The University of Miami’s Business Development Program (BDP) hosted the Women’s Business Development Council of Florida (WBDC) for a Corporate Close Up event on February 9 in the Newman Alumni Center’s Executive Conference Room. The event gave WBDC members the opportunity to learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion while gaining insightful tips on navigating the procurement process.

“The setting was wonderful and the information was invaluable. I am very impressed that the University of Miami has identified women as an important target group for their supplier diversity initiative,” said Nancy Allen, President of the WBDC.

The event included an overview of the Business Development Program, tips on navigating the procurement process from Purchasing, and an overview of second tier initiatives in construction from the Real Estate, Design and Construction team. Internal participants included Sophia Galvin, director of the Business Development Program; Tariq Syed, senior buyer; Amy Lopez, director of Purchasing; and Adriana Oppenheimer, projects coordinator for Real Estate and Facilities.

WBDC has 450 members covering the territories of Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are the local affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a third-party organization that certifies women business ownership.

BDP drives the University’s supplier-diversity initiatives and ensures that vendor relationships are aligned with the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. BDP’s vision is to be highly regarded in South Florida, best in class in engagement and outreach efforts, and nationally recognized for the active utilization of women and minority suppliers in high-value commodities and services.  To learn more visit www.miami.edu/bdp.

Fashionistas in the fight against cancer won’t want to miss Jody’s Couture for the Cancer Cure, a deeply discounted designer fashion fundraiser to benefit women’s cancers research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on Sunday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. The event, a tribute to fashion retailer and designer Jody Katz, who lost her life to cancer in 2009, will feature thousands of donated new-with-tags and like-new women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories from top designers and the most coveted closets in South Florida. Check out the back room, a not-to-miss selection of the most desired couture clothing at deeply discounted prices.

Advance tickets are a $10 donation and can be purchased at www.sylvester.org. For more information, visit www.jodyscoutureforcancer.com or call the Sylvester Development office at (305) 243-9088.

An upgrade of the UMeNET (Ariba) system will affect all applications that currently function within UMeNET. The upgrade is set to begin in early April. A listing of training classes, webinars, and CBLs available through ULearn will soon be announced. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jose Abreu at be [email protected].

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event designed to celebrate survivors, remember those lost, and fight back together as a community against cancer. The University of Miami’s Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, March 31, from 6 a.m. to midnight on Stanford Circle. Food, games, and prizes will be featured. Bring the entire family for a day of fun, and Wish Upon a Cure at this Disney-themed Relay for Life!  To register online, visit www.relayforlife.org/UMFL and start a new team, or join the UM Faculty and Staff team. Survivors, register online or send an email to be a guest of honor at this event. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

GOT Spot Featuring Rose’s Café opens on the first floor of Gables One, 1320 S. Dixie Highway, on March 19, offering a menu of healthy fare at affordable prices. The café is running a Name the Wrap or Salad Contest.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

Eligibility: Contestants must be University of Miami employees (regular) as of the date of entry of submission of the entry.

How to Enter: No purchase necessary. Limit one entry per contestant. The entry period begins at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 12 and ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20. To enter, email the name of your wrap or sandwich to [email protected].

SUBMIT A UNIQUE OR CREATIVE NAME FOR THIS WRAP OR SALAD

Individual Employee Contest – Name the Wrap
Pan-seared boneless chicken breast marinated in mild coconut curry with special herbs and spices, topped with tender black beans, sweet fried plantain, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, Panini pressed on a sundried tomato wrap. First Place Individual Employee Prize: One-hour massage at the Herbert Wellness Center.

Department Contest – Name the Salad
Mini edible salad bowl filled with baby organic mixed greens, candied pecans, fresh chopped tomato, crispy chips, cucumber, and blue cheese, with home-style basil balsamic vinaigrette dressing. First Place Department Prize: Office breakfast.

Winners will be selected by the Gables One Café Committee and will be notified prior to the grand opening celebration. Winning names will be announced in eVeritas and at the grand opening.

**Entries that are incomplete, illegible, or otherwise not in compliance with official rules are void and will be disqualified.