Throughout March, people  have honored their female colleagues, customers, suppliers and their accomplishments during Women's History Month. On March 8, the world observed International Women’s Day, a tradition that dates to 1911, celebrating the roles of women in business, politics and culture.

Women-owned businesses are key suppliers for Delta and other companies. Here’s a look at women-owned businesses by the numbers:

• Nearly 10 million women-owned firms transact more than $1.5 trillion in revenues annually, and comprise more than one-third of the nation’s privately held companies.
• The number of people employed by women-owned firms in the U.S. stands at 8 million and is growing rapidly.
• Women-owned businesses represent Delta’s largest supplier diversity category. Delta’s annual spending with more than 300 women-owned companies is approximately $600 million.
• Georgia has the highest percentage of women-owned businesses — 41 percent — in America. Only Washington, D.C., is higher at 45 percent.
• Women-owned businesses are among the most racially diverse, with approximately 3 million firms owned by women of color and employing 1.5 million people.

Every spring, the Supplier Diversity Star Awards program has honored the contributions of Delta’s top women-owned, minority-owned and small-business suppliers, as well as internal Delta team members who champion supplier diversity.

This year, the Woman-owned Business of the Year Award went to MESH Experience. “This acknowledgment is fantastic for us all and we’re incredibly grateful,” said Fiona Blades, CEO of MESH Experience. “It’s really encouraging to see Delta supporting women-owned initiatives, equality and diversity.”

Delta salutes the dynamic women who have made history over the years, and we anticipate even greater contributions from the many female suppliers who are making history now.

For more information on Delta’s supplier diversity program, visit delta.com/supplierdiversity.