WBEC NY DMV

Pitch Academy: Lessons from the Stage
2026-05-27 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | https://events.zoom.us/ev/AiKvh1omGRkALdfwx1yw_5M9WfGTK-JH9lXDHfq4G36KhNMTF5jK~Aj_1OPTqugsvBVbhFhC0zItKyLwsnpXtLdKDa2fVEwwRzZkIr60-8gcKJw
Pitch Academy: Lessons from the Stage
May 27 I 11 a.m. to Noon EST I Virtual Session
Hear directly from WBEs who have been where you are.
In this candid and inspiring panel, former Powerplay Pitch Competition participants pull back the curtain on what it really takes to compete. From navigating the nerves to delivering under pressure in the Live Pitch Competition, these women will share how they prepared, what surprised them, what they wish they had known, and the lessons they’ve learnt from taking the stage. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or gearing up for another run, this is the insider guide.
You’ll not only get to learn from 2025 Powerplay Pitch winners, but you’ll also hear directly from WBEC staff who will walk you through everything you need to know to apply, so you can step into the process informed, prepared, and ready to make your mark.
Panel:

Moderator: Carrie Sporer, SWAIR

Panelist: Queirra Fenderson, The Ambition Studio

Panelist: LaKesha, Veney, DeVine Wine Jelly

Panelist: Kimberle Lau, Bake Me Healthy

Panelist: Jovan Jackson, Good News Financial & Investment Advisors LLC

Our 1st Place Metro NY winner, Carrie Sporer is the co-founder of SWAIR and a University of Pennsylvania graduate with bachelor’s degrees in economics and communications. Before launching SWAIR, she built her career in luxury accessories, serving as VP of Sales and Operations at Edie Parker and Director of Sales at Judith Leiber.

DeVine Wine Jelly founder Lakesha Veney is a Washington, DC native and passionate culinary entrepreneur who turned her love for food and wine into a unique gourmet experience. After a decade in physical therapy, she followed her true calling and launched her catering company, eventually creating DeVine Wine Jelly-an innovative line of vegan, gluten-free wine-infused jellies crafted from premium fruit wines.

Dr. Jovan Jackson, the Financial Coach of Hope, is a 5x published author, speaker, and licensed fiduciary financial advisor. As President of Good News Financial & Investment Advisors, she leads innovative financial wellness programs through her F.E.W. (Financially Empowered Workforce) framework. With over 17 years of experience, she helps individuals and organizations build wealth, reduce taxes, and prepare for retirement. Jovan is a trusted voice featured on media platforms and corporate stages across the region.

Queirra Fenderson is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and CEO of The Ambition Studio®, a certified women-owned enterprise dedicated to combating workplace burnout and cultivating leadership excellence. Through expert executive coaching, leadership development, and facilitation, Queirra has helped organizations enhance employee retention and build stronger talent pipelines.

Kimberle Lau is an Asian American mom of two who courageously pursued her passion for healthy baking after becoming lactose and egg intolerant and high-risk for breast cancer. Through her business, Bake Me Healthy, she is on a mission to fight food allergies and food waste with her yummy Top 9 allergen-friendly sustainable baking mixes and cookies.

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WBENC National Conference Virtual Orientation - WBE Session 1
2026-05-27 13:00 - 14:00
WBE Session 1
May 27 | 1 to 2 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
By attending our WBENC National Conference VIRTUAL Orientations, you can ensure you are in the know about everything happening in Salt Lake City!
We encourage every attendee of the 2026 WBENC National Conference to attend one of these valuable, insightful and question-answering sessions!
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.

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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!

WBENC National Conference Virtual Orientation - WBE Session 2
2026-06-02 15:00 - 16:00
WBE Session 2
June 2 | 3 to 4 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
By attending our WBENC National Conference VIRTUAL Orientations, you can ensure you are in the know about everything happening in Salt Lake City!
We encourage every attendee of the 2026 WBENC National Conference to attend one of these valuable, insightful and question-answering sessions!
Register Now

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.

WBENC National Conference Virtual Orientation - Corporations Session 1
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00
Corporations Session 1
June 4 | 1 to 2 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
By attending our WBENC National Conference VIRTUAL Orientations, you can ensure you are in the know about everything happening in Salt Lake City!
We encourage every attendee of the 2026 WBENC National Conference to attend one of these valuable, insightful and question-answering sessions!
Register Now

WBENC National Conference Virtual Orientation - Corporations Session 2
2026-06-09 15:00 - 16:00
Corporations Session 2
June 9 | 3 to 4 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
By attending our WBENC National Conference VIRTUAL Orientations, you can ensure you are in the know about everything happening in Salt Lake City!
We encourage every attendee of the 2026 WBENC National Conference to attend one of these valuable, insightful and question-answering sessions!
Register Now

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.
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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.

WBENC National Conference Virtual Orientation - WBE Session 3
2026-06-10 13:00 - 14:00
WBE Session 3
June 10 | 1 to 2 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
By attending our WBENC National Conference VIRTUAL Orientations, you can ensure you are in the know about everything happening in Salt Lake City!
We encourage every attendee of the 2026 WBENC National Conference to attend one of these valuable, insightful and question-answering sessions!
Register Now

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.

2026 WBENC National Conference
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-18
WBENC National Conference
Join us for the 2026 WBENC National Conference!
June 15 – 18, 2026 | Salt Lake City, Utah
The WBENC National Conference is a powerful gathering point for connection, collaboration, and growth across the network. Each year, the WBENC National Conference creates opportunities to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and share unforgettable experiences that drive impact and innovation. Join WBENC as it celebrates and carries out its mission.
Join Forces. Succeed Together.
Register Now!

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

WBENC Spark Your Strategy Toward Your Next Business Opportunity Session 3
2026-07-01 14:00 - 15:00
Part 3: Post-Conference Session
July 1 | 2 to 3 p.m. EST | Virtual Session
Fuel your readiness for that next business opportunity with this three-part series designed to ignite innovation and position your business for success.
Each session intentionally builds on the next, creating a progressive learning experience that helps you strengthen your strategy, refine your approach, and confidently apply what you’ve learned throughout your WBENC National Conference journey. From preparation and positioning to engagement and post-conference follow-through, every conversation is designed to layer practical insights and actionable tools that work together to maximize your impact.
In this session, learn effective post-conference follow-up strategies and discover how to continue leveraging 2026 WBENC opportunities to maintain momentum, strengthen connections, and turn Conference conversations into long-term business growth.
Register Now

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.

Partner Program: CRMSDC MBEIC Summer Series Happy Hour #2
2026-07-08 17:00 - 19:00
CRMSDC – MBEIC Happy Hour #2
July 8 I 5 to 7 pm EST In Person

Join the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council, Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee and WBEC NY DMV for an evening of networking, great conversation, and community! It’s the perfect chance to mingle, network, and unwind in person with fellow professionals and entrepreneurs. Bring your energy, enjoy some great conversations, and make new connections in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss out on this fun, casual meetup to expand your network and share ideas!
Location: Mix and Mingle Coffee Lounge, 8923 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD, 20735, United States
Register Now

WEtalks: Nobody's Ever Heard of You and It's Costing You Big Contracts with Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw
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.
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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

Joint Program: Founders First Capital Partners and WBEC NY DMV Present The CEO Capital Activation Experience
2026-07-30 10:00 - 18:30
July 30 | 10 am to 6:30 pm EST | Buffalo, NY
The Capital Activation Experience connects growth-ready small business CEOs with capital providers, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders – through structured, facilitated engagement that leads to real funding conversations, supplier opportunities, and long-term partnerships.
This high impact, invite only event is designed to connect revenue-generating founders with capital providers and strategic partners. It brings together a curated group of founders, connecting them with funders advisors and ecosystem partners actively deploying capital.
There are two levels of experience, and you apply once for both. Founders First reviews every application personally.
Level 1 – Fireside Chat & Reception is where every member starts. It is a high-energy evening with funders, speakers, and founders who have built what you are building. You will get curated funder introductions, access to the Partner Focus Zone, and a fireside chat with founders who have crossed $10M. It is free.
Level 2 – VIP Luncheon is selective. Founders First reviews every application personally and invites capital-ready founders to a small, structured brunch with six facilitated one-on-one rotations with lenders who can actually move the needle. Being a member of WBEC NY DMV puts you in the strongest possible position to be considered. The Capital Activation VIP Luncheon gives selected founders six structured one-on-one rotations with lenders who are actively deploying capital.
One application. Two possible outcomes. Both worth showing up for.
Request Your Invitation

WEtalks: Mental Health & Wellness in Business: Self-Care Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs With Dr. Ada Aguilar
2026-08-13 13:00 - 14:00
August 13 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual
Join us for WEtalks: Mental Health & Wellness in Business, a practical, results-focused session led by Dr. Ada Aguilar for small business owners looking to manage stress, prevent burnout, and lead more effectively. Participants will learn how to integrate simple self-care practices, set boundaries, and build sustainable habits that support both personal wellbeing and business growth.
Participate in this session if you want to:

Build awareness of burnout and its impact on small business success.
Explore simple, actionable self-care strategies to manage daily stress.
Learn effective boundary-setting and use of support systems to sustain productivity.
Improve focus, decision-making, and overall leadership effectiveness.
Adopt sustainable habits that support long-term business and personal success.

Register Now

Ada M. Aguilar has a PhD in counseling psychology. After 30 years of service, she recently retired from the New York City Department of Education. She is a best-selling children’s book author and the author of the Ryan Daniels series. Her latest book is The Psychology of Raising Good-Strong Boys: How to Raise Good Men in a Modern World. Retirement has given Dr. Aguilar the time to pursue her true passion: skin care. Dr. Aguilar is fortunate to combine her love for research and natural skin care products to address the inevitable loss of collagen and elasticity in aging skin. Maru & Ming Skincare is named after Dr. Aguilar’s two grandmothers.
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
2026-08-25 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
August 25 | 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?
2026-08-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
August 27 | 1 to 2pm EST | Virtual
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: Earn Your Influence: The Language Every Woman in Business Should Speak in Every Room They Enter with Linnita Hosten
2026-09-10 11:00 - 12:00
September 10 | 11 am to 12 pm EST | Virtual
Women leaders often carry invisible pressure — to be likable, competent, accommodating, strategic, and emotionally intelligent all at once. Over time, that pressure can quietly shape how we speak, how we advocate for ourselves, and how much of ourselves we allow to be seen — especially in moments of tension. And conflict is often where this becomes most visible.
In this WEtalks virtual session, led by Linnita Hosten, Founder and Lead Coach of Vocal Value, will participants will learn how to have increased confidence in professional communication, improved ability to influence and persuade, and stronger professional presence and impact. They will walk away with strategies to present a polished, authoritative presence, enhancing their visibility and effectiveness in the workplace.
Don’t miss this valuable session.
Register Now

As a Certified Holistic Public Speaking Coach, keynote speaker, and 5x author, Linnita Hosten empowers emerging leaders to build trust, morale, and connection within their teams.
How does she do that, you might ask? By helping leaders master one of America’s most common fears—public speaking. Her latest book, Earn Your Influence: Become the Person People Trust, Follow, and Grow With, challenges leaders to rethink how influence is built and sustained. Linnita’s work has been featured by TEDx, the National Press Club, and New York Weekly. She has received more than a dozen honors and awards, including Speaker of the Year, 40 Under 40 in Education, and Alumni of the Year from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
When she’s not speaking, training, ministering, or coaching, you’ll likely find the pescatarian in the produce section of a local farmer’s market, listening to a good audiobook, browsing online for things she probably won’t buy, or enjoying time with her fiancé, Leonard. Linnita finds deep joy in helping shy, quiet, and background leaders grow a voice that commands the room.
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!

2026 Dominion Convergence Conference and Supplier Expo
2026-09-15 09:30 - 14:30
September 15 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | Richmond, VA
Convergence 2026, hosted by Dominion Energy, is a supplier expo with more than 80 exhibitors participating. During Convergence 2026, small, local, and diverse businesses can learn about upcoming opportunities and develop relationships with each participating company.
Event Details
When: September 15, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Greater Richmond Convention Center
Register Now

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-09-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
September 17 | 2 to 3pm EST | Virtual
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.

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-09-29 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
September 29 | 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

How to Do Business with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) Event
2026-09-30 08:00 - 12:00
September 30 | 8 am to 12 pm EST | Hughesville, MD
In partnership with WBEC NY DMV and CRMSDC, this supplier engagement event is an opportunity for certified diverse suppliers to connect with SMECO’s procurement team and SMECO stakeholders. Held on September 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hughesville, MD, the event will include: information on how to do business with SMECO and upcoming sourcing opportunities, networking and matchmaking, and a light breakfast.
Additional details are coming soon.

I'm Certified, Now What?
2026-10-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
October 1 | 1 to 2pm EST | Virtual
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.
