WBEC NY DMV

I'm Certified, Now What?
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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
Register now!

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.

Metro NY Synergy Power Hour
2026-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Bvfgw197QaGcLBY49ez6Lw
The Synergy Power Hour:
A Conversation with Diana Domenech

May 19 | 10:00 a.m. EST | Virtual
Join WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV for a one-hour virtual conversation with Diana Domenech, President and CEO, as she connects with the NY Certified WBEs and shares her perspective on the opportunities ahead.
This interactive gathering is designed to welcome Diana, strengthen regional connection, and explore how our network can continue building momentum through strategic partnership, shared insight, and the power of synergy.
THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR CERTIFIED WBES ONLY!
Register Now

Greater DMV Synergy Power Hour
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/j17vD348RRGDNBJz9T_DnA
The Synergy Power Hour:
A Conversation with Diana Domenech

May 21 | 10:00 a.m. EST | Virtual
Join WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV for a one-hour virtual conversation with Diana Domenech, President and CEO, as she connects with the DMV Certified WBEs and shares her perspective on the opportunities ahead.
This interactive gathering is designed to welcome Diana, strengthen regional connection, and explore how our network can continue building momentum through strategic partnership, shared insight, and the power of synergy.
THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR CERTIFIED WBES ONLY!
Register Now

WeTalks: Leading in the Deep End: Leadership and Resilience Under Pressure
2026-05-28 11:00 - 12:00
May 28 I 11 am to Noon EST I Virtual
Business owners don’t freeze in volatility because they lack talent or information—they freeze because their nervous systems are under threat. This session, led by Emma Churchman, CEO of Emma M. Churchman LLC, delivers a resilience operating system leaders can apply immediately with their teams to stay clear-headed and decisive under pressure (without burning out), strengthen communication and boundaries, and lead through volatility—people issues, cash-flow stress, burnout, and rapid change.
Through the webinar participants will learn:

Practical tools to stay clear-headed and decisive under pressure (without burning out).
Techniques to regulate stress in real time before high-stakes conversations, negotiations, or presentations.
Stronger communication and boundary-setting during conflict, uncertainty, and growth seasons.

Participants will gain:

A simple framework for leading through volatility—people issues, cash flow stress, and rapid change.
A resilience “operating system” you can apply immediately with your team to reduce reactivity and improve execution.
Real-world lessons from WBE case studies you can relate to and model in your own business.

REGISTER NOW

Emma Churchman is a WBE from North Carolina, the Founder & CEO of Emma M. Churchman LLC and a nationally certified trauma chaplain and leadership consultant with 25+ years of experience helping leaders and organizations navigate crisis, disruption, and recovery. As a 3x bestselling author and speaker—and a PhD candidate in Conscious Business Ethics—Emma is known for translating trauma-resilient principles into practical, real-time tools leaders can use to stay clear, grounded, and effective under pressure.
She has supported more than 50,000 individuals and hundreds of organizations in transforming adversity into resilience, and has delivered keynotes and trainings for audiences ranging from community-based teams to national leadership networks, including speaking at last year’s WBENC conference in New Orleans where she led the two hour wellness session on resilient leadership in crisis. Her forthcoming book, Navigating the Deep End: Resilient Leadership in a Volatile World (GracePoint, 2026), features case studies of WBEs and offers an actionable framework for leading when “normal” no longer exists.
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!

WBEC Metro NY New Haven, CT, Meet & Greet
2026-06-03 12:00 - 14:00
WBEC Metro NY New Haven, CT, Meet & Greet
June 3 I 12 – 2 p.m. EST I New Haven, CT
WBEC Metro NY Presents: New Haven, CT Meet & Greet! Join us at IL GABBIANO on June 3rd at 12 p.m. EST for an afternoon of networking and fun. This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about business resources in the Connecticut area in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your professional circle, collaborate with new friends, and build community. We can’t wait to see you there!
No on-site registration. Registration through Eventbrite required, as space is limited.
Register Now

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
June 4th, 2026 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a newly Certified WBE or would like to maximize your Certification, you won’t want to miss our I’m Certified, Now What? virtual session.
Learn more about WBENC, WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV network programs, events, and opportunities, and how best to use and navigate WBENCLink2.0. This is also an opportunity to meet WBEC NY DMV staff, including members of the Certification team.
Reserve your spot now.
Reserve your spot today!
Click here to register.

WEtalks: WBENC Conference Know Before You Go
2026-06-10 11:00 - 12:30
WEtalks: WBENC Conference Know Before You Go
June 10 I 11 am to 12:30 pm I Virtual
Join our special edition WEtalks: WBENC Conference Know Before You Go on June 10 to prepare for the 2026 WBENC National Conference!
Hear from Host Committee members Maryann Pagano and Katy Voight-Nobis and experienced WBEs Elin Barton and Stacy Fritz on how to plan your schedule, approach the Expo, and make the most of key conference moments.
You’ll also hear from corporate partners LaVonia Smith-Carter, Strategic Sourcing Partner at MGM, and Kimberly Ayers, CSMP, Director of Supplier Strategy & Engagement at AARP, on how to engage with them effectively before you arrive.
During this session, you will:
1. Meet your peers (virtually) and hear from them about why attending the conference matters.
2. Learn from seasoned Conference Attendees to learn how to best prepare for the Conference.
3. Learn the best way to connect with WBEC Staff during the conference
You will also gain a better understanding of WBENC Conference programming and show up to the Conference feeling informed and prepared. Don’t miss this opportunity—sign up now and set yourself up for success at the WBENC National Conference.
Register Now
Session Moderator:

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.
Session Panelists:

Maryann Pagano is the CEO and Co-Founder of BlackHawk Data, a rapidly scaling, woman-owned technology solutions provider. With more than two decades of leadership experience, Maryann drives the company’s strategic vision, revenue growth, and partner ecosystem. Since co-founding BlackHawk Data in 2018, Maryann has led the organization from startup to a nationally recognized IT solutions provider with more than 55 employees, multiple office locations, and continued year-over-year growth.
Maryann has been honored as U.S. SBA Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Most Powerful Women of the Channel, WPO/JPMC Top 50 Fastest Growing Female-Led Organizations and an EY Winning Woman.

With 20 years at API Source, Katy Voight-Nobis has built her career helping brands create authentic, lasting connections through meaningful branded merchandise programs. As a daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, Katy leads with purpose and heart, bringing a people-first approach to every client and partnership. She believes branded merchandise is far more than giveaways or swag—it’s a tangible brand experience that creates emotion, strengthens loyalty, and becomes part of someone’s story. Katy is proud of the impact API Source makes by supporting employees, uplifting communities, and delivering memorable solutions for clients.

For more than 30 years, Stacy Fritz 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. 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.
Corporate Partners:

LaVonia Smith-Carter serves as Strategic Sourcing Partner for MGM National Harbor, a premier $1.4 billion resort and casino in National Harbor, MD. In this role, she oversees vendor gaming and business certification compliance, manages supplier relationships, monitors performance and supports the MGM corporate team in maintaining inventory commodities. LaVonia supports local and small businesses by helping them navigate compliance requirements and identify opportunities across the property. She contributes throughout the procurement lifecycle, from initial walkthroughs and pre-bid meetings to bid updates and final project approval support. She also participates in outreach efforts to connect with new businesses and identify qualified partners whose capabilities align with MGM’s operational needs, helping strengthen the property’s procurement strategy.

As AARP’s Director, Supplier Diversity within Procurement and Contract Management, Kimberly Ayers is responsible for managing and fostering partnership opportunities between AARP internal stakeholders, the procurement team, and small and diverse suppliers to drive increased awareness and usage of small and diverse businesses enterprise wide. Ms. Ayers ensures that AARP stays connected to the community by: championing continuing educational opportunities for entrepreneurs, the promotion of minority and small business certification opportunities, and sponsoring diverse initiative opportunities provided by AARP diversity partner organizations to bring greater visibility and awareness to the issues facing small and diverse businesses.

WBEC NY DMV Partner Program: Positioned to Compete with EXIM Bank, SBA, and the Department of Commerce
2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:00
Partner Program:
Positioned to Compete with EXIM Bank, SBA, and the Department of Commerce
June 11 | 1 to 2 p.m. EST | Virtual
WBEC NY DMV invites you to a June 11 virtual session designed for businesses preparing for their next stage of growth and expansion into new markets.
Representatives from EXIM Bank, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Commerce will discuss how their financing, technical assistance, and market access resources work together to support business readiness. The conversation will explore how managing risk, strengthening internal capacity, and leveraging available federal resources can help companies scale operations and pursue new opportunities domestically and internationally.
Attendees will gain practical insight into how thoughtful preparation today can support long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Secure your place now to take advantage of this valuable session centered on growing your business internationally.
Register Now

Toya Woods is a Business Development Specialist in the Office of Small Business at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank). Based in Washington, D.C., she supports EXIM Bank’s mission as an independent federal agency that provides export credit insurance and working capital guarantees to help U.S. small businesses compete and grow in the global marketplace.
In her role, Ms. Woods promotes EXIM’s export financing programs and services to underserved business communities, with a particular focus on minority-, women-, and veteran-owned enterprises. She is committed to expanding awareness of EXIM resources and helping small business owners access the tools needed to succeed internationally.
Ms. Woods has over eighteen years of experience at EXIM Bank. During her tenure, she has held positions in the Office of Records Management as well as in the Division of the Treasurer and Controller, providing her with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the Bank’s operations.

Michael K. Jackson serves as a Senior International Trade Specialist in the Baltimore office of the U.S. Commercial Service, the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.
He brings nearly two decades of federal experience in international trade and export development, including prior business development roles with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where he specialized in export finance education, training, and strategic partnerships.
Before entering federal service, Mr. Jackson spent over a decade in the private sector, holding sales and marketing roles with Fortune 500 firms in the banking and telecommunications industries.
In addition to his public service, Mr. Jackson is the Founder & CEO of Michael K. Jackson International, a leadership development and professional speaking practice focused on resilience and sustainable well-being for leaders and teams under pressure.
He earned an MBA in International Business from American InterContinental University and a B.S. in Government & Politics with a concentration in International Relations from the University of Maryland Global Campus (Heidelberg, Germany). He holds the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) designation and is an Association for Talent Development (ATD) Master Trainer. Mr. Jackson is a U.S. Air Force veteran, husband, and proud father of four daughters.

Miguel Peñaloza is a Finance Manager under the SBA’s Office of Manufacturing and Trade (OMT). Miguel supports small businesses and lenders which engage with SBA’s three core export loan programs as well as the recently launched Working Capital (Pilot) Program. Prior to joining the SBA, Miguel worked as a Loan Specialist with the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) as well as a Membership Manager with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). His background in lending provides a unique understanding of the financing needs for small businesses.

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-06-23 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
June 23 | 1 to 2 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?
2026-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
July 2nd, 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.

WEtalks: Staffing to Scale: Building Capacity Without Breaking Your Budget with Stephanie Ranno of FlexProfessionals
2026-07-07 11:00 - 12:00
July 7 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
As your business grows, so does the pressure on you as a founder. Many women business owners delay hiring because full-time payroll feels like a big leap, yet continuing to do everything yourself limits growth and impact. This session, led by Stephanie Ranno, provides a practical framework for building capacity strategically. We’ll explore flexible hiring models that allow you to expand support thoughtfully, strengthen your business, and scale in a way that feels sustainable.
Through the webinar participants will:

Learn practical framework for building capacity strategically.
Explore flexible hiring models.

Participants will gain:

Strategies to strengthen their business and sustainably scale.

Click below to register now!
REGISTER NOW

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.
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!

Pitch Academy: The Science of Storytelling
2026-07-08 11:30 - 13:00
Pitch Academy
The Science of Storytelling
July 8 | 11:30 am to 1 pm EST | Virtual
Storytelling drives results.
A powerful story changes everything. It draws people in, strengthens your message, and makes your ideas stick. This workshop blends AI with human guidance to help you craft stories that elevate every conversation.
What you’ll learn:
1. The brain on stories:
How stories light up more of the brain than facts alone by creating empathy and shared neural responses.
2. Building blocks of a story:
Great stories use characters, conflict, and change, all guided by the Hero’s Journey framework.
3. Make your message stick:
Pacing, pausing, tone, and narrative framing help transform data and ideas into messages people remember.

Click Here to Register

Nico Aguilar, the CEO and co-founder of Speeko, knows firsthand the challenges of public speaking. For years, he struggled to find his voice, experiencing the anxieties and frustrations that hold many people back from communicating effectively. He eventually discovered the transformative power of speech coaching, but also realized how expensive and inaccessible it was for most people.
This personal journey fueled Nico’s passion to democratize this essential skill. He co-founded Speeko, an AI-powered speech coach, to make confident communication accessible and affordable for everyone.

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.

WEtalks: Nobody's Ever Heard of You and It's Costing You Big Contracts
2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00
July 15 | 12 to 1 pm EST | Virtual
This virtual session is designed to speak directly to Certified women business owners who are leaving revenue on the table because their brand story, visibility, and communications strategy isn’t working for them. As CEO and Communicator in Chief of First and Last PR, Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw works with brands that need to be seen by the right people at the right time. In this session, she’ll break down why visibility is the missing piece in most growth strategies and what to do about it. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for building credibility, showing up in front of corporate buyers, and turning their Certification into a communications asset.
Participants will gain:

An understanding of how visibility, brand positioning, and communications strategy influence access to corporate buyers, contract opportunities, and business growth.
Practical strategies to build credibility, communicate value propositions effectively, and position businesses as qualified supplier partners.

Attendees will also leave with a practical framework to increase visibility among corporate buyers and supplier diversity leaders, identify gaps in their brand story and messaging, and knowledge of how Certification can be integrated into marketing and communications efforts to support procurement readiness, supplier visibility, relationship-building with corporate partners, and revenue growth.
Register Now

Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw serves as the CEO and Communicator-in-Chief of First and Last PR, an award-winning public relations and digital marketing agency that focuses on beauty, wellness and healthy lifestyle, and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Relations, Society of America, New Jersey Chapter. A lifelong storyteller, innovative strategist and detail obsessed creator who understands the business, Stephanie leads an amazing team to implement strategies that grow global brands across a multitude of sectors in their portfolio. For more information, please visit: www.firstandlastpr.com.
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!

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-07-28 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
July 28 | 1 to 2 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
