Economic Equity Consultant & Advocate

Connecting corporations to capable and qualified diverse suppliers.

about us

Evolution to Equity is a division of Savvy Diva Enterprises focused on helping corporations to navigate an evolving business environment with a strategic diversity and equity lens, and intentional inclusion. Evolution to Equity partners with you on this journey by providing viable solutions and resources for replicable success.

our mission

The mission of Evolution to Equity is to bridge the gap between the 'status quo' for corporate America and a more equitable economic future for diverse businesses. We incite transparent and thought-proving dialogue, intentional action, and transformational change. It's time to evolve.

I am unapologetic about the need for social change, greater inclusion, and equity.

Marley Dias

Why We Do What We Do: Economic Equity

Economic equity is defined as fairness in the distribution of economic wealth, tax liability, resources, and assets in a society. Check out this video to better understand this concept.

Corporations, like yours, have a unique opportunity to help alleviate these disparities. Intentionally deploying DE+I in corporate strategy and implementing supplier diversity initiatives, provides a fair opportunity for underrepresented businesses while improving your business performance as well.

What We Do

Implementing meaningful DE+I strategies can be a complex and difficult undertaking for many corporations and organizations. Nobody wants to be accused of "checking a box." Need an experienced DE+I practitioner, but the size and structure of the company don’t make that possible? Let Evolution to Equity be your solution as an outsourced chief DE+I partner.

Our Approach

We provide expert consulting to help your corporation to:

Embed supplier diversity into your company's strategic plan, goals, policies, and culture
Train and coach leaders to drive transformational change
Implement effective supplier diversity programs
Coach small diverse businesses to get prepared to do business with you - this is our FLAGSHIP program!
Develop a strategic plan for diverse community outreach

Our Expertise

Do you need help implementing supplier diversity initiatives in a way that is authentic and impactful? Are you struggling to find qualified diverse suppliers that can pass your internal requirements?

We feel your pain!

As a manager in a Fortune 500 company, I experienced the same challenges. I now leverage my years of insider knowledge on the buyer side of corporate contracting, entrepreneurship, small business advocacy, and DE+I leadership to help you achieve your supplier diversity goals and start moving the needle.

What Makes Us Unique?

Our Supplier Diversity framework pictured above is innovative. While Evolution to Equity is helping corporations to enhance supplier diversity strategy, culture, programs, processes and policies, our parent company (Savvy Diva Enterprises) is positioning diverse small businesses to successfully win and dependably deliver products and services to corporations. The magic happens when the two come together with the assistance of cutting-edge technology.

Founded by mid-level manager within a Fortune 500 company

Awarded $60-65 million in contracts annually
Increased the number of diverse businesses on RFP invite list from 9% to 36%
Held prime suppliers accountable for subcontracting with diverse Tier 2 suppliers

Advocate for small and diverse businesses within the corporation

Spear-headed initiatives to change policies and processes to make it easier for small businesses to become suppliers while protecting the company (accounts payable processes, drug and background screening, insurance requirements, data security requirements, vendor risk assessments, certifications)
Served as a liaison between diverse small businesses and other business units within the company, expanding their networks and contract opportunities

Advocate for small businesses externally

Member of the National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) Leadership Council
NSBA Economic Development policy committee member

Eight years of entrepreneurship experience

Offers a unique perspective on both sides of the contracting process
Having an insider perspective as a corporate buyer provides the expertise to help other small diverse businesses to effectively compete for corporate contracts and exceed your expectations when they win them. I know what you’re looking for in suppliers!

About the Founder

Latesha Isbell Howard, Founder & CEO

Economic Equity Advocate | Change Maker | Speaker

Latesha is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and mid-level manager for a Fortune 500 company. This economic equity advocate is passionate about empowering our communities through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. As a member of the National Small Business Association's Leadership Council and Economic Development committee, Latesha uses her voice to drive policy changes that benefit small businesses.

She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Other credentials include certifications in Women's Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.