Shendora Pridgen, Executive Director and Global Head of Supplier Engagement, launched the Morgan Stanley Small Business Academy in 2022, one of her signature accomplishments. Within a year, she expanded the program to the United Kingdom, followed by Germany and Ireland in 2025. The Academy is designed to help small businesses strengthen their competitive advantage, differentiate in the procurement process, build business acumen, and expand professional networks. To date, 55 companies have completed the program, demonstrating how intentional supplier engagement can deliver mutual value for both small businesses and firms like Morgan Stanley.
A key innovation of the Academy is its embedded, year-long mentorship program. Participating companies are paired with senior leaders and subject-matter experts who serve as dedicated advisors well beyond the 12-week core curriculum. The program is intentionally structured to create two-way value for both participants and mentors. In addition, Shendora leads Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Sourcing Initiative, which focuses on mitigating supply chain risk and positioning responsible sourcing as a driver of long-term value.