BDC Black History Month Event – Game Changers: Paving Their Own Way

An Interview with Jennifer Seberras, CEO Simplify Supply Chain Solutions

On February 16th, 2023 Simplify Solutions founder and CEO, Jennifer Seberras was selected by the BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) to speak at their “Game Changers: Paving Their Own Way” discussion panel to spotlight Black entrepreneurs during Black History Month. 

Jennifer had worked with the BDC as a client in the past. Inspired by her story, they thought this discussion panel would be a great way to share her experience with other entrepreneurs. We asked Jennifer about what this experience meant to her:

1. Why did you accept to speak at this event and how does it feel to be amongst the other speakers?

It is always nice being asked to speak to other entrepreneurs and share my experiences around my journey. 

I believe it’s very important to be honest and to share what entrepreneurship is and the obstacles I have faced, especially as a Black female. By sharing my story, I hope it provides insight and comfort to other entrepreneurs who have or are experiencing difficulties. Additionally, I want to highlight that there is light on the other side of hardship and it’s definitely a journey worth taking.

2. What is it like being a Black female entrepreneur in your industry and the main message you wanted to highlight at this Black History Month event?  

As a Black female entrepreneur, you always have to work harder than the next person. There is a perception that times have changed and they haven’t – we still have a long way to go. 

Because of the challenges that I have experienced throughout my career, I have become more resilient to obstacles I face now. It is important for me to continue to work hard and build a brand that highlights true diverse leadership in the C suite roles in both operations and transportation.

3. Reflect on your experience of the event – the people you met, what you enjoyed and what did this experience mean to you as a whole? 

I thought it was a fantastic event that should be held a number of times throughout the year. It was the first time that I was in a room with so many faces that looked like mine. Also, I enjoyed discussing the challenges I’ve had as not just a business owner but as a Black female in the corporate world. 

It was interesting seeing people’s reactions to my story and them later sharing that they’ve had similar challenges too. The experience meant a lot to me as it showed that financial institutions, like the BDC, really do care about black entrepreneurship and spotlighting that we are an amazing group of people.

About Jennifer

Jennifer is the CEO of Simplify Supply Chain Solutions. Jennifer discovered supply chain and logistics 15 years ago as an employee herself. Right away, she fell in love with the possibility of making something so intricate into something simple. The camaraderie among the drivers and the delight associated with delivering an unharmed package made Jennifer fall in love with the business. She always focuses on ironing out wrinkles and hitches in the process to make it a smooth ride for customers. As she rose through the ranks of different companies, she noticed there were not many women occupying significant roles in transportation, operations, and supply chain. Jennifer decided to create the change that she wanted to see and as a result, Simplify Supply Chain Solutions was born.