In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating and sharing stories of two Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) part of MillerKnoll’s procurement process.

Inclusive design is a part of who we are. Through partnerships with diverse suppliers, we’re fostering opportunities for minority (Black, Asian, Indian, Asian Pacific, Hispanic, and Native-American), women, veteran, service-disabled veterans, hub zone, and LGBTQ+-owned business enterprises to contribute to the support and achievement of our purpose – design for the good of humankind. These businesses play a vital role in our success, and we’re equally committed to theirs – helping them grow, develop, and create economic vibrancy within their communities.

“We have an impactful partnership with Nuvar and Freedom Interiors who are both part of our commitment to completing the economic cycle,” said Adriene Bruce, Senior Supplier Diversity Manager at MillerKnoll. “As MillerKnoll grows and works to delight our customers in design, we’re stronger when we partner with companies like these who are with us in this end-to-end process.”

Read on to learn more about Amy Sparks, Owner, President & CEO of Nuvar, Inc. – a certified WBE, and Carol Espinosa, Principal, Freedom Interiors – a certified WBE and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE).

Amy Sparks, Owner, President & CEO Nuvar Inc.

Q: Tell us about your career journey and how you became the owner of Nuvar

A: From the beginning of my career, I found a passion in building teams, working with others to set goals, and accomplishing what most thought as the “impossible.” I have a natural curiosity to bring value to wherever I can. Life, like business, is a journey and there is a time to stay the course and a time to make a strategic change. Each requires a different approach and a different type of leadership, drive, and focus. When I was approached to purchase Nuvar, timing and a new path in life aligned. It became clear that ownership in Nuvar was exactly what I was searching for, and I was the type of leader and owner my predecessor wanted to turn Nuvar’s future over to.

Q: How have your personal and professional experiences shaped your role today in leading a company?

A: I experienced from an early age being one of very few, and still am many times, the only woman in the room. Whether it was advanced math, debate, mock trial competitions, business golf events, board rooms, or industry and committee meetings, I had to learn to hold my own. Those experiences taught me that pursuing your passion, doing the right thing, letting go of ego, and showing grace and a desire to continuously learn and grow can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go and will give you a tremendous advantage when you least expect it. That’s what I look for in leaders. I also learned to surround myself with good people of character and find mentors who will help me learn, keep me humble, open doors, pick me up, and remind me what I’m made of when I’m feeling defeated. You need a team who will cheer you on and push you through failures that will occur along your journey to success and who will celebrate the wins with you. I work every day to grow into that kind of a leader.

Q: Given that MillerKnoll requests suppliers to also promote diversity and inclusion, how do you promote inclusion and diversity at your organization? 

A: You see it the moment you walk in to Nuvar. We have an extremely diverse workforce of talented individuals with men and women of various races, colors, and backgrounds. We have a culture built on respect for human beings. We have representation of different voices at the table and often talk about culture, opportunities to improve, and where we’re headed as an organization. It’s not just senior leadership in a closed room. Our production team leaders, managers, executive team, and I meet and hold one another accountable as we work to ensure we care for all our people.

Q: Why is it important for you to work with businesses like MillerKnoll who value diverse-owned companies within its ecosystem?

A: Unfortunately, in the world today, we still have some people who want to hold us back and treat us differently because of our gender or color of our skin. I don’t want to be “given” anything just because I am a woman or excluded from discussions and the opportunity to earn business because I am not a man.

Businesses that are willing to do their homework, spend time having conversations, and give us the opportunity to prove ourselves not only allow us to remain in business, but to grow and thrive. MillerKnoll is like a special mentor who sees the potential and value in us and is willing to invest, teach, mentor, and encourage. Our experience has been rewarding for all involved.

Q: How has your company’s partnership in the manufacturing of our products helped to drive savings and innovation within the supply chain that get passed on in our customer relationships?

A: When Nuvar began back in 1989 with Herman Miller, our first product was Medical Carts for the Co/Struc line for MilCare. These first products evolved into the full line of Medical Carts and Lockers we now manufacture for MillerKnoll 33 years later. There are countless configurations a customer can choose between colors, features, drawer sizes, locking styles, you name it. We have continued to manufacture these product lines going on our fourth decade now by staying cost competitive, value engineering waste out of the product line, enhancing features and quality, and never settling for “good enough” but “making it better” – which is our tag line year after year. We also manufacture Plex, a height-adjustable side table and a couple of specialty product lines/customized solutions including the Verus Plus Chair, Prospect Creative, Solo Space systems, and Overlay Trellis ceiling panels.

Carol Espinosa, Principal, Freedom Interiors

Q: Tell us about your career journey and how you became the owner of Freedom Interiors

A: I came to the United States in 2000 from Brazil to attend the University of Kansas on a full-tuition scholarship. While I was in my senior year, I started an hourly job at the Kansas City Knoll dealership doing data entry. When I graduated, I was offered a full-time position and very soon discovered my love and natural aptitude for project management. 

When the economy started taking a downturn in 2008/2009, the dealership I worked for started working with more customers that required different certifications and partnerships with woman-owned and minority-owned businesses. 

I then realized I not only had experience in the industry, but I met the criteria to start this type of business being a Latin woman.

Starting my own business has allowed me to add value to customers who desire to support woman-owned and minority-owned businesses by coupling my heritage and industry experience.

Q: How have your personal and professional experiences shaped your role today in leading a company?

A: For me personally, as an “engaged workaholic,” my sense of identity is deeply connected to my work.  I am forever grateful that a small business owner took a chance on a hard-working foreigner, which allowed me to start my career in the contract furniture industry. At Freedom, we strive to provide the same chance for personal growth and self-fulfillment to all our team members. I realized early on that we tend to spend more waking hours with our business associates rather than with our families at home, so we create and maintain an environment where we can all be happy now instead of waiting for 5:00 pm to clock out or for retirement to go enjoy life. 

We work hard, we play hard, and cultivate an environment that’s rooted in empowerment, trust, and collaboration.  Because of my background in Project Management, I enjoy working side-by-side with all our team members, not only sharing my knowledge but learning from them every day. We have a showroom dog, Ginger, who comes in every day and welcomes our guests. We have an environment that’s open and supportive. Our people often refer their friends and family to interview at Freedom, which to me, is our biggest accomplishment – a happy environment that our team members want to share with other people. 

Q: Why is it important for you to work with businesses like MillerKnoll who value diverse-owned companies within its ecosystem?

A: We all have a responsibility to provide a level playing field and equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in professional settings. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with companies that understand the benefits of diversity and inclusion and help build a better world for all of us.  It’s refreshing to work with a manufacturing partner that supports their dealers and suppliers. 

Q: Given that MillerKnoll requests our suppliers to also promote diversity and inclusion, how do you promote inclusion and diversity at your organization? 

A: As an owner and operator, I experience the benefits of a diverse team firsthand. More than half of our team is comprised of females, and about 15% minority. We provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where our team members can achieve both professional and personal growth. Additionally, Freedom has deep roots in our local community where we are engaged in multiple programs that help individuals break the cycle of poverty and help improve education for inner-city students.

“Supplier Diversity at MillerKnoll is where we’re deliberate about the inclusion of diverse suppliers within our enterprise-wide procurement processes. We recognize we can do more together and an inclusive and diverse supply base, partnerships, and dealer network, is reflective of our company’s commitment to equity and inclusion.” Adriene Bruce, Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity at MillerKnoll