Connectus Worldwide, LLC is a professional business consulting firm specializing in the delivery of services to Minority, Woman-owned, Veteran, and LGBTQ Business Enterprises and Majority organizations. We strongly believe that when entrepreneurialism engages the entire community, the result is a dynamic and innovative environment abundant with opportunities and growth potential.
Our beliefs are supported by a mission, a vision, and a set of core values that is key to our thinking and provides the focus for our business defining how we approach everything that we do.
About Us
Mission Statement
To develop and implement strategies via our services that will assist diverse businesses and organizations to find ways to align their core competencies to what is needed in the ever-changing marketplace while increasing their profitability and generating positive measurable change.
Vision
Our vision is to become the “go to” experts for diverse entrepreneurs seeking to expand their economic opportunities into the public and corporate commercial markets. We want to be an integral part of a diverse business owner’s road to success through resources, counsel, and technical assistance as we serve as the catalyst in support of organizations becoming more intertwined in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beliefs
The Tree of Life is a symbol of a fresh start on life, positive energy, good health and a bright future. A tree grows old, yet it bears seeds that contain its very essence, a symbol of growth and strength. We are not an island, but are deeply connected to the world around us and dependent on it for our ability to grow, scale and succeed.
Values
We stand for your ability to succeed and accomplish your goals and objectives. We are an inclusive organization built on honesty, commitment and integrity that can enhance your team’s vision by proactively finding solutions.
Diverse Business Services
Pre Application for Certification
Connectus Worldwide works with diverse businesses to identify targeted certifications. We fill out your forms, upload your documents and ensure that they are presented professionally to the agency to which you are applying. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the certification process. Certification can provide leverage in attracting new businesses that are in need of your product or service. It also brings visibility to your company.
Coaching and Development
Connectus Worldwide is a business resource that will assist you in honing your skills and expertise to compete in today’s business environment. We offer one-on-one consulting from strategic business partners that provide the necessary tools to accomplish your goals.
Access to Corporate/ Government Contacts
Connectus Worldwide has relationships with KEY corporate and government contacts. We will leverage these relationships to help clients realize their goals and objectives.
Corporate Services
Supplier Diversity Program Development
Connectus Worldwide will work with clients to analyze and identify opportunities for integrating a Supplier Diversity program into the execution of your corporate strategy. We believe that the return on investment will positively impact the bottom-line.
Please supply your name and email to be provided with our Supplier Diversity Presentation.
Public Participation & Engagement Consulting
Connectus Worldwide understands the value of community outreach and public engagement. Relationships can be constructive, tension-filled or anything in between. Engaging the public strengthens the relevance, responsiveness, and accountability of any project. It also builds trust. Trust is difficult to earn but easily lost. We will ensure the public process includes a diverse group of stakeholders. Public engagement acknowledges that the public has a genuine stake in the work. It also recognizes the need to listen to stakeholders’ wisdom and sensitivities. Investing the time to genuinely engage with the public is critical.
Testimonials
"Embarking on the certification journey with Connectus Worldwide was a transformative
experience for my business, culminating in the successful attainment of our WBENC
WBE certification. The ensuing growth opportunities have been nothing short of
exhilarating, and I wholeheartedly endorse partnering with Connectus Worldwide for
your certification journey."
What truly distinguishes Connectus Worldwide is the seamless blend of professionalism
and responsiveness, coupled with Mary's unwavering courtesy, clear communication,
and invaluable assistance throughout the process. In the face of initial complexities,
Mary's expertise and active involvement provided the necessary guidance to navigate
challenges with ease.
The pivotal role of Mary Shannon as our certification coach cannot be overstated.
Serving as a dedicated accountability partner, Mary not only demystified the process but
ensured that our paperwork was meticulously prepared for submission to the certifying
agency. This level of support allowed us to focus on other critical aspects of our
business, elevating the certification journey from a necessity to a strategic catalyst for
growth.
Ebony Black
Connect Staffing Professional, LLCKansas CIty, MO & Las Vegas, NV"From the initial meeting, Connectus Worldwide provided top-tier service. It is understanding the process of receiving certification and walking the business owner through each step. No question is silly because it gives the business owner more understanding, and Ms Mary Shannon was ready to answer each question."
The process felt painless, quick, and informative. Ms Mary Shannon had an easy
process to follow and took the time needed to submit a successful application.
I am now a certified NMSDC minority-owned business, and it's all thanks to Connectus
Worldwide.
Frederick Griffith CEO
Anew FitnessNew Orleans, LA"Connectus Worldwide was instrumental in driving my business to obtain its WBENC WBE certification. I am very fortunate to have had Ms. Mary Shannon to coach me through the process. From our first meeting, she clearly outlined the required documentation and what I could expect throughout the process. My experience was well aligned with what she had described. My WBENC WBE certification interviewer was so impressed by the quality of my application, that she requested the contact information of my certification coach. What could possibly be a better testament to Ms. Shannon's professionalism and excellence than that?"
"Connectus Worldwide was instrumental to my business obtaining both WBENC and
WOSB certifications. Within months of obtaining the certifications my business became
more competitive when bidding on new business opportunities. I would recommend
working with Connectus Worldwide to assist any business owner with navigating the
certification process.
The team at Connectus Worldwide were professional, responsive, and kind. As a small
business owner I found the process of running my business and applying to
certifications overwhelming and challenging. With the team’s expertise and guidance
we were able to complete the process and get certified.
Having a certification coach gave me the peace of mind in knowing that my time and
efforts were focused on the right thing to achieve our goal. Mary Shannon was a patient
and knowledgeable capability partner that walked us through each step of the process
to ensure our paperwork was submitted in a professional manner to the certifying
agency."
Melissa Zamora McLaughlin President|Founder
Marea StrategiesSpringfield, VA"Mary Shannon served as an excellent certification coach, providing valuable support and guidance throughout my MBE/DBE certification process. With her help, our paperwork was submitted in a timely manner to the certifying agency, allowing us to focus on other important business matters. Her accountability and expertise were truly rewarding. I often recommend Connectus Worldwide to my colleagues when they inquire about certifications."
Albert Kelley CEO
Aleo PrimeKansas City, MOLeadership
Mary Shannon
Founder | Consultant | Speaker
Mary Shannon, Founder, and Consultant of Connectus Worldwide is a leading professional in supplier diversity and brings a unique level of expertise to those in her reach. As a recognized diversity leader. Mary brings passion, enthusiasm, inspiration, and a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Ms. Shannon managed the supplier diversity program for Hallmark Cards, for several years. She developed a proactive program for supplier identification, supplier growth and development, strategic planning, and program measurement which resulted in increased and effective utilization of diverse suppliers throughout the corporation.
Karen Slaughter
Managing Partner
Authentic, innovative, patient and determined are a few of the words used to describe Karen Slaughter. As Managing Partner, Karen brings a combined forty years of civil, community and corporate service experience to Connectus Worldwide. Proficient in analyzing problems and identifying solutions, she is dedicated to finding the solution that best fits your organization’s needs.
As Technical Liaison and Product Owner in a Fortune 500 Company, Karen relied on skills acquired from Agile Methodology and Scrum training to implement technology changes. Karen has extensive experience gaining alignment and mitigating concerns between cross-functional teams. She believes the exchange of clear and concise communication is important for building consensus. Effective communication is a strong suit.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Want to learn how Connectus Worldwide can support
your organization, please Contact Us today.
Or Email @ info@connectusww.com
