Award-Winning Supplier Diversity Professional
I currently work as the Manager of Supplier Diversity for a national managed care solutions provider where I lead the supplier diversity efforts to ensure the organization has a more diverse and inclusive supply chain ecosystem as well as greater economic impact in the communities where we live, work, and serve!
I passionately research and implement an effective strategy to connect with diverse suppliers, position them with information and resources, and introduce them to corporations for lucrative deals. I introduce suppliers to corporations in the network through my board and advocacy work, creating economic growth in the community where we live, work, and serve. When individuals are self-sufficient and create jobs within their community, the entire ecosystem prospers.
I’ve had opportunities to guest lecture about leading diversity and inclusion; and had the privilege to engage with seasoned and novice professionals; and facilitate conversations on recognizing and resolving unconscious bias; celebrating our differences; and supporting one another. Only together as a community will be able to thrive and not just survive.
I have more than 20 years of success across the multiple spend categories in supply chain and sourcing.
I hold a BS in Communications and Applied Technology from Drexel University and a M.Ed. in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University. I also have a certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University as well as several Toastmaster's International certifications in public speaking and communications.
I currently live in Philadelphia, PA with my husband of 13 years, two children and one spoiled pug.
Mission & Vision
Founded in 2021 by Sharon Manker, M.Ed.
The goal of Advocate for Change Partners LLC is to influence meaningful change for the audience facing unprecedented odds by focusing on the very next step to get successful outcomes.
Whether she’s hosting, presenting a keynote, writing, or consulting, Sharon delivers an engaging experience. She shows up prepared, prompt, and for all the times we’ve booked her & worked with her.
In the News
- DiversityPlus Magazine Top 15 Women in Power Expand the Vision of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion - https://diversityplus.com/FinTOC/DiversityChampions.aspx?id=1TOC2021
- Mentioned in Celebrating Women's Equality Day : American Water – Water Street - Aug 26, 2020
- Mentioned in Diversity Professional Magazine Summer 2020
In the Community
- Board of Directors Announcement for Healthy Newsworks - Nov 17, 2019
- Board of Directors Announcement for ISM-Philadelphia - Jun 18, 2020
- Founding Member - Business Leaders for Racial and Social Injustice
- Board Member, Drexel LeBow Black Alumni Network
Awards & Recognition
2022
- Contributing Author, Drexel University Black Alumni Council’s “A Legacy to Share” Book Project is to inspire Black students with proceeds going towards DUBAC scholarships for current and future students.
- Drexel University Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award
2021
- Named to DiversityPlus Magazine's 2021 Top 15 Women in Power Expand the Vision of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion
- Named to ROI-NJ for Most Influential DEI leaders influencing Supplier Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on New Jersey’s
2020
- Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) Emmett T. Vaughn Corporate Advocate of the Year” Award
- Women's Business Enterprise Center (WBEC-EAST) Diversity Champion of the Year Award
- National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) Veteran Advocate of the Year Award
- Association of Water Companies (NAWC) Living Water Award Finalist
2019
- Philadelphia Inquirer Diversity & Inclusion Award Nominee
- Minority Business News (MBN) USA Magazine Volume IV All-Stars of Supplier Diversity
Speaking Engagements (Partial List)
- Moderator for January Business Education Meeting Series - Lunch and Learn: Economic Development and the Impact on the Supply Chain Crisis - January 2022
- Host for WBEC-East Galentine's Day Celebration - February 4, 2022
- Guest Lecturer Drexel University's LeBow College of Business; Facilitated a workshop on Leading Diversity & Inclusion - July 17, 2021
- Panelist for Drexel University Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) Women in Leadership: REBOUNDING WITH RESILIENCE - Apr 7, 2021
- Moderator for WBEC-East Women of Color Committee presents a conversation about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Face of Civil Unrest & COVID-19 - Aug 20, 2020
- Speaker for The Sales Evangelist Podcast: Diversity: What Do Diversity and Inclusion Mean In Sales? | Stephen Hart, Sharon Manker - 1405 - Feb 8, 2021
- Speaker for State of New Jersey's Office of Inclusion & Diversity Webinar - Feb 25, 2021
- Speaker for CCSNJ's "Supporting the Veteran Community" Panel - Nov 15, 2019