Hartford HealthCare held a supplier diversity summit in Bridgeport Tuesday.

The summit advocated for more diverse supply chains for local shops and vendors.

Organizers said they want to expand and empower people of color-owned, women-owned and LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

"It's an opportunity for us as an organization to open our books of business to make sure that we're engaging with businesses that are the bedrocks of our communities," said Elisabeth Michel, Equity System Transformation manager. "It's about fueling economic stability and financial well-being because when you, as a business, are thriving, that means your family are thriving, your network is thriving, your community is thriving."

This is another step in Hartford HealthCare's plans to create more opportunities for under-represented business owners and vendors.