CELSO AFONSECA

Celso Afonseca is a leader for diverse suppliers who are just starting out or currently working with Staples Promotional Products as innovative and trusted suppliers. His ability to build sustainable and trusting relationships with customers and suppliers, enables him to connect multiple layers of the supply chain to one another. The need to handle complexity and ambiguity in his daily role, allows him to remain curious and continue to adapt to evolving trends in business and society. Lastly, he takes great pride in leading multiple teams to work collaboratively toward an end goal and celebrating that achievement collectively. 

As Manager, Account Services & Program Operations / Supplier Diversity Business Partner at Staples Promotional Products (SPP), Celso is a leader for diverse suppliers who are just starting out or currently working with SPP as innovative and trusted suppliers. Since stepping into this role, the network of diverse suppliers at SPP has grown by 200% and diverse spend has increased by 1100%. 

In an industry where personal connections and networking are so vital, Celso is linked to leaders in various business sectors and dedicates a lot of his time and energy, growing relationships and connecting with new people. This has enabled a number of strategic discussions around the importance of supplier diversity and eventually led to Canada Post agreeing to partner with WBE Canada as a Corporate Member.

On a personal level, Celso has dedicated much of his time to supplier diversity in part to help carve a path for his daughters. Their development and opportunity path are a priority for him and he wants to do everything in his power to support their long-term goals. With this in mind, Celso is exploring several options in the non-profit sector, to volunteer his time and give back to the community, while supporting the development of children and those who may identify as visible minorities. Currently, he serves on 3 boards and committees with the CGLCC and CAMSC.

In closing, Celso looks forward to the opportunity to work more closely with the WBE community to advance the work of women-owned businesses and their leaders. His ability to work collaboratively with other Board members will open the door to new ideas and support our growth as a community.