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City & State’s Diversity Summit will offer industry executives, public sector leaders and academics a full-day conference dedicated to fostering business partnerships between the state and local government, prime contractors and MWBEs. We’ll discuss the ways New York is working to implement inclusive hiring practices and DEI frameworks, and what the future looks like for these initiatives. 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, and learn about the latest DEI initiatives at the City & State Diversity Summit.
Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Lissa Blake at lblake@cityandstateny.com for more information.
Attend
Details
Baruch College
55 Lexington Ave., 14th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Agenda
Times are subject to change.
Welcoming Remarks
Welcoming Remarks by Emcee
![Tara L. Martin](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240501203037-Tara_L_Martin_-resized-300x300_1.png)
Tara L. Martin
Founder + CEOTLM Strategic Advisors
![Tara L. Martin](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240501203037-Tara_L_Martin_-resized-300x300_1.png)
Tara L. Martin
Founder + CEOTLM Strategic Advisors
Keynote Remarks
Keynote Remarks
![Michael Garner](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309000249-Garner_Michael_J..jpeg)
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity OfficerCity of New York
![Michael Garner](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309000249-Garner_Michael_J..jpeg)
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity OfficerCity of New York
Panel 1
Building New York’s MWBE Programs
New York’s trailblazing MWBE program has always broken down barriers and unlocked opportunities for thousands of MWBEs in our state. The NY government is committed to and provides critical resources for Minority- and Women-Owned businesses to help them succeed. Those NY government entities and partner businesses are all interested in making our economy the strongest, most diverse, accessible, and inclusive. What current programs are assisting NY MWBEs with the tools they need to succeed? What are new ideas in this area, and what are partner businesses providing? We hear from leaders in this area.
![Suzanne Veira (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240319165635-2024-03-19_12.42.58.jpeg)
Suzanne Veira (Moderator)
Vice President and Chief Diversity OfficerNYC School Construction Authority
![Senator James Sanders, Jr.](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240308235847-james-sanders_orig.jpeg)
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Chair, New York State Senate Democratic Conference MWBE Task Force CommitteeNYS Senate
![Jason Clark](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240308235948-Jason-Clark-headshot-sq.jpeg)
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business DevelopmentEmpire State Development
![Adam Akmal-Gonzalez](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240315145923-Adam_Akmal_Gonzalez_Resized_600x600.jpeg)
Adam Akmal-Gonzalez
Manager, Business Diversity - EastCDW
![David Hiraldo](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240510170256-David_Hiraldo-_resized-250_x_250_.png)
David Hiraldo
Founder and Executive DirectorRenaissance Technical Institute (RTI)
![Juan Adorno](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240514190846-Juan_Adorno.jpeg)
Juan Adorno
Business DevelopmentTruFund Financial Services
New York’s trailblazing MWBE program has always broken down barriers and unlocked opportunities for thousands of MWBEs in our state. The NY government is committed to and provides critical resources for Minority- and Women-Owned businesses to help them succeed. Those NY government entities and partner businesses are all interested in making our economy the strongest, most diverse, accessible, and inclusive. What current programs are assisting NY MWBEs with the tools they need to succeed? What are new ideas in this area, and what are partner businesses providing? We hear from leaders in this area.
![Suzanne Veira (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240319165635-2024-03-19_12.42.58.jpeg)
Suzanne Veira (Moderator)
Vice President and Chief Diversity OfficerNYC School Construction Authority
![Senator James Sanders, Jr.](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240308235847-james-sanders_orig.jpeg)
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Chair, New York State Senate Democratic Conference MWBE Task Force CommitteeNYS Senate
![Jason Clark](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240308235948-Jason-Clark-headshot-sq.jpeg)
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business DevelopmentEmpire State Development
![Adam Akmal-Gonzalez](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240315145923-Adam_Akmal_Gonzalez_Resized_600x600.jpeg)
Adam Akmal-Gonzalez
Manager, Business Diversity - EastCDW
![David Hiraldo](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240510170256-David_Hiraldo-_resized-250_x_250_.png)
David Hiraldo
Founder and Executive DirectorRenaissance Technical Institute (RTI)
![Juan Adorno](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240514190846-Juan_Adorno.jpeg)
Juan Adorno
Business DevelopmentTruFund Financial Services
Panel 2
How to Win Contracts in NY
New York State is committed to assisting businesses across all market sectors to increase contracting opportunities with State agencies and authorities. This process requires sorting through many opportunities and identifying the ones that are right for each organization. While New York strives to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs, it is also working hard to eliminate barriers in respect to participation in state and city contracts. Major challenges faced by these firms are limited access to networks and information, and a lack of access to capital at affordable rates. How can certifications, specialized training, grants and other resources assist these companies? How can membership organizations, unions, companies and government assist here?
![Peter Sterne (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240515163849-_Peter_Sterne-_resized-250_x_250_.png)
Peter Sterne (Moderator)
EditorCity & State NY
![Sherece Joseph](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309000536-1691509808724.jpeg)
Sherece Joseph
Senior Associate Director, Procurement Operations & M/WBE OfficerNYC Mayor's Office of Contract Services
![Roman Gofman](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240318192048-Roman_Gofman-resized-_600__600.png)
Roman Gofman
Chief Contracting OfficerNYC Citywide Administrative Services
![Sean Carroll](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240328181309-Sean_Carroll_-_Resized.png)
Sean Carroll
FounderA Posteriori, LLC
![Marcello Rios](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240523164034-Marcello_Rios_resized_300x300.png)
Marcello Rios
Assistant Commissioner, Capacity Building and Corporate PartnershipsNYC Department of Small Business Services
New York State is committed to assisting businesses across all market sectors to increase contracting opportunities with State agencies and authorities. This process requires sorting through many opportunities and identifying the ones that are right for each organization. While New York strives to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs, it is also working hard to eliminate barriers in respect to participation in state and city contracts. Major challenges faced by these firms are limited access to networks and information, and a lack of access to capital at affordable rates. How can certifications, specialized training, grants and other resources assist these companies? How can membership organizations, unions, companies and government assist here?
![Peter Sterne (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240515163849-_Peter_Sterne-_resized-250_x_250_.png)
Peter Sterne (Moderator)
EditorCity & State NY
![Sherece Joseph](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309000536-1691509808724.jpeg)
Sherece Joseph
Senior Associate Director, Procurement Operations & M/WBE OfficerNYC Mayor's Office of Contract Services
![Roman Gofman](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240318192048-Roman_Gofman-resized-_600__600.png)
Roman Gofman
Chief Contracting OfficerNYC Citywide Administrative Services
![Sean Carroll](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240328181309-Sean_Carroll_-_Resized.png)
Sean Carroll
FounderA Posteriori, LLC
![Marcello Rios](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240523164034-Marcello_Rios_resized_300x300.png)
Marcello Rios
Assistant Commissioner, Capacity Building and Corporate PartnershipsNYC Department of Small Business Services
Panel 3
New York’s Biggest Projects
The opportunities for government contracts in New York are practically limitless. New York State and New York City have set forth bold efforts to increase contracting opportunities for certified M/WBEs in the development of public projects. With more than $43 billion of construction contracts awarded in 2022 by the City of New York alone, there are still plenty of business opportunities to be had. How can we promote productive capital spending, encourage public/private partnerships and design build and make sure MWBE's and small business can fit into the implementation of major government projects? This panel will break down new projects and opportunities in New York, including transportation, construction, technology, energy, and more.
![Zenaida Rodriguez (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240429184402-Zenaida_Rodriguez-resized-300x300.png)
Zenaida Rodriguez (Moderator)
Executive DirectorRegional Alliance for Small Contractors
![Hersh K. Parekh](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309001128-CARMEN_RUBIO-0089finalB.jpeg)
Hersh K. Parekh
Director of Government & Community RelationsThe Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
![Eric Alemany](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309001533-Eric_A.jpeg)
Eric Alemany
Sr. Director, Supplier Relationship ManagementNew York Power Authority
![Carlos Bannister](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309001827-Carlos_Bannister_Resized_600x600.jpeg)
Carlos Bannister
Chief MWBE OfficerNew York City Department of Transportation
![Jean Kristensen](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240411164429-Jean_Kristensen.jpeg)
Jean Kristensen
Chief Consultant, Supplier DiversityJFK Millennium Partners & CEO of JKA Solutions
![Brian Sanvidge, CIG, CFE](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240405140951-Brian_Sanvidge-resized-300x300.png)
Brian Sanvidge, CIG, CFE
Principal, Leader of Regulatory Compliance and InvestigationsAnchin
![Uzoamaka Okoye](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240507125749-Uzoamaka_Okoye-resized-300x300_1.png)
Uzoamaka Okoye
Chief of StaffThe New Terminal One at JFK
The opportunities for government contracts in New York are practically limitless. New York State and New York City have set forth bold efforts to increase contracting opportunities for certified M/WBEs in the development of public projects. With more than $43 billion of construction contracts awarded in 2022 by the City of New York alone, there are still plenty of business opportunities to be had. How can we promote productive capital spending, encourage public/private partnerships and design build and make sure MWBE's and small business can fit into the implementation of major government projects? This panel will break down new projects and opportunities in New York, including transportation, construction, technology, energy, and more.
![Zenaida Rodriguez (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240429184402-Zenaida_Rodriguez-resized-300x300.png)
Zenaida Rodriguez (Moderator)
Executive DirectorRegional Alliance for Small Contractors
![Hersh K. Parekh](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309001128-CARMEN_RUBIO-0089finalB.jpeg)
Hersh K. Parekh
Director of Government & Community RelationsThe Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
![Eric Alemany](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309001533-Eric_A.jpeg)
Eric Alemany
Sr. Director, Supplier Relationship ManagementNew York Power Authority
![Carlos Bannister](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309001827-Carlos_Bannister_Resized_600x600.jpeg)
Carlos Bannister
Chief MWBE OfficerNew York City Department of Transportation
![Jean Kristensen](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240411164429-Jean_Kristensen.jpeg)
Jean Kristensen
Chief Consultant, Supplier DiversityJFK Millennium Partners & CEO of JKA Solutions
![Brian Sanvidge, CIG, CFE](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240405140951-Brian_Sanvidge-resized-300x300.png)
Brian Sanvidge, CIG, CFE
Principal, Leader of Regulatory Compliance and InvestigationsAnchin
![Uzoamaka Okoye](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240507125749-Uzoamaka_Okoye-resized-300x300_1.png)
Uzoamaka Okoye
Chief of StaffThe New Terminal One at JFK
Panel 4
Emerging DEI Practices in New York
New York is working harder than ever to implement inclusive hiring practices and DEI frameworks to make sure that all environments are diverse. These strategies help promote good outcomes and help organizations remain competitive. What else can the government and all sectors do to increase diversity and inclusion? How can New York’s ensure that the diversity in this city and state is further embraced? What works for a successful organization in terms of their Call to Action strategies? What should a framework look like moving forward?
![Holly Pretsky (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240514212248-Holly_Pretsky-_resized-250_x_250_.png)
Holly Pretsky (Moderator)
Deputy Managing EditorCity & State NY
![Sideya Sherman](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309004524-Sideya_Sherman_Headshot_Resized_600x600.png)
Sideya Sherman
Chief Equity Officer and CommissionerCity of New York
![Priya Nair](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240507135903-_Priya_Nair-resized-300x300_1.png)
Priya Nair
Deputy Chief Diversity OfficerOffice of Governor Kathy Hochul
![Keith Sanders](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240326163024-Screenshot_2024-03-26_123009.png)
Keith Sanders
Vice President, DEI & Talent EngineeringCDW
![Sadye L. Campoamor](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240328164850-New_Sadye_C._Resized_600x600.png)
Sadye L. Campoamor
Chief Equity OfficerNYC Comptroller’s Office
New York is working harder than ever to implement inclusive hiring practices and DEI frameworks to make sure that all environments are diverse. These strategies help promote good outcomes and help organizations remain competitive. What else can the government and all sectors do to increase diversity and inclusion? How can New York’s ensure that the diversity in this city and state is further embraced? What works for a successful organization in terms of their Call to Action strategies? What should a framework look like moving forward?
![Holly Pretsky (Moderator)](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240514212248-Holly_Pretsky-_resized-250_x_250_.png)
Holly Pretsky (Moderator)
Deputy Managing EditorCity & State NY
![Sideya Sherman](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240309004524-Sideya_Sherman_Headshot_Resized_600x600.png)
Sideya Sherman
Chief Equity Officer and CommissionerCity of New York
![Priya Nair](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240507135903-_Priya_Nair-resized-300x300_1.png)
Priya Nair
Deputy Chief Diversity OfficerOffice of Governor Kathy Hochul
![Keith Sanders](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240326163024-Screenshot_2024-03-26_123009.png)
Keith Sanders
Vice President, DEI & Talent EngineeringCDW
![Sadye L. Campoamor](https://virtuoso-media.govexec.com/media/events/729/speakers/photo-20240328164850-New_Sadye_C._Resized_600x600.png)
Sadye L. Campoamor
Chief Equity OfficerNYC Comptroller’s Office