MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | WAYNE LAMBERT
Posted on Feb. 5, 2025 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Introducing Wayne Lambert, a dedicated advocate and trusted guide for companies navigating the supplier diversity landscape.
Wayne has worked tirelessly to support businesses in maximizing their potential and accessing contract opportunities. Wayne’s expertise and commitment have helped numerous organizations build sustainable success across various industries. His passion for empowering businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth is evident throughout his career.
Tell us a bit about your current role with Turner & Townsend and some of your given responsibilities.
As the Director of Supplier Diversity at Turner & Townsend, I lead the company's initiatives to engage and partner with diverse organizations and businesses throughout the supply chain. This encompasses a variety of groups, including Black and Brown individuals, women, veterans, disadvantaged communities, and locally based organizations.
What journey has your career path taken prior to joining Turner & Townsend?
I joined Turner and Townsend after gaining experience in the public sector, which equipped me with the skills needed for success in my current role.
Most recently, I served as the Chief Diversity and Industry Relations Officer at the Department of Design and Construction, where I reported directly to the Commissioner and assisted in advancing the agency’s M/WBE (Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises) Program initiatives. Prior to that position, I worked in the Mayor’s Office of M/WBE, where I oversaw various activities related to the M/WBE Program across City agencies, including compliance, outreach efforts, agency support, and driving policy and legislative changes that have a lasting impact on citywide procurement. Before my time in the Mayor’s Office, I worked at the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and held several positions at the Department of Small Business Services. Throughout my career, I have also volunteered my time to mentor public school students as they prepared for higher education.
It is very clear that you have developed a unique career path. What advice would you give to someone starting out who is interested in achieving similar aspirations?
I am not certain if my path is unique, but I can say it has been a dedicated journey. I quickly recognized the importance of creating economic opportunities and supporting groups that have been disproportionately affected.
It is essential to identify key stakeholders and build relationships across various levels and sectors. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach in this field, and supplier diversity professionals need to understand how to provide the best support. This might involve knowing which public-sector agency offers the appropriate business services, understanding whom to connect with on the procurement or project team, or identifying suitable capacity-building opportunities. These are just a few of the questions that arise along the way. Providing the right guidance at the right time can make a significant difference in helping a business advance to the next level.
Currently you are the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for SMPS-NY. What does that role mean to you and what are some of the goals you hope to achieve with that position?
I view individuals in these roles, along with their supporters, as “Champions in Action”. There are numerous stories behind why people take on these positions, and my own story stems from my childhood when I learned about my hero, the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reflecting on the civil rights movement, its purpose was to open doors for various groups of people, create pathways for them to have a seat at the table, and provide a stronger voice to those who may not feel comfortable speaking up.
Additionally, my great-grandfather recently turned 101 years old. He emigrated from Jamaica and worked as a tailor in the United States since the 1950s before retiring. He has shared with me how, as a tailor, he needed to possess greater skills than his colleagues to earn similar pay. This motivated him to take a chance, start his own business, and leverage his abilities as an entrepreneur to create opportunities for others while building generational wealth for our family. Many people have similar stories or dreams and face barriers that limit their ability to build a legacy.
From an economic standpoint, there is ample data and articles showing that diversity is essential for business success. Ultimately, it provides everyone with the opportunity to achieve the freedom and independence needed to strengthen communities, leading to growth and advancement that enhances our resilience in an ever-evolving world. I simply want to do my part to empower these groups, dispel misconceptions about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and achieve success in business.
Join Wayne on February 18th as his committee leads the Supplier Diversity panel – Navigating Diversity and Compliance on Public & Private Projects
REGISTER HERE: https://smpsny.org/meet-reg1.php?id=133
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