Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), announced CRN has named Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales to its inaugural Inclusive Channel Leaders list for 2023.
For the first time, CRN is recognising executives from vendor, distributor and solution provider organisations whose commitments to inclusive leadership are making an impact across the IT channel.
“Laura has contributed extensively to several of our Employee Resource Groups, including Step Forward, a programme that focuses on helping women develop leadership skills and men to understand how they can create change,” said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta. “She also helped launch and leads our Step Together programme, developed to inspire and bring together women in the office technology industry for support, collaboration and inspiration. Congratulations to Laura on this well-deserved accolade.”
The CRN 2023 Inclusive Channel Leaders list honourees are passionate about promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) across their areas of influence. With this recognition, CRN honours these individuals for their unwavering dedication to inclusivity in the channel and the greater technology industry.
“I am very proud to have earned a place on this important list,” said Blackmer. “To me, diversity and inclusion means being in an environment where there is a diversity of thought, backgrounds and circumstances so that when I walk into a room I feel comfortable, and I feel there’s enough diversity of thought to have a meaningful, powerful discussion. I’ve benefited from working for leaders who also believe in an inclusive culture and allowed me to grow, thrive and be heard, which enabled me to be part of a company’s success in a meaningful way.”
“We are so excited to announce this year’s honourees and shine a light on their passion and commitment to inclusivity across the channel. Because of their transparent leadership, our work environments are safer and more accepting places where everyone can feel comfortable showing up as the best version of themselves each day,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The channel is a more caring and compassionate place because of them, and we look forward to seeing what great things they do next.”
