enterprising Women 13 interested in the greater procurement industry. After Carmen and I started talking about how we could work together, we found an opportunity to collaborate on a client project that went really well. It confirmed that the organizations were highly complementary. From there, conversations naturally evolved from how we could partner, to what one company would look like. EW: Carmen, I understand you will play a continued role as a consultant. What role will you play to help build on the success of SDI? CARMEN: I will continue as founder and senior advisor for the next three years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to remain involved during this exciting chapter. After more than 30 years building the business, it is important to me that we have a thoughtful transition for our clients, employees, and partners. My primary focus will be supporting client relationships and overseeing several strategic projects that were launched prior to the merger. EW: When two strong womenled enterprises come together it is especially impactful. Was continuing as a women-led company important to both of you? CARMEN: Absolutely. The strategic fit and opportunities for our clients were the driving forces behind the merger. At the same time, I was proud that the company would continue as a women-led business. As someone who has spent more than 30 years building a women-owned company, it is meaningful to see that legacy continue. ALLISON: Yes. It was definitely important. While the business case for the merger was compelling on its own, preserving a womenled organization was something we both valued deeply. I hope our story encourages other women entrepreneurs to think about what is possible. EW: Allison, where do you see SDI in the next five years and what do you view as most critical to its continued growth? ALLISON: Our goal is for SDI to become the most trusted name in procurement and extended workforce solutions. We have been fortunate to build long-standing relationships with many of our clients, some spanning decades, and we believe that trust has been earned through consistently delivering results and putting our clients first. Over the next five years, we want to build on that foundation by helping more organizations solve their business challenges. What will be most critical to our growth is maintaining the culture and service mindset that have made us successful. If we continue to do those things well, I believe the opportunities ahead are tremendous. EW: Carmen, you are a previous recipient of the Enterprising Women of the Year Award and you have been very involved with WBENC, WPO and other major women’s as well as Hispanic business organizations. How would you say that engagement contributed to your success? CARMEN: My involvement with organizations like WBENC, WPO, NMSDC, Enterprising Women, and many others has been instrumental to my success over the past 30 years. These organizations provided opportunities to build relationships, learn from fellow entrepreneurs, and connect with companies that are committed to supporting diverse suppliers. The supplier diversity community has created meaningful opportunities for countless businesses, helping them grow, create jobs, and contribute to economic development across the country. I am deeply grateful for the commitment that so many corporations have made to supporting women-owned and diverse businesses. Monica, receiving the Enterprising Women of the Year Award was a tremendous honor. To be recognized alongside such an accomplished group of women leaders was incredibly meaningful, and it certainly helped raise the visibility of our business and open new doors. Thank you for all that you and your organization continue to do to support and elevate women entrepreneurs. MONICA SMILEY is editor and publisher of Enterprising Women. Allison McCrea
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