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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.
José Bayona
Founder & CEO, Grassroots Media & Grassroots StrategiesCity & State Advisory Board Member
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity OfficerCity of New York
Dhanraj Singh
New York State Chief Procurement OfficerNew York State Office of General 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.
José Bayona (Moderator)
Founder & CEO, Grassroots Media & Grassroots StrategiesAdvisory Board Member, City & State NY
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
ChairSenate Task Force on MWBE
Roman Gofman
Deputy Commissioner, Citywide ProcurementNew York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Dynishal Gross
CommissionerNew York City Department of Small Business Services
Earl Thomason
Vice President of Entrepreneur DevelopmentEmpire State Development
Sean Carroll
FounderA Posteriori, LLC
Ruth Walters
Senior Advisor, Procurement ServicesOstroff Associates
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.
Lou Coletti (Moderator)
Senior AdviserDavidoff Hutcher & Citron
Carlos Bannister
Assistant Commissioner and Chief Contracting Diversity OfficerNew York City Department of Transportation
John Katsorhis
Deputy Chief Procurement OfficerNew York City Mayor's Office of Contract Service
Jason Clark
Executive Director and EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business DevelopmentEmpire State Development
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.
John Celock (Moderator)
Special Projects EditorCity & State NY
Eric Alemany
Senior Director, Supplier Relationship Management,New York Power Authority
Charlette Hamamgian
Deputy Comptroller, Contracts & ProcurementOffice of the New York City Comptroller
Hersh K. Parekh
Deputy Chief, Intergovernmental AffairsThe Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Adam Akmal-Gonzalez
Manager, Strategic Partnerships - EastCDW
Brian Sanvidge
Principal and 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.
Sheryl Huggins Salomon (Moderator)
Advisory Board ChairCity & State New York
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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