Maya P. Thornton is the Supplier Diversity Director at the University of Houston. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from Southern University Law Center. Mrs. Thornton is dedicated to fulfilling the university’s mission of expanding business opportunities to minority, women owned and disabled veteran businesses, to have a positive impact on improving our local economy and to give back to the community. She is committed to the development of meaningful and mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers and recognizes the value these relationships add to any business. She believes companies that decide they will not let supplier relationships fail will be in a good position to maximize the business relationship. Her mantra is “if you have failed, then so have I”.
Shannon Pleasant is the Procurement and Risk Manager for the City of Missouri City, a suburb of Houston, Texas. Shannon has 18+ years of experience in purchasing and contract administration. Her experience includes the oil and gas industry, construction, state, county and municipal government.
Tiffany has over a decade of Supply Chain Management experience in the Energy sector. Experience, with a depth of knowledge in contract negotiation, strategic sourcing, and a firm commitment to Supplier Diversity. She currently leads the Supplier Diversity program for NRG Energy, Inc. a Fortune 500 company providing electricity to over 3 million customers.Earning her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, she obtained the designation of Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity and Certified Professional in Supply Management. Tiffany serves on numerous committees dedicated to improving opportunities for underutilized businesses on both local and national levels. Under her leadership NRG’s program received numerous accolades and was recently named “Best of the Best Utilities” by Professional Woman’s Magazine.