Preliminary Program

This event is more than a networking opportunity, it’s a strategic platform designed to catalyze growth for MBEs by facilitating meaningful connections, access to capital, and strategic partnerships. Whether your goal is to secure funding, identify key business partnerships, or expand your network with influential stakeholders, this event is a must-attend.

Invitation only.

• Kellogg AMEP Alumni Breakout
• Tuck Alumni Breakout
• Acres Alumni Breakout
• COECP Alumni Breakout
• EYE Program Alumni Breakout
• NMSDC CyberPro Training Network Alumni Breakout

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

Celebrating 10 Years of the Opportunity Accelerator

Presented annually by the National MBE Input Committee (NMBEIC), the Opportunity Accelerator is a unique event crafted by MBEs for MBEs. This FREE event welcomes all minority businesses, NMSDC corporate members, and regional affiliate staff.

Register Today!

NMSDC staff will be available to MBEs before and after OA24 to address your certification questions, help you update your MBE profile, and answer any questions related to our programs and events.

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

Introduction to the conference theme and its relevance in the current economic and social climate.

Speaker(s):

Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC.

Eric Morrissette, Acting Undersecretary, MBDA.

Speaker(s):

Nedra Dickson, managing director -global supplier inclusion, and sustainability lead, Accenture.

Join managing directors from Accenture, EY, and McKinsey as they explore the future of consulting with a focus on creating opportunities for minority businesses in the era of digital transformation and sustainability. This panel will discuss how leading consulting firms are adapting their strategies to help minority-owned businesses leverage emerging technologies.

Speaker(s):

Chloe Barzey, senior managing director, Accenture.

Tiffany Burns, senior partner, McKinsey & Company.

Regenia Sanders, managing director, EY.

Join us for an engaging and insightful panel discussion featuring top CEOs who are redefining leadership in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. As we navigate "defining new norms," these visionary leaders will share their experiences, strategies, and perspectives on what it takes to lead effectively in times of unprecedented change.

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, minority-owned businesses require strategic financing to expand into international markets. This panel aims to explore how minority business enterprises (MBEs) can leverage key government and commercial resources, specifically the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), the Small Business Administrationís (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), and a Delegated Authority MBE Lender, to expand into international markets and drive sustainable growth. 

This panel convenes representatives from EXIMís Minority & Women-Owned Business Group (MWOB), Delegated Authority Lender (TBD), and SBA STEP, to illuminate the array of financial assistance available to MBEs. Each panelist will share insights, strategies, and success stories showcasing the tangible benefits of public and private support for capital readiness and international business growth.

Speaker(s):

Emmanuella Lamothe, Step Program Manager, Small Business Administration.

Jonathan Brady, Exim Bank.

Join Tiana Von Johnson, a trailblazing entrepreneur, as she unveils the secrets behind her transformative journey to success, including her powerful "Lion" and "Zebra" analogy.

In this enlightening session, Tiana will explore the seven pivotal laws that have shaped her remarkable career and personal growth. Drawing from her experiences—from overcoming poverty to generating millions—Tiana will guide you through the core principles outlined in her latest book, 7 Laws of Entrepreneurial Success: The Millionaire Mind Manifesto.

This session will offer invaluable insights into personal discovery, overcoming adversity, and harnessing your inner potential to build a thriving, purpose-driven life.

Speaker(s):

Dr. Tiana Von Johnson, Founder and CEO, TVJ World Wide.

This session will provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with valuable insight on how to effectively do business with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry.

The session will cover opportunities in emerging commodities, best practices to successfully navigate the supplier registration process, and key strategies for building strong partnerships with OEMs. Participants will gain practical knowledge and actionable steps to enhance their competitiveness and engagement with major automotive manufacturers.

Speaker(s):

Hass Beydoun, Supplier Diversity Manager, General Motors.

Bruno Olvera, Head of Diversity Supplier Development, Stellantis.

Matt Greene, Supplier Diversity Senior Manager, Toyota.

Travis Spencer, Head of Supplier Relations, Ford Motor Company.

Daryl Watson, Manager Procurement Diversity, Honda.

In today's business landscape, fostering a diverse supplier base is not just a corporate social responsibility but a strategic imperative. This session, jointly presented by We The Win Woman and Liberty Mutual, will explore the essential elements of constructing a supplier diversity program that stands out and drives impactful results.

Participants will gain insights into the journey from conceptualizing to executing a comprehensive program that exceeds industry standards.

The session will cover the importance of aligning supplier diversity with the overall corporate strategy, ensuring executive buy-in, and setting measurable goals. Attendees will learn about best practices for identifying and engaging diverse suppliers, leveraging data and analytics for continuous improvement, and creating a culture of inclusivity within the supply chain.
Through real-world examples and case studies, we will demonstrate how an effective supplier diversity program can enhance innovation, drive economic growth, and strengthen community relations. This session is designed for procurement professionals, diversity and inclusion leaders, and anyone interested in learning how to build a robust supplier diversity initiative that delivers tangible business benefits.

Speaker(s):

Erika Gibson, AVP & Director, Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Diversity, Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Yanyn San Luis, Founder and CEO, The Win Woman.

The BOW Collective is a 200+ women's network that works together to strategically secure contracts and capital. The brand and the connections are invaluable to our members and we'd like to share some of our best strategies for securing and strengthening a business network.

The officers of BOW will share the story of how they grew their company into a 1.4B Enterprise of business collaborators.

Speaker(s):

Nicole Cober, president, The BOW Collective.

Ticki Favaroth, vice president & COO, The BOW Collective.

Wells Fargo's Open for Business Fund (OFB) is a national small business recovery effort focused on racially and ethnically diverse small business owners who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. OFB grantees report reaching more than 203,000 small businesses and empowering them to preserve or create 254,000 jobs through the end of June 2023. Of these businesses served, 79% were owned by racially or ethnically diverse individuals and 53% were women-owned small businesses.

As part of this effort, Wells Fargo donated $100 million to support small business growth in five markets: Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami, where lead intermediary organizations designed and launched capital programs (e.g., grants, low-cost loans, CRE financing) and technical assistance supports. All programs share a common thread: they help small businesses acquire tangible business assets such as property and equipment to build wealth and long-term growth. 

Wells Fargo understood the value of uniting the network of capital deployment partners across the five markets of focus. The learning cohort was co-designed with representatives from each market (such as Invest Atlanta) and Keecha Harris and Associates, Inc (KHA), our national convening partner. The learning cohort activities began in early 2022 and run through mid-2025. 

Intermediary organizations have engaged to cross-pollinate strategies, to honestly share successes and realities while dreaming up how to transform existing ecosystems of support to be more easily navigated by small business owners, and to synthesize learnings to take back into their markets -- creating a positive ripple effect in communities. 

This proposed session will share insights from designing and facilitating a cadence of virtual and in-person collective learning sessions. It will put into context the overarching goals and measurable impact of this phase of OFB investment to MBEs within and across markets, as well as demonstrate the power of collaboratively designed learning spaces.

Speaker(s):

Ginny Hodges Mclendon, Sr. Small Business Growth Philanthropy Specialist, Wells Fargo.

Macaire Edison, M.Ed., Project Manager, Keecha Harris & Associates, Inc.

Horace Duffy, PhD, Strategy, Evaluation, and Learning Associate, Keecha Harris & Associates, Inc.

With more than 95% of the world's consumers outside of the United States, opportunities abound for U.S. small businesses to sell internationally. Most export companies have an easier time riding out fluctuations in the U.S. economy and are more likely to stay in business. On average, sales grow faster, more jobs are created, and employees earn more than in non-exporting firms. 85% of U.S. exporters are small or medium-sized companies. This session will bring together federal, state, and local resources to help you, no matter where you fall on the exporting spectrumówhether you have never considered exporting, are a new exporter, or a seasoned exporter. 

Speaker(s):

Aerek Stephens, Director Minority and Women-Owned Business Division & Regional Export Promotion Program, Minority and Women Owned Business & Multiplier Outreach Division, Exim Bank.

Michael Jackson, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service.

David Leonard, Export Finance Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration. Office of International Trade.

Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises that supply goods and services to the government or major firms receiving government contracts or subsidies have an opportunity to grow their businesses. 

These businesses face unique challenges that constrain their ability to secure and deliver on contract obligations. These challenges range from shortages in working capital needed to cover the costs of delivering on a contract to cash flow gaps resulting from extended payment terms from buyers to dilutive capital options. Persistently high interest rates continue to exacerbate access to capital issues for supplier businesses. Relevant statistics underscoring these challenges include: 
- 24% of suppliers do not have access to enough liquidity to operate for a year
- 48% of suppliers have days sales outstanding (DSO) longer than 30 days

Learn about the evolving landscape of supplier finance, with a focus on tools like Revenue Based Financing (RBF) and how it offers a flexible financing solution that can empower diverse suppliers. We'll discuss real-world examples and success stories where supplier finance has enabled diverse suppliers to access capital based on their revenue streams and hear from RBF providers on trends in the industry.

Speaker(s):

Michael Belles, co-founder and head of partnerships, Catalyze.

Charisee Conanan-Johnson, co-CEO, Nextstree.

Kim Folsom, founder, chairperson, and CEO, Founders First.

Byron Whitmore II, principal, supplier Opportunity Fund, Macy's.

This informative session is designed to help Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) understand the significant implications of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrationís (OSHA) Warehousing and Distribution National Emphasis Program (NEP) on their operations and those of their vendors and suppliers.

During this session, industry experts will provide an overview of NEP, detailing the specific safety and health standards that are being targeted within the warehousing and logistics sectors. Attendees will gain insights into risks and regulations that may affect their business processes, workforce safety, operational costs, and reputation.

We will feature a case study and a real-world example that will provide practical insights and actionable lessons, demonstrating how proactive risk management can lead to operational improvements and business growth. 

Discussion points will include:

1. Understanding OSHA's Focus: A comprehensive breakdown of the emphasis program and its primary objectives.
2. Impact Analysis: How the program's regulations influence warehousing and logistics operations, with a specific look at potential risks and compliance requirements for MBEs.
3. Vendor and Supplier Considerations: Strategies for evaluating and ensuring that your vendors and suppliers are also in compliance, thus safeguarding your supply chain.
4. Risk Management Strategies: Practical advice and best practices for meeting OSHA standards, including how to implement effective safety protocols and training programs within your organization.

We will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions specific to their unique businesses.

Speaker(s):

Kahlilah Guyah, CHMM, CSP, CEO, Founder and Principal Consultant, EHS Compliance Services.

Subena Colligan, CIH, CSP, EHS Compliance Services.

Doing Business with U.S. Department of Defense Prime Contractors in support of mission requirements. The panel discussion will discuss how to do business with their companies and how to gain access to government contracts. The panelists will share important insights and tips to prepare and compete in the defense space.

Speaker(s):

Gwen Johnson, Director, Supplier Diversity, Parsons.

Latin America is evolving into a nearshoring hotspot, projected to escalate exports by $78 billion annually. Countries like Mexico are attractive due to their strategic location, competitive labor costs, and robust talent acquisition potential. Over half of Mexicoís exports to the U.S. originate from border states, benefiting from delivery times significantly shorter than Asiaís. Strengthened by the USMCA and 13 free trade agreements, Mexico emerges as a pivotal trade hub.

This session will empower businesses to identify growth opportunities by expanding into new markets, leveraging nearshore talent, and exporting and importing opportunities.

The discussion, led by LBAN, will include a representative from the International Trade Office, Perez, Correa, Gonzalez Law Firm, and a business owner who has successfully expanded to Latam. We will explore cross-border collaboration and nearshoring opportunities to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Speaker(s):

Susana Alvarez Vitale, CEO, New Tech Group.

Javier Diaz de Leon, Consul General, Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta.

Ramiro Cavazos, CEO and president, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Garcia, chief operating officer, Latino Business Action Network.

In today's dynamic business environment, the ability to build and leverage a powerful network is crucial for long-term success. This session is designed to equip attendees with the insights and strategies needed to create, sustain, and utilize a robust business network to drive growth and innovation.
During this session, you will learn how to identify and connect with key stakeholders who can support your journey. We'll explore the principles of strategic networking, moving beyond superficial interactions to develop meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. You'll discover how to leverage your network to access new opportunities, gain valuable insights, and enhance your credibility in the industry.

Interactive activities and real-world examples will provide you with practical tools and techniques that can be immediately applied to your networking efforts. By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of how to strategically grow your business network and harness its power to unlock new opportunities and drive entrepreneurial success.

Join us and transform the way you connect, collaborate, and grow!

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), job scams cost Americans over $200 million in 2020 alone. In 2020, the FTC received more than 16,000 complaints about job scams. A Harvard Business School study found that a one-star increase in Yelp rating can lead to a 5-9% increase in revenue for a business, highlighting how critical online reviews are. Conversely, Moz reports that a single negative review can cost a business up to 22% of potential customers, and three or more negative articles/feedback can cause a loss of up to 70% of potential customers. The impact on the reputation of a company can be significant, especially for a small business to try and repair its reputation for incorrect data published.

This session will highlight stories of companies that had to mitigate the impact of these catastrophic events that can cripple businesses and provide practical solutions to leveraging networks and partnerships to rebuild and regain trust.

As the landscape of work and education rapidly evolves, the role of higher education in preparing the future workforce has never been more critical. This panel brings together esteemed presidents of colleges and universities to discuss how academic institutions are responding to the changing demands and opportunities of tomorrow's leaders.

Speaker(s):

Lisa Chang, EVP and global chief people officer, The Coca-Cola Company.

Dr. Kevin James, president, Morris Brown College.

• Identify and prioritize the most impactful AI use cases for your organization
• Build and manage an effective AI team and culture
• Develop and deploy AI solutions that are scalable, reliable, and secure
• Measure and communicate the value and impact of AI
• Address the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI
• Foster trust and collaboration among your stakeholders and customers

Speaker (s):

Deepak Khare, Founding partner, Caresoft Inc.

Reports continue to show that there is a crisis in closing the wealth gap and transfer of wealth in communities of color, which includes having the opportunity to purchase insurance products and services to protect what matters most. This session aims to bring awareness on how leveraging Alternative Distribution can help secure our future by protecting businesses, families, and wealth for both diverse businesses and NMSDC corporate partners. 

Our presentation explores the concept and benefits of Alternative Distribution, a rapidly evolving model of insurance delivery that embeds the sale/offer of protection into the customer journey of buying products and services that customers already use and trust. Allstate leads the way in this innovative approach, partnering with various platforms and ecosystems to offer customized solutions and education for the diverse needs of our customers.

One key advantage of Alternative Distribution is its potential to reach and serve underserved markets that often face barriers and gaps in accessing traditional insurance channels.

Speaker(s):

Mike Watson, Vice President and General Manager of Allstate Embedded Solutions, Allstate.

Speaker(s):

Jay Bailey, CEO and president, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.

In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion face unprecedented challenges, business leaders must step up to define new norms that champion the future of minority business enterprises (MBEs). This panel of distinguished C-Suite leaders will explore the critical strategies and innovative approaches necessary to secure equity and drive forward-thinking business practices.

Speaker(s):

Daniel Abate, head of corporate real estate, Chevron.

Jeff Garrett, senior vice president, chief financial officer, and chief risk officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Anu Saxena, president, Hilton Supply Management.

Moderator:

Calvin Butler, CEO and president, Exelon Corp.

A well-funded, well-coordinated, systematic assault on diverse-owned businesses and business diversity is underway. These efforts are completely out of step with the beliefs, values, and actions of the vast majority of senior executives, customers, and the American public. In this moment, a broad and intersectional coalition to defend and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has never been more critical. This session will bring together leaders across a diverse coalition of business advocates to explore how they are responding to these assaults and actions we can all take in support of MBEs.

Speaker(s):

Ron Busby, CEO and president, US Black Chambers Inc.

Ramiro Cavazos, CEO and president, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Alphonso David, CEO and president, Global Black Economic Forum.

Justin Nelson, co-founder and president, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

Chiling Tong, CEO and president, National ACE.

Moderator:

Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Investor, Partner, and Entrepreneur perspectives on raising capital. This session will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how to develop a capital strategy that aligns with your success and exit goals. We will focus on building an effective capital strategy that supports your business objectives and leadership values. 

Each speaker will cover the opportunities and constraints associated with raising capital in the short, medium, and long term. They will walk through the investor business model, demystifying key terms, conditions, and success measures. Additionally, an entrepreneur will share their personal journey, highlighting their decision to bring on outside capital and the lessons they learned along the way. The panel discussion will close by providing recommended resources and tools to build capital strategies aligned with your business.

Speaker(s):

Jewel Burks Solomon, managing partner, Collab Capital.

Monique Carswell, director, Center for Racial Equity, Walmart.

Valdese Jones, Wells Fargo.

Kamy Taylor, director, Milestones Circle Program, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

Lisa Jones, founder and CEO, EyeMail Inc.

In todayís digital age, cyber threats are a constant and evolving challenge for businesses, particularly SMBs. This session, led by Corey White, the dynamic founder and CEO of Cyvatar, will explore how groundbreaking cybersecurity innovations can transform these threats into opportunities for growth. Corey will share insights on the latest advancements in cybersecurity, such as AI and machine learning, and their impact on protecting and expanding business operations.

Attendees will discover how robust cybersecurity measures are not just about defense but can also be a significant driver of growth by unlocking new markets and customer segments. Corey will discuss how Cyvatarís strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Mastercard and Zimperium Mobile have enhanced their cybersecurity offerings, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving success.

This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to understand the dual role of cybersecurity as a shield and a growth catalyst in today's competitive market. Corey's practical insights and visionary leadership will provide actionable strategies for integrating innovative cybersecurity solutions into your business, ensuring both protection and prosperity.

Speaker(s):

Corey White, Founder and CEO, Cyvatar.

In this session, we will explore the crucial role of entrepreneurial advocacy in driving policy changes that eliminate barriers and create equitable opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). By examining successful case studies and strategic policy interventions, we will demonstrate how targeted advocacy efforts can spur growth and enable MBEs to thrive in both, the public and private sectors.

Attendees will gain insights into effective advocacy strategies and learn how to engage with policymakers to foster an inclusive business environment.

Speaker(s): 

Servola Frazier.

Join acclaimed actor and entrepreneur Malik Yoba for an inspiring fireside chat as he shares his journey from the world of entertainment to becoming a successful serial entrepreneur. Best known for his roles in iconic TV shows and films, Malik will delve into how his artistic career laid the foundation for his business ventures. He’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities he encountered while building a portfolio that spans real estate, media, technology, and education. In this candid conversation, Malik will offer insights on personal reinvention, leadership, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

Speaker(s):

Malik Yoba, actor, director, musician, author, entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, and social justice warrior, Yoba Development.

Suppliers need help accessing the worldís largest corporations. Carla Cobb, Fifth Third's director of supplier diversity, recognized a need for corporate supplier diversity professionals to engage with each other to create more access and opportunities for MBEs. She created a Supplier Diversity Leadership Group comprised of professionals from the consumer goods, retail, financial services, and insurance industries. The group started with 10 members and has grown to over 40 today, underscoring the value leaders have found in joining together to drive the advancement of supplier diversity programs in corporations.

In addition to leading other professionals, Fifth Third takes an innovative, three-pronged approach to driving the supplier diversity ecosystem: value-driving industry events, national conference activation, and by partnership engagement like Fifth Third's with NMSDC to drive supplier diversity nationwide. 

For eight years, Fifth Third has hosted an annual Supplier Diversity Summit, which has yielded compelling success stories for MBEs who have gained access to Fortune 500ís through the event's networking opportunities, pitch contests, and monetary awards to grow their businesses. 

Fifth Third also activates at national conferences by sharing valuable booth space with an invited and sponsored MBE, which has led to connections and contracts for them with major retailers like Ulta Beaty and Target. 

Finally, Fifth Third leverages its leadership and membership with the NMSDC (Fifth Third's Kala Gibson is chairman of the board) and its sponsorship and co-creation of the NMSDCís Center of Excellence program to drive MBE success stories, including one that was able to grow from a Class II to a Class III enterprise after the program. 

This proposed fireside chat will feature Carla Cobb, our director of supplier diversity, and at least two minority small businesses to share their stories of success, which have resulted from one of our three innovative approaches to supplier diversity.

Speaker(s):

Carla Cobb, Fifth Third Bank.

Sadie Catlett, Account Manager, Progressive Business Solutions.

This session will explore how sustainability and inclusion practices can offer competitive advantages to diverse-owned small businesses and demonstrate the invaluable role of the small business ecosystem in supporting these efforts.

The session will include a brief presentation of key findings from AEO's forthcoming Seizing Opportunities report (July 2024), followed by a conversation with business support organizations with insight on practical steps and resources to help small businesses implement sustainable practices, close knowledge gaps, and position them for success in the procurement process.

Speaker(s):

Chelsea Maxell, Senior Research Associate, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO).

Renée Johnson, Senior Director of Regional and Industry Councils, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO).

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) fleets, harnessing the power of microgrids presents a promising avenue for enhanced sustainability, cost savings, and operational resilience. This presentation will guide NMSDC attendees through the crucial steps of determining and implementing microgrid solutions tailored for EV fleets.

The initial steps in assessing the viability of microgrid integration for your EV fleet, consider factors like fleet size, charging infrastructure, and geographical location.

Specific Benefits for EV Fleets: Discover how microgrids can optimize EV fleet operations, offering benefits such as reduced operational costs, increased energy independence, and improved overall sustainability.

Key questions and considerations: Gain insights into the essential questions and considerations for successful microgrid implementation, addressing factors like energy demand forecasting, grid connectivity, and regulatory compliance.

Upfront costs: Understand the upfront financial considerations associated with adopting a microgrid solution for your EV fleet and explore potential sources of funding or incentives.

Technical requirements and challenges: Navigate the technical aspects of integrating microgrids with EV fleets, including charging infrastructure compatibility, energy storage, and potential challenges in system integration.

Utility engagement: Learn about the importance of engaging with utility providers for seamless microgrid integration, negotiating power agreements, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Resiliency: Explore how microgrids contribute to the resilience of EV fleets, providing backup power during outages and enhancing overall fleet reliability.

Evening out power load and selling power back to the grid: Unlock the potential for revenue generation by optimizing power usage within the microgrid, evening out load profiles, and exploring opportunities to sell excess power back to the grid.

Other concerns and discussion of EV fleet use cases with microgrids: Delve into additional considerations, challenges, and real-world use cases to provide a comprehensive understanding of the symbiotic relationship between microgrids and EV fleets.

Speaker(s):

Dexter Turner, founder and CEO, Oponnect.

Workshop providing the necessary tools and strategy to successfully launch your start up.

Speaker(s):

Professor Gail Taylor, Clinical Professor and Faculty Director of the Building a Successful Diverse Business Program, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Speaker(s):

Erin McKinney, National Executive Director, Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, Howard University. 

In the face of rapidly changing market dynamics, Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) are crucial in redefining the procurement landscape. This panel brings together esteemed CPOs to share how they are setting new standards for inclusivity, implementing strategies that ensure diverse suppliers have equitable opportunities, and driving significant benefits for their organizations and communities.

Speaker(s):

Marion Gross, executive vice president, global chief supply chain officer, McDonald's Corporation

Jaideep Majumdar, chief procurement officer, City of Atlanta, Department of Procurement.

Kennedy Oates, vice president, global procurement organization, Amazon.

Moderator:

Barbara Kubicki, chief procurement officer, Wells Fargo.

Speaker(s):

Aaron Jackson, principal, World Wide Technology.

Jeet Kumar, CEO and founder, In Time Tec.

Ann Ramakumaran, CEO and founder, Ampcus.

Amid tightening credit requirements, inflation, and other economic uncertainties, securing capital is paramount for suppliers looking to expand, manage cash flow, or invest in new opportunities. Understanding the underwriting perspective is crucial for enhancing the chances of obtaining the necessary funds. This presentation aims to demystify the process of accessing capital by providing suppliers with insights into how underwriters assess businesses and how the supplier can prepare for a successful application.

We will explore the key factors underwriters consider, such as creditworthiness and financial health. The session will stress the importance of financial management and providing details of any assets available for securing loans. By understanding the underwriter’s perspective and preparing meticulously, suppliers can effectively navigate the process of accessing capital, thereby securing the necessary funds to support and grow their business.

Speaker(s):

Desha Elliott, Accion Opportunity Fund.

Brian Moon, Sales Manager, Accion Opportunity Fund.

From household items to the technology and apps we use to the shoes and the makeup we wear, Asian-American innovation has become an intrinsic part of our daily routines. The number of Asian-American and Asian-founded businesses in the US is growing along with their economic impact. With their success, the mission to highlight the landscape of this growing community of entrepreneurs has also grown more important. What are the most exciting investment opportunities in Asian-American and Asian-founded businesses across all sectors? How does the Asian-American upbringing color the pathway to becoming entrepreneurs in today’s increasingly diverse market?

The Future of Supplier Diversity: Trends and Best Practices workshop delves into the evolving landscape of supplier diversity, focusing on innovative strategies and emerging trends. Participants will explore best practices for fostering inclusive procurement processes, leveraging partnerships, discuss key considerations, and best practices.

The workshop aims to equip MBEs with the tools to create more equitable supply chains, enhancing competitive advantage and community impact. Industry experts will share insights on measuring success, overcoming common challenges, and anticipating future shifts.

Join us to redefine norms in supplier diversity and drive meaningful change in your organization.

Moving the business diversity needle requires strong relationships and intentionality. This session highlights stories about how leaning into inclusion throughout an enterprise ecosystem has not only contributed to diverse supplier growth and success but is also enhancing ESG impact.

Speaker(s):

Gerald Leonard, CEO, Turnberry Premiere.

Pratik Patel, director, category management, MasterCard.

Kellum Thomas, procurement executive, Allegus Global Solutions.

Indu Varatharaj, chief technology officer, PRI.

Participating in development programs helps you learn new skills and improve your current capabilities. Have you considered the power of the network that you become a part of? 

Hear from Capital One Supplier Diversity Program participants how they have profited (literally and figuratively) from the relationships they built during these programs. Learn about harnessing the power of the network!

Speaker(s):

Clifford Bailey, president and CEO, TechSoft Systems.

Reuben Essandoh, director, supplier diversity and procurement, enterprise, Capital One.

Julie Rakes, senior manager, supplier diversity, Capital One.

Dr. Paula. Anderson, president and CEO, Pace Consulting.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving corporate landscapes, the importance of connections and networks has never been more critical. Under the theme "Defining New Norms" this session delves into innovative strategies for building and leveraging diverse networks and partnerships to drive collective growth.

Allante Taylor, affectionately known as the Relationship King among his peers, will share his insights and experiences on the power of impactful networking. With a focus on his company's core mantra, "It's not about how hard you work but about the people you impact while working hard", Allante will discuss practical approaches to creating and sustaining meaningful connections.

Allante brings a wealth of experience in managing high-profile partnerships and projects. His company, A Taylor Media, has successfully collaborated with large organizations, delivering exceptional results that underscore the power of effective networking. Allante has successfully connected with major companies using these strategies, including Apple, Meijer, Ford, Stellantis, MetLife, AT&T, Warner Media, and many more.

Participants will explore the following key areas:

- Building Diverse Networks: Understanding the value of diverse relationships and how they contribute to business success.

- Leveraging Partnerships for Mutual Growth: Strategies for forming mutually beneficial partnerships that foster innovation and progress.

- Creating Impactful Relationships: Techniques for maintaining and nurturing relationships that drive long-term success.

- This session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of their networks, turning connections into catalysts for business growth. 

By sharing real-world examples and actionable insights, Allante will inspire participants to redefine their approach to networking and relationships, setting a bold path forward for their organizations.

Speaker(s):

Allante Taylor, CEO, A Taylor Media.

In an increasingly interconnected world, minority business enterprises (MBEs) have unique opportunities to expand their reach beyond domestic markets and into the global arena. This session will explore how MBEs can leverage international networks, navigate diverse regulatory landscapes, and overcome barriers to global expansion.

By defining new norms in international business, this session aims to equip MBEs with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in a global marketplace. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders, learn from successful case studies, and engage in interactive discussions that foster a deeper understanding of global business dynamics.

Special interest will be placed on the importance of forming strategic partnerships with corporate partners to enhance global reach and capabilities.

Speaker(s):

Kris Mangan, Johnson & Johnson.

Harvey Butler, Barclays.

Carla Preston, Amazon,

I. Javette Hines, City.

Daniel Sung Park, Eclaro.

Join us for an insightful discussion where experts will unpack the complexities and opportunities involved in winning government contracts. This panel will cover essential strategies for navigating the federal and state procurement processes, understanding regulatory requirements, and leveraging certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone, and DBE to gain a competitive edge.

Panelists will also share their experiences, success stories, and best practices for building relationships with government agencies, scaling operations, and overcoming common challenges faced by businesses in the contracting space.

Whether you’re an established business looking to expand into government contracts or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this session offers the knowledge and tools needed to access lucrative federal and state opportunities.

In early 2024, 14 NMSDC-certified MBEs came together to form Xelsior Empowerment Group with the mission of growing their businesses by working together. 

In this session, you will hear how they have built a flourishing ecosystem through a three-pronged approach: MBE-to-MBE spending, project collaboration, and corporate/government presentations

You will hear how they have conducted multiple introductory meetings with corporate/government procurement groups in less than three months. Companies such as USDA, Ryan Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Waste Management, and the U.S. Air Force. Within 6 months, were able to do $1 million in direct spending within Xelsior. 

Finally, they will explain how YOU can do the same thing with your peers through two key principles: individual accountability and knowing, loving, and trusting each other.

Speaker(s):

Rico Rivera, Founder & CEO, Alpha Power Group.

Jane Shin, CEO, Chosen Industries.

Carlos Quinones, Founder & CEO, Display America, Inc.

Monica Maldonado, Founder & CEO, IPCOMM, Inc.

Kirk Gimenez, Founder & President, KG Productions/Xizzle TV.

In a rapidly evolving social and political landscape, the need for inclusive leadership has never been more critical. In this fireside chat, moderated by AP national political reporter, Bill Barrow, Stacey Abrams will share her insights on how to redefine leadership in a way that embraces diversity, drives social progress, and empowers marginalized communities. Drawing from her experiences in politics, advocacy, and business, Abrams will discuss the importance of forging new norms that challenge the status quo and create lasting change in our society and economy.

Speaker(s):

Stacey Abrams, founder, American Pride Rises Network.

Bill Barrow, national political reporter, AP.

As part of the year-long Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program, participants hone their pitch to investors for a chance to showcase their company at the NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange. Five finalists will enter the EYE Pitch Competition for a chance to win a grant to support expanding their business.

All attendees are welcome to attend.

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The pre-reception will start at 6:00 p.m. with drinks and light hors d'oeuvres. The Awards Ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m, followed by the Farewell Reception at 10:00 p.m.

Emcee:
Kim Coles, actor, author, and intuitive coach, The Radiant KimUnity