Tanya Pope Named Notable Black Leader by Crain’s New York Business

Facilities and Operations’ Tanya Pope was recognized as one of Crain’s New York Business’s 2022 Notable Black Leaders and Executives for sourcing diverse vendors for Columbia and leading programs for minority-owned, woman-owned, and locally owned business enterprises (MWLBEs) and residents, including the CU Grow Vendor Development Program, a coaching initiative to help MWLBEs expand their contract portfolios. 

Making the list of 105 honorees who work in a wide range of industries—including law, medicine, engineering, finance, construction and entertainment, Pope was selected in recognition of her career accomplishments as well as her broader community involvement to enhance New York City and the lives of its inhabitants. 

As the Assistant Vice President of University Supplier Diversity, Pope has overseen the university’s construction portfolio which has paid more than $1.2 billion to MWLBEs in the past decade through programs such as the CU Grow Vendor Development program and its Manhattanville campus construction. Outside of Columbia, Pope serves as a founding consultant of the Ascend Regional Program where she cultivates contracting opportunities for firms owned by people of color. In addition, Pope serves as an Executive Board Member of the Women Builders Council, a leading association representing women in construction in New York City with a focus on leadership.