WildFlower International CEO Kimberly deCastro oversees millions of dollars in both government contracts and private sector contracts in several industries, including energy, surveillance, and IT infrastructure. Backed by decades of project management experience, high-profile entrepreneur Kimberly deCastro advocates for investments in women-owned businesses.In 2017, the multinational IT solutions manufacturer Intel announced plans to create $100 million in vendor contracts with women-owned businesses by 2020. The initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, which aims to promote diversity within its global supply chain and increase spending to $1 billion annually. In a memo released by Jackie Strum, Intel VP of Global Supply Management, the firm stated that Intel will double its initial pledge to $200 million since it hit the $100-million milestone more than a year ahead of schedule. As a result of strategic partnerships with organizations focused on women’s entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment, Intel had established its Supplier Diversity and Inclusion program in 20 countries by 2017.
As the CEO of computer technology and software procurement firm Wildflower, Ltd., Kimberly deCastro promotes a holistically-focused corporate culture by having several policies that consider the needs of the company’s diverse workforce. As a result of Kimberly deCastro’s dedication to fostering a creative work environment, Wildflower implements dog-friendly policies at its four offices nationwide. The percentage of companies that allow employees to bring their dog to the workplace has grown by three percent between 2013 and 2018. This is due to the host of benefits from enacting dog-friendly policies, some of which are outlined below. Boosts Morale - When owners are able to bring their dogs to work, it makes the environment more positive for their coworkers. Interacting with dogs can reduce stress, resulting in higher levels of job satisfaction. Additionally, walking a dog several times a day gives employees the opportunity to take breaks throughout the workday, which has been shown to enhance productivity. Attracts High Quality Talent - Pet-friendly policies are an attractive incentive for recruiting new talent, especially younger workers. According to a survey of human resources professionals and hiring managers conducted in 2016, more than 60 percent recounted being asked about a company’s pet policy during an interview. These policies also have a positive effect on employee retention rates.Promotes Collaboration - Dogs can encourage cross-department collaboration by encouraging socialization among employees who may otherwise not communicate with each other. This can increase creativity and innovation within the company.
