Two United Stationers associates, Janelle Rampersad and Shelly Flanagan, have been honored by Diversity MBA, a globally distributed magazine focused on leadership, diversity and inclusion practices in corporate America as the magazine’s 2011 “Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Leaders.” Rampersad, who serves as United Stationers Supply director of category management, technology, and Flanagan, who is general operations manager, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, were both honored with this distinction at an Awards Gala held earlier this month at the Chicago Wyndam Hotel.

Recognized for their achievements in corporate responsibility, community service, education and professional development, Rampersad and Flanagan were honored among others across a variety of industries from around the world.

“These values speak to United’s defined approach to diversity and inclusion, which seeks to embed core values and programs across multiple areas of operations, including its workforce, suppliers, customers, environment and community,” said Laura Gale, vice president of marketing and chair of United’s Corporate Diversity Council.

“This is just not a list; it is a strategy to uplift the achievement of people of color and women,” said Pamela McElvane, Diversity MBA Publisher and CEO.  “I am encouraged because we are seeing diversity become a way of life in many companies.”

Rampersad is a leader in strategic business planning, B2B consumer marketing and negotiation.  She manages United’s technology product portfolio from some 100 suppliers, while leading a 20-member team of United associates.

Flanagan is responsible for optimizing distribution operations at multiple facilities.  Her success is seen by effective cost reduction and improvements in safety, quality and customer service.  Recently, Flanagan applied her expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to develop a safety database program, which has since been launched in the company nationwide.