2022 Diversity Summit

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. 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 at the City & State Diversity Summit.

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9:00 AM	Registration & Networking Breakfast
10:00 AM	Welcome By Emcee Annie McDonough, Deputy City Hall Reporter, City & State NY
10:05 AM	Introduction By Steve Garibell, Vice President, TD Bank Morning Keynote Speaker: Julissa Gutierrez, Chief Diversity Officer, New York State
10:25 AM	The Future of MWBEs in New York For more than 10 years, New York has focused on breaking barriers by maintaining the most aggressive MWBE program in the nation. The economic impact of COVID-19 felt by businesses across the state demonstrated how it disproportionately affected communities of color and small businesses, making it more important than ever to keep fighting to level the playing field and ensure everyone has an equal chance to help build New York's economy back better than ever. How can NY provide MWBEs the tools they need to succeed? Madina Toure, New York City Education Policy and Politics Reporter, Politico New York (moderator) Lisa M. Flores, Chief City Procurement Office and Director, New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services Sheshe Segar, Executive Director of Operations & Chief Diversity Officer, NYC Commission on Human Rights Michael J Garner, Chief Diversity Officer, Metropolitan Transportation Authority John Rooney, Area Director for Economic Inclusion, Gilbane Building Company Lou Coletti, President & CEO, BTEA NY
11:20 AM	Building Private Sector Partnerships To Grow M/WBE Firms Lou Coletti, President & CEO, BTEA
11:30 AM	Current State of New York Projects and Procurement The opportunities for government contracts in New York are practically limitless. Between the city and state, there will be over $100B in capital spending over the next few years. How can we promote productive capital spending, encourage public/private partnerships and make sure MWBE's and small business can fit into the implementation of major government projects? This panel will break down new programs, projects, and market-specific opportunities in New York, including transportation, construction, technology, hotels, and more. Our panelists will also dive into the ever-expanding project delivery methods like design build and public private partnerships. Trip Yang, Founder, Trip Yang Strategies (moderator) Suzanne Veira, Chief Diversity Officer, New York City School Construction Authority Dynishal Gross, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity, New York City Department of Small Business Services Brian Sanvidge, CIG, CFE, Principal Leader of Regulatory Compliance and Investigations, Anchin Block & Anchin Moses Kamya, Deputy Commissioner, Office of General Services
12:25 PM	Lunch
1:25 PM	Introduction By Elizabeth Velez, President, Velez Organization Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Hope Knight, President & CEO, Empire State Development
1:45 PM	How to Elevate your Business into the Next Level New York strives to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs and we are working hard to eliminate barriers in respect to participation in state 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 trainings, grants and other resources assist these companies? What are ways we can provide dedicated involvement and cooperation from membership organizations, unions, companies and government to get to the next level? Nayan Parikh, President, ASHNU International Inc.; NAMC National Board of Directors, President, NAMC, New York Tri-State Chapter; President, New York Tri-State Chapter, NAMC (moderator) Jerome A. DuVal, Executive Vice President & Executive Director, Empire State Development Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development Eric Alemany, Senior Director – Supplier Relationship Management, New York Power Authority Michael Mifsud, Vice President of Operations, Skanska USA Civil
2:40 PM	Diversity in New York New York is working harder than ever to implement inclusive hiring practices and foster a diverse workforce. 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 government ensure that the diversity in this city and state is further embraced? Adam Akmal-Gonzalez, Manager Business Diversity- East, CDW (moderator) Carlos Bannister, Chief MWBE Officer, New York City Department of Transportation Maria T. Osorio, Associate Commissioner, Administration, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Charmaine Bourbon, Vice President and co-lead, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Grant Associates
3:35 PM	Closing Remarks By Lorna Stark, National Sector Leader for Government and Lead Partner for City of New York, KPMG
3:45 PM	Sessions Conclude

Inclusion is one of the core values of City & State. Our goal is to create a company climate accessible to all, and proactively plan events free of physical, communication and/or other barriers so all individuals may meaningfully participate in our activities and events.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend City & State sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Alexis Arsenault at aarsenault@cityandstateny.com or Amanda Cortez at acortez@cityandstateny.com.

Please contact us for the full policy.

We require that ALL attendees be vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to the event and submit to a temperature check upon arrival, to help ensure the safety of all attendees. Please remember to bring a copy or photo of your vaccination card or your Excelsior pass to gain entry. We will space out all attendees in a large room to maintain social distancing. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

All attendees will be required to provide government-issued photo ID upon entry. Walk-in registrants will be charged an additional fee and will be required to provide credit card payment on-site.