Agenda at a Glance

Educational and networking session designed for Kellogg AMEP alumni but open to all. No fee to attend but registration is required.

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

A half-day training held by the Supplier Diversity Training Institute world-renowned leaders Dr. Fred McKinney and Kathey Porter, MBA, MSE, CPSDC.

Please contact Simone.ray@hilton.com if interested in attending.

Speaker(s):
Donald R. Cravins, Jr., under secretary of commerce for minority business development, MBDA
Ying McGuire, CEO and president, National Minority Supplier Development Council

Some of today’s top CEOs generously share their vision regarding pivotal insights, emerging trends, and untapped prospects within their respective industries. This deep dive into what the future holds for the MBE community provides unique perspectives that are typically reserved for the boardroom. In this enlightening session, you will glean knowledge on how to propel your business toward unprecedented growth and new heights.

Moderator:
Eamon Javers, senior Washington correspondent, CNBC

Speaker(s):
Rosie Allen-Herring, president and CEO,    United Way of the National Capital Area
Calvin Butler, CEO, Exelon
Brian Pieninck, president and CEO, CareFirst Bluecross Blueshield
Kevin Plank, CEO, Under Armour

Join us for a captivating discussion where economic insights and investment innovation take center stage. Hear from the chief U.S. white house economist and minority-owned private equity investors, as they explore strategies for government, corporations, and capital to propel minority-owned businesses to forge a path toward shared success and sustainable growth.

Moderator:
Eamon Javers, senior Washington correspondent, CNBC

Speaker(s):
Dr. Heather Boushey, chief economist for the Invest in America Cabinet at the White House, White House
Soo Kim, chairman, Bally's
Monika Mantilla, managing partner, Altura Capital
Sandra Moore, managing director, chief impact officer, Advantage Capital

This session will discuss how minority business enterprise (MBE) private equity funds invest in MBEs using a real-life, practical partnership example. Arkview Capital - a leading MBE private equity firm - has invested in a variety of leading MBEs (Metasys Technologies, ICON Parking, Genesis Bank amongst them). ICON is the largest minority-owned parking operator and mobility services provider in New York; Geneses is one of the largest minority depository institutions in the United States; Metasys Technologies is a leading minority workforce management and procurement solutions firm. 

All of these companies have benefited from Arkview's strategic relationship with them - increased access to capital has expanded both organic and importantly inorganic opportunities. Further, additional capital, support, and connectivity have enabled them to "dream big and think big" and make a big impact on supplier diversity contributing and marching towards NMSDC's goal of $1 trillion in corporate diverse spend.

Speaker(s):
Vijay Mehta, co-founder, Arkview Capital
Romeen Sheth, co-CEO, Metasys Technologies
John Smith, chairman and CEO, ICON Parking
Joset Wright, founder and president, Waypoint Strategies

Speaker(s):
Sharon Pinder, president/CEO, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council

On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. That historic executive order directed the whole of the federal government to advance an ambitious equity and racial justice agenda. Today, more than 90 federal agencies, including all cabinet-level agencies, have the first-ever Equity Action Plans that lay out more than 300 concrete strategies and commitments to address the systemic barriers in our nation's policies and programs that hold too many underserved communities back from prosperity, dignity, and equality. Advancing equity is not a one-year project. It is a generational commitment. These plans are an important step forward, reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration's work to make the promise of America real for every American.

Speaker(s):
Darleene Bullock, director, office of small and disadvantaged business utilization, Defense Homeland Security
Shannon Jackson, director, the office of small & disandvantaged business utilization, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Tommy Marks, vice president and chief operating officer, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council
Ron Pierce, director, office of small and disadvantaged business utilization, U.S. Department of Energy

The new green economy and how minority business enterprises (MBEs) need to re-align their strategy for large corporate supply chains. As the $10 trillion green economy begins to accelerate due to the massive amount of federal seed money being injected into the renewable energy sector through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, corporations will need a deep bench of suppliers to fulfill the demand of the U.S. Government strategy to transition to a renewable energy-based economy. Come listen to a distinguished panel of corporate ESG leaders and MBE suppliers on how they are re-tooling their business strategies to increase the supply chains and workforce to meet this demand.

Moderator:
Susan Jin Davis, social impact officer, Al Roker Entertainment
Speaker(s):
Tan Nguyen, founding member, NuWin FWRD
Elliot Park, CEO, Shine Electronics

The session will illuminate the role of insurance as a vehicle to transform communities and create generational wealth including business capital. Historically, there have been several black-owned insurance companies that helped achieve this mission. Today there is only one, which is our company. 50% of the U.S. adult population has life insurance, the other 50% does not or is grossly underinsured. By focusing on onboarding this neglected demographic, the transfer and creation of wealth through life insurance can be a catalyst for reimagining blighted communities and bolstering economic empowerment.

Speaker(s):
Mary Grate-Pyos, certified family business specialist, MassMutual - First Financial Group
Bryan Simms, CEO, Mammoth Life & Reinsurance Company LLC

This session will provide insight into existing and pending regulatory requirements relative to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns, with a focus on the importance of human rights and regulatory requirements regarding modern slavery, the prevention of modern slavery, and supply chain implications. This will include a review and focus on codes of conduct, general requirements for suppliers, understanding expectations, and adherence to requirements for suppliers. The intent is for corporate members and minority business enterprises (MBEs) to be prepared and understand the defining metrics that matter.

Speaker(s):
I. Javette Hines, director, global head of supply chain development, inclusion, and sustainability, Citi

Established in 2001, the Global Link initiative played a critical role in the creation of partner organizations in Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, we reignited and expanded the program and established partnerships with India, Brazil, and Chile. We also built a strategic partnership with the federal government agency – the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce. Meet our global partners and learn how Global Link 2.0 can help your companies gain access and expand to the global marketplace. 

Speaker(s):
Umberto Brito, president, Integrare Brazil
Cassandra Dorrington, CEO, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
Fang Fang, director, consultant, Global Link Program, National Minority Supplier Development Council
Gary Joseph, CEO, South African Supplier Diversity Council
Dr. Milind Kamble, founder and chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Ivan Contreras Loyola, president, Integrare Chile
Carmela Mammas, director, U.S. commercial serviceNew York, International Trade Administration
Rae Ni, CEO, Minority Supplier Development China
Kate Russell, CEO, Supply Nation
Mayank Shah, CEO, Minority Supplier Development UK

Painting with Pixels: How Visual Storytelling Ignites Business Growth is a session designed to equip minority business enterprises (MBEs) with the knowledge and skills to leverage the transformative power of digital marketing and visual content. This session will delve into the potential of digital marketing to reach diverse audiences, fill the sales funnel, and drive growth for MBEs.

Speaker(s):
Allante Taylor, CEO/founder, A Taylor Media

Diversity is the foundation of which this industry and country are built upon. As our communities are diverse, so should our suppliers be. Successful supplier diversity programs need to extend beyond dollars and focus on opportunities with intrinsic value that provide a lasting impact.

Through outreach, coaching, technical assistance, and more we have found that building bridges have had the most meaningful impact. Our methods have produced significant results in contract awards with an increase of 6,000% from 2019 to 2022, and a significant increase in the number of suppliers that are submitting bids/proposals and who are getting contracts on their own accord. Equity means more than contracts, it means equal access to resources, which is an opportunity for businesses to grow, thrive, and succeed. We believe that by sharing this information during this session we can help others succeed in their quest to be more inclusive. 

Speaker(s):
John Edmonson, senior director of procurement and stores, Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority
Tara Walker, vendor diversity and inclusion manager, Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority

In this stimulating talk, we delve into the powerful role of podcasting in cultivating strategic alliances and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives among minority business enterprises (MBEs). We examine how podcasting, an innovative medium, promotes relationships within the MBE community and between MBEs and corporations. Through ABF Creative's success stories, we demonstrate how podcasting has facilitated collaborations resulting in meaningful alliances and partnerships. Further, we explore how podcasting can bolster DEI initiatives by amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging podcasting to strengthen their strategic alliances, foster sustainable relationships, and contribute to a more inclusive business landscape.

Speaker(s):
Anthony Fraiser, CEO, ABF Creative

Corporations desire and require minority business enterprise (MBE) partners that can deliver with scale. Most MBEs are small businesses. The contradiction is real but requires ingenuity and creativity to bridge the gap. This session will engage both MBEs and corporations who have embraced partnership as a means to build the enterprise capacity needed to serve the largest businesses in the world. And to do it in a "real" manner...no pass-throughs! From concept to contract, we will provide real examples of how partnerships were created, work was allocated, and sales pursuits were coordinated.

Speaker(s):
Jason Booth, president, Windward Engineers & Consultants, LLC
Rona Fourte, vice president, global supplier diversity, CBRE
Ozzie Nelson, chairman and CEO, Nelson Worldwide
Becky Wacker, director of energy service sales, Trane Technologies

The State Small Business Credit Initiative is a nearly $10 billion program designed to drive new lending and investment capital to small business owners and entrepreneurs in towns across America. This session will discuss how states are getting funding through this program and how minority and other underserved entrepreneurs can access it to grow and scale their businesses.  

Speaker(s):
TBD, Minority Business Development Agency

U.S. public and private-sector pension funds control roughly $20 trillion of assets. These pension funds often serve as limited partners for most investment vehicles (e.g., venture capital funds, private equity funds). However, according to a 2021 report by the Knight Foundation, only 0.7% of this institutional capital is allocated to minority-owned fund managers despite Black workers comprising roughly 12% of overall U.S. employment. This inequality significantly increases the risk that emerging minority businesses are bypassed because they aren't a part of the social and professional networking circles of most fund managers. Or worse, these fund managers are ill-equipped to evaluate the talent, experience, and long-term growth potential of minority businesses and the markets in which they operate.

During this session, we will critically examine the factors at play when discussing how the lack of alignment and diverse representation among capital networks and institutions combines with wealth inequality to impact minority communities' ability to build sustainable minority-owned businesses with the potential to meaningfully reinvest in our communities.

Speaker(s):
Reuben Bell, president, QPSI
Angel Cornelius, founder and CEO, Maison 276
Keith Cornelius Jr., president, Maison 276

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the power of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in closing the equity gap and empowering Black founders and entrepreneurs.  In this engaging discussion, Kathryn Ross, global lead for Accenture Black Founders Development Program, will highlight the crucial role of research insights in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by Black founders and entrepreneurs. Elise Smith, founder of Praxis Labs, will share her innovative solutions and tools that cultivate inclusive cultures, address biases, and promote equitable practices within organizations. Dr. Tchicaya Robertson, an accomplished researcher and founder of The Research Institute for the Black Experience (TRIBE), will shed light on Black founders' venture capital gap and funding journey, offering strategies to bridge this gap and foster economic empowerment.

Together, they will delve into the intersection of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, showcasing how their knowledge and expertise work to eliminate disparities and create a level playing field. By leveraging insights, fostering inclusive cultures, and empowering underrepresented founders, these women lead the charge to close the equity gap and drive positive change within corporations and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Speaker(s):
Tchicaya Robertson, Ph.D., executive director, Tribe Insights, Inc.
Kathryn Ross, global lead, black founders development program, and technology innovation market engagement, Accenture
Dominique Rougeau, president and creative director, Lartique Creative
Elise Smith, co-founder and CEO, Praxis Labs

The last few years have created tailwinds for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), as Fortune 500 companies have committed more than $50 billion to partner with these organizations over the next decade. This demand has created ample whitespace for MWBEs to scale up and grow, especially within high-growth sectors of the economy where MWBEs are underrepresented. This roundtable will bring together MWBEs to discuss McKinsey's latest insights on what it takes for MWBEs to win in the marketplace and scale up to accelerate new opportunities for growth.

Speaker(s):
Ken Yearwood, partner, McKinsey & Company

This session will help attendees:

• Understand the concept of a business diversity ecosystem and its role in supporting black-owned businesses.
  Recognize the transformative impact of supporting black-owned businesses on economic growth and closing the equity gap.
• Explore successful examples of how business diversity initiatives have positively affected black-owned businesses.
• Identify the unique contributions and potential of black-owned businesses in reshaping industries and communities.
• Gain insights into strategies and best practices for establishing and nurturing partnerships with black-owned businesses.
• Understand the importance of mentorship, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative networks in supporting black-owned businesses.
• Learn about the role of corporate and government entities in building and sustaining a thriving business diversity ecosystem.
• Inspire and empower them to take action in actively supporting black-owned businesses as a means to drive positive social change and foster economic empowerment.

Speaker(s):
Aaron Reyes, fellow, CEO Action for Racial Equity

In our ever-changing world the situation has produced what might be called "the Grand Paradox of Management," for to be a manager in the modern world is to take responsibility for controlling what is less and less controllable. As the world becomes less stable and predictable, the paradox intensifies. Strategically, it is resolved by declaring that today's business owners must be leaders. The precedence of leadership over management has never been more important than it is today. One can't simply "manage an existing system", for the unstable environment continually threatens to render any given structure and set of policies out of sync with its demands and opportunities. Under these conditions, a leadership model is far more appropriate than a managerial model. The leader constantly invents strategies that are intended to improve the system's adaptation to its present and future environment. This process of leading an organization in an unfolding adaptation is the real meaning of "keeping your options open." Leaders and managers feel the riskiness of the whitewater world. The need is to go forward with a heightened awareness of what the risks are and what it is necessary to have faith in. The need to be an effective member of the leadership team is a characteristic of the new management job. "What should the top team be talking about?." While we talk about teamwork constantly in management, and while there is lots of information on how to create an effective team, it remains a very fragile idea. The emphasis on results, more leadership, risk-taking, and more teamwork-- involved the modern business owner intensely with other people in the organization. "The number one strategic issue facing businesses today and over the next five or ten years is the people factor." Leaders must master people management in order to survive.

Speaker(s):
Robert Wallace, founder, Bithgroup

Both supplier diversity and AI, coupled with human oversight and control, will accelerate generational wealth creation.

Supplier diversity continues to be minimized through organizational cutbacks as a wrongly viewed cost center. When enhanced by AI, however, supplier diversity or enhanced supplier diversity will effectively improve the opportunity for MBEs to participate in contracting, create efficiencies, be acknowledged as a profit center contributor, and become a wealth creation generator.

Meaningful benefits emerge by leveraging enhanced supplier diversity, however, it is critical to understand that biases may creep into the algorithms through its learning nodes (machine learning, natural language processing, etc.). As such, human oversight and control are not only required but mandated. This session is aimed at helping supplier diversity leaders understand and manage the intersection between supplier diversity and AI as the nexus of generational wealth creation.

Speaker(s):
Fernando Hernandez, global leader, supplier diversity, Coca Cola

In this session, we will explore how technology integration enables minority-owned businesses to bridge equity and knowledge gaps, enhancing their competitiveness in today's evolving market. As artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, autonomous vehicles, clean tech, and other advanced technologies reshape industries,  minority business enterprises (MBEs) must adapt and embrace these innovations. We will delve into challenges faced by minority-owned businesses in the manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries, showcasing how AI and other technologies can address these issues.

Speaker(s):
Donna Ennis, director, diversity engagement and program development, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute/Georgia MBDA Business Center
Sankar (Sean) Madhavaraman, project manager, industry 4.0, strategy and leadership development, GaMEP

In today's volatile, uncertain, chaotic, and sometimes ambiguous marketplace, it is critical that leaders can easily align their value proposition to potential and current customers to offer transformational solutions. Companies must become adept at understanding the value relationship. It is the connection between the products and services you offer and your company's bottom line. Your understanding of the value relationship can often be a direct predictor of your success. This highly interactive session invites attendees to commit to recognizing the importance of the value relationship so you can positively respond to marketplace dynamics, align your value proposition, and deliver transformational solutions. Attendees will leave this session with a draft of your value proposition as well as a relationship map to help you "test" it in the marketplace to receive feedback and advocacy.

Speaker(s):
Aaliyah Haqq, chief operating officer, Academy for Advancing Excellence

The pandemic disrupted much of business operations and plans throughout the world. Many firms have had to revise their sales strategies and rethink their business opportunities. Despite the challenges and drastic changes, export opportunities do abound and, in fact, in some markets and for specific goods/services, they have expanded to a larger diverse group of American companies. This panel will review how to find those opportunities and the federal resources available to help navigate and expand to international markets.

Speaker(s):
LaTaunya Darden, manager, minority and women owned business, Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Bill Houck, office of international trade, Small Business Administration
Michael Jackson, senior international trade specialist, International Trade Administration
Carmela Mammas, director, U.S. commercial service, New York U.S. Export Assistance Center, International Trade Administration
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, founder and CEO, RIFE International

Employee ownership is a growing trend that has the potential to advance the dignity and wealth of millions of workers and their communities. As baby boomer businesses retire, 3 million job-creating businesses will be sold or closed over the next decade. This creates a unique opportunity to transition those businesses into being employee-owned. Our goal for this session is to inspire leaders across the investment, healthcare, and corporate ecosystem to see their role as shared stewards of an alternative future where employee ownership is the norm.

Speaker(s):
Hilary Abell, co-founder, Project Equity
Laura Flamm, senior program manager of community health, Kaiser Permanente
Ernie Flores, supplier diversity and inclusion manager, Kaiser Permanente

Succession planning isn’t just for business owners who are close to retirement. Whether retirement is 30 years away, just over the horizon, or you haven’t thought about it at all, a succession plan is vital to ensuring the continued success of your business. Learn the important steps for building a succession plan and take your business to the next level with a strong future.

Speaker(s):

In this session, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will share updates with those seeking to learn more about federal contracting and certified programs, exploring opportunities while paving the way for small firms seeking to grow their businesses in the realm of government contracts. They will delve into the intricacies and requirements of certifying with programs designed to inspire, level the playing field, and give a chance to those whose dream is to have the federal government as their client. 

Additionally, the SBA will share its expertise on capital including SBA lending programs, recent changes to those programs aimed at addressing capital access gaps, and SBA resources that businesses can use to prepare to access capital.  They will also detail how businesses can prepare to access funding by utilizing the SBA Resource Partner network, which includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and Veteran Business Outreach Centers. Participants will learn how the SBA lending programs are a key resource for business growth and how the SBA provides essential support to small businesses.

Speaker(s):

Introductions by:
Donald R. Cravins, Jr., under secretary of commerce for minority business development, MBDA

Speaker(s):
Gina Raimondo, secretary of commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce

Join us for an inspiring journey into the realm of economic equity, featuring C-suite line of business leaders. Discover how these exemplary-suite leaders dismantle barriers and create an enabling environment for minority businesses to flourish. As we broaden the lenses of business diversity, they will guide us through the next frontiers of innovation, opportunities, and industries revealing where minority businesses can strategically shift to propel their businesses to new heights and lead to exponential growth.

Moderator:
Ed Gordon, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Ed Gordon Media

Speaker(s):
Josetta Jones, chief diversity officer, Chevron
Kindle Goodson, vice president, chief operating and procurement officer, TIAA
Margaret Smith, senior managing director and executive director of corporate services and sustainability and business operations, Accenture

The constellation of rapidly emerging domains such as AI, EV, and renewables offers fertile ground for unprecedented MBE opportunities. Prepare to absorb insights from the foremost authorities in these industries and learn how MBEs can leverage the opportunities they present to build successful, long-lasting businesses that will get us one step closer to achieving NMSDC’s $1 trillion annual revenue goal and closing the wealth gap.

Moderator:
Ed Gordon, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Ed Gordon Media

Speaker(s):
Cynthia Williams, global director of sustainability, homologation, and compliance, Ford

The National MBEIC chairs represent NMSDC-certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) at the local and national levels of the 23 affiliate councils. This session will be facilitated by the NMBEIC to focus on MBE-to-MBE spending, building trust, breaking down barriers, and building a network of MBEs that leverage corporate relationships to build long-term partnerships.

Speaker(s):
Pamela Nelson, founder, president, and CEO, Bracane

We all want to belong and be accepted but often that means learning to act the part. We adjust how we present ourselves, code-switching and masking so we align with the status quo because that's what we've been told to do if we want to build the relationships we need to be successful. We often feel trapped. Do we risk being our true selves when we are uncertain of how that will be received?  As minority business enterprises (MBEs) and corporations committed to building diverse and equitable workplaces, we know that inclusion and belonging are keys to business success, yet how do we help individuals show up as they are when they are working so hard to just fit in?

This seminar will focus on how we close the relationship gap without losing who we are. Showing up comes at a cost, but so does conformity. By recognizing the inherent tension in healthy inclusion and belonging, this seminar will equip you with community-oriented tools to navigate the pressures of conformity to create space for unity and uniqueness to thrive.

Speaker(s):
Sunitha Chandy, licensed clinical psychologist and lead trainer, Artesian Collaborative

Join this esteemed group of panelists as they discuss creating a pathway for emerging and the next generation of Black farmers to achieve parity in the agriculture industry. Learn what Walmart, UNFI, Inc., and the National Black Growers Council are doing to assist U.S. Black farmers. 

Speaker(s):
PJ Haynie, chairman, National Black Growers Council
Emily Johnson, account manager, produce, UNFI, Inc.
Marc Winston, senior manager II, supplier inclusion, Walmart

The U.S. population is a multicultural society representing various ethnicities and backgrounds. Similarly, NMSDC represents a multicultural ethnic business society. However, there exists a statistical disparity in the number of minority business enterprises (MBEs) to majority-owned businesses (MOBs). More importantly, a statistical disparity also exists between MBE and MOB revenues. According to the 2020 Census, 40.43% of the population identify as an ethnic minority. However, ethnic minorities only represent 10.55% of classified business revenue and 4.13% of total U.S. revenue. As the U.S. heads towards becoming a minority-majority country in 2043, MBEs must achieve business parity. To achieve this parity, we must first ask what the statistical difference is between the current and desired end states.

During this session, we will explore this statistical difference, what actions we can take to achieve the economic parity we seek, and the positive effects it will have on U.S. and global economic growth.

Speaker(s):
Fernando Martinez, senior vice president, network success, National Minority Supplier Development Council

Organizations face both risks and unseen opportunities for driving equitable impact through the way they operate. Korn Ferry's Equity Audit, an equity assessment tool, establishes a holistic baseline of risks and opportunities across the enterprise, including the supply chain. The equity assessment tool identifies and examines business levers to uncover and harness new opportunities for expanding equitable impact. In this session, using gamification and interactive dialogue, we will apply the Equity Audit model to supply chain and diverse supplier programs to assess an organization's intent, implementation, and impact concerning equitable outcomes.

Speaker(s):
Janeen Blige, principal, Korn Ferry
Thomas Williams, associate client partner, diversity, equity, and inclusion, Korn Ferry

Brand strategy is crucial to position minority business enterprises (MBEs) for brand growth. The primary goal of brand strategy is to create the needed foundation for organizations to connect with customers and consumers. Developing the right building blocks such as brand architecture, visual representation, and messaging, can set up a brand for success. Whether it is product packaging, advertising/marketing campaigns, or digital engagement through social media, targeted ads, and websites brand strategy is the starting point to ensure that all elements associated with a brand are congruent and aligned to most effectively engage customers and consumers to become their brand of choice.

Speaker(s):
Elizabeth Caulder, president and chief strategist, Phoenix Lifestyl Marketing Group

Speaker(s):
TBD, Minority Business Development Agency

Panelists will share how they partnered to offer access to diverse talent and a pool of diverse suppliers from underrepresented communities within Chicago to provide tech jobs, opportunities for increased spend with various smaller diverse-owned businesses that generate the local economy, and provide a strategic community impact solution.  This gamified interactive panel discussion will demonstrate how to deploy solutions to accelerate community development and job creation, which is the driving force behind the local economic viability within communities and the ecosystem.

Speaker(s):
Hardik Bhatt, CEO, SDI Presence LLC
Danielle Bly, vice president, supplier diversity, WEC Energy Group
Adriene Bruce, director of diversity, SDI Presence LLC
Eric Lugo, senior advisor to the chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago

Government procurement represents a significant avenue for business growth, as it provides opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs) to secure contracts, expand their operations, and contribute to economic development. However, MBEs often encounter a range of barriers that impede their participation.  Similarly, government action plans usually include goals that seek the growth and development of MBEs, including the prioritization of those in the allocation of public contracts. Unfortunately, the existing gap between governments and MBEs presents significant challenges.

This session aims to shed light on the aforementioned scenario, raise awareness about the existing challenges, and present strategies for closing the access gap between governments and MBEs through the utilization of government marketplaces.

Speaker(s):
Gerardo Mateo, research and development lead, GLASS
Gisela Montes, community lead, GLASS
Paola Sanatana, CEO, GLASS

How do we fight unconscious bias in the recruiting process? DEI, ESG, and HR policies can only go so far in preparing recruiters to make equitable candidate decisions. During this session, we share a proposal for the implementation of new artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can significantly reduce the impact of conscious and unconscious bias in the hiring cycle.

Guided by comprehensive policies and procedures, AI technology has the potential to transform the hiring process from an error-prone and biased minefield into a well-oiled machine that lays a foundation of fairness. By implementing this technology, organizations can make significant strides in closing the racial gap in business and fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Speaker(s):
Andrew Killingsworth, sales and marketing manager, BEPC, Incorporated
Alma McLeroy, director of human resources and compliance, BEPC, Incorporated

We all know that true equity requires a shared understanding of the challenges and issues faced by marginalized groups. As companies navigate, define, and take action to understand and move the needle on their DEI, supplier diversity, and sustainability programs, there is a recognition of the socioeconomic impact on employees, small businesses, and communities. Powerful tools in achieving this understanding are data, language, and storytelling to build trust, promote inclusivity and transparency, and provide a factual basis for decision-making to bridge the equity gap between organizations and their communities.

In this panel discussion, we will explore why data, language, and storytelling are essential and offer 10 key action steps that corporations and small businesses can take to bridge the equity gap.

Speaker(s):
Florence Amate, founder and president, Laisar Management Group, LLC
Kelly Leonard, director, client experience, Be Equitable
Lynne Stein Benzion, economic development director, Montgomery County, Maryland 

Speaker(s):
Trish Payne, vice president, business development, Atlanta Life Insurance Company
Courtney Johnson, vice president, business development, Atlanta Life Insurance Company

By Invitation Only
Hosted by Build Up Local

The session aims to educate attendees on effective strategies to engage with the Hispanic community and promote cultural understanding. It will emphasize the importance of accurate translation and transcreation when communicating with the Hispanic audience. While translation focuses on converting text from one language to another, transcreation goes beyond literal translation to adapt the content culturally, considering idioms, cultural references, and sensitivities. Participants will learn how to navigate these complexities to convey messages that resonate with a Hispanic audience effectively. The session will also highlight the significance of corporate businesses hiring Hispanic-owned businesses to assist in targeting their messaging toward Hispanic audiences.

The workshop will empower corporate businesses to embrace diversity, leverage cultural insights, and build stronger connections with Hispanic communities, ultimately driving business growth and fostering inclusivity in the marketing industry.

Speaker(s):
Juan Osorio, CEO, Alpha Company Marketing and Media LLC

Come learn about the exciting new features of the NMSDC database including the new search updates available within the database and tips for updating your business profile to improve searchability. 

Speaker(s):
Sunil Nair, CEO, iDatalytics

Public policy dictates the behavior in the marketplace. As such, the role of advocacy for minority businesses is the lifeline of its existence. In light of the challenges resulting from the Supreme Court ruling around affirmative action, advocating for minority businesses is key to the survival of diversity programs.

This session will use a think tank approach to generate ideas for how minority communities can work together for the greater good. Collectively our ethnic minority groups signify the new majority. Centering the voices and experiences of ethnic minority groups enables us to collaborate effectively as one voice. Learn from national thought leaders how you can effectively advocate and engage. 

Speaker(s):
Sharon Pinder, president/CEO, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council

Do you dream of captivating your audience with your powerful message, inspiring positive change, and leaving a lasting impact?  Are you ready to overcome your fear of public speaking and become a confident, engaging, and masterful speaker?

This workshop is one part of a comprehensive three-part series designed to take you from anxious public speaker to transformational leader, captivating storyteller, and Master Legacy Speaker.

Speaker(s):
Jasmin Haley, CEO, Legacy Scaler

Step into the world of endless possibilities and join us for an exhilarating session designed to completely transform how you perceive business growth and corporate or government sales. This session will provide the ultimate blueprint for skyrocketing your business revenues while avoiding the relentless grind and escaping the confines of social media. It will lead you through a fail-proof process of closing high-value corporate and B2B deals, to enable your business to ascend to unparalleled heights of success.

Speaker(s):
Bethanie Nonami, CEO, Marley Nonami Incorporated

Panelists share their journey to close the equity gap and the importance of reaching back into communities of color for economic impact.

Moderator:
Ivy McGregor, executive director, BeyGOOD Foundation

Ariel Alternatives is the private equity subsidiary of Ariel Investments, LLC, the first Black-owned investment manager in the United States. Through its first strategic initiative, Project Black, LP, Ariel seeks to help close the wealth gap in this country by building scalable, sustainable minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) to serve as leading suppliers to Fortune 500 companies. With $1.45 billion in commitments from Project Black’s limited partners and co-investors, it plans to pursue 6-10 middle-market platform companies with $100 million to $1 billion in revenue.

Moderator: 
Tarrus Richardson, founder and CEO, IMB Partners

Speaker(s):
Charles Corpening, senior managing director, head of investment team, Ariel Alternatives, LLC
Wayne Hamilton, vice president, specialty tax, Walmart Stores Inc.

The top barriers facing MBEs from succeeding as corporate suppliers are financial, including bonding, timely payment, access to capital, and insurance requirements.  One financial barrier that has been overlooked is the need for affordable financing to cover the costs for a supplier to mobilize to fulfill a contract or purchase order. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have begun to address this financing gap by offering loans with annual percentage rates (APRs) of 10% or less in amounts of $5,000 to $750,000 by leveraging low-cost capital and grants from corporations, private foundations, and government agencies.

However, only three of these CDFIs are national or multi-state and not limited to a particular business sector or buyer. By contrast, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) doing business with federal, state, and local agencies are supported by a robust ecosystem of nonprofit and public entities that provide affordable financing and a range of support services. This session will bring together reps from these CDFIs, their funders, and engaged buyers to explore strategies for scaling up corporate contract/purchase order financing for diverse suppliers.

Speaker(s):
Ted Archer, executive director, head of business partner diversity, JPMorgan Chase
Mark Brazier, vice president, managing director - contract financing, TruFund
Matthew Shapiro, vice president, director of resource development, TruFund
Yi Wei, Capital Impact
Byron Whitmore, principal, supplier opportunity fund, Macy's

Certified MBEs share their journeys of growth and success while leveraging the NMSDC ecosystem.

Speaker(s):
Anju Abel, president and CEO, Lancesoft
Jared Wilson, chief innovation officer & managing director of global sales, ABCD & Co.

Large corporations are well-intentioned - though often under-resourced – to provide the level of support many diverse suppliers require for success. MSPs are often perfectly positioned to fill this relationship gap. They can provide visibility on all sides while acting as an extension of the buyer's organization and as a mentor to and vocal advocate for diverse suppliers. This ensures that valuable opportunities and successful outcomes are realized up and down the value chain.

Speaker(s):
Michael Smith, Pinnacle Group

A facilitated conversation with leaders in the automotive industry who have a direct line of sight into the trajectory of electric vehicles from concept to customer.

Speaker(s):
Scott Kilmer, director, global sourcing, category management and supplier performance, Harley Davidson
Jennice Samuels, manager, Harley Davidson
Travis Spencer, senior manager, supplier diversity and warranty recovery, Ford Motor Company

According to a recent Capital One Insight Center study, Black and Hispanic business owners may find it more difficult to get access to the funding that they need. In the study, Black and Hispanic business owners who received growth funding averaged only half the amount of funds received by non-Black and Hispanic businesses. Hear from Capital One bankers about how you can be better prepared to unlock that capital in the marketplace.

Speaker(s):
Dhavidson Cayanan, founder and president, Professional Vets Consulting Group, LLC
Andrew Carlson, senior vice president, director - business banking, Capital One
Julie Rakes, senior manager, supplier diversity, Capital One
Kevin Williams, CEO, TekConnX, LLC

Many minority business enterprises (MBEs) are looking for the right ways to scale their businesses, and often lack the knowledge or skills to make it happen. This panel discussion will outline the foundational skills to clearly define who you are, what you do, and why you do it, and will enable you to find the right strategic partners and mentors to help you on your way to growth.

Speaker(s):
Mario Lambert, vice president of sales, Populus Group
Jennifer Pasquier, senior marketing manager, Populus Group
Karen Philbrick, vice president of human resources, Populus Group
Taniesha Thomas, head of diversity, equity and inclusion, Populus Group

In today's hyper-competitive market, every interaction counts. You need every edge you can get to create conversations, win deals, and close more business. That's where AI tools such as ChatGPT can help you to stay ahead of the competition. With its powerful AI natural language-generating capabilities, ChatGPT enables you to launch better sales and marketing interactions that build rapport, and trust, and, ultimately, drive sales.

Speaker(s):
Patrick Alexander, founder and CEO, Balambico

The transition to clean energy and the green economy presents significant opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs) to thrive. To capitalize on emerging markets, MBEs must possess the necessary knowledge and skills. This session aims to address the knowledge gap by providing practical advice and training for MBEs with a combination of experts from the public and private sectors. 

Speaker(s):
Fritz Auguste, acting budget officer of state and community energy programs, U.S. Department of Energy
Phil Croskey, CEO and co-founder, MD Energy Advisors
Paul Douglas, president & co-founder, JPI Group
Quinn Parker, founder and CEO, Encolor Consulting
Jen Szaro, president and CEO, Association of Energy Services Professionals

LinkedIn has 900 million users globally. And it's no longer enough simply to have a presence on the platform. If you're not branding yourself and weaving dynamic storytelling into your content, you're likely missing out on networking and strategic business opportunities that can help you reach your big goals.

In this powerful session, Emmy award-winning journalist and dynamic speaker Bofta Yimam will reveal the key must-have elements on your LinkedIn profile, the power behind story-focused content, and how to create it effectively and efficiently.

Speaker(s):
Bofta Yimam, founder, StoryLede

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) in partnership with NMSDC is proud to present a  panel discussion that goes to the heart of racial wealth disparities in America - "Bridging the Wealth Gap: Pathways Towards Racial Economic Equity." This session brings together prominent leaders from various sectors to discuss the systemic barriers and potential solutions to racial wealth inequality.

Speaker(s):
Ron Busby, CEO and president, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

During this session we will unravel the fundamental roles of Relational Intelligence (RI), Social Intelligence (SI), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in overcoming relationship gaps within minority business enterprises (MBEs). The session will emphasize the importance of these aspects in fostering productive relationships, enhancing communication, and achieving overall business success. 

Speaker(s):
Dr. Cherry Collier, chief engagement officer and head coach, Personality Matters, Inc.

In this session, we will explore the power of networking and how it can help you expand your customer mix. We will dive into strategies and techniques for building meaningful relationships with individuals, corporations, government entities, and channel partners. Through interactive audience participation and real-life examples you will gain valuable insights and actionable tips to maximize your network's potential and grow your customer base effectively.

Speaker(s):
Jackie Taylor, alliance leader for the government and public sector practice, EY

The supply chain is one often overlooked avenue through which organizations can improve health equity, boost the economic impact and empowerment of the local community and initiate change management that can transform a health system's organizational structure. Diversifying the supply chain not only builds supply resilience for organizations, but also acts as a catalyst, often pulling together disparate areas of the health system that did not previously collaborate on diversity, equity, or inclusion initiatives. When a supply chain DEI strategy is implemented and connected to the local community, a multiplier effect occurs where both health systems and neighbors win.

This session explores the benefits and considerations that must be considered when implementing such a strategy in the healthcare industry. 

Speaker(s):
Heather Blonsky, lead data scientist, center for advanced analytics and informatics, Vizient
Shaleta Dunn, vice president, supplier diversity and social investment impact, Vizient

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, minority business enterprises (MBEs) face access barriers to technology that can accelerate their growth and scalability. This presentation aims to empower MBEs by introducing innovative strategies and tools, including generative AI, that can transform access to opportunities without requiring in-depth technical knowledge.

Speaker(s):
Kyle Samuels, founder and CEO, Creative Talent Endeavors

Past and current policies combined with discriminatory practices within the agriculture and food industry have prohibited the success of minority business enterprises (MBEs) and have created equity gaps within the sectors that have yet to be reversed.  

In this panel, speakers will discuss the past causes of these equity gaps among MBEs and black farming operations including the barriers to market entry experienced by them. In addition, they will identify innovative solutions to close these gaps and drive impactful change for those affected. 

Speaker(s):
Maggie Jo Hansen, associate director, commodity purchasing, Tyson Foods
Jasmine Hendrix. director of programs and food scientist, Freedman Heirs Foundation
Dr. Michael Lloyd, CEO and chief scientific officer, Amelioron Corporation
P. Wade Ross, CEO, Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers Community Based Organization
Eboni Woodruff, director, Agricultural Law Institute for Underserved and Underrepresented Communities at Southern University Law Center

This session will address the representation and revenue of Black- and Hispanic-owned manufacturers in the major supply chains that are the targets of the new industrial policy legislation. Based on research that the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City is conducting as part of a partnership with NMSDC, it will show the extent to which Black- and Hispanic-owned companies are underrepresented in those supply chains and identify revenue gaps between those companies and their white-owned counterparts.

It will also recommend policies and strategies to remedy these representation and revenue gaps that are currently preventing Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs from realizing their full potential to benefit from America's new industrial transformation. 

Speaker(s):
Howard Wial, senior vice president and director of research, ICIC

Expanding your company footprint from being U.S.-based to an international organization may seem daunting, but there is a benefit to pursuing this expansion. Many corporations have a global footprint and need suppliers that can perform outside of the U.S.

In this session, you will hear from a panel of leaders including supplier diversity professionals, procurement leaders, minority business enterprises (MBEs) that have made the transition from being U.S.-based into an international or global entity, and leaders from prominent global supplier diversity organizations.

Speaker(s):
Erin Timmerman, director, global supplier diversity, GSK

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, sales excellence is no longer just about closing deals. It's about cultivating meaningful relationships, leveraging innovation, and strategically positioning yourself in the marketplace. Drawing from real-world experiences and extensive research, this session will unveil a groundbreaking approach to sales that merges traditional wisdom and the science of psychology, with modern communication strategies. 

Speaker(s):
Hilmon Sorey, co-founder, ClozeLoop

No other cultural phenomenon has managed to captivate such a vast demographic as hip-hop has. Its influence extends from children to teenagers and spans across young and older adults, finding a special place in the hearts of countless individuals. Harnessing this immense appeal, hip-hop has become one of the most effective means of connecting with specific target markets but are BIPOC founders misusing one of their biggest assets? Throughout this panel, we will gain invaluable insights from successful entrepreneurs who have utilized the dynamic culture of hip-hop to propel their businesses to unprecedented heights and far beyond.

Speaker(s):
J.E. Gamble
Ant Marshall, founder, Lyricist Lounge
Kaylan Martin, founder and CEO, Blue Umbrella Strategies

In this session, LISC and Abbott will share insights on how the Abbott & LISC Initiative can effectively address the equity gap for minority-owned businesses, fostering their growth, expansion, and contracting opportunities. This approach not only connects minority-owned businesses to vital resources but also facilitates partnerships between capable minority-owned businesses and corporations like Abbott.

Speaker(s):
Akilah Hicks, senior program officer, LISC

The Biden-Harris Administration is investing in America’s communities like never before, from delivering historic infrastructure investments, to making high-speed internet accessible for every American, to revitalizing the nation’s domestic manufacturing, and more. Through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and other historic investments there are ample opportunities for America’s minority, small, and underserved businesses to participate in building up our nation. This session will dive into these generational investments and how they are reaching communities that need it the most.  

Speaker(s):
TBD, Minority Business Development Agency

Corporate Plus welcomes our new corporate members, new Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR) members, and its newest 2023 Corporate Plus members with a champagne toast. Corporations will enjoy bubbly conversations with Corporate Plus members and learn how they “Lead the Way and Light the Way for Others.”

Open to NMSDC Corporate Plus members, new corporate members, and new BDR members but registration is required.

Speaker(s):
Lorena Valencia, director of Corporate Plus, National Minority Supplier Development Council

Join corporate diversity leaders as they discuss their role in shaping company-wide diversity and inclusion strategies. Each company will share examples of how they have broadened the diversity conversation across the enterprise.

Speaker(s):
Michael Thomas, director, supplier management & business diversity programs, Discover
Matt Greene, senior manager, supplier diversity, Toyota

Corporate CPOs will share their vision for expanding supplier diversity, driving business inclusivity, and shaping procurement's future.

Moderator:
Kala Gibson, chief enterprise corporate responsibility officer, Fifth Third

Speaker(s):
Barbara, Kubicki, chief procurement officer, Wells Fargo
Susanna Webber, chief procurement officer, Merck

In today's polarized climate, legal challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are increasingly prevalent and influential. Join us for an enlightening discussion as our panel engages in a constructive dialogue about the complex intersection of law, policy, and diversity. Discover how organizations and communities are navigating this landscape, and gain insights into strategies for advancing DEI goals while addressing legal hurdles.

Speaker(s):
Alphonso David, CEO and president, Global Black Economic Forum