Roderick Lewis Champions Social Sustainability at Supplier Sustainability Summit

Roderick Lewis, Executive Director of Global Inclusion & Community Impact at Wake Forest University School of Business, recently represented WFUSB as a panelist at Reynolds American’s Supplier Sustainability Summit. The event, held at the Reynolds Operations Center in Tobaccoville, NC, brought together senior representatives and sustainability professionals from top U.S. suppliers to focus on advancing both environmental and social sustainability.

Lewis participated in a panel discussion titled, “Social Sustainability in Complex Supply Chains.” The panel, which included  Kenneth Anderson from the Responsible Business Alliance, Steve Matthews from Reynolds, and Reynold’s  Kara Calderon as moderator, tackled pressing social sustainability topics within ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks.

During the 40-minute discussion, Lewis emphasized the role of human capital, health and safety, and training and development in fostering social sustainability within supply chains. He provided compelling insights into how effective labor management, comprehensive health and safety policies, and robust training and development programs are essential for creating a sustainable high-engagement and high-performance workforce.

“Sustainability has become a key factor in decision-making for both students and employees. Many individuals, particularly from younger generations, are increasingly seeking organizations that align with their values and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability,” Lewis said.

A 2022 survey by the National Society for Sustainability found that 75 percent of Millennials and Gen Z consider a company’s sustainability practices when making career decisions. Additionally, the 2023 Higher Education Sustainability Survey indicated that 80 percent of prospective students view a university’s sustainability efforts as a key factor in their application decision. The Edelman Trust Barometer 2022 reported that 73 percent of employees expect CEOs to take the lead on societal issues rather than waiting for the government to impose changes.

“The active participation of Wake Forest University School of Business in the Supplier Sustainability Summit underscores its role as a catalyst for sustainable change,” Lewis said. By contributing to key discussions on social sustainability, WFUSB not only supports the dissemination of best practices but also enriches its own understanding and teaching of sustainability issues.”