., where she specializes in consulting, coaching, training, and program development. She is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Program at Springfield College, Boston Regional Campus, a position she has held for nearly 18 years. With a strong background in youth development and transitional drug abuse treatment, she has played significant roles in academia and community services.
ADRIANA VACCARO
Founder, Culture Redesigned
Adriana is a Culture Strategist at Culture Redesigned, where she helps organizations create intentional, inclusive, and employee-first cultures. Previously, she served as VP of Human Resources & OD at Masis Staffing Solutions, overseeing HR functions for 11,000 employees nationwide. With extensive experience in HR and operations, she has held leadership roles in various organizations, including as Chief Operating Officer and Sr. VP of HR at Precision Testing Laboratories.
KAREN WALLACE
Executive Vice President, Marketing, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
Karen is an accomplished business leader with experience in B2B, B2C, B2B2C, higher education, and nonprofit environments. She has developed and led highly effective teams responsible for elevating corporate brands, increasing audience engagement, managing corporate communications and executing award winning marketing campaigns. She holds a BS and MBA from Simmons College.