WBEC NY DMV

Power of Capital: Your Path to Financial Strength with CHASE for Business
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Discover how to make your money work for your business in this hands-on session designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners. “Unlocking the Power of Capital” offers a roadmap to understanding and leveraging financial tools that can drive sustainable growth.
Led by seasoned banking expert Evena Sumra, this session will walk you through essential financial concepts—from managing cash flow and evaluating borrowing needs to identifying key financial metrics and exploring SBA loan programs. Whether you’re preparing to seek funding or simply want to strengthen your financial foundation, you’ll leave with actionable insights to help you build your business empire.
Key Takeaways:

How to think strategically about cash flow
Determining if borrowing is right for your business
Positioning your business as a strong investment
Understanding the financial data that matters most
Navigating credit options and SBA loan programs
Laying the groundwork for long-term financial success

Register now!
Featuring Evena Sumra, Vice President & Senior Business Consultant, JPMorgan Chase

With over 23 years in banking—including more than two decades at JPMorgan Chase—Evena Sumra brings deep expertise in business finance and strategic growth. Her career includes leadership roles such as Branch Manager, Business Relationship Manager, and Commercial Banker. Today, she works directly with entrepreneurs to close operational gaps and build scalable solutions.
Outside of her professional work, Evena is a dedicated community advocate. She volunteers with The Links, Incorporated, supports youth development, and serves on several boards including Opportunity Charter School and the Women’s Enterprise Development Center—championing the success of women-owned businesses.

One Page Business Plan: Simple Systems Blueprint
2025-10-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
GET READY TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PLAN!
In One Page Business Plan, participants will dive deep into their business to create a roadmap for growth and profit. Starting with the foundations, from cultivating a money mindset and getting clear on your why, all the way to clarifying your current profit picture and strategizing your marketing to increase revenue.
Consider this program your MBA: Masters in Business Agility, where you’ll have everything you need to quickly adapt and respond to changes in an ever-changing business environment.
To apply for One Page Business Plan: Click here!
One Page Business Plan is delivered by Linda A. Hamilton of Linda A. Hamilton CPA, WBEC Metro NY’s 2024 WBE Star.

Linda Hamilton, CPA, CEPA, MAUS, CPBA, SYSTEMologist®, Speaker, and Co-President of Institute of Advisors Greater NY Chapter. Linda A Hamilton, CPA LLC is an award-winning CPA firm in New York City working with business owners and nonprofits for more than 30 years. The firm offers Controller Level accounting services and advises U.S. businesses and international companies doing business in the U.S on tax matters. We work with business owners and professional services advisors to build value & grow their companies in our Grow, Profit, Scale mastermind and coaching programs. We offer discovery sessions, business health checks, Critical Client Flow®, & Concierge Level SYSTEMology™ services. We help businesses align goals with both personal and business vision, finance, and accounting. Documenting business systems can make or break a business as it grows.
A frequent and sought-after speaker, Linda Hamilton is in demand for her expertise in business and tax planning, financial fluency, budgeting, succession planning, business process improvement, and using a simple business plan as roadmap to grow. Linda has served on the Partnership & LLC Tax Committee of NYSCCPA & is a member of AICPA, The Women Presidents Organization, The Woodard Alliance, The Exit-Planning Institute, The Institute of Advisors, and Advisory Board of Enterprising Women Magazine. The company is o a WBENC certified woman-owned company. The company’s headquarters is in New York City. Linda loves to walk for miles in Manhattan, read mysteries, do 3,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, and binge-watch TV shows with her husband. As a volunteer preschool teacher on Sunday for 25 years, Linda learned patience which helps when explaining complex tax and accounting to business owners. Linda splits her time between New York City and Florida.

I'm Certified, Now What?
2025-10-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
October 30, 2025 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session

WBENC Certification can be an amazing tool to help open doors and uncover business opportunities to take you from where you are to where you want to be. To fully unlock the extensive benefits of the WBENC network, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you – both locally and nationally. Attend this session to learn more about the core components of our network and the steps you can take today to make the most out of your certification. Participation is recommended for all newly certified and recertified WBEs, as well as WBEs who wants to stay up to date on what’s happening in the network.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

One Page Business Plan: Office Hours
2025-10-31 10:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
GET READY TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PLAN!
In One Page Business Plan, participants will dive deep into their business to create a roadmap for growth and profit. Starting with the foundations, from cultivating a money mindset and getting clear on your why, all the way to clarifying your current profit picture and strategizing your marketing to increase revenue.
Consider this program your MBA: Masters in Business Agility, where you’ll have everything you need to quickly adapt and respond to changes in an ever-changing business environment.
OFFICE HOURS: 10AM to 10:30am EST
To apply for One Page Business Plan, please visit our website: WBEC NY DMV One Page Business Plan Program
One Page Business Plan is delivered by Linda A. Hamilton of Linda A. Hamilton CPA, WBEC Metro NY’s 2024 WBE Star.

Lunch With the Experts: Filling the Funnel and Sealing the Deal
2025-11-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Tuesday, November 4th 2025
12pm to 1pm EST | Virtual
Join us for a workshop to learn how to channel marketing technologies and emotional intelligence to drive sales.
The workshop emphasizes the synergy between technology and human-centric strategies in both marketing and sales, making it relevant for businesses looking to resolve the pain of getting high quality leads and closing the deals for growth in 2025.
Register now!

Suchi Gupta is a passionate digital marketer with 14+ years of experience in building and growing brands. Over the years, she’s built a multi-disciplinary skill set that includes the new-age digital marketing strategies involving AI, MarTech and advanced user analytics for online activation, and lead generation.
I founded Pure Design Solution (PDS) in 2010. PDS is an integrated, purpose-driven digital marketing agency. Our team has been focused on working as an outsourced marketing partner, diving deep and bringing user-behavior intelligence into our campaigns, and creating award-winning work that has kept us gomg. As a long standing WBE, I’ve been involved with multiple RPO’s and hosted webinars, virtual table topics and was a WBENC thriving Coach in 2023-24. I’ve been a recipient of the Done Deals Award.

Tiffany Koettel is a powerhouse Sandler Trainer who transforms the way sales professionals think, communicate, and win. Known for her bold, practical style, Tiffany helps teams break free from outdated tactics and adopt a modern, consultative approach rooted in asking better questions, listening with intent, and solving real business problems.
She doesn’t just train on technique—she helps sales teams shift their mindset, embrace change, and lead with confidence in an AI-driven world. Tiffany is especially passionate about helping growth-focused companies and individuals harness both technology and emotional intelligence to stand out in crowded markets. Her sessions challenge old assumptions, spark “aha” moments, and leave people not just inspired—but equipped to perform at the next level.

One Page Business Plan: Strategies and Business Plan Framework
2025-11-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

Why and How to Get Certified
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00
Why and How to Get Certified
November 6th, 2025 | 12pm EST | Virtual Session
We’re sorry to share that the upcoming webinar has been cancelled. We truly value your time and interest, and we hope you’ll join us for our next session on December 9. Please be sure to register here—we’d love to see you there!
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s (WBENC) mission is to fuel economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses. They work to accomplish this by focusing on their CORE platform — Certification, Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement.

I'm Certified, Now What?
2025-11-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
November 13th, 2025 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session

WBENC Certification can be an amazing tool to help open doors and uncover business opportunities to take you from where you are to where you want to be. To fully unlock the extensive benefits of the WBENC network, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you – both locally and nationally. Attend this session to learn more about the core components of our network and the steps you can take today to make the most out of your certification. Participation is recommended for all newly certified and recertified WBEs, as well as WBEs who wants to stay up to date on what’s happening in the network.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

Sustainability Accelerator Module 3 Workshop 3
2025-11-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Sustainability Accelerator
Module 3 — Ready, Set, Go
Workshop 3 – Calculating Scope 1 and 2

November 18th, 2025 | 1pm to 3pm EST | Virtual
Sustainability is a business imperative for corporate partners.
Come join WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV and program partners, The Fehlig Group, for the 2025 Sustainability Accelerator, an accessible and actionable program to help you understand the basics and application of sustainability.
Consisting of three modules running over nine months, it includes four interactive Sessions and six optional drop-in clinics per module to provide expert advice on the unique needs of your business as you embed sustainability into your operation.
MODULE 3: READY, SET, GO!
Put your business values into practice to provide meaningful impact in areas that matter to you as well as your corporate partners.
Learn how to develop internal systems to manage, track and improve sustainable performance.
Gain the knowledge to develop effective managements systems expected by corporate partners and in sustainability assessments and certifications.
Understand how to prepare for sustainability disclosures and how to score well on third-party assessments or certificates.
Learn how to calculate your carbon footprint with a free tool that translates your business activities into greenhouse gas emissions requested by major corporations.
In Module 3: Session 3, you will learn how to use the EPA Simplified Calculator.
To get the complete program experience, it is strongly recommended that you attend all sessions of Module 3, See more information here: Sustainability Accelerator | WBEC NY & DMV (wbecnydmv.org)
Click to register!

WBEC Greater DMV Impact Awards Luncheon
2025-11-20 10:30 - 14:00 | Fairmount Washington DC, 2401 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20037
Register now!

WBEC Metro NY SAGE Advice Day 1
2025-12-03 08:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
WBEC Metro NY SAGE Advice Day 1

SAGE Advice is a collaborative partnership between Capital One and WBEC Greater DMV and Metro NY, established to develop and enable small business owners to grow through customized sessions delivered by successful women business owners and Capital One associates.
Through six, two-day in-person and virtual sessions held over six months, participants will dive deep into their business, their strategies, and their goals.
For more information about this program, please visit our website: wbecnydmv.org/programs/sage-advice

WBEC Metro NY SAGE Advice Day 2
2025-12-04 08:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
WBEC Metro NY SAGE Advice Day 2

SAGE Advice is a collaborative partnership between Capital One and WBEC Greater DMV and Metro NY, established to develop and enable small business owners to grow through customized sessions delivered by successful women business owners and Capital One associates.
Through six, two-day in-person and virtual sessions held over six months, participants will dive deep into their business, their strategies, and their goals.
For more information about this program,
Please visit our website: wbecnydmv.org/programs/sage-advice

Why and How to Get Certified
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Why and How to Get Certified
December 9th, 2025 | 11am EST | Virtual Session

If you’re a 51% women-owned or operated company, you’re just a few steps away from becoming a WBENC-Certified women’s business enterprise (WBE)!
At WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV, fueling local economic growth through the empowerment of women business owners is our primary mission. We provide WBENC certification—the gold standard in diversity certification—at the regional level and serve as an advocate for certified women-owned businesses by providing our WBEs with resources, programming, network opportunities, and recognition.
Do you want access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, networking events with like-minded women entrepreneurs, leadership development programs, and exclusive resources to grow and scale your business?
Join us for a 1-hour webinar and learn why the benefits of Certification go far beyond a Certification seal and the steps you can take to start your Certification process right away.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of WBENC Certification, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and local opportunities within your region and the larger ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to address your specific questions with our WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV staff.
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s (WBENC) mission is to fuel economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses. They work to accomplish this by focusing on their CORE platform — Certification, Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement.

I'm Certified, Now What?
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
December 18th, 2025 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session

WBENC Certification can be an amazing tool to help open doors and uncover business opportunities to take you from where you are to where you want to be. To fully unlock the extensive benefits of the WBENC network, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you – both locally and nationally. Attend this session to learn more about the core components of our network and the steps you can take today to make the most out of your certification. Participation is recommended for all newly certified and recertified WBEs, as well as WBEs who wants to stay up to date on what’s happening in the network.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

Your Gateway to Growth: Info Session on the 2026 SAGE Advice Program
2026-01-08 10:30
Your Gateway to Growth: Info Session on the 2026 SAGE Advice Program

Join us for an exclusive informational session hosted by WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV, in partnership with Capital One. This event is designed to empower small business owners with practical strategies and insider knowledge to help you thrive in 2026 and beyond.
What is SAGE Advice?
SAGE Advice is a unique collaboration that connects women entrepreneurs with experienced Capital One associates and business leaders. Through personalized guidance and proven strategies, this program fosters growth, innovation, and long-term success.
What to Expect:

Deep Dive into the Program: Learn about the SAGE Advice curriculum, objectives, and the transformative impact it can have on your business.
Expert Guidance: Get clarity on eligibility requirements, the application process, and tips for crafting a compelling application.
Real Stories, Real Insights: Engage directly with program alumni and business leaders who will share their experiences and strategies for maximizing the benefits of SAGE Advice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your business potential and take the next step toward growth!
Register Now!

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
February 12th, 2026 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a newly certified WBE or would like to maximize your certification, you don’t want to miss this!
Learn more about the WBENC and WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV network and opportunities.
Learn how best to use and navigate WBENCLink2.0.
Meet the WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV Certification Team!
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

2026-02-26 08:30 - 09:30 | Hart Senate Office Building, 120 Constitution Avenue, RoomSH-902, Washingon, DC, 20002, United States
Commonwealth Coffee Honoring Black History Month
Senator Mark R. Warner and Senator Tim Kaine cordially invite you to a Commonwealth Coffee honoring Black History Month. The Senators will be joined by Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. This is an opportunity for faith leaders, government officials, community organizers, civic engagement groups, and community service organizations, to speak with the Senators, the Congresswoman, and members of their staff.
Please feel free to share this invitation with any other interested parties.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., registration opens at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Room SH-902, 120 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Please use the visitor’s entrance on the east side of the building on Second Street NE between C Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE. Once inside, take the North Elevator bank to the 9th floor. Please allow up to 20 minutes for security screening.
RSVP: Space is limited. Please RSVP here by Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Transportation and Parking: Metro accessibility is available with the closest metro stop at Union Station on the Red Line. Street Parking in the area is limited; parking is available at Union Station (approximately four city blocks from the Capitol Visitor Center). Depending on the length of your stay, parking can cost between $11 and $24.
Accessibility: For visitors needing accessible parking, there are a limited number of available spaces located in the parking lot on the corner of First and C Streets NE. These spaces cannot be reserved and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are available to visitors displaying a placard for people with disabilities. A full map of accessible visitor parking is available here. Individuals with disabilities who require assistance should use the “contact organizer” button on the registration page or email projects@warner.senate.gov.

2026 WBEC Metro NY Women Mean Business Summit
2026-03-06 09:00 - 17:00
WBEC Metro New York is coming out of the gate with something great to help you THRIVE in 2026!
Join Us for the Women MEAN Business Summit at the Westin New York Grand Central on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9 am – 5 pm.
This full day event will be immersive, filled with powerful networking, strategic business introductions and incredible opportunities to learn from leaders, form valuable partnerships and ignite your growth! From town-hall style general sessions to workshops and our Marketplace/Expo, you’ll leave with new relationships, fresh visibility, and momentum you can actually use.
AND: Showcase your business at our Marketplace experience! This opportunity is designed for both service and product-based businesses. Be prepared to Show Up, Show Off, and Sell!
Secure your Marketplace spot by purchasing an Exhibit Table ticket.
Space for this pivotal Summit is limited and will sell out quickly! Register Now!

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
March 12th, 2026 | 2pm to 3pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a newly certified WBE or would like to maximize your certification, you don’t want to miss this!
Learn more about the WBENC and WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV network and opportunities.
Learn how best to use and navigate WBENCLink2.0.
Meet the WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV Certification Team!
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

2026 WBEC Greater DMV Women Mean Business Summit
2026-03-20 09:00 - 17:00 | MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745, United States

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00
Why and How to Get Certified
March 24 | 12 to 1 pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a 51% women-owned or operated company, you’re just a few steps away from becoming a WBENC-Certified women’s business enterprise (WBE)!
At WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV, fueling local economic growth through the empowerment of women business owners is our primary mission. We provide WBENC certification—the gold standard in diversity certification—at the regional level and serve as an advocate for certified women-owned businesses by providing our WBEs with resources, programming, network opportunities, and recognition.
Do you want access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, networking events with like-minded women entrepreneurs, leadership development programs, and exclusive resources to grow and scale your business?
Join us for a 1-hour webinar and learn why the benefits of Certification go far beyond a Certification seal and the steps you can take to start your Certification process right away.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of WBENC Certification, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and local opportunities within your region and the larger ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to address your specific questions with our WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV staff. Reserve your spot today!

Click Here to Register

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
April 9th, 2026 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a newly certified WBE or would like to maximize your certification, you don’t want to miss this!
Learn more about the WBENC and WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV network and opportunities.
Learn how best to use and navigate WBENCLink2.0.
Meet the WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV Certification Team!
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

WBEC NY DMV and TAP Present: AI For Small Businesses Webinar
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FDlNWYwRRmSoMXvEEXh4OA
In this beginner-friendly webinar, WBEC NY DMV and The Acceleration Project (TAP) will explain key AI terms, introduce general-purpose AI chatbots, and help you choose the right tool for your needs. Presenters Cynthia Ashworth and Joshua Schwartz will also share practical examples of how small businesses can use AI, from creating inventory lists from photos to writing social media posts and turning business data into actionable insights.

Register Now

Cynthia Ashworth is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across media, technology, and consumer goods. She specializes in brand strategy, digital marketing, and partnerships that drive innovation and growth. Most recently, she was SVP of Creative Partnerships at NBCUniversal, leading digital transformation and advanced marketing initiatives, with prior senior executive positions at DocuSign, Univision, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Cynthia is a regular presenter on AI for small business for TAP. She holds a BA from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the UVA Darden School of Business.

Joshua Schwartz is a seasoned general management and operations strategy leader with over 15 years improving efficiency and driving results in complex environments. He is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Assistant Secretary of Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience, assigned to the AI and Emerging Technologies portfolio. He works with private companies, military branches, and government partners on cyber and AI strategy, legislation, and policy. Previously, he served as Product Manager for an AI startup and Assistant Professor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, teaching Organizational Behavior, Marketing, and Finance. He holds a B.S. from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00
Why and How to Get Certified
April 21 | 12 to 1 pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a 51% women-owned or operated company, you’re just a few steps away from becoming a WBENC-Certified women’s business enterprise (WBE)!
At WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV, fueling local economic growth through the empowerment of women business owners is our primary mission. We provide WBENC certification—the gold standard in diversity certification—at the regional level and serve as an advocate for certified women-owned businesses by providing our WBEs with resources, programming, network opportunities, and recognition.
Do you want access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, networking events with like-minded women entrepreneurs, leadership development programs, and exclusive resources to grow and scale your business?
Join us for a 1-hour webinar and learn why the benefits of Certification go far beyond a Certification seal and the steps you can take to start your Certification process right away.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of WBENC Certification, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and local opportunities within your region and the larger ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to address your specific questions with our WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV staff. Reserve your spot today!

Click Here to Register

Pitch Academy: Know Your Voice: Establishing Your Executive Presence
2026-04-22 11:30 - 13:00
Pitch Academy
Know Your Voice: Establishing Your Executive Presence
April 22 | 11:30 am to 1 pm EST | Virtual Session
Created and led by Jen Litwin, Speeko’s Managing Director, Coaching and Strategic Partnerships, this interactive AI-powered workshop gives you the tools to speak with confidence, clarity, and credibility, whether in a classroom, boardroom, or virtual setting.
Drawing from her dual careers as an opera singer and a Wall Street and tech executive, Jen blends science-backed vocal training and Speeko’s AI technology with real-world communication strategies to help leaders project authority, manage vocal fatigue, and reduce stage fright.
In this lively session, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even make some joyful noise as you explore vocal techniques rooted in performance and refined for professional life. You’ll walk away with actionable tips on breath support, vocal projection, pacing, presence, and storytelling — all designed to make your message land with impact and style.

Click Here to Register

Jen Litwin leads Speeko’s premium live coaching business and enterprise partnerships. She brings deep expertise in executive presence, vocal mastery, relationship building, and career development, empowering individuals and teams to unlock their voices and show up with confidence, authenticity, and power.
Jen’s diverse background spans over three decades in high-stakes finance, tech sales, classical music performance, and dynamic live facilitation. Prior to Speeko, Jen served as Vice President, Head of Sales & Client Experience at The Forem, Senior Vice President and Head of Relationship Management at Greenwich Associates (now Crisil Coalition Greenwich), and she was a senior sales trader at UBS Investment Bank. She began her corporate career in back-office operations at AIG Financial Products Corp.

WOW Meet the Staff NYC In-Person Mixer
2026-05-11 12:00 - 14:00
Put a face to the name and a handshake to the connection. Our WOW in-person NYC mixer will bring together members of our WBE network and our regional staff for an afternoon of meaningful conversation, connection, and good company. Meet the dedicated staff behind WBEC NY DMV, reconnect with fellow members, and discover the businesses that make our network so extraordinary.
Register Now!
Learn more about Week of WBEC here!

WOW Meet the Staff DC In-Person Mixer
2026-05-11 12:00 - 14:00
Put a face to the name and a handshake to the connection. Our WOW in-person DC mixer will bring together members of our WBE network and our regional staff for an afternoon of meaningful conversation, connection, and good company. Meet the dedicated staff behind WBEC NY DMV, reconnect with fellow members, and discover the businesses that make our network so extraordinary.
Register Now!
Learn more about Week of WBEC here!

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
May 12 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual Session
Have you been on the fence about jumping into the Certification pool? Hear from our guest speakers Kym Ali, founder and CEO of Kym Ali Consulting, and Stephanie Ranno, Director of Growth at FlexProfessionals, on why it’s important for them to be WBENC-Certified and what tips they wish they knew prior to starting the process. Walk away feeling confident that Certification is right for your business.
This special edition of Why and How to Get Certified, moderated by Rochelle Cooper, CEO of Cooper Management Consulting, is designed to walk you through the Certification process, answer your questions, and show you firsthand why Certification with WBEC NY DMV is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your business.
Reserve now!
Click Here to Register

Kym Ali is the Founder and CEO of Kym Ali Consulting, a boutique AI consulting firm specializing in AI strategy and leadership development for federal and commercial organizations. With over 20 years of experience in regulated industries and a background spanning clinical nursing, federal contracting, and international business across 69 countries, Kym brings a unique perspective to AI adoption and workforce transformation.
Her work includes deploying AI digital humans as employee augmentation tools for enterprise clients, helping organizations scale expertise without scaling headcount. She is MIT AI Strategy trained, a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and a Fox 5 DC workplace expert. Her audit-first methodology has earned 100% satisfaction ratings from corporate engagements, and she has served over 10,000 clients across corporate, federal, and international markets.
Kym is passionate about helping organizations implement AI strategically, without burning out the people who make the mission possible.

Stephanie Ranno brings more than 20 years of experience in staffing and recruiting, helping organizations of all sizes and in all industries build high-performing teams. She has worked with clients in financial services, associations & nonprofits, government consulting, and architecture, construction, and engineering to connect them with exceptional talent.
In her role as Director of Growth, Stephanie partners with FlexProfessionals’ DC and Boston teams to expand the firm’s mid-market presence and bring our services to new metro areas. She focuses on opening new pathways for businesses to access flexible, top-tier talent in accounting, finance, HR, administration, operations, and marketing.
Stephanie is committed to showing employers how flexible work models can give organizations a competitive edge while creating meaningful career opportunities for professionals.
Beyond her client work, Stephanie is a frequent speaker and writer on topics including workforce trends, talent acquisition, neurodiversity, and inclusion. Inspired by her own family, she has a special interest in advancing neurodiversity in the workplace and creating a future of meaningful work for all.

Rochelle is a passionate talent leader and CEO/Founder of Cooper Management, an Executive Coaching and Assessment Firm, providing high-impact coaching, team-building and advising, to enable leaders and teams to achieve visible success in their roles. Programs her firm has created have been shown to increase high potential senior leader probability of promotion 2.5 times more than peers and to have a 93% likelihood of getting a bigger and broader role. Rochelle has been advising and coaching highly talented leaders for over 23 years and specializes in propelling them to the most senior levels of their organizations through individual and peer coaching programs, and tailored leadership workshops. She has created many Women’s Leadership Elevation programs and leads and directs several Coaching Programs to increase representation of women and diverse leaders in executive roles at their companies and to broaden their impact.
Dr. Cooper has held positions at JPMorganChase, in Organizational Development, at Merrill Lynch in Talent Management and Bell Labs, where she was an Assessment Center Expert on measuring
leadership potential. For the last fifteen years, Rochelle has been on faculty at Hofstra University’s School of Business, where she teaches Executive Leadership Skills in the Executive MBA and traditional MBA programs. She has taught many courses for Columbia Business School, including Women in Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Influencing Stakeholders and Leading Teams.

WeTalks: You Can't Scale Depleted: The Flexible Strength Blueprint for Women Who Lead
2026-05-13 11:00 - 12:00
May 13 I 11 am to Noon EST I Virtual
You’re running a business, managing a team, and trying to hold it all together. But here’s what nobody tells you…your body is doing the same job. And if it goes down, everything goes with it. In this WeTalks session, Stacy Fritz, founder of FIT2order, will introduce the Flexible Strength Blueprint, a simple, stackable framework designed to live inside your workday, not compete with it. Health isn’t something you get to when things slow down. It’s part of your strategy.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
1. Wellness only works when it lives where you live
2. How to inspire others to take better care of themselves
3. How to integrate healthy habit into your sedentary work-day
And you’ll walk away with:
1. Walk away with tools that weave together into experiences that are practical, immediate, and genuinely surprising
2. A new perspective when it comes to balancing health and work
3. Good health is a business strategy
Register today!
Click Here to Register

Stacy Fritz doesn’t just talk about sustainable performance. She runs it. Literally. This past February, she crossed the finish line of her 11th marathon, proof that you don’t have to choose between building something big and taking care of the body doing the building.
For more than 30 years, Stacy has built her life’s work around the belief that movement, neuroscience, and human performance are inseparable. As founder and CEO of FIT2order, a WBENC-certified corporate wellness company, she works with businesses whose employees spend most of their day in a chair. Her approach is simple and science-backed: wellness only works when it lives where you live. At your desk. Between meetings. In the margins of a busy day.
To do that work well, she’s gone deep. Stacy holds certifications in fitness, corrective exercise, behavior coaching, yoga (E-RYT 500), breathwork, and brain-based movement, tools she weaves together into experiences that are practical, immediate, and genuinely surprising. She’s also the inventor of the vidaBALL®, a patented breathing tool born from something deeply personal.
A two-time WBENC Pitch Semi-Finalist, 2024 WBEC DMV Pitch Winner, and 2026 WBE Star, Stacy is a Heroic Public Speaking graduate who will take the TEDx stage in Apex, North Carolina in April 2026.
She won’t just inspire you to take better care of yourself. She’ll show you how, starting today, right where you are.
About WeTalks
Women Enterprise Talks (WeTalks) is a virtual series that amplifies the voices of certified WBEs from across the WBEC NY DMV network. Through delivering a one-hour WeTalks presentation, WBEs can:

Reinforce thought leadership through sharing real business perspectives and expert advice with a broader audience of fellow women CEOs.
Strengthen credibility through contribution, not promotion.
Maintain visibility within the network.

Apply here to become a WeTalks speaker!

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
I’m Certified, Now What?
May 14 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual Session
Certification is just the starting line.
Join us for a special WOW edition of I’m Certified, Now What? and discover everything your Certification has unlocked. Learn how to leverage your Certification, tap into a powerful network of resources, and fully embed yourself in a community built to help your business grow. If your Certification has been sitting on the shelf, it’s time to put it to work.
In a conversation moderated by Elin Barton, CEO of Riveo Creative, speakers Dr. Drena Valentine, CEO of Integrative Management Solutions, LLC, and Liz Whitehead, CEO of 12PointFive, will share valuable advice on how to get the most out of your Certification.
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

Dr. Drena Valentine is a visionary, transformative leader and a force for economic equity who has dedicated more than 25 years to strategically revitalizing of businesses, particularly those owned by Black, minority, and women entrepreneurs. A recognized authority in Strategic and Operations Management, Dr. Valentine has built her career around an unyielding commitment to creating sustainability, access, and excellence systems that empower small and midsize businesses to thrive.
As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Integrative Management Solutions, LLC (IMS), Dr. Valentine has led her firm to become a nationally certified minority business enterprise that redefines how small businesses access, manage, and sustain operational growth. IMS specializes in actionable, performance-based strategies integrating structure, process, and people to drive repeatable results and achieve operational excellence. Under Dr. Valentine’s leadership, IMS has become a premier strategic partner for public agencies, anchor institutions, and community development financial institutions (CDFIs), seeking to strengthen internal operations and expand procurement readiness for underrepresented businesses.

Liz Whitehead is the CEO of 12PointFive, a business development consultancy that specializes in growing small and diverse businesses by building business development strategies for larger organizations. At 12PointFive, she supports her clients in reaching their goals through facilitation, consulting, and one-on-on coaching. Recognizing that diverse businesses need a program to give them the information they need, when they need it, and in a way that drives them to take action, Liz co-founded Mastermind my Company with Heather Cox. Our signature program is an online curriculum focused on building a roadmap to certification success.
Liz currently serves on the WBENC National Forum and the WBEC DMV forum. She is Chair of three local Chapters of the Women Presidents Organization, facilitating monthly meetings for multi-million-dollar business owners as part of an international peer advisory group. As a certified B Corp business, she is also on the Leadership Circle of We The Change, a collective of purpose driven women business leaders that grew out of the B Lab network. Her awards include WBEC DMV’s WBE Connection award, Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate Award and the WBE Star Award. She was recognized by Women’s Enterprise Magazine (WE USA) as one of the Top WBE CEOs of 2021 and by the Women Presidents Organization as a President’s Award winner. In 2023, she was recognized by WBENC as a WBE Star, the most prestigious award for women business owners in the network.

At the helm of Riveo Creative for more than 15 years, founder and CEO Elin Barton has a passion for small business, sustainability and storytelling. Elin and her team work with a range of clients, from Fortune 100 corporations to small and mid-sized businesses, building brands and amplifying stories of impact. Elin serves on the WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) Forum, and is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and We the Change, two organizations working to make a positive social and environmental impact.
