When it comes to partnering with businesses owned by minorities or women, Dallas ISD is surpassing expectations.
“M/WBE vendors are instrumental in the district’s vision to be a premier urban school district,” said Annie Holmes-Partee, executive director of Minority & Women Business Enterprise for Dallas ISD. “They provide catering, clothing apparel, construction, consultation services, food, furniture, marketing, office supplies and equipment, printing, safety supplies and services, technology, temporary services, tutorial services, and uniforms, just to name a few. If you name it, I’m confident an M/WBE vendor can provide it.”
As a department, one of M/WBE’s goals is to contract with at least 30 percent of M/WBE vendors for district goods, services, and construction services. Currently, 32.5% of the organizations Dallas ISD works with are owned by women or minorities.
“This notable achievement was due to the full cooperation and support of Dallas ISD’s Board of Trustees, superintendent, executive leadership, schools, and departments,” Holmes-Partee said.
At a recent Board of Trustees briefing, Holmes-Partee, along with Leslie Williams, deputy chief of M/WBE Enterprise, updated the board on their department’s progress – not only with general district needs and services, but also with bond-funded projects.
In both instances, Dallas ISD is exceeding its goals, and district leaders anticipate they will be able to maintain that trajectory.
“I want to compliment you all and the work you do, in regards to trying to be inclusive and making sure M/WBE’s get an opportunity to participate in Dallas ISD for all types of our services,” said Joyce Foreman, who represents District 6. “You continue to be out in the community, and I applaud you. I’m so proud of what you guys do.”
Networking and education is key to finding – and expanding – partnerships.
Between April 1 and June 30, the M/WBE department conducted dozens of outreach and vendor meetings and training sessions. Dallas ISD also held its third annual “Building BIG Construction Mixer” in June. The mixer, which brought general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers under one roof, gave all stakeholders an opportunity to meet with one another and learn what opportunities Dallas ISD had to offer.
Other initiatives led by the M/WBE department include vendor expos, district-wide training, outreach, and vendor directories. The department also has a M/WBE Advisory Committee, which is charged with making recommendations and giving feedback to the department.
Looking ahead, Holmes-Partee is asking all departments to do their part to ensure the M/WBE goals for the district are met.
“M/WBE utilization is the responsibility and privilege of every Dallas ISD employee,” she said. “It will take immense focus and commitment from the entire district.”
By investing in minority and women-owned businesses, Dallas ISD leadership hopes to help those businesses flourish. But the positive impacts are much more far-reaching than putting a business on the path of success. For Holmes-Partee, investing in businesses owned by women and minorities is a reminder to Dallas ISD students of what is possible.
“These vendors reflect our current student demographics and have been zealous about giving back to the district,” she said. “It is a sense of pride when former Dallas ISD students become district vendors. The vendors play a pivotal role in the creation of jobs, paying taxes, and sustaining economic viability.”
