WBEC NY DMV

WBEC Metro NY And Greater DMV: I'm Certified, Now What?
2024-08-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
“I’m Certified, Now What?”
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
August 1st, 2024 | 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.
Reserve your spot today!
Click to register!

Build Your Business Wealth Seminar Series: Empowering Entrepreneurs with Financial Knowledge
2024-08-06 11:00 - 12:00
Build Your Business Wealth Seminar Series:
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Financial Knowledge
Every successful entrepreneur knows that building a strong business requires more than just a great idea or product. It also takes financial savvy to navigate market fluctuations, manage cash flow, and make strategic investments. However, many entrepreneurs lack formal finance education, putting them at a disadvantage.
That’s why we are excited to announce our Build Your Business Wealth Webinar Series – a program designed to empower entrepreneurs with essential financial knowledge. Through a series of webinars, we will cover business finance topics and provide resources and tools to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and achieve financial success.
SEMINAR ONE
Smart Strategies for Small Business
August 6th, 12:00am – 1:30pm ET
This program is geared for business owners in the early stages of their business. Those established within the first 5 years and managing their first sources of revenue. The conversation will cover understanding the small business landscape, protecting your small business, succession planning, and assembling a professional team.
Register Now!
Meet the Expert

Natalya Robbins, ChFC®, RICP®, WMCP®
Financial Planner
Worksite Education Program Speaker
Natalya Robbins is passionate about providing her clients with the tools and education they need to navigate life’s financial challenges. With more than 23 years in the financial services industry, Natalya recognizes the more knowledge her clients have, the more empowered and confident they feel about achieving their goals.

Amplify Mastermind 2024: The Art of The Sale
2024-08-07 10:00 - 11:30
Amplify Mastermind 2024: The Art of The Sale

August 7th, 2024 | 10am to 11:30am EST | Virtual

Amplify is a Mastermind program uniquely designed to engage and support Women of Color in maximizing supplier diversity access to WBEs can scale the business. Participants in Amplify Mastermind have access to industry experts, masterclasses from Supplier Diversity Sponsors, and Amplify mentors to guide them through the journey of breaking through equity gaps and barriers.
Amplify is intended for Certified WBEs who identify as Women of Color-owned, are experiencing barriers related to the racial equity gap, and are seeking support, peer accountability, and a community to grow with.
Applications for Amplify Mastermind Program open in February. For more information, please go to wbecnydmv.org/programs/amplify

Why and How to Get Certified
2024-08-08 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
August 8th, 2024 | 1pm to 2pm 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!
Register Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlduqprTgrE9fmHOg6IzkdeHh_5dcOxeVm
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.

Lunch With the Experts: NYPA Corporate Connections
2024-08-13 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: NYPA Corporate Connections
August 13th, 2024 | 12pm to 1pm ET | Virtual Session

Join the New York Power Authority and the NYS Canal Corporation on August 13 as it Builds Powerful Connections for a Brighter Tomorrow. Hosted by WBEC Metro NY for its members, this event will provide insight into how women-owned businesses can compete and win contracts with America’s largest public power organization.
This webinar will:

Provide insights into upcoming projects and opportunities;
Describe the criteria for becoming a vendor;
Navigating the procurement process; and,
Business solutions offered through NYPA’s Supplier Diversity Program

Register now for this informational webinar designed to provide you with the information and access your business needs to unlock opportunities.
ABOUT:
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is America’s largest state power organization, with a mission to lead the transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York State through customer partnerships with other state and local entities, innovative energy solutions, and responsible supply of affordable, clean, and reliable electricity.
As part of our organization, NYPA operates, maintains, and promotes the NYS Canal system through its subsidiary, NYS Canal Corporation. New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the canal waterways link the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain. Following much of the original towpaths, the Canal system also includes the 365-mile Canalway Trail, which runs from Albany to Buffalo and from Albany to Whitehall and is all part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail—the nation’s longest multi-use recreational trail network.

Aziza Gamble, Supplier Diversity Associate
Aziza works to increase the usage of MWBEs and SDVOBs. She creates new business development opportunities for NYPA and Canals by fostering relationships between buyers, program managers, end users and the vendor community.
Click to register!

2024 WBEC Metro NY Live Regional Pitch Competition
2024-08-14 10:30
2024 WBEC Metro NY Live Regional Pitch Competition

August 14th, 2024, 10:30am EST
Hosted By: Stephanie Scott Bradshaw CEO and Communicator-in-Chief of First and Last PR

Join us to cheer on your fellow WBEs as they pitch in the 1st round of the 2024 WBENC Pitch Competition! During this virtual program, 10 WBE finalists from WBEC Metro NY will pitch their businesses to local corporate judges for a chance to compete in the WBENC semi-finals.
Here are our Top 10 WBEC Metro NY Pitch Finalists:
Luminoustudios, Inc., Sania Jhankar, https://luminoustudios.com/
Unmentionables LLC DBA Panic Panties, Maria-Nicole Marino, www.panicpanties.com
87th Street Creative, Sherene Strausberg, http://87thstreetcreative.com
Sheilisa McNeal – Fria Jewelry, Sheilisa McNeal, www.myfria.com
iWoman, Inc., Cathleen Trigg-Jones, iwoman.tv
Levelle Inc DBA Levelle Nutrition, Linda Alvarez, www.levellenutrition.com
Wet Cement Inc., Jennifer Willey, https://www.Wet-Cement.com
Front Burner Publishing Inc. DBA Dam Good English Muffins, Olivia Weale, https://www.damgoodenglishmuffins.com/
WEST X EAST CO / WEST X EAST, Tania Kottoor, https://westxeast.com/
SWAIR Inc, DBA SWAIR, Carrie Sporer, https://www.swairhair.com/
https://wbecnydmv.org/programs/wbenc-pitch-competition/

Click to register!

2024 WBEC Greater DMV Live Regional Pitch Competition
2024-08-14 14:30
2024 WBEC Greater DMV Live Regional Pitch Competition

August 14th, 2024, 2:30pm EST
Hosted By: Theresa R. Proctor CEO of Forward Movement Enterprises

Join us to cheer on your fellow WBEs as they pitch in the 1st round of the 2024 WBENC Pitch Competition! During this virtual program, 10 WBE finalists from WBEC Greater DMV will pitch their businesses to local corporate judges for a chance to compete in the WBENC semi-finals.
Here are our Top 10 Pitch Finalists:
Speak to Society, Quinn Conyers, QuinnConyers.com
Queirra Fenderson, LLC d/b/a The Ambition Studio, Queirra Fenderson, www.theambitionstudio.com
NBBG LLC dba 2Betties, Bridget Greaney, https://2betties.com/
MsPsGFree Inc – Food Service, Lisa Marsh, https://www.mspsglutenfree.com
Infinity Empowerment Services, Beverly Grandison, https://infinityempowermentsvc.com
In Full Bloom Health and Life Coaching, Dr. Marcea Whitaker, www.drmarcea.com
Homemade in DC, Mackenzie Loy, https://homemadeindc.com/
Good News Financial & Investment Advisors LLC, Dr Jovan Jackson, www.goodnewsfinancialservices.com
FIT2order, Stacy Fritz, www.fit2order.com
BT Beverage & Food, llc., Ruth Berhane-Williams, www.drinkeritea.com
https://wbecnydmv.org/programs/wbenc-pitch-competition/
Click to register!

Build Your Business Wealth Seminar Series: AI, Staying In Charge, Understanding Implications
2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:30
Build Your Business Wealth Seminar Series:
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Financial Knowledge
Every successful entrepreneur knows that building a strong business requires more than just a great idea or product. It also takes financial savvy to navigate market fluctuations, manage cash flow, and make strategic investments. However, many entrepreneurs lack formal finance education, putting them at a disadvantage.
That’s why we are excited to announce our Build Your Business Wealth Webinar Series – a program designed to empower entrepreneurs with essential financial knowledge. Through a series of webinars, we will cover business finance topics and provide resources and tools to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and achieve financial success.
SEMINAR TWO
AI: Staying In Charge, Understanding Implications
August 15th, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, and its impact has shaken industries. From powering a tech-stock boom, to potentially reshaping the future of financial advice, AI’s disruption can be felt all over. Business leaders need to be aware of AI as both a valuable resource, and potentially a looming threat to their business model. This course guides you through the basics of what makes AI such a powerful new technology. It zeroes in on real world examples of AI implementation. Importantly, it also advises you on the best ways to think about AI and their practice, both today and in the future.
Register Now!
Meet the Speaker

Christina Cuffari
Vice President of Advanced Planning, Sales Technology for Prudential’s Retirement and Life Distribution
Christina Cuffari is the Vice President of Advanced Planning, Sales Technology for Prudential’s Retirement and Life Distribution. She provides value-added programs and in-market technology training to the sales organization, financial professionals, broker-dealers, and the clients that we serve. Her focus is helping our customers utilize Prudential Retirement Strategies technology solutions to better service their clients and help grow their business. She also provides guidance to sales professionals on integrating best practices for leveraging financial planning tools and platforms, social media platforms, and cybersecurity best practices.
Prior to this role Christina has extensive experience working with financial professionals and their clients. Christina started her career as a financial professional with Prudential in southern NJ where she developed a passion for the industry. She has also served as an internal sales consultant covering a multitude of channels and states during her tenure to help her continue to build her knowledge and expertise of the industry. Ms. Cuffari attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and earned her degree in business administration with a minor in communications. During college she was a member of the Women’s soccer team that won the 2011 NCAA National Championship. She also holds the 2011 All-American, 2011 Academic All-American, as well as Player of the Year and Woman on the Year for 2011.

Sustainability Accelerator Module 2 Workshop 3
2024-08-20 13:00 - 15:00
Sustainability Accelerator
Module 2 — Checking Your Sustainability Compass
Workshop 3 – Example Systems and Assessments

August 20th, 2024 | 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 2024 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 workshops 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 2: CHECKING YOUR SUSTAINABILITY COMPASS

Showcase the material issues where you have the greatest impact, engage your stakeholders and align with global frameworks.
Identify the foundational policies, practices and systems to have or put in place for sustainable best practice.
Gain the knowledge to create effective policies in critical areas of ethics and transparency, environmental stewardship and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Learn valuable ways of thinking and tools to effectively organize information and measure sustainable performance.

In Module 2: Workshop 3, you will be introduced to ways of thinking and tools to effectively organize information and prepare for disclosure.

Register Here!
See more information here: Sustainability Accelerator | WBEC NY & DMV (wbecnydmv.org)

Amplify Mastermind 2024: Celebration
2024-08-21 10:00 - 11:30
Amplify Mastermind 2024: Celebration

August 21st, 2024 | 10am to 11:30am EST | Virtual

Amplify is a Mastermind program uniquely designed to engage and support Women of Color in maximizing supplier diversity access to WBEs can scale the business. Participants in Amplify Mastermind have access to industry experts, masterclasses from Supplier Diversity Sponsors, and Amplify mentors to guide them through the journey of breaking through equity gaps and barriers.
Amplify is intended for Certified WBEs who identify as Women of Color-owned, are experiencing barriers related to the racial equity gap, and are seeking support, peer accountability, and a community to grow with.
Applications for Amplify Mastermind Program open in February. For more information, please go to wbecnydmv.org/programs/amplify

WBEC Metro NY And Greater DMV: I'm Certified, Now What?
2024-08-22 13:00 - 14:00
“I’m Certified, Now What?”
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
August 22nd, 2024 | 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.
Reserve your spot today!

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkde2hpzwtGNb4jJ929GhJp5tdTe2orCgG
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Lunch with the Experts: Understanding Insurance, Protecting your Assets While Competing with Big Business with AARP
2024-08-27 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: Understanding Insurance, Protecting your Assets While Competing with Big Business with AARP
Tuesday, August 27th, 2024
12:00pm–1:00pm ET

As an entrepreneur, you already possess the drive and passion needed to be a risk-taker and innovator. However, navigating the essential aspects of running a business requires a strategic approach. Join us in this session as Lisa Hilton, CCSA, MLIS, CHP, REAS and Director Insurance Management, AARP explore the crucial elements of identifying risks and integrating insurance solutions to bolster your entrepreneurial pursuits. Discover how proactive risk management can safeguard your ventures and propel your business towards sustainable growth and success.

Lisa Hilton, CCSA, MLIS, CHP, REAS
Director Insurance Management, AARP
Lisa Hilton is the Director of Risk & Insurance Management for AARP. Her career spans over 25 years in the areas of enterprise risk management, captive creation and management and fraud investigation. She is responsible for AARP’s insurance portfolio, captive program, ergonomics and maintains risk management responsibilities for 50 state offices; plus, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an Associate’s degree in Administration of Justice. She is a certified Certified Cyber Security Architect (CCSA), Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS), Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP) and Remote Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (REAS).

Click to register!

Cybersecurity Intensive Information Session
2024-09-03 12:00 - 12:30
September 3rd, 2024 | 12pm to 12:30pm ET | Virtual Session

We invite you to join our 2024 Cybersecurity Intensive Information Session that will delve into the WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV’s latest offering, the Cybersecurity Intensive program. This event aims to give potential participants a comprehensive overview of the program’s objectives and benefits, emphasizing how it can empower WBEs to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, connect with fellow business owners, and gain valuable insights into protecting their digital assets in today’s increasingly vulnerable landscape
Don’t miss this chance to bolster your understanding of cybersecurity and discover strategies to secure your business’s future!

Angela Dingle
As President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), Angela Dingle leads a national nonpartisan organization advocating on behalf of women entrepreneurs, strengthening their impact on our nation’s public policy, creating economic opportunities, and forging alliances with other business organizations. Serving as the voice for the over 14 million women owned companies in the U.S., WIPP works with lawmakers to impact and influence policy that provides economic equity, procurement inclusion and access to the global marketplace.
Prior to serving in this role, Angela founded Ex Nihilo Management, an award-winning technology and management consultancy that provides governance, risk management and cybersecurity (GRC) to the public, private and non-profit sector. Her commitment to client success earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner. Angela is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, sharing her insights and expertise at conferences and events focused on women in business and government contracting. She is the author of Discovering Your Girl Powers: 10 Strategies to Build Confidence, Charisma and Credibility and Unexpected Leader: 11 Tools for Transformational Leadership. She has written articles and publications that provide valuable leadership guidance. Angela holds a MS in Management Information Systems from Bowie State University, a BS in Computer Science from DeVry University, a Certified Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner, and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). Angela is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Click to register!

Lunch With the Experts: Developing Your Capabilities Statement
2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: Developing Your Capabilities Statement
September 10th, 2024 | 12pm to 1pm ET | Virtual Session

As we enter Quarter 4, now is the time to participate in a hands-on session on crafting a stellar capabilities statement that speaks for your unique business strengths. Join Darcy Flanders from Baseline Group and Dawn Wells from Northwell Health for a workshop on how to design a capabilities statement that leaves a lasting impression on clients and collaborators. Through this Lunch With the Experts, participants will gain the skills to develop a compelling digital bio that showcases your leadership and accomplishments.

Gain knowledge about corporate supplier diversity programs
Understand how to navigate sourcing/procurement processes.
Learn from experts about specific business issues relevant to WBEs
WBEs are equipped with knowledge to connect with procurement professionals
WBEs network with other WBEs

Dawn Wells
Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain, Northwell Health
Dawn Wells is supply chain professional with a public health heart. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Supply Chain at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, serving NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. In this role she leads supply chain operations for the Health Systems’ Ambulatory Care Network comprised of more than 830 physician practices and outpatient facilities. In addition to these responsibilities, Dawn takes an active role in championing and facilitating programs that impact all levels of the organization. She has been a consistent champion of diversity; representing supply chain as a member of the diversity and health equity council and corporate social responsibility committee. In 2019, she chartered the health systems supplier diversity council that is charged with creating a cross functional action plan, ensuring that there is a system wide commitment to maintaining the diversity of the Health System’s suppliers, putting in place standardized processes for measuring goals and success, and partnering with external agencies to educate and deliver information to diverse suppliers within the communities served.
Dawn joined Northwell Health in 2003 as a member of the project implementation team that established framework for integrating finance, supply chain, and human resources under a shared-services umbrella. Over the years she has defined and redefined her position and responsibilities in response to the organization’s rapid growth. Dawn currently serves on the board of the NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council. She holds a B.S. in Business and a Masters of Public Health from Adelphi University.

Darcy Flanders
Founder / Chief Brand Strategist Baseline
As founder and chief brand strategist of BaselineGroupNY, Darcy is the visionary. Her strength lies in the ability to interpret clients’ goals and translate then into visually impactful and targeted printed and digital solutions. Her passion for design is contagious and her emphasis on teamwork leads to great collaborative solutions. Drawing on 35+ years of expertise, you can count on Darcy to lead an information-oriented, responsive and time-sensitive creative process that considers the big picture and instinctively understands the importance of the smallest detail and the strictest schedule. Darcy has envisioned and managed corporate branding initiatives for clients such as: Galliard Capital Management, Citi Alternative Investments, Citi Private Bank, HSBC Private Bank and Rutgers Business School, Wrigley, and PSEG LI.
Darcy is also passionate about helping her fellow MWBEs develop brands, websites and marketing materials and has worked with: JURISolutions Legal (JSL), McKissack & McKissack, Mrs. Paper, Savoca Enterprises, Winston Strategic Partners, Pina Solutions, Lob Planning and A,& S Rebar – to name a few. Her work has received numerous awards from the Financial Communications Society, Society of Technical Communication, the Association of the Graphic Arts, Graphic Design USA, Step Inside Design and most recently Best of 2020 Manhattan for Branding and Digital Design.
Click to register!

Sustainability Accelerator Module 2 Workshop 4
2024-09-10 13:00 - 15:00
Sustainability Accelerator
Module 2 — Checking Your Sustainability Compass
Workshop 4 – Module and Workbooks Review

September 10th, 2024 | 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 2024 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 workshops 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 2: CHECKING YOUR SUSTAINABILITY COMPASS

Showcase the material issues where you have the greatest impact, engage your stakeholders and align with global frameworks.
Identify the foundational policies, practices and systems to have or put in place for sustainable best practice.
Gain the knowledge to create effective policies in critical areas of ethics and transparency, environmental stewardship and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Learn valuable ways of thinking and tools to effectively organize information and measure sustainable performance.

In Module 2: Workshop 4, you will continue to move forward on your sustainability journey. Put your values into practice and start measuring your impact. Recognize winning roadmaps from your fellow participants.

Register Here!
See more information here: Sustainability Accelerator | WBEC NY & DMV (wbecnydmv.org)

Why and How to Get Certified
2024-09-12 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
September 12th, 2024 | 1pm to 2pm 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!
Register Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkf–gqTIvGNG4cP972qamgvudlzZeFbKQ
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.

WBEC Metro NY 25th Anniversary Grand GALA-xy Luncheon
2024-09-20 10:00 - 14:00
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm EST
The Plaza Hotel
768 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
It’s our milestone 25th Anniversary and we want to see you!
We are pleased to invite our WBEs, as well as our Corporate and Alliance Partners, to come together in community to celebrate The Power of Many within our network universe who have made our growth possible.
Join us to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’ll boldly go as we reimagine what business success looks like for the next 25 years. It’s only through The Power of Many that even when faced with unprecedented challenges, we’ll continue to shine bright for years to come!
Mark your calendars, get your tickets and dress to impress for the event that has been a quarter-century in the making. Our Silver 25th Anniversary GALA–xy Grand Luncheon will be out of this world!
SOLD OUT!
Contact LJoseph@wbecnydmv.org for exclusive event sponsorship opportunities. All sponsors will be recognized at the event and in the 25th Anniversary Commemorative Digital Look Book.
This Grand GALA-xy Luncheon will not have exhibitor opportunities for WBEs, however we would be honored if your organization would contribute to our silent auction with a product, service, or experience of $250 minimum market value.
All registration/ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

Build Your Business Wealth Seminar Series: Exit Strategies For The Closely Held Business
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:00
Build Your Business Wealth Seminar Series:
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Financial Knowledge
Every successful entrepreneur knows that building a strong business requires more than just a great idea or product. It also takes financial savvy to navigate market fluctuations, manage cash flow, and make strategic investments. However, many entrepreneurs lack formal finance education, putting them at a disadvantage.
That’s why we are excited to announce our Build Your Business Wealth Webinar Series – a program designed to empower entrepreneurs with essential financial knowledge. Through a series of webinars, we will cover business finance topics and provide resources and tools to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and achieve financial success.
SEMINAR THREE
Exit Strategies For The Closely Held Business
September 25th, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
This course provides education on business exit planning arrangements – commonly known as “Buy-Sell Arrangements.” Course material covers the risks of not adopting an exit strategy, the general types of buy-sell agreements, the importance of valuation, the funding alternatives and the role of life insurance.
Register Now!
Meet the Speaker

Karen Hofmann
Vice President, Advanced Planning Group, Prudential
Karen Hofmann is a Vice President, Advanced Planning for Prudential Retirement Strategies and Individual Life Insurance. In her current position, Karen is responsible for speaking with financial professionals and clients about ways to effectively accumulate, protect, and distribute wealth.Karen has more than 36 years of experience in the financial services industry. Previously, she worked at The Hartford as an Advanced Markets Consultant.
Karen has been an invited speaker nationwide on a variety of retirement planning, advanced markets, and other financial topics. She has also taught continuing education courses for Certified Financial PlannersTM, Attorneys, and Certified Public Accountants. Born and educated in London, England, Karen has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®)* designations. Karen lives in California just north of San Diego with her husband, Troy. Specialties: Small business planning, executive benefits, retirement and estate planning, Social Security, and charitable giving.

WBEC Metro NY And Greater DMV: I'm Certified, Now What?
2024-09-26 13:00 - 14:00
“I’m Certified, Now What?”
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
September 26th, 2024 | 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.
Reserve your spot today!

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrf-iopz4vHNx9rc7hbihcwF8Aq_w33fCV
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Sustainability Accelerator Module 3 Workshop 1
2024-10-01 13:00 - 15:00
Sustainability Accelerator
Module 3 — Ready, Set, Go
Workshop 1 – Developing an Environmental Management System (EMS)

October 1st, 2024 | 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 2024 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 workshops 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: Workshop 1, you will build on the momentum from Module 2 and learn about creating your own Environmental Management System (EMS).

Register Here!
See more information here: Sustainability Accelerator | WBEC NY & DMV (wbecnydmv.org)

One Page Business Plan: Mission, Vision, and Purpose
2024-10-02 10:00 - 13:00
One Page Business Plan: Mission, Vision, and Purpose
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.
Applications for One Page Business Plan open in early fall. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when applications open!
One Page Business Plan is delivered by Linda A. Hamilton of Linda A. Hamilton CPA, and sponsored by Corporate Partners Flagstar Bank, MetLife, and Altria.
More information coming soon!

One Page Business Plan: Office Hours
2024-10-04 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-10-11 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-10-18 10:00 - 10:30
One Page Business Plan: Office Hours
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.
Applications for One Page Business Plan open in early fall. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when applications open!
One Page Business Plan is delivered by Linda A. Hamilton of Linda A. Hamilton CPA, and sponsored by Corporate Partners Flagstar Bank, MetLife, and Altria.
More information coming soon!

Lunch With the Experts: Port Authority of NY/NJ Corporate Connections
2024-10-08 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: Port Authority of NY/NJ Corporate Connections
October 8th, 2024 | 12pm to 1pm ET | Virtual Session

Join WBEC Metro NY and the Port Authority of NY and NJ on October 8th, 2024 for a Corporate Connections session.
This Lunch With the Experts will provide insight to upcoming procurement opportunities, how to engage with PA NY/NJ procurement professionals, and what WBEs need to know to be procurement-ready.
You will:
Gain knowledge about corporate supplier diversity programs.
Understand how to navigate sourcing/procurement processes.
Learn from experts about specific business issues relevant to WBEs
WBEs are equipped with knowledge to connect with procurement professionals
WBEs network with other WBEs
ABOUT:
World-class transportation infrastructure is essential to economic growth and vitality. At the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, we keep the region moving by air, land, rail and sea, so that the people and businesses of our region continue to thrive. With engineering in our DNA, we are shaping the future of the region with groundbreaking yet practical facilities and systems built for the 21st century. At The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, we believe that Minority, Women-owned, Small, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWSDBE) and Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Businesses (SDVOB) offer unique perspectives and philosophies that greatly enhance our operations. Our supplier diversity program helps these enterprises participate in Port Authority business activities and provides diverse and inclusive contract opportunities.

Anthony B. Miller
Anthony has over twenty years of experience as a Supplier Diversity Professional, Certification Officer, Compliance Manager, and Program Manager with several public and private entities, agencies, and authorities in the Tri-state area.
Transportation, General Construction, and Construction Management are the primary industries where Anthony has honed his skills as the leader and subject matter expert on Compliance, Supply Chain Management, and Supplier Diversity. He started his career as an intern on the first public sector Design Build Operate and Maintain (DBOM) project in the United States for NJ Transit named the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System with a small woman-owned firm that provided Project Management services in his hometown of Jersey City, NJ.
As an emerging leader the transportation industry in the scope of construction management, Anthony coupled professional training, certificates, and certifications to advance his understanding of the project environment to complete milestone projects. Anthony educated himself about the industry and adapted to various roles as Quality Assurance /Quality Control Monitor, Document Control Assistant, Supplier Diversity Manager, Training Program Development Coordinator, and Technical Assistance Coordinator for small businesses.
To date, Anthony has managed over five billion dollars of public and private commercial assets in transportation infrastructure and commercial buildings for such entities as NJ Transit, Lend Lease (formerly Bovis Lend Lease), and now The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. A few of the assets include Citi Field the home field for the NY Mets, Barclays Center the home court for the Brooklyn Nets, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System, The World Trade Center Memorial, and the Newark Liberty Airport Terminal A Redevelopment Program to name a few. Anthony identifies himself as a small business advocate and ally within the communities he serves. As a Sentinel for small business opportunities, Anthony acknowledges that his performance on behalf of the small business community creates opportunities for entrepreneurs that may not have existed before.
Click to register!

One Page Business Plan: Finance and Pricing
2024-10-09 10:00 - 13:00
One Page Business Plan: Finance and Pricing
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.
Applications for One Page Business Plan open in early fall. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when applications open!
One Page Business Plan is delivered by Linda A. Hamilton of Linda A. Hamilton CPA, and sponsored by Corporate Partners Flagstar Bank, MetLife, and Altria.
More information coming soon!

Why and How to Get Certified
2024-10-10 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
October 10th, 2024 | 1pm to 2pm 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.

Lunch with the Experts: AARP Presents Protecting yourself, your devices, and your business
2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: AARP Presents Protecting yourself, your devices, and your business
Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
12:00pm–1:00pm ET

Join Matt Klaus, Vice President of Information Security at AARP, to learn how to protect your identity, your devices, and your business from common cybersecurity threats. Matt will share tips on how to travel safely and avoid device theft, identify social engineering attempts (such as phishing) to prevent account takeover, manage social media privacy settings, and more. Matt will also explain common security controls and why they are important, from multifactor authentication to system updates.

Matt Klaus, Vice President of Information Security at AARP
Matt is the Vice President of Information Security at AARP, responsible for managing the information security program. He leads teams dedicated to Governance, Risk, and Compliance as well as Cyber Operations & Incident Response. Together they establish policies and standards for the secure implementation of technology, educate the AARP workforce about cybersecurity, evaluate the security of third-party suppliers, assess compliance with industry frameworks and regulatory requirements (e.g., CIS CSC, PCI DSS), oversee vulnerability management and penetration testing, and maintain a suite of technical controls to protect AARP’s network, applications, computers, and data.

Click to register!

One Page Business Plan: Strategic Marketing
2024-10-16 10:00 - 13:00
One Page Business Plan: Strategic Marketing
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.
Applications for One Page Business Plan open in early fall. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when applications open!
One Page Business Plan is delivered by Linda A. Hamilton of Linda A. Hamilton CPA, and sponsored by Corporate Partners Flagstar Bank, MetLife, and Altria.
More information coming soon!

Cybersecurity: Workshop 1
2024-10-17 10:00 - 12:00
Cybersecurity: Workshop 1
October 17th, 2024 | 10am to 12pm ET | Virtual Session

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is crucial for diverse-owned businesses. Implementing strong cybersecurity measures is essential for protecting sensitive information, maintaining client trust, and ensuring business continuity.
The Cybersecurity Intensive is designed to support women-owned medium and large businesses by providing essential knowledge and tools to combat cyber threats. It aims to raise awareness of cybersecurity risks, promote good practices, and offer actionable strategies to protect business assets in an increasingly digital world.
Workshop 1 – Understanding The Risk
This two hour workshop is designed to provide women business owners with a basic understanding of cybersecurity and the impact it can have on their business.
During this workshop participants will:
1. Gain a basic understanding of cybersecurity.
2. Gain an increased awareness of cybersecurity as a business risk.
3. Identify definitive steps they can take to protect their business.
For more information, and to apply/register for the waitlist, please visit our website: https://wbecnydmv.org/programs/cybersecurity-intensive/

Angela Dingle
As President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), Angela Dingle leads a national nonpartisan organization advocating on behalf of women entrepreneurs, strengthening their impact on our nation’s public policy, creating economic opportunities, and forging alliances with other business organizations. Serving as the voice for the over 14 million women owned companies in the U.S., WIPP works with lawmakers to impact and influence policy that provides economic equity, procurement inclusion and access to the global marketplace.
Prior to serving in this role, Angela founded Ex Nihilo Management, an award-winning technology and management consultancy that provides governance, risk management and cybersecurity (GRC) to the public, private and non-profit sector. Her commitment to client success earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and strategic partner. Angela is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, sharing her insights and expertise at conferences and events focused on women in business and government contracting. She is the author of Discovering Your Girl Powers: 10 Strategies to Build Confidence, Charisma and Credibility and Unexpected Leader: 11 Tools for Transformational Leadership. She has written articles and publications that provide valuable leadership guidance. Angela holds a MS in Management Information Systems from Bowie State University, a BS in Computer Science from DeVry University, a Certified Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner, and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). Angela is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
