Saunjah Powell-Pointer is the Supplier Diversity Leader at Merck & Co., Inc. and chair emeritus and founding member of the League of Employees of African Descent (LEAD), an employee resource group at Merck. She enthusiastically leads Merck’s efforts to attract and utilize small and diverse businesses that can deliver cost savings, innovation and influence revenue growth. In addition, she also develops programs designed to promote capability development among diversity suppliers. For example, a workshop was held recently at the Whitehouse Station facility where 20 top small and diverse firms, some mentored by Merck, received tools for managing their own human resource talent. These types of workshops represent a collaborative effort by Merck procurement executives, sourcing managers, and the supplier diversity team.

Powell-Pointer believes one the best aspects of her position is the ability to enhance Merck’s competitive advantage, while fostering diversity supplier development and growth. She has an MBA in Finance, and is a member of a number of networking organizations, including the Healthcare Business Women’s Association (HBA) and the National Black MBA Association. She is also active in her community, supporting non-profit organizations such as the All Stars Project’s Development School for Youth and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. In addition, she serves on several boards, including the PA-NJ-DE MSDC, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Morristown, NJ Chapter) and the Get Together Group. Her innovative approaches to developing global talent have led to a number of awards, including several of Merck’s Awards of Excellence, the LEAD Outstanding Leadership Award and the New Jersey Minority Achiever Award.

Favorite Quote: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” - Luke