Since 2008, Windows Management Experts has been a provider of top-tier managed IT services as well as Windows Server and Cloud expertise. From the very first day, Matt Tinney, founder and CEO, was dedicated to making WME an inclusive workplace for minorities in the IT field.
In an interview with NGLCC, the certifying board for LGBTBE® businesses, Matt said “When I first started my career, the importance of diversity and inclusion was not well communicated and, in some cases, missing. It felt lonely working in corporate America with no group or support structure. There have been many times working in parts of the Deep South and Midwest that I have encountered those that are not supportive of my identity. These experiences have shown me the importance of making a stand as an LGBT business owner.”
Although WME’s corporate values have always been to offer an inclusive business place for minorities and other underrepresented demographics in tech, Matt really began to actively seek out and strengthen that commitment in the last few years. After watching his husband Chris’s activism and work for the the Equal Rights WA movement to get same-sex marriages on the ballot in Washington state, Matt set a new goal to get WME certified by NGLCC.
While WME Certified LGBTBE® through NGLCC in 2014, that certification didn’t start opening doors for candidates until Matt opened some doors of his own by showing up to local events to represent WME in the community and leading lectures and panel discussions. He started to make more connections that would strengthen WME’s ability to both represent the local community in its workforce and to serve clients better through diverse perspectives.
What Is the Supplier Diversity Program?
Windows Management Experts formalized a Supplier Diversity Program to better leverage and share success opportunities with other minority-owned businesses in the tech field.
Once WME became familiar and involved with the local IBA (Independent Business Alliance) chapter and other NGLCC-certified businesses, Matt Tinney was able to commit to doing business with other minority-owned businesses. Whether through partnering with a firm on Windows licensing resale or with a content strategy consultant, WME is truly committed to empowering and lifting up other Diverse Businesses with strategic partnerships.
In addition, WME’s Strategic Staffing Service boasts a sizeable number of candidates that represent one or more minority/diverse categories. Led by Vickie Moore, Strategic Staffing Services at WME has a key mission to help the most qualified and underrepresented technical experts and IT professionals find the best opportunities to do excellent work and contribute to your business’s success.
Based on our foundation of 10+ years of success as a Diverse Business, WME practices a truly open-door policy for other Diverse Businesses and business owners to ask questions and seek advice,.
For more information about our commitment to diversity and what defines a Diverse Business, call Windows Management Experts at (888) 307-0133.