Blue Shield Receives LGBT Supplier Diversity Award

Blue Shield of California recently was recognized for its commitment to working with LGBT businesses by the Golden Gate Business Association. The nonprofit health plan was named among the top 10 insurers supporting the inclusion of LGBT businesses as part of the California Insurance Commissioners Diversity Initiative.

“We’re proud to be among this distinguished group of companies working to provide opportunities for diverse suppliers,” said Pradip Khemani, senior director, global business services.“Supplier diversity supports the communities we serve and strengthens our business, both of which make contribute to our mission to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality health care at an affordable price.”

The company plans to expand its supplier diversity program in 2019 and increasing its procurement spend for goods and services with diverse businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, disabled veterans and the LGBT community.

“We are pleased to honor Blue Shield for championing the inclusion of LGBT business enterprises,” said Audry Delucia, president, Golden Gate Business Association. “As a proud LGBT-certified supplier for the company, I look forward to working together to further supplier diversity in the insurance industry.”

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About the Insurance Diversity Initiative
The Insurance Diversity Initiative was established by Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones in 2011 in an effort to focus on diversity issues within California's $310 billion insurance industry. Specifically, these efforts both by Department staff and the Commissioner-appointed Insurance Diversity Task Force are meant to encourage increased procurement from California's diverse suppliers and diversity amongst insurer governing boards. The Department accomplishes these goals by conducting surveys to collect and make public information about the diversity efforts of insurers, as well as through outreach, partnerships, and Department-hosted Annual Diversity Summit.

About the Golden Gate Business Association 
Golden Gate Business Association’s mission is to champion opportunity, development, and advocacy for our LGBT & Allied business community. We create opportunity for marketing, networking, procurement, and referral-based business growth; programs that support development of business skills and expertise through workshops and seminars; and we advocate for positive economic, social, and political change.