In this month’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Paul Ashley, senior director, strategic engagement and inclusion within the Global Procurement Group at Bristol Myers Squibb. Paul Ashley is a seasoned procurement leader with over 20 years of industry experience. Paul holds a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Northwestern University, as well as a master of science in industrial operations and engineering from the University of Michigan. Born and raised in Detroit, MI, the capital of the automobile manufactory industry, Paul Ashley decided to focus his higher education pursuits on engineering. After grad school, Paul landed a job at IBM where he was first exposed to the field of procurement and his love of bringing diversity to companies' supply chains from business owners of color, the LGBTQ+ community and women. When asked what Paul is boldly passionate about, he refers to his social media profile which demonstrates Paul is unapologetically black, gay and Christian. Paul is passionate about uplifting these communities by being an example of how to live the intersections of these communities freely. “In times where I've had to navigate troubled waters is in the intersections of being, black, gay and Christian.” Paul had to learn to fully embrace and love all of himself, unapologetically. He advises others to “stop coming out, just be out and be who you are, and people will figure it out.”