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City & State’s NY Diversity & Procurement Summit is the must-attend event for industry executives, public sector leaders, and academics committed to advancing equity and opportunity in New York’s procurement landscape.
This full-day conference is dedicated to fostering business partnerships between state and local government, prime contractors, and MWBEs. Find out what it takes to thrive in New York’s competitive procurement arena by connecting with key government agencies, prime contractors, and state & local representatives.
Join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to gain insights, build connections, and explore strategies for success in New York’s procurement space.
Get involved—reach out at events@cityandstateny.com to learn more.
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Agenda
Times are subject to change.
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity OfficerCity of New York
Dhanraj Singh
State Chief Procurement OfficerNYS Office of General Services Procurement Services
New York is committed to expanding contracting opportunities, especially for MWBEs, by removing barriers and promoting inclusion. This panel offers practical guidance on navigating government procurement—from interpreting RFPs and improving bids to prepare for economic shifts. We’ll explore how ESG principles, certifications, training, capital access, and partnerships can fuel growth. The discussion also highlights workforce development and mentorship programs to help businesses meet contract demands. Attendees will learn about funding options, recent policy changes, and what agencies seek in successful contractors.
New York is committed to expanding contracting opportunities, especially for MWBEs, by removing barriers and promoting inclusion. This panel offers practical guidance on navigating government procurement—from interpreting RFPs and improving bids to prepare for economic shifts. We’ll explore how ESG principles, certifications, training, capital access, and partnerships can fuel growth. The discussion also highlights workforce development and mentorship programs to help businesses meet contract demands. Attendees will learn about funding options, recent policy changes, and what agencies seek in successful contractors.
Sean Carroll
FounderA Posteriori, LLC
Roman Gofman
Deputy CommissionerNYC Office of Citywide Procurement
Dynishal Gross
CommissionerNYC Department of Small Business Services
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
ChairSenate Task Force on MWBE
Earl Thomason
Vice President, Entrepreneur DevelopmentEmpire State Development
New York is expanding MWBE programs and increasing access to public contracts to
promote equity. This panel will guide businesses from underrepresented communities
on certification, winning contracts, and using support services. Agency leaders,
procurement experts, and MWBEs will share insights on bidding, accessing capital, and
forming inclusive partnerships. The discussion will emphasize intersectionality in
procurement and spotlight workforce development and support networks that help
businesses grow and thrive in public markets.
New York is expanding MWBE programs and increasing access to public contracts to
promote equity. This panel will guide businesses from underrepresented communities
on certification, winning contracts, and using support services. Agency leaders,
procurement experts, and MWBEs will share insights on bidding, accessing capital, and
forming inclusive partnerships. The discussion will emphasize intersectionality in
procurement and spotlight workforce development and support networks that help
businesses grow and thrive in public markets.
Carlos Bannister
Deputy Chief Contracting Officer/Director of VRACNYC Department of Transportation
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business DevelopmentEmpire State Development
Yexenia Markland
First Deputy DirectorMayor's Office of Contract Services
Mark Brazier
Senior Vice President of Contractor LendingCommunity Capital New York
New York is investing billions in infrastructure, tech, and clean energy, with a focus on
MWBE participation. This panel highlights major procurement opportunities and how
certified MWBEs can compete. Learn about agency priorities, upcoming contracts,
and strategies for navigating large-scale procurements. The discussion will also cover
transparency, impact tracking, and how workforce and supplier development
programs support inclusive growth.
New York is investing billions in infrastructure, tech, and clean energy, with a focus on
MWBE participation. This panel highlights major procurement opportunities and how
certified MWBEs can compete. Learn about agency priorities, upcoming contracts,
and strategies for navigating large-scale procurements. The discussion will also cover
transparency, impact tracking, and how workforce and supplier development
programs support inclusive growth.
Adam Akmal-Gonzalez
Manager, Strategic Partnerships - EastCDW
Eric Alemany
Sr. Director, Supplier Relationship ManagementNew York Power Authority
Charlette Hamamgian
Deputy Comptroller for Contracts and ProcurementNYC Comptroller’s Office
Hersh K. Parekh
Director of Government & Community RelationsThe Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Brian Sanvidge
Principal, Leader of Regulatory Compliance and InvestigationsAnchin
As New York modernizes procurement, technology is boosting efficiency, transparency,
and access for small businesses and MWBEs. This panel explores how digital tools and
data are reshaping state and city procurement. Hear from leaders on resources for
certification, training, and technical support, plus initiatives connecting businesses to
capital, talent, and innovation networks. Learn how tech and public-private
partnerships are expanding inclusive procurement opportunities across sectors.
As New York modernizes procurement, technology is boosting efficiency, transparency,
and access for small businesses and MWBEs. This panel explores how digital tools and
data are reshaping state and city procurement. Hear from leaders on resources for
certification, training, and technical support, plus initiatives connecting businesses to
capital, talent, and innovation networks. Learn how tech and public-private
partnerships are expanding inclusive procurement opportunities across sectors.
Phillip Emmanuel Intatano
Agency Chief Contracting OfficerNYC Department of Buildings
Sheshe Segar
Executive Director of Finance & Chief Contracting Diversity OfficerNew York City Commission on Human Rights
Trovanna Singh
National Channel Development Lead | Public SectorT-Mobile
Carrie Torres
Director, Opportunity Programs GroupDASNY
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