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
"Partnering with Connectus Worldwide for our certification journey was transformative, leading
to our successful WBENC WBE & WOSB certifications. The pivotal role of Mary Shannon as our
certification coach cannot be overstated. The professionalism, responsiveness, and unwavering
support provided were invaluable in navigating challenges with ease and allowing us to focus
on other critical aspects of our business. The ensuing growth opportunities have been nothing
short of exhilarating. Serving as a dedicated accountability partner, Mary not only demystified
the process but ensured our paperwork was meticulously prepared for submission. I
wholeheartedly endorse partnering with Connectus Worldwide for your certification journey."
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, leading to increased competitiveness in bidding for new opportunities. As a small
business owner, I found the process of running my business and applying for certifications
overwhelming and challenging. I would highly recommend working with Connectus Worldwide,
a team who is professional, responsive, and kind to assist any business owner with navigating
the certification process."
Melissa Zamora McLaughlin President|Founder
Marea StrategiesSpringfield, VA"When I became a business owner, I recognized the significance of WBENC certification
as a positive way for business growth and opportunity. I was intrigued and overwhelmed
at the mountainous list of items and documents that were necessary in the process.
Thankfully, I discovered the invaluable support of Mary Shannon, certification coach at
Connectus Worldwide. Her guidance and expertise helped me to navigate the complex
certification process. She was a constant reassuring presence, answering all my
questions and easing any of my fears. I am immensely grateful to Mary. I know that she
played a pivotal role in the success of my journey to certification."
"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, MOI'm grateful to share my positive experience with Connectus Worldwide and how they helped my business obtain the NMSDC MBE certification. With their guidance, I feel more confident about my business's growth opportunities. I highly recommend Connectus Worldwide to anyone needing assistance navigating the certification process.
Despite our initial struggles and attempts to navigate the process independently, more progress was made once they stepped in. Their expertise accelerated the process and provided us with essential coaching along the way.
Working with a certification coach like Mary Shannon was a game-changer for us. Allowing us to focus on other essential aspects of our business.
Mary and Connectus Worldwide are phenomenal! Mary worked tirelessly to help me through the
certification process, offering great advice, answering my middle-of-the-night emails, and sharing her undeniable expertise. The journey of certification is not an easy one, but with Mary and Connectus Worldwide, it was far better and painless. We had a few hiccups, and Mary told us exactly what to do.
Ultimately, we received our certification, and we could not have done that without Mary!
Leadership
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
