mmathews26@nul.org

Makeda Matthews is the Senior Manager of Supplier Development and Engagement at Delta Air Lines, where she leads enterprise-wide initiatives to integrate small businesses and SBA-recognized socioeconomic categories into the company’s global supply chain. She drives strategies that expand supplier readiness and scalability, while strengthening cross-functional relationships to increase supplier value and impact. Makeda is a strong advocate for positioning supplier inclusion as a strategic business lever—one that drives innovation, strengthens resilience, and enhances long-term enterprise performance.

Since joining Delta, Makeda has led high-impact initiatives that more than doubled small and socieoeconic business spend, increased the number of certified suppliers by over 160%, and significantly strengthened employee and executive engagement. She has also launched scalable supplier development and readiness programs that build capability, expand access, and create sustainable, high-value partnerships.

Prior to Delta, Makeda built her career at the intersection of sourcing, procurement, and supplier inclusion, holding roles at L Brands (Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works) and Grange Insurance. These experiences shaped her disciplined, results-oriented approach to advancing supplier strategy while delivering measurable business outcomes.

Outside of her professional role, Makeda enjoys exploring Atlanta, traveling, and writing poetry. A self-described “bootleg botanist,” she is an avid plant enthusiast and aspires to one day own a farm.