Agenda at a Glance

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., Truist, and Vdart.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., and Truist.

Pre-conference program is currently at capacity.

Welcome Remarks
Speaker(s):
Constance Y. Jones, senior director, field services, NMSDC
Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC
Harriet Michel, former CEO and president, NMSDC

The Next Evolution of Going Global
What is the trajectory of global exports/imports on the US supply chain?  How should corporations view expanding their global diversity efforts and how do MBEs play an active role?  This segment will begin the conversation on how to expand corporations' global programming and provide the results of the NMSDC global survey.
Moderator:
Terri Batch, director - global diversity export initiative, U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Commercial Service

Speaker(s):
Constance Y. Jones, senior director, field services, NMSDC
Ben Ngobi, global supplier inclusion and suitability lead, Accenture

Government Resources for International Growth
The new administration has programs that are centered on growth opportunities for diverse businesses.  Hear firsthand at new strategic relationships established by NMSDC to assist MBE firms interested in global expansion.
Moderator:
Sergio Retamal. president & CEO, Global 4PL Supply Chain Management

Speaker(s):
LaTaunya Darden, vice president, minority & women owned business, EXIM Bank
Terri Batch, director, global diversity export initiative, U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Commercial Service 
Jeremy Faber, private sector engagement, Prosper Africa
Patricia Hanes, strategic business development specialist, Strategic Exceptions, Inc.; Illinois MBDA Business Center

An MBE Journey: My Global Journey to Business Expansion
Moderator:
Jeremy Faber, private sector engagement, Prosper Africa

Speaker(s):
Daniel Sung Park, owner, Eclaro 
Sergio Retamal, president & CEO, Global 4PL Supply Chain Management  

Leveraging Our Global Resources
Twenty years ago, NMSDC leveraged its resources and created global partnerships. These partnerships have blossomed to support the plight of minority business development internationally.  Hear from our global partners and they share how to leverage the relationships established can support your global efforts.
Moderator:
Steven Sims, field services consultant, NMSDC

Speaker(s):
Umberto Brito, president & CEO, Integrare Brazil
Cassandra Dorrington, president & CEO, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
Gary Joseph, CEO, South African Supplier Development Council
Rae Ni, CEO, & Yang Liu, president and founder, MSD China
Mayank Shah, founder & CEO, MSDUK

Closing Remarks
Speaker(s):
Constance Y. Jones, senior director, field services, NMSDC

Thank you to our International Day sponsors:

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., Truist, and Vdart.

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., and Truist.

Please register to join.

Please register to join. 

Thank you to our EYE Program Sponsors:
EYE Title - CIGNA Corporation and Google, Inc.
EYE Champion - BP America, Inc., Centene Corporation, Citigroup, Inc., Dexcom Inc., Ernst & Young, Kohl's, New York Life Insurance Company, Omnicom Group, UPS, Verizon, Inc., and Walt Disney Company.

The dress code is casual for this event.

Thank You to the Welcome Reception Sponsors:
Delta Air Lines, Inc, Discover Financial Services, IMB Partners, Johnson & Johnson, Mohr Partners, Net2Source, Inc., Shell USA, LLC., and VDart.

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., and Truist.

Thank you to the Networking Breakfast Sponsor:
Magic Johnson Enterprises

Opening Remarks
NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire commences this historic and important 50th Anniversary Conference & Exchange with her vision for how the next 50 years will unfold. Reflecting on the organization’s growth and impact over the past 50 years, she will also focus on setting a vision for how NMSDC will disrupt to achieve the $1 trillion goal, expand reach across geographic and organizational boundaries, and ensure that all NMSDC members are poised to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Speaker(s):
Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC

Celebrating the NMSDC Story: Letters from Presidents
In this keynote address, attendees will take a trip in time to see how the disruption all started. Past NMSDC Presidents will share how they disrupted the MBE ecosystem during their terms, and the inspiration behind their work, and reflect on how NMSDC has evolved to becoming the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of communities of color while also focusing on the organization’s 50 years of tremendous growth, milestones, and success.
Speaker(s):
Louis Green, president, Supplier Success
Harriet Michel, president & CEO, HR Michel, LLC
Adrienne Trimble, vice president, chief diversity officer, Sysco
Joset Wright-Lacy, CEO & founder, Waypoint Strategies

Foresight: A New Vision for a New Future
In this keynote address, Don Cravins, Jr., under secretary of commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce will deliver his thoughts on the future of MBDA and the vital role it plays in expanding economic growth and equity to all communities. Drawing from his work with the National Urban League and his years of experience driving small business development, Cravins will share unique insights on how to pivot from the strategies of the past to find new ways to achieve the goals of the future. Attendees will be introduced to the new challenges facing MBEs and the unprecedented strategies that are being created to address them. Join us as we look ahead to learn how we position MBEs of all sizes to grow and succeed.
Speaker(s):
Donald R. Cravins, Jr., under secretary of commerce for minority business development, MBDA

The Future of NMSDC
The path forward for NMSDC in our next 50 years starts here. This wide-ranging conversation will focus on what is working now to drive growth and opportunities for MBEs, what the organization can do better, and the potential implications of policy changes, societal shifts, and even international events on today’s business owners. This session will illustrate the power of collaboration from all sides of the NMSDC ecosystem as we move toward achieving the $1 trillion goal. Attendees will enjoy robust dialogue on how to redesign strategy and tactics to drive change, and how to help MBEs pivot into emerging fields to become early adopters. Most importantly, this dynamic panel will address the opportunities that come with the unprecedented government spending, and explore critical questions such as: what hangs in the balance for MBEs if we do not move the needle? How much longer will it take to close the racial wealth gap? You do not want to miss this enlightening conversation.
Moderator:
Alvin-o Williams, president and CEO, SRMSDC

Speaker(s):
Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC
Carlton Oneal, president, LighSpeedEdu, Inc.
Guy Schweppe, senior vice president, technology & software procurement, Dell

Live Case Study: Kicking the Door Open in Nontraditional Lines of Business
Join Mass Mutual General Counsel, Mike O’Connor as he presents a case study from a legal perspective on how to break through barriers and gain access to non-traditional lines of business.
Speaker(s):
Mike O'Connor, general counsel, Mass Mutual

Throughout a busy Conference & Exchange, attendees may need some down time or a quiet place to stretch and relax. The Zen Room will host massage chairs, yoga sessions, VR relaxation, and a place to gather your thoughts.

Thank you to The Zen Room Sponsors:
Accenture LLP, Chevron Services Company, and CIGNA Corporation.

In the past two years, the federal government has invested a once-in-a-generation amount of funding into the nation's critical infrastructure to remain competitive in the global economy. The CARES Act, American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act is bringing over $6.8T into the American economy to drive economic development.  Come listen to how the federal government and local MBEs are both finding innovative practices to grow new living wage jobs and wealth creation in local underserved communities.
Moderator:
Susan Jin Davis, social impact officer, Al Roker Entertainment

Speaker(s):
Alejandra Castillo, asst. secretary of commerce for economic development, Dept of Commerce
Mark Wilson, CEO, Chime Solutions

What is your security weakness? In this session you will learn how to protect your data from hackers and in the process become your company’s security point person.
Speaker(s):
Jamie Bass, CEO, navy qualified validator (NQV), USMC validator, GRAVICOM
Jan Fourman, regulatory consultant, Purdue University
Chris Golden, vice president of infrastructure, security, and privacy, React Health
Doreen Gonzalez-Gaboyan, president and CEO, Industry Workforce Solutions
Ashley Jones, vice president; business information security officer, Bank of America
Miguel Villarreal, principal, Villa Tech

This workshop is all about understanding what it takes to do business with retailers, on the shelves and behind the scenes. The panel will discuss how Target is disrupting the status quo and creating opportunities for minority-owned brands and companies.
Moderator:
Tonda Collier, supplier diversity lead, Target Corp.

Speaker(s):
Pernell Cezar, CEO and founder, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages
Brenda Curry, partner, Curtom-Dunsmuir
Rick Fink, lead program manager property management, Target Corp.
Keyaira Miller, lead business partner, business partners & negotiations, Target Corp.
Natalia Serrano, lead business partner, business partners & negotiations, Target Corp.
Karen Tobler, supplier diversity lead, Target Corp.

Building strong and lasting relationships requires trust, communication, and commitment. In this session, you learn how corporations and MBEs working together can create synergy and business.
Moderator:
LaShaun Solomon, head of DE&I partnership development & strategy, Pyramid Consulting

Speaker(s):
Vince DeMichael, category manager, global procurement, Dupont
Carlos Guzman, managing director, supplier diversity, Cigna
Ben Ngobi, global supplier inclusion & sustainability lead, Accenture
Doug Roginson, executive director, relationship management, JP Morgan Chase
Susan Shustack, global director, indirect, Dupont

Having an inclusive economy leads to a stronger nation. In this session, you will learn about NMSDCs newest initiatives that are disrupting current processes to create a new pace for emerging industries.
Moderator:
Natalie McGrady, director, supplier diversity, Cargill

Speaker(s):
William Barksdale, president - cotton, Cargill
Donna Ennis, director, diversity, engagement, and program development, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
Seanicaa Herron, founder, Freedmen Heirs
Harold Singletary, CEO, BrightMa Farms

Revealing company blind spots is critical. Whether it’s stalling growth, high staff turnover, or underperforming initiatives, those blind spots can have significant implications. Identifying and prioritizing those can be difficult. Ensuring that you are aware of those often hidden challenges is key to continued success.
Speaker(s):
Cynthia Short, founder and CXO, supplier diversity, Lexico
Damani Short, founder and CEO, Lexico

Did you know that One Billion People with Disabilities are Key to the Global Economic Recovery? And Despite passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, individuals with disabilities continue to face isolation and segregation. Join us as we take a journey through the importance of accessible procurement as a driver of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We will hear from industry leaders from around the country who will present data on past trends and share best practices for both buyers and sellers in a global cross-industry effort to grow your efforts with accessible procurement.
Speaker(s):
Philip DeVliegher, vice president, supplier diversity, Disability:IN, Merck
Nedra Dickson, managing director, global supplier inclusion & sustainability lead, Accenture
Raul Suarez-Rodriquez, director, global economic inclusion & supplier diversity, Merck

Organizational growth comes in many different forms, but having access to capital to fund that growth is a must. In this session, hear from top industry leaders on opportunities to access capital through corporate mergers and acquisitions.
Moderator:
Judith Goldkrand, national women's segment leader, national Asian segment leader, Wells Fargo
Moses Harris, Black segment leader, Wells Fargo

Speaker(s):
Joe Anderson, CEO and chairman, TAG Holdings LLC
Robert Bush Jr, CEO, Mutombo Coffee
Monika Mantilla, managing partner, Altura Capital
Mark Sirower, principal | M&A and restructuring services, Deloitte LLP

Growing a business can seem daunting.  Come hear the stories of MBEs and Corporations who in spite of obstacles and challenges persevered and made it through to the other side. 
Moderator:
Jetheda Hernandez, senior director, strategic alliances and programs, NMSDC

Speaker(s):
Marion Balandra, CEO & founder, Meridian Remote Teams
Brandon Bellamy, owner, Velocity Companies
Kim C. Folsom, CEO and founder, Founders First Capital
Hank Torbert, president, Alta Max
Christina Tyson, supplier diversity director, PepsiCo

Find inspiration in leading-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the way we connect to EVERYTHING. Blockchain technology enables digital identity for cars, devices, software, and the people who use them, creating entire networks where every connecting person or thing can verify the other to provide scalable, trusted networks. Learn how it will affect our daily lives and how you can capitalize as a supplier.
Speaker(s):
Anthony Maley, co-founder, Vouch.io
Sam Yehya, partner and COO, Six Consulting

Did you know that 86% of B2B buyers don’t see any difference between vendors? With only 7 seconds to make a first impression, it’s important for MBEs to stand out immediately. Fortunately, there is a formula to impress buyers and leave a lasting impression during those networking events and Matchmaking Meetings. In this session, attendees will learn the essentials for pitching solutions to corporations.
Speaker(s):
Chala Dincoy, CEO, The Repositioning Expert
Allison Kube, supplier diversity manager, Capital One

Thank you to our EYE Program Sponsors:
EYE Title - CIGNA Corporation and Google, Inc.
EYE Champion - BP America, Inc., Centene Corporation, Citigroup, Inc., Dexcom Inc., Ernst & Young, Kohl's, New York Life Insurance Company, Omnicom Group, UPS, Verizon, Inc., and Walt Disney Company.

The acceleration of Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies has opened up new wealth creation opportunities for MBEs to be part of the global digital transformation. Come participate in this thought leadership conversation with some of the country's top Blockchain & Cryptocurrency diversity leaders who are trailblazing new initiatives for minority communities to be represented and integrated into this emerging technology.
Speaker(s):
Michael Blake, CEO, Atlas Strategy
Cleve Mesidor, executive director, The Blockchain Foundation 
Olayinka Odeniran, founder, Black Women In Blockchain
Sinclair Skinner, founder, Black Blockchain Summit

The cannabis market has created new opportunities but has also disrupted traditional approaches to business development. In this session you will hear from local and state officials navigating opportunity, business entrepreneurship, and policy with the ever-changing sentiments towards this new market.
Moderator:
Travis Johnson, state representative, Louisiana Legislature

Speaker(s):
Bryant Mitchell, founder, Blacq Star Farms
Nishant Reddy, CEO and founder, Golden State
Tess Taylor, founder, Saucey

The pandemic has focused on the importance of partnerships. In this session, innovators and leaders of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Ace, and National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development discuss how an inclusive economy is good for businesses and for the United States. Investing in communities of color will create opportunities for business growth nationally.
Moderator:
Tammy Halevy, executive director, Reimagine Main Street

Speaker(s):
Karen Eng, board chair, National ACE
Yvette Fielder, program manager, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
Kelisha Garrett, vice president, COO governmental affairs, Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Sahra Halpern, president, Business Consortium Fund, Inc.
Nelson Reynier, board chair, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Hear the importance of advocating on every level of government and the first steps to becoming an advocate for underserved communities of color.
Moderator:
Renee Johnson, senior advisor, Public Private Strategies

Speaker(s):
Nick Charles, honorable, Maryland State Representative
Charles Rice, community liaison and business attorney, Louisiana MBDA Center
Sharon Pinder, president, Capital Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council
Albert Shen, founder, Shen Consulting

Established supply chains have been destroyed carving wide open lanes of opportunity. Suppliers of every size and sector have been affected by the pandemic, material shortages, inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and resurgent demand. Learn how exposed vulnerabilities have disrupted traditional sourcing disciplines offering new entry points for MBE's.
Moderator:
Kahlila Alexander, global supplier diversity leader, Kimberly Clark

Speaker(s):
Camille Geiger, corporate supply chain manager, Boeing
David Jackson, CEO, Solitaire Partners
Eugene Partridge, senior director, global marketing, events, and travel sourcing, Salesforce
Lisa Zukaukas, SVP procurement (CPO), Organon

Join USDOT officials as they discuss the opportunities available to emerging majority businesses. Specifically, learn about specific procurement opportunities across 10 operating administrations and key strategies that allow communities to benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Moderator:
Shelby Scales, director, Office of Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization, USDOT

Speaker(s):
Kimberly Harris, assistant manager, USDOT/FAA
Monica McCallum, director of regional operations, USDOT/FTA
Willie Smith, senior procurement executive, USDOT
Shawn Wilson, Louisiana DOT secretary, Louisiana Dept of Transportation
Mariia Zimmerman, strategic advisor, USDOT

Join us for a robust discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and learn why it is so critical to business. ESG factors are used by investors and shareholders as criteria to assess a company’s values and impact on the world. This session will provide the insight you need to ensure your company is not left behind.
Moderator:
Dee C. Marshall, CEO, Diverse & Engaged

Speaker(s):
Lissa Miller, senior vice president, chief supplier diversity officer, Truist
Brendan Walsh, principal, World Wide Technology (WWT)
Reginald Williams, CEO, Procurement Resources Inc. 

More than ever, MBEs need to be agile to prepare so they are able to respond to market needs. Innovations in electrification,3D printing, AI, Big Data, and other technologies are causing commercial turning points and opportunities -- and challenges. In this session, you will learn how to capitalize on the seismic evolutionary shift to build and grow new opportunities.
Speaker(s):
Mike Haydel, product delivery leader, KeyString Labs
Joshua King, cost modeling supervisor, ExxonMobil
Casey Oakes, community impact lead, supplier diversity, Google
Al White, advisor, Arkview Capital

Leading financial experts will discuss the financial landscape and the opportunities for growth during uncertain times. In this session the economic future will come into focus allowing you to make important business decisions.
Moderator:
Priscilla Wallace, head of supplier diversity & supply chain management (SCM) sustainability, Wells Fargo
Speaker(s):
David Fontinot, managing partner, Cane Capital
Ted James, regional administrator, Small Business Administration
Dr. Frederick McKinney, principal, BJM Solutions

Data is the most sought-after asset by cyber hackers. Ensuring the security of that data is critical to continued business success and growth. In this session the Cyber Cyper 2 will focus on transforming cyber security resilience for MBEs.
Speaker(s):
Theresa Jones, CEO, Evalv
Kenny Mesker, enterprise OT cyber security architect – guardrails and innovation, Chevron
Ayon Sarkar, vice president of IT and cyber security, SoftPath

Thank you to the Networking Lunch Sponsors:
Capital One Financial Corp., ExxonMobil, Pepsico, Inc., and Twila True Inclusive Enterprises.     

Welcome Remarks

Let’s Talk Generational Wealth in Communities of Color, sponsored by Dentsu
Join us for a fireside chat with Gia Peppers, an award-winning on-air talent, entertainment journalist, content creator, and podcaster who is known for her nationally syndicated podcast, "More Than That with Gia Peppers.“ This award-winning series is redefining how wealth is being created in media by investing in a 100% minority-owned supply chain. In this discussion, Gia will be joined by TIAA's chief product and business development officer, Colbert Narcisse, and Wells Fargo's head of operations for Wealth & Investment Management, Nyron Latif for an authentic conversation aimed to inspire people and brands. Inspiration aimed at increasing investment in minority-owned businesses and creating multigenerational wealth and ROI (Return on Inclusion) for companies and individuals.
Moderator:
Gia Peppers, award-winning journalist & television host, NBC's "Today Show"

Speaker(s):
Nyron Latif, head of operations for wealth & investment management (WIM), Wells Fargo
Colbert Narcisse, chief product and business development officer, TIAA

The 50-Year Plan: Building Multigenerational Pipelines for Minority-owned Suppliers
Opening doors to ensure that MBEs become true partners with corporations as Tier1 suppliers is critical to creating an inclusive economy that ensures the US global economic standing will be an even greater priority for the next 50 years. In this session you will hear from MBEs and corporations as they share anecdotes on how MBEs can be true Tier 1 partners and how together they can break barriers to market entry to drive job creation, stability in local economies, and generate multigenerational wealth in communities of color.
Moderator:
Richard Lui, American journalist and news anchor, MSNBC/NBC News

Speaker(s):
Berto Guerra, CEO and founder, AVANZAR, Inc.
Chris Nielsen, executive VP of product support and chief quality officer, Toyota Motor North America
Rosa Santana, CEO and founder, Forma

How The SBA Administrator Disrupted the Government's Status Quo
Administrator Guzman shares her journey as the leader of the SBA and the bold moves that have been made to disrupt the government's status quo
Speaker(s):
Isabella Casillas Guzman, administrator, Small Business Administration

They Have Billions; You Have the Juice; Contracting with the Federal Government in 2023
Hear from Associate Administrators of the SBA, Bibi Hidalgo and Mark Madrid, on how to sell to the largest supplier in the world, the Federal Government. And learn about SBA resources available in your growth and scaling journey.
Moderator:
Kristofer Clark, supply chain assurance, Dell

Speaker(s):
Bibi Hidalgo, associate administrator for government contracting & business development, Small Business Administration
Mark Madrid, associate administrator for the office of entrepreneurial development (OED), Small Business Administration 

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 10:15 - 11:15 AM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Repeated session, please see the description/speakers from the 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM session.

Informal meet-up with CyberReadyMBE cohort participants and those interested in learning more about NMSDC's CyberReadyMBE program. We will grab a drink at the hotel lobby bar while folks gather and then walk to a local restaurant for dinner.

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., and Truist.

The State of Race in America and the Impact on Minority Business
Join Former New Orleans Mayor and current National President of the Urban League, Marc Morial and MSNBC / NBC News journalist Richard Lui for a fireside chat to share their insights on the state of American race relations today, the role of minority entrepreneurs in society and the impact of race on minority businesses.
Moderator:
Richard Lui, American journalist and news anchor, MSNBC/NBC News

Speaker(s):
Marc Morial, president and CEO, National Urban League

Billion-dollar MBEs I: Stories from the NMSDC 50th Anniversary Steering Committee
In this session, attendees will hear from members of the steering committee as they share their journeys of how they disrupted their respective industries to become some of the largest MBEs in the nation. From humble beginnings to what's next, attendees will enjoy deep conversations on how MBEs can use disruptive strategies in order to successfully scale and become titans of industry.
Speaker(s):
Ying McGuire, CEO and president, NMSDC
Dave Steward, chairman and founder, World Wide Technology (WWT)

Throughout a busy Conference & Exchange, attendees may need some downtime or a quiet place to stretch and relax. The Zen Room will host massage chairs, yoga sessions, VR relaxation, and a place to gather your thoughts.

Thank you to The Zen Room Sponsors:
Accenture LLP, Chevron Services Company, and CIGNA Corporation.

Join Project I Am, a 501c3 organization that was created by Jahkil Naeem Jackson when he was 8 years old, to help us assemble care packages for the homeless. Spend just 30 minutes helping this organization and you’ll receive a ticket to VUE Orleans to venture out on your own time.

with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Accenture, AMPCUS, Apple, Dupont, Johnson & Johnson, Meta, Mohr Partners, Net2Source, Inc., PepsiCo, VDart, and World Wide Technology.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Government Contracting and Business Development Office will be running a clinic from their booth (#247) to provide certified MBEs application process assistance and answer questions pertaining to SBA’s Government Contracting Business Development programs, including WOSB, HUBZone, 8a, and Mentor Protégé. 

Thank You to The Exchange Sponsors:
Accenture, AMPCUS, Apple, Dupont, Johnson & Johnson, Meta, Mohr Partners, Net2Source, Inc., PepsiCo, VDart, and World Wide Technology.

Onsite only.

Thank You to the Matchmakers Sponsors:
Archer Daniels Midland, Coca-Cola Company, CVS Health, Entergy Corporation, McKinsey & Company, The Millennium Group, and Robert Half International, Inc.

Onsite only.

Want to grow your business? Tell a story. There's nothing in the world more powerful than a good narrative, and science shows us that emotions drive decision-making. In this session, I will break down the science of storytelling and walk participants through the process of identifying, clarifying, focusing, and telling their brand's story to reach customers where it matters most—at the heart.
Speaker(s):
Christine Maddela, managing partner/owner, Storyville Road

In support of the NMSDCs’ search for transformation and its journey toward $1 trillion in MBE annual revenue, this session addresses revenue and innovation potential fueled by cognitive diversity. According to McKinsey & Company, diverse teams outperform homogenous ones. For businesses to attract, engage, and retain diverse representation in their workforce and suppliers, they must focus on developing more inclusive leaders who are advocates and Allies. Participants will learn key themes and best practices relevant to engaging people of color and glean from corporate members’ experiences as an Ally or expert through lived experience. Our goal is to empower and equip attendees to avoid common performative Allyship mistakes and become more inclusive leaders of the future as it pertains to the lived experiences of racially diverse individuals and groups.
Speaker(s):
Dee C. Marshall, CEO, Diverse & Engaged

Brand strategy is crucial to position 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 labels, marketing campaigns, social media, or websites, brand strategy is the starting point to ensure that all elements that are associated with a Brand are congruent and aligned. This session will explore the road map to creating the soul of a Brand; how it speaks, who it’s speaking to, what it says, and how it is said. Additionally, attendees will learn tactics to use branding to drive new business opportunities.
Speaker(s):
Elizabeth Kemp Caulder, president, chief brand strategist, Phoenix Lifestyle Marketing Group

Transformational impact for companies lies within the data available to key stakeholders who develop, lead and drive purchase decisions. In this session, led by Meta Platforms, Inc., we’ll explore how supplier diversity professionals can empower internal teams to move beyond reporting diverse supplier spend to using analysis to implement changes that scale impact. The speakers will share specific insights and strategies to increase stakeholder awareness, engagement, and accountability to support supplier diversity goals. The discussion will include: building and using tools to increase diverse supplier discoverability to influence spend; increasing transparency and availability of diverse supplier spend data to drive ownership of diverse supplier spend goals, and using data and insights to support capacity and resource requests. This session will explore how to break down macro-level data to support the business case for diverse supplier utilization across business units, categories, and cost centers. Finally, the speakers will share what data insights help teams understand their purchasing patterns and the impact of their purchase decisions.
Speaker(s):
Gavin Michaels, data scientist, Meta
Tanika Thompson, manager, supplier diversity, Meta

Cyber threats exist in every industry and must be considered when striving for $1 trillion member revenue growth. NMSDC members understand the difficulty in starting, growing, and maintaining a business. In this session, panelists will review industry trends related to the current cybersecurity threat landscape and share how to adopt cost-effective cybersecurity practices to help MBEs protect their business strategy.
Speaker(s):
Prashanth Mekala, deputy enterprise chief information security officer, American Family Insurance

This panel features a robust discussion of MBE and WBE leaders whose firms are considered early adopters in the energy & sustainability space – including community solar power development, EV charger infrastructure, and microgrid development. In this session, attendees will explore concepts that will empower them to enter these industries they experience a boom, and position themselves for industry thought leadership.
Speaker(s):
Jordan Taylor, CEO, Synergy Grid
Kristal Hansley, CEO, We Solar
Sheryl Ponds, CEO, Dai Technologies Corporation

Thank you to the Networking Lunch Sponsors:
Capital One Financial Corp., ExxonMobil, Pepsico, Inc., and Twila True Inclusive Enterprises.

Impacting Global Disruption: Government Partnerships to Increase MBE Growth with Legendary Sports Icon Isiah Thomas
The recent global pandemic and supply chain shortages brought forth several significant concerns that affected our global economy. In order to disrupt the status-quo and change the way we respond to supply chain shortages, minority businesses must be a part of the equation and solution. This session will focus on the relationship government services can provide to MBEs and aid in their growth while providing solutions.
Moderator:
Ron Busby, president & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers

Speaker(s):
Tamara Maxwell, senior vice president, Export-Import Bank of the United States
Isiah Thomas, CEO, Isiah International
Vinai Thummalapally, ambassador and deputy director and COO,USTDA (ret.)

Fireside Chat with Apple VP of Procurement Dan Rosckes
In this exclusive and robust fireside chat, Dan Rosckes will share how he has leveraged power and influence, developed smart strategies, and provided socially conscious leadership to disrupt the status quo in supplier diversity.
Speaker(s):
Walter Freeman, director, global procurement, Apple
Dan Rosckes, vice president of procurement, Apple

Onsite only.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Government Contracting and Business Development Office will be running a clinic from their booth (#247) to provide certified MBEs application process assistance and answer questions pertaining to SBA’s Government Contracting Business Development programs, including WOSB, HUBZone, 8a, and Mentor Protégé. 

Thank You to The Exchange Sponsors:
Accenture, AMPCUS, Apple, Dupont, Johnson & Johnson, Meta, Mohr Partners, Net2Source, Inc., PepsiCo, VDart, and World Wide Technology.

Employee mental health is a main contributor to the great resignation. Increasing demand on employees, shifting expectations and consistent uncertainty are amplifying our stress and leading to fatigue and burnout. This interactive seminar is a place for attendees to learn more about the emotional impact of destabilizing events such as external societal challenges, racial trauma and organizational disruptions; get validation for their experiences; and gather resources and support to continue to weather the uncertainty we are all facing during these unprecedented events. This session includes a brief didactic about emotional functioning and how stress management needs are unique in these situations.
Speaker(s):
Dr. Sunitha Chandy, founder/licensed clinical psychologist, Artesian Collaborative

Supply Chain Resiliency: Trends, Challenges, and Best Practices
This session will provide guidance and insight to all regarding what C-suite leaders are faced with as we continue to manage disruptions in business. The Covid-19 Global pandemic has had an effect on every single corporation globally. Additional challenges such as divestitures, wars, loss of talent, leadership shifts, and global supply chain issues, including those that relate to ESG continue to rise to the surface. Learn what CPOs are doing to manage risks, stay abreast of ESG and its supply chain implications, stay on the pulse of economic trends/challenges and compliance, and even manage the ongoing war for talent and the departure of key talent. Hear C-suite leaders speak about what is needed to reimagine the vision for what Supply Chain excellence represents.
Moderator:
I. Javette Hines, director, global head, supply chain development, inclusion and sustainability enterprise supply chain (ESC), Citigroup Inc.

Speaker(s):
Tony Abate, senior vice president and global chief procurement officer, Cigna
Miguel Gonzalez, chief procurement officer, DuPont
Barbara Kubicki-Hicks, chief procurement officer, Wells Fargo

The War for Talent: The Journey Continues
The War for talent has expanded and new terms have emerged, including quiet quitting. How can supplier diversity leaders also advance during this period of dynamic opportunity and visibility? What must CPOs keep in mind when it comes to leveraging the diverse skillsets and abilities of global supplier diversity leaders? Hear from dynamic leaders who represent growth, lead talent initiatives, and are recognized for creating successful career paths and making an impact at every step.
Moderator:
I. Javette Hines, director, global head, supply chain development, inclusion and sustainability enterprise supply chain (ESC), Citigroup Inc.

Speaker(s):
Kala Gibson, executive vice president, head of business, banking and chief enterprise corporate responsibility officer, Fifth Third
Melani Wilson Smith, chief procurement officer, PepsiCo

Is it possible to have it all? Between career and home life, women wear many hats. However, the question of whether women are maximizing potential and opportunities is still up for debate. This session asks the fundamental question: what would you do if you could show up as the fully-expressed version of yourself? Who would you be? Today’s woman has the powerful opportunity and authority to create a life where they are able to live audaciously on their own terms. For the woman who is open to the possibility that she can have it all, accomplished author, trainer, speaker, and certified Self-Mastery coach, Tracey Knight will help you discover essential habits needed to live and lead audaciously during her session, “The Audacious Female Leader: 8-Crucial Habits to Overcome the Barriers Women Face in Life and Leadership.”
Speaker(s):
Tracey Knight, chief experience officer, Inview Solutions

When MBE’s Russell Westbrook Enterprises, led by NBA Superstar Russell Westbrook, and leading ad agency, Digital Detroit Media (DDM), unite, the power of the culture is on full display. Leveraging their global clients, these two companies not only put the culture in media but authentically impacts communities through their philanthropic works around the country! Learn how communities are impacted by working with minority-owned businesses. Join Donnell Beverly, President and CEO of Russell Westbrook Enterprises, and Akil Alvin, CEO and Global Chief Creative Officers of DDM, and celebrate the power of NMSDC.
Speaker(s):
Akil Alvin, CEO and global chief creative officer, Digital Detroit Media
Donnell Beverly, CEO and president, Russell Westbrook Enterprises

Is your organization searching for a creative way to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion? DEI holidays provide monthly opportunities to celebrate and educate! We blend bite-sized historical nuggets into an entertaining baking demonstration featuring a cultural dessert.
Speaker(s):
Maria Kemp, pastry chef, Beyond Decadence

for Corporate Member CPOs and Corporate Plus© Members Founders

A Case Study on how The University of Chicago for more than a decade has demonstrated that Business Diversity in Treasury, Asset Management, and Investment Banking can deliver more than outperformance.  
Speaker(s):
Malik Murray, SVP, head of business development, Ariel Investments

with headliners Sheila E. and Bell Biv DeVoe

The dress code is casual for this event.
Shuttle Bus Schedule

Thank you to the 50th Anniversary Concert Sponsors:
IMB Partners and Magic Johnson Enterprises.

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Thank You to the Registration Sponsors:
Heidrick & Struggles, Merck & Co., Inc., and Truist.

Billion-dollar MBEs II: Stories from the NMSDC 50th Anniversary Steering Committee
In this session, attendees will hear from members of the steering committee as they share their journeys of how they disrupted their respective industries to become some of the largest MBEs in the nation. From humble beginnings to what's next, attendees will enjoy deep conversations on how MBEs can use disruptive strategies in order to successfully scale and become titans of industry.
Moderator:
Jim Lowry, founder, James H. Lowry & Associates

Speaker(s):
Janice Bryant-Howroyd, founder and CEO, The Act One Group
Jose Mas, CEO, MasTec
Twila True, founder and CEO, True Family Enterprises

How the Business Consortium Fund Invests in Human Capital
Join Business Consortium Fund CEO Sahra Halpern, as she provides an in-depth overview of BCF and discusses the fund’s success in investing in human capital.
Speaker(s):
Sahra Halpern, president, Business Consortium Fund, Inc.

Growth is King: Critical Considerations for Every MBE to Become a Mega Success by Leveraging Private Equity
Growth is often identified as a common objective for businesses of all sizes. Startups need growth to prove their business model, large businesses need growth to provide a return for their investors. This panel will explore three key strategies to achieve growth 1) Venture Capital, 2) Mergers and Acquisitions and 3) the benefits of working with private equity investors.
Moderator:
Bob Greene, CEO, NAIC

Speaker(s):
Leslie Brun, chairman and CEO, Ariel Alternatives
Monika Mantilla, managing partner, Altura Capital
Tarrus Richardson, CEO, IMB Partners

Attendees can schedule an appointment with other attendees within the conference mobile app by either going to the Attendee menu, selecting an attendee, and clicking on the Schedule Appointment button, or by going to the calendar icon and clicking on the purple plus sign on My Schedule to search for an attendee and create an appointment.

Thank you to The Connect Zone Sponsors:
Snack Zone - Altria Group, Inc., American Express Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Connect Zone - Bank of America Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Omnicom Group, and Procter & Gamble Company.

Throughout a busy Conference & Exchange, attendees may need some downtime or a quiet place to stretch and relax. The Zen Room will host massage chairs, yoga sessions, VR relaxation, and a place to gather your thoughts.

Thank you to The Zen Room Sponsors:
Accenture LLP, Chevron Services Company, and CIGNA Corporation.

Join Project I Am, a 501c3 organization that was created by Jahkil Naeem Jackson when he was 8 years old, to help us assemble care packages for the homeless. Spend just 30 minutes helping this organization and you’ll receive a ticket to VUE Orleans to venture out on your own time.

Onsite only.

Onsite only.

Thank You to the Matchmakers Sponsors:
Archer Daniels Midland, Coca-Cola Company, CVS Health, Entergy Corporation, McKinsey & Company, The Millennium Group, and Robert Half International, Inc.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Government Contracting and Business Development Office will be running a clinic from their booth (#247) to provide certified MBEs application process assistance and answer questions pertaining to SBA’s Government Contracting Business Development programs, including WOSB, HUBZone, 8a, and Mentor Protégé. 

Thank You to The Exchange Sponsors:
Accenture, AMPCUS, Apple, Dupont, Johnson & Johnson, Meta, Mohr Partners, Net2Source, Inc., PepsiCo, VDart, and World Wide Technology.

Steve Jobs once said, "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda for an entire generation that is to come." Storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring action, changing behaviors, and building bridges. As companies struggle with their messaging on supplier diversity and sustainability, storytelling is the most effective way to communicate with various stakeholders and move forward the corporate strategy in meaningful ways. This session will look at data from the perspective of executive leadership, employees, and the supply chain and provide context and understanding to the communities that are impacted by corporate strategy and messaging. Participants will collaborate in breakout groups to build narratives from datasets and insights by using four key story elements: including characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.
Speaker(s):
Florance Amate, CEO and founder, Laisar Management Group
Gretchen Greene, principal economist, Greene Economics
Jerome Paige, senior economist, Laisar Management Group
Kerry Watson Jr., regional vice president for government affairs, MGM Resorts International

Thank you to our EYE Program Sponsors:
EYE Title - CIGNA Corporation and Google, Inc.
EYE Champion - BP America, Inc., Centene Corporation, Citigroup, Inc., Dexcom Inc., Ernst & Young, Kohl's, New York Life Insurance Company, Omnicom Group, UPS, Verizon, Inc., and Walt Disney Company.

For decades, Hollywood has entertained us with the concepts of 3D experiences and virtual worlds. While adoption is yet to be widespread, these technologies can no longer be referred to as the proverbial “future”—they’re happening now. Major corporations from the National Football League to the Miller Lite brand are already leveraging emerging technologies. This session has been engineered by The Verb360 Agency to prepare the attending MBEs to capitalize on the Metaverse and Web 3.0 before barriers to entry can become entrenched. Additionally, this session will explore the fundamentals of the blockchain, the utility of NFTs, and the practical applications of the VR. By examining how these capabilities are being leveraged by B2B and B2C businesses, participants will gain insight to how government contractors can profit from the early adoption of Web 3.0.
Speaker(s):
Vania Abdul-Badee, CMO, Verb360
Dean Lloyd, COO, Verb360
Matt Zanardo, VP, Metaverse Advisors

Geospatial and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is a growing career field. The Federal government has large agencies dedicated to exploiting geospatial technology and tradecraft. (e.g., United States Geological Survey and the National Geospatial-intelligence Agency). Every state and most major cities have allocated money to developing geospatial solutions for both administrative/ management operations and for use by citizens. The number of geospatial business opportunities has grown over the last 5-10 years, and the number of universities that provide advanced geospatial degrees has grown as well. This intersection between market demand and a trained workforce represents a prime opportunity to map DBEs into Geospatial and GEOINT. This session will demonstrate how DBESs can seize a competitive advantage by influencing the accuracy and inclusivity of geospatial data, reflective of the America in which we live.
Speaker(s):
Aaron Kelley, CEO, Upslope Advisors

Despite the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities of color, MBEs have continued to grow because of the partnership with NMSDC. This session will amplify that message and empower attendees to use an Empathy Strategy to “Disrupt the Status Quo” and Multiply that Growth. Participants will explore critical questions such as, “what is an Empathy Strategy?” and “how can we leverage this emerging concept to create mutually beneficial (and profitable) relationships?” Through tangible tools and experiential storytelling, MBEs and corporations will discover new ways to create deeper connections and collaborations leading to a positive financial impact.
Speaker(s):
Ajit Dodani, empathy strategist, founder and CEO, EmpathifyU

This interactive presentation is with a corporate leader sharing a new business framework they follow using circular economics to simplify management infrastructures, drive inclusion, and increase utilization and value.
Moderator:
Ingrid Watkins, principal & chief diversity strategist, IW Consulting Group

Speaker(s):
Alvin-o Williams, president and CEO, SRMSDC
Brenda Smith, head of supply chain equity, Lyft
Jean-Marc Villain, system director of supplier inclusion & community engagement, Ochsner Health

Thank you to the Networking Lunch Sponsors:
Capital One Financial Corp., ExxonMobil, Pepsico, Inc., and Twila True Inclusive Enterprises. 

Companies that experience rapid growth almost always experience a period of growing pains, yet other companies plateau and struggle to achieve their next milestone. Companies within each stage experience very similar challenges and require different areas of focus and different leadership competencies to maximize the growth of their organization. When leaders understand their company’s stage and identify the hidden agents that unlock the company’s ability to grow, it creates clarity and focus for the organization. This session will introduce the 7 Stages of Growth Enterprise Development model which is a research-proven model for accelerated growth. Additionally, the workshop will provide insight on the 7 Stages of Growth, the corresponding challenges, leadership styles, and competencies. Participants will learn to identify when and how to focus on profits, processes, and people. This is the perfect workshop for companies that are experiencing growth and looking for a process that will show immediate and long-term results.
Speaker(s):
Jennifer Garcia, COO, Latino Business Action Network

In this session, Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of the Native American Agricultural Fund, will explore how communities of color can capitalize on federal and private funding in pursuit of economic development, diversification, and regional collaborations.
Speaker(s):
Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO, Native American Agriculture Fund

In order to thrive in the digital future, businesses must make sense of the future of the global marketplace and begin creating strategic roadmaps for their own transformation. This session will help participants understand the forces that are reshaping the business landscape and gain the critical skills and understanding needed to start pivoting their business model in a rapidly shifting environment. The session is built to provide participants with a keen understanding of the emerging technologies, customer shifts, business models, and new operating models that are reshaping companies in this new era and how to begin mastering them to create the highest level of impact on their business and thrive for the next several decades.
Speaker(s):
Marvin Dejean, senior managing partner, Gilead Sanders

The dress code is evening attire, black tie optional for this event.
Shuttle Bus Schedule

Thank you to the 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony Sponsor:
DuPont

The dress code is evening attire, black tie optional for this event.
Shuttle Bus Schedule

Thank you to the Farewell Reception Sponsor:
T-Mobile USA, Inc.