From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
Jennifer Barbosa’s story is one of grit, heritage, and ambition. Born in the U.S. to first-generation Cabo Verdean immigrants, Jennifer’s earliest exposure to business came from her grandparents—her grandfather, a pioneer in import/export, and her grandmother, who sold goods from her home. Her parents, blue-collar workers in manufacturing and custodial services, laid the foundation of her work ethic. Jennifer spent childhood days assisting her father’s cleaning business, unknowingly preparing for a future where she would navigate international supply chains and government contracting at the highest levels.
Founding International Supply Partners
In 2016, Jennifer launched International Supply Partners (ISP), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. As a stay-at-home mom of six, she was initially drawn to government contracting. The early days were challenging, balancing diapers and federal registrations. But Jennifer steadily grew ISP into a global supply chain company that serves medical, janitorial, office, and industrial sectors.
Clients include: Amazon, HBCUs, healthcare systems, and U.S. government agencies.
The Tariff Era: Challenge and Innovation
Jennifer’s entrepreneurial resilience was tested during the Trump-era trade wars. As detailed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she remained politically neutral but proactive, educating clients on how tariffs could alter prices overnight. “You go from pricing something one day to having to re-quote the next because of a 25% price increase,” she told AJC. The uncertainty forced her to diversify suppliers and increase her domestic sourcing capacity.
In a WABE interview, she highlighted how shipping costs often exceeded product prices—sometimes doubling or tripling them. Jennifer had to build new supplier relationships on short notice to keep her prices competitive and clients informed.
She also shared her views on WSB-TV when Chinese tariffs were paused, voicing the continued uncertainty faced by small businesses relying on imported goods.
Navigating the Pandemic: The PPE Pivot
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ISP saw massive demand for PPE and cleaning supplies. Jennifer leveraged her network to deliver millions of units of protective gear, particularly to underserved communities. Her company’s flexibility became its strength: from school systems to hospitals, ISP ensured continuity of essential supplies.
As featured in Acknowledgemint Magazine, Jennifer’s leadership during the pandemic underscored the impact of women- and minority-owned businesses in national recovery efforts. ISP’s rapid adaptation, while competitors struggled, earned her growing recognition.
Strategic Partnerships & Entrepreneurial Excellence
Jennifer’s rise didn’t go unnoticed. She was selected for the UPS Launchpad program and participated in the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs' Supply Chain Accelerator, which furthered her industry knowledge and access to corporate contracts. These platforms were instrumental in landing major accounts, such as Amazon.
Through these programs, she emphasized that supply chain is more than logistics—it’s relationships, trust, and being ahead of disruption.
Leadership Beyond Business
Jennifer co-chairs the Global Opportunities Committee at the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce, working to increase economic access for the African diaspora. She’s been active in local outreach, youth mentorship, and international trade missions to expand small business access globally.
As VoyageATL noted, Jennifer views entrepreneurship as a tool for community empowerment: “My goal is to leave a legacy not just for my children, but for generations of entrepreneurs after me.”
Business Growth & Community Engagement
Despite personal challenges—including a difficult divorce—ISP’s business surged during the pandemic thanks to demand for PPE. Barbosa shifted from running multiple small ventures to scaling ISP, growing to a team of nine and global reach with expertise in logistics, customs, and manufacturing networks.
She also expanded her influence through leadership roles: co-chairing the Global Opportunities Committee at the Atlanta Black Chamber, engaging with youth outreach, and participating in trade missions—all enhancing economic access for the African diaspora, contributing over $100 million in business opportunities.
Public Recognition & Thought Leadership
Her work earned features in major media outlets and involvement in high-level forums. Jennifer represented Georgia small businesses at an SBA roundtable at Spelman College with national officials, and has been featured numerous times on WSB‑TV discussing supply chain dynamics and tariff pauses.
She also participated in the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs’ Supply Chain Accelerator, securing Amazon as a client through UPS Launchpad and underlining ISP's rising competitiveness.
Challenges, Values, and Leadership Philosophy
Jennifer’s journey has not been without adversity. From betrayal and broken trust to prejudice in a male-dominated industry, she has persevered and grown stronger. She emphasizes resilience, integrity, and breaking barriers—not just for herself, but for other minority and women entrepreneurs.
She is known as the “Queen Supplier,” an inspiring single mother with three children, leveraging her hard-earned vision to lead ISP and champion inclusive business representation.
Quick Facts Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (Atlanta) |
| Specialty | Supply chains: PPE, janitorial, medical, industrial, office |
| Client base | Government agencies, Amazon, HBCUs, hospitals |
| Team size | ~9 core members with global partnerships |
| Public roles | Co-chair, Global Opportunities Committee (Atlanta Black Chamber) |
| Her story | Single mother of three, first‑generation Cabo Verdean American |