Bashar Cholagh Receives APACC's Minority Business Advocate Award

Troy, Michigan - March 9, 2023.  The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) has announced that Bashar Cholagh, Global Vice President Purchasing and Supply Chain Communications at Stellantis, was named the winner of the Minority Business Advocate Award at the East-West Business Connection supplier diversity matchmaking conference held at Walsh College. Raymond Boufford, Vice President of Minority Supplier Development & Business Transformation at Forvia presented the award to Cholagh.

Each year at the East-West Business Connection, APACC recognizes those who advocate for business owners with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage, minority business owners, veterans, and women business owners with the Minority Business Advocate Award.

"Bashar has been an inspiration for us. He has created partnerships, provided mentorship, and championed relationships with his team that have helped us to grow as a responsible community-engaged company," said Boufford. "I want to thank Bashar personally along with the other OEM partners and APACC members here today as they have provided the foundation for excellence in the Supplier Diversity community.  This award is really exciting for me to give as it is going to someone that I truly respect.  Congrats Bashar!"

Individuals who have fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of AAPI, minority, veteran, or women business ownership may be nominated for this award.

"In 2022, Stellantis was ranked number three in supplier diversity by DiversityInc. Bashar was a senior manager of Diversity Supplier Development and North America Purchasing Communication during that time. He partnered with minority, women, veterans, LGBTQ, and Disability certified businesses to create procurement opportunities and further progress Stellantis' Supplier Diversity," said Duc Nguyen Abrahamson, APACC Executive Director. "He continues to mentor and support supplier diversity program managers, DE&I leaders, business resource groups, and more to promote Stellantis' purpose, powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves."

"It is important to recognize and celebrate the achievement of Asian American businesses and that we continue to support their growth and success. By doing so, we create a more vibrant, dynamic, prosperous American economy where all businesses and communities have an equal opportunity to thrive," said Cholagh. "The hard work, dedication, and vision of APACC have made an indelible mark on the American economy. And we are all the better for it."

About the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC)
APACC’s mission is to facilitate business relationships among business owners with Asian heritage and U.S.-based companies and to promote the economic advancement of Asian American Pacific Islanders. Known as the “gateway” to Asian and U.S. businesses, APACC was established in 2000 and is a not-for-profit membership association governed by a 20-member board of directors and headquartered in Southeast Michigan. Visit us online at www.apacc.net