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 (America/New_York)
July 15 | 12 to 1 pm EST | Virtual
This virtual session is designed to speak directly to Certified women business owners who are leaving revenue on the table because their brand story, visibility, and communications strategy isn’t working for them. As CEO and Communicator in Chief of First and Last PR, Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw works with brands that need to be seen by the right people at the right time. In this session, she’ll break down why visibility is the missing piece in most growth strategies and what to do about it. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for building credibility, showing up in front of corporate buyers, and turning their Certification into a communications asset.
Participants will gain:

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

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

Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw serves as the CEO and Communicator-in-Chief of First and Last PR, an award-winning public relations and digital marketing agency that focuses on beauty, wellness and healthy lifestyle, and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Relations, Society of America, New Jersey Chapter. A lifelong storyteller, innovative strategist and detail obsessed creator who understands the business, Stephanie leads an amazing team to implement strategies that grow global brands across a multitude of sectors in their portfolio. For more information, please visit: www.firstandlastpr.com.
About WEtalks
Women Enterprise Talks (WEtalks) is a virtual series that amplifies the voices of certified WBEs from across the WBEC NY DMV network. Through delivering a one-hour WEtalks presentation, WBEs can:

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

Apply here to become a WEtalks speaker!

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-07-28 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
July 28 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual Session
If you’re a 51% women-owned or operated company, you’re just a few steps away from becoming a WBENC-Certified women’s business enterprise (WBE)!
At WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV, fueling local economic growth through the empowerment of women business owners is our primary mission. We provide WBENC certification—the gold standard in diversity certification—at the regional level and serve as an advocate for certified women-owned businesses by providing our WBEs with resources, programming, network opportunities, and recognition.
Do you want access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, networking events with like-minded women entrepreneurs, leadership development programs, and exclusive resources to grow and scale your business?
Join us for a 1-hour webinar and learn why the benefits of Certification go far beyond a Certification seal and the steps you can take to start your Certification process right away.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of WBENC Certification, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and local opportunities within your region and the larger ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to address your specific questions with our WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV staff. Reserve your spot today!

Click Here to Register

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.

Powerplay Pitch Academy: From Draft to Delivery: The Formula of A Pitch
2026-10-14 11:00 - 12:00
October 14 I 11 am to 12 pm I Virtual
Most pitches don’t fail because the idea is bad. They fail because the message never lands.
Retired Air Force Colonel, storyteller, and Catalytic Comedian Mo Barrett spent nearly 30 years mastering high-stakes communication. Now she brings that hard-won formula to this workshop, so you can walk into any room, any conversation, and actually be heard.
What you’ll learn:
1. The spine (for any message): A simple framework for clarity that works across pitches, proposals, and high-stakes conversations — so your message is never lost in translation.
2. The story (the only delivery vehicle that works): How to find and use the single moment that makes your message memorable, credible, and impossible to ignore.
3. The body (what you say before you speak): Virtual presence, vocal tools, and the breath reset — because your body is already communicating before you open your mouth.
4. The close (what decision-makers actually remember): Clarity. Credibility. Confidence. The three things that determine whether your pitch moves people to yes.
Register Now

Mo Barrett is a Catalytic Comedian, storyteller and Co-founder of the Full StopTM Movement, on a mission to prove that humor isn’t a party trick. It’s a high-performance tool.
After nearly 30 years in uniform, Mo retired as an Air Force Colonel who mastered the art of finding humor in unexpected places – combat, cockpits and the occasional ridiculous situation that definitely won’t make it into the official after-action report. Now she brings that same energy to stages across the world. Her blend of relatable storytelling, contagious energy and perfectly-timed jokes forms a trifecta that helps audiences laugh, learn and think (in that order). But here’s the thing: Mo isn’t just entertaining you. She’s waking you up.
Most leaders don’t realize they’re on autopilot until they’re already past the exit ramp. Mo’s gift is uncovering meaning in the mundane – transforming everyday moments into the kind of Full Stops that create genuine connection and actually change behavior. Humor breaks patterns, sharpens decisions and forges the kind of connection that makes people lean in, laugh out loud and leave with both eyes open

Capital One Envision Summit
2026-10-20 12:30 - 2026-10-21 15:30
October 21-22 I Richmond, VA
Capital One Envision Summit is dedicated to creating an inclusive supply chain and empowering businesses through education, meaningful connections, and strategic alignment.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into procurement trends, connect with Capital One leaders and partners, and engage in discussions aimed at driving economic growth for businesses.
Register Now

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-10-27 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
October 27 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual
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?
2026-11-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
November 12 | 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.

2026 Impact Awards Luncheon
2026-11-20 10:00 - 14:30
2026 Impact Awards Luncheon: Powered by Synergy, Driven by Impact
Join WBEC Metro NY and WBEC Greater DMV for the 2026 Impact Awards Luncheon, a signature celebration bringing our full network together across two sister regions for an afternoon of recognition and relationship-building.
Taking place on Friday, November 20, 2026, at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City, this year’s luncheon marks an exciting new chapter for us. As cross-regional participation continues to grow, the Impact Awards are creating a larger shared platform for WBEs, corporate partners, sponsors, Marketplace participants, and regional leaders to gather in one room.
This year’s theme, Powered by Synergy, Driven by Impact, reflects the strength of bringing both regions together to celebrate the partnerships, business wins, and leadership creating impact across Metro NY and Greater DMV. Guests can expect a meaningful, high-energy gathering that honors achievement, spotlights the people and organizations strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and opens new opportunities for cross-regional engagement.
We look forward to gathering in New York City for a celebration worthy of the impact being made every day by the women business owners, partners, and leaders across Metro NY and Greater DMV.
Registration opens August 17, 2026.
Sponsorships are available now.
We hope to celebrate with you!

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-11-24 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
November 24 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual
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

Why and How to Get Certified
2026-12-01 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
December 1 | 1 to 2 pm EST | Virtual
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?
2026-12-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
December 15 | 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.
