Stephanie Franklin, of the Honda’s North American purchasing division’s diversity group, was recently honored for her commitment to supporting Women Owned Businesses (WBEs).

The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (GLWBC) last month named Franklin “Corporate Advocate of the Year,” for her efforts in working with female-owned businesses interested in breaking into the automotive industry.

Franklin, a 20-year Honda associate, has spent her entire Honda career in purchasing and says the work she does with WBEs is very rewarding. She serves the organization in a variety of capacities, both formal and informal.

“I speak to WBEs about areas in Honda’s purchasing process they should focus on in order to integrate themselves into the supply chain,” said Franklin. “I help facilitate meetings with folks at Honda and help them navigate the process and provide clear, concise feedback along the way.”

Franklin said suppliers trying to work with Honda often find challenges simply getting a meeting with the right person, and that’s where she assists. She arranges meetings and coaches suppliers on how to present themselves at the meeting.

“It’s very satisfying to know that you can actually impact a small business and really help them. I feel like I’ve made a difference,” said Franklin.

Franklin has participated in the GLWBC Leadership Institute and its annual leadership symposium for several years. She says the organization is helping break down barriers for female-owned business.

“They are phenomenal at what they do,” said Franklin.

Meechelle Parker, WBE and Corporate Member Services Manager for the GLWBC’s Indiana and Michigan Chapters says she is thrilled to celebrate Franklin and all that she has done for the organization and its members.

She added that her members appreciate Franklin’s no-nonsense approach and candor.

“She’s been such a strong supporter of the WBE community, whether it is sharing her wealth of knowledge through the Leadership Institute, or sitting with a supplier one-on-one and being very candid with them,” said Parker. “She’s very well-respected by the women we serve and a true proponent of the WBE community.”