Events
WRMSDC’s Nevada 2020 MBE Showcase & Road Tour
was an exclusive event for professionals in Corporate and
Government Entities. WRMSDC provided deluxe transportation
for a tour of several MBE facilities and operations. The day
was spent viewing and touring innovative MBE operations and
facilities so participants could sharpen their understanding of
the value minority business can bring to their organizations
Sponsored by:
CONTRACTS • MATCHMAKING • BUSINESS STRATEGIES Through rapid-fire education and procurement opportunity talks,
WRMSDC’s Prime Time equipped diverse suppliers with the information
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Networking they need to succeed. Educational speakers presented material on their
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. General Session area of expertise, such as marketing, finance, technology, growth, and
sustainability. Opportunity speakers discussed procurement opportunities
More speakers added weekly! and contracts, shared tips on doing business with their company, and
Presenting Procurement Opportunities & Contracts for the Next 18 Months referenced key events they expect to see diverse suppliers attend in 2020.
Additionally, participants networked with fellow diverse suppliers, primes,
Build a Better Business Corporate Members, and community partners.
Small business payment & financing solutions
How to prepare for business with large corporations
Artificial intelligence Sponsored by:
12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Matchmaking (By-invitation-only)
General Session
Presenting Procurement Opportunities & Contracts for the Next 18 Months
Speakers TBA!
Build a Better Business
Requirements for Doing Business with Corporations
Marketing & Managing Your Business
EVENT SUPPORTERS
Register at https://bit.ly/2sZjxcr
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On April 22nd, WRMSDC President Cecil Plummer hosted an intuitive event focused on products and services
corporations needed to procure to support their operations during the COVID-19 crisis. Participants heard directly
from buyers and supplier diversity leaders as they articulated immediate and urgent COVID-19 needs and the rules of
engagement, intake process, & payment terms.
Sponsored by:
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Recognizing that when the construction industry went back to work, they would be poised to spend millions of dollars
with small and diverse businesses for both direct and sub-contracting opportunities, WRMSDC held the Back to Business
Builder’s Event on May 20th. Industry leaders shared: upcoming construction opportunities, certification requirements,
prerequisites for contracts, safety certifications, bonding & insurance, and more!
Sponsored by:
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Seven of WRMSDC’s world class MBEs participated in the 1st annual MBE Platinum Pitch and presented innovative
solutions for top technology leaders.
Sponsored by:
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Construction Summer Series
Along with the creation of WRMSDC’s Construction Steering Committee came our first annual Construction
Summer Series. Throughout the summer of 2020, our construction MBEs enjoyed the following workshops:
Sponsored by:
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CONSTRUCTION DAY 2020
BEST PRACTICES to BEST OPPORTUNITIES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH | 3:00PM-5:00PM PDT
Diverse Suppliers | General Contractors | Subcontractors
MBEs | SBEs | DVBEs | and more!
Hear directly from industry leaders as they share upcoming
projects, prerequisites for contracts, bonding & insurance and
more!
MBE Success Storytelling: S + B James Construction
Owners Panel Discussion
Government Panel Discussion
Builders Panel Discussion
Contract Opportunities
Subcontractor Requirements, and More!
Click Here to Register!
Virtual Networking Hour (optional):
5:00pm-6:00pm PDT
Wear Your Halloween Costume!
HEADLINE SPONSOR
WRMSDC partnered with Kaiser Permanente to host the Supplier Diversity Construction Outreach event to
disseminate Kaiser Permanente’s Supplier Diversity economic impact commitment to equity by fostering diverse
participation and job creation and providing sustainable and healthier outcomes to the diverse business
communities in which we serve.
Sponsored by:
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Calling All Minority
Business Enterprises
Are you interested in pitching your business in front
of Siemens Commodity Managers and Buyers?
usa.siemens.com
Siemens USA in conjunction with the Western Regional Minority Supplier 55
Development Council (WRMSDC) and the Pacific Southwest Regional Minority
Supplier Development Council (PSWMSDC) invites you to participate in our
inaugural Siemens Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Showcase!
Siemens is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence,
innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 170 years. Active
around the world, the company focuses on intelligent infrastructure for buildings
and distributed energy systems and on automation and digitalization in the process
and manufacturing industries. Siemens brings together the digital and physical
worlds to benefit customers and society.
Siemens’ technical expertise, comprehensive portfolio and long-standing experience
are helping to pioneer a sustainable future across the globe. Find detailed information,
news, insights and references on the topic areas that exemplify Siemens’ success in
providing state-of-the-art solutions.
https://new.siemens.com/us/en/company/about.html
Special Thanks Fundraiser Auction Volunteers
No one ever accomplishes anything alone. Our hardworking MBE volunteers made calls, attended
meetings, and recruited donors and bidders to support WRMSDC’s funding goals. We are very
grateful for your support in making this auction a success.
Deepak Choudhary Sonu Ratra Shabana Siraj Jayati Goel
CWW Group Akraya Trident Consulting Nidaan Systems
Rahul Kuruvilla Roger Cheng Maulik Shyani Angelique Solorio
Triune Infomatics Meijun Bay Infotech ATR International
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WRMSDC’s MBE Input Committee (MBEIC) hosted their 3rd annual WRMSDC
Fundraiser on December 11th. This exciting, end-of-the-year celebration featured
an online auction where MBEs Bid for Success on coaching sessions with top
executives throughout our region.
Sponsored by:
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We’re committed
to EMPOWERING
minority-owned
businesses.
At Robert Half creating opportunities for businesses
to thrive is our passion. We believe a key to successful
business relationships is Supplier Inclusion. For several
years our program has fostered the promotion,
growth, and development of minority-owned
businesses – like yours.
If you’re a supplier interested in partnering
with us, register at Rhsupplierportal.starssmp.com
© 2021 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans. RHI-0321
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Gala
Honorees
The President’s Award The Kathleen Trimble Legend Award
Tanya Nixon, Kaiser Permanente Richard Chacon, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
• Top Three Values: Integrity, love, and courage • Top Three Values: family, community, and respect for
• Fun Fact: Tanya likes to dance it out in her living room
others
when she feels stressed or overwhelmed • What Few Know: “I served 10 years in the U.S. Army
• Her Legacy: “That I leave the world a better place
with multiple tours in Korea and Vietnam.”
by doing what I believe is God’s work by providing • His Legacy: “To be known as having made a positive
equitable opportunities for our diverse community,
which affects the future for my nieces and nephews; difference for the underserved.”
that they feel proud, inspired, encouraged and • MUFG Union Bank, N.A.’s Community Impact:
fearless knowing that I am always with them and they
can do anything they set their minds to.” “MUFG Union Bank provides the resources for our
• Kaiser’s Community Impact: Impact spending Supplier Diversity & Development team to mentor and
ensures Kaiser Permanente’s spending decisions are guide potential future vendors to ultimately provide
environmentally sound, economically viable, and products and services to the Bank. Our aim is to
socially equitable produce not just responsive suppliers but engaged
partners.”
The Warrior Award
Lisa Castillo, AT&T The Guardian Award
• Top Three Values: Honesty, compassion, and David Feldman, Chevron
• Top Three Values: 1. Words matter: think about them,
commitment
• Fun Fact: “I spent a summer during my MBA program choose them carefully and do what you say you are
going to do. 2. Honor people, look for the best in
at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and them, and treat everyone the same: with kindness,
yes it was all in Spanish and NO I wasn’t fluent! One dignity, and respect. 3. Do what you can to help
small moment in time had a profound impact on my people, especially those that cannot help themselves.
life – I will forever admire those who take a leap of • Fun Fact: “For some reason, people think that I sit
faith and immigrate to a new country!” around in a smoking jacket waiting for my manicure,
• Her Legacy: “I hope that my legacy in the wonderful but the truth is I’m most comfortable in jeans, boots,
world of supplier diversity will be that I will be seen and a baseball cap, working with my hands and
as a relentless advocate in the pursuit of helping small getting dirty and sweaty.”
businesses grow and succeed regardless of their • His Legacy: “That I have a keen sense of right and
current circumstances.” wrong and when faced with a decision, always did my
• AT&T’s Community Impact: Our supply chain process best to choose the right way.”
embraces the AT&T culture of ensuring that diversity • Chevron’s Community Impact:A Chevron is the human
and inclusion are significant factors in all of our energy company, putting humans at the center of
corporate endeavors, including supplier selection. Our everything we do. We strive to empower people
program seeks to drive accountability and rewards around the world to improve their lives and meet their
suppliers who demonstrate Diversity & Inclusion full potential. This effort includes respecting human
values and enables AT&T to make a positive impact on rights, valuing diversity and inclusion, and creating
the economic growth of diverse communities. prosperity in the communities where we operate.
The Collaborator Award The Ambassador Award
Gerri Harris Sonu Ratra, AKRAYA
• Top Three Values: Commitment to faith, family, and • Top Three Values: Integrity, kindness, and giving back
• Fun Fact: “I practice Transcendental Meditation daily.”
friends • Her Legacy: “That our Women Back to Work Program
• Fun Fact: “Despite challenges and adversity I
will continue to have a profound impact on the lives
remained focused and determined to complete my and careers of the women we support.”
undergraduate degree. Over the course of 10 years, • Community Impact: Akraya’s Women Back to Work
I completed that journey with my daughter on my hip Program has become a movement. This initiative
the day of graduation and I went on for more!” creates systemic pathways for women to return to
• Her Legacy: “Being passionate and devoted to family the workforce including those from under-served
and friends. While ascending the corporate ranks, I communities. It helps leaders and companies
have been noted as a trailblazer and advocate for exceed their gender diversity goals while hiring for
women and minorities during my 30+ years in the exceptional talent.
construction industry.”
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CONTENDERS
ALL MONEY IS GREEN APPLICANTS
This award recognizes a WRMSDC certified MBE that has done the most business with other certified MBEs in the previous year.
Matchpoint Solutions leverages best business and SUMNU Marketing is a family-owned firm specializing
technology practices along with experience and known in Small Business Marketing and Branding. In House
methodologies to help clients make the right business Marketing Team, Branding, Business Development,
decisions. From strategy to execution, their disciplined yet Grassroots Outreach, and Training are the services
flexible approach starts and ends with their clients’ interest provided. For small business owners the company created
as the number one priority. They begin their consulting the Sumnu Solutions Zone and online marketing tool that
engagements with respect and understanding of client provides 24/7 access to marketing mentorship.
corporate culture, which results in MatchPoint Solutions
becoming an extension of their client’s organization.
BUYER OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes buyers who advocate for Supplier Diversity, MBEs, and WRMSDC within their company and community,
but who don’t work directly within Supplier Diversity.
Brian Tidwell, Allstate, is the Enterprise Safety Manager
for Allstate Insurance. He is also a retired 34-year Captain,
Firefighter/Paramedic.
CORNERSTONE OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes a Certified Class 3 or 4 MBE or affiliate organization that has demonstrated company-wide support of
WRMSDC and whose Supplier Diversity initiatives are moving the needle toward a more inclusive and diverse landscape.
OSI Engineering is a leading Managed Services, Staff Augmentation, and US Diverse Supplier, building powerful IT
and Engineering development teams to meet speed-to-market demands across the US. They develop, implement, and
manage workforce solutions through every stage of the product lifecycle, from early application development through
final production, delivering the highest-level technology professionals.
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EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR APPLICANTS
This award recognizes an executive not working directly within Supplier Diversity who ensures that their company allocates
resources (financial and otherwise) to WRMSDC and Supplier Diversity in the region
Clifford Chan, East Bay Municipal Utility Stacey Taylor, MGM Resorts International,
District (EBMUD) started work over twenty years joined MGM Resorts International in October
ago as a junior engineer and two years ago became 2015 as SVP & Chief Procurement Officer. She
the Director of Operations & Maintenance, which provides leadership and strategic vision to Global
is EBMUD’s largest department. He is proud to be Procurement to enable optimization financial savings
the highest ranking Asian-American working at impact and improve associated processes to drive
EBMUD. As an Asian-American, he has a personal efficiency.
sensitivity to the challenges encountered by people
and communities of color and therefore has tried to
be a strong advocate on their behalf.
Local Corporation Of The Year
This award recognizes a Local/Regional Corporate Member that has demonstrated company-wide support of WRMSDC and
whose Supplier Diversity initiatives are moving the needle toward a more inclusive and diverse landscape.
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) provides high-quality drinking water for 1.4 million customers and
our wastewater system serves about 685,000 customers in the East Bay. EBMUD aggressively promotes diversity and
equality in personnel matters and contracting.
MBE Input Committee People’s Choice Award
This award acknowledges and recognizes a Corporate Member who has supported MBEs by volunteering his or her
time and resources to help the MBE community be better prepared to do business. The winner of this award is chosen
by MBEs and is someone who supports MBEs by: providing mentorship/guidance; volunteering as a speaker and key
advocate at MBE Input Committee (MBEIC) events; and being very accessible to the MBE community.
Donna Ruff (MUFG Union Bank, N.A.): The MUFG Union Bank, N.A. Office of Supplier Diversity and
Development is committed to promoting economic vitality in the communities they serve and increasing the number of
diverse business enterprises from which they purchase goods and services. Donna thrives to help diverse businesses
do business with the bank and brings the necessary expertise to continue building on strong and sustainable supplier
diversity initiatives.
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National Corporation Of The Year Applicants
This award recognizes a Corporate Member that has demonstrated company-wide support of WRMSDC and whose
Supplier Diversity initiatives are moving the needle toward a more inclusive and diverse landscape.
CDW is a leading multi-brand technology Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide
solutions provider to business, government, technology leader that has been making
education and healthcare customers in the the Internet work since 1984. Their people,
United States, the United Kingdom, and products, and partners help society securely
Canada. A Fortune 500 company and connect and seize tomorrow’s digital
member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW was opportunity today.
founded in 1984 and employs almost 10,000
coworkers. For the year ending in December
31, 2019, the company generated net sales
over $18 billion.
CDW is a leading multi-brand technology Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s
solutions provider to business, government, partnership with diverse suppliers has
education and healthcare customers in the increased economic opportunities in their
United States, the United Kingdom, and local communities for nearly 40 years, while
Canada. A Fortune 500 company and enhancing their mission to provide safe and
member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW was affordable gas and electric service to their
founded in 1984 and employs almost 10,000 customers. Pacific Gas and Electric Company
coworkers. For the year ending in December is one of the largest combined natural gas
31, 2019, the company generated net sales and electric energy companies in the United
over $18 billion. States. Based in San Francisco, with more than
20,000 employees, the company delivers
MUFG Union Bank, N.A. is a dynamic some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly
organization. They care about their 16 million people in Northern and Central
employees, their customers, suppliers, and California.
the communities they serve. They embrace
diversity in the marketplace because it makes
them a better lender, better employer, and a
better provider of service to their customers.
Procurement Leader Of The Year Applicants
This award recognizes director-level or above team leaders working within Procurement and Purchasing who advocate for
Supplier Diversity, MBEs, and WRMSDC within their company and community but who don’t work directly within Supplier
Diversity.
James Czarnecki, MGM Resorts International, Alexandra Lopez, Cisco Systems Inc., is Senior
joined MGM Resorts in early 2016 as a Director in the Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer of Global
Procurement Program Management Office with responsibilities Procurement Services. She leads a global organization
over design, implementation and compliance of their responsible for reshaping procurement while driving
Source thru Pay technology; as well as leading a team positive financial outcomes for the company. Her functional
that supported Professional Services, Facilities, Hotel and accountabilities include sourcing and supplier management,
Development Sourcing teams. In his current role, he oversees contracts, purchasing, travel, contingent workforce, ethics, risk,
procurement strategies to support the Company’s savings and supplier diversity.
goals, standardization, process improvement and digital Kelvin Phillips, Kaiser Permanente, is the Sourcing
transformation while partnering with properties and Centers Director Facilities and Support Services. He has been with Kaiser
of Excellence to ensure proper stakeholder communication, Permanente for 10 years leading strategic sourcing activities in
alignment and compliance to the organization’s managed spend IT, Facilities and Non-Medical for the Buy2Pay group. Born in
programs. England, he has spent 9 years in the Royal Marine Commandos
special forces and 25 years in the semi-conductor industry,
managing worldwide logistics and purchasing operations
within Europe, Asia, and the USA. His main hobbies are sailing,
golfing, and being a good grandad to his four grandchildren.
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Supplier Of The Year Applicants
This award recognizes four WRMSDC certified MBEs that demonstrate excellence in their services and products and
show growth in sales and job creation. Winners are automatically entered in the NMSDC competition.
Class 1 (Annual Sales Of Less Than $1M)
Inproma, LLC aligns employees with company metrics in a way that makes them feel good about what they
do and the services they provide to customers. Happy employees = happy customers = increased profits. Their
innovative methods, used to incentivize, recognize, and reward employees, provide the results management wants:
Engagement, Retention and Productivity.
Class 2 (Annual Sales From $1M - $10M) Applicants
Cleaning Services, Inc. provides post-construction and final Osaka Catering, Inc. is a Japanese cuisine catering company,
cleaning services to the construction industry. CSI also has offering all types of Sushi, Nigiri, Sashimi, and many other
recently entered into contracting for General Labor services to Japanese recipes to over 97% of the Las Vegas strip gaming
General Contractors. Maurice Williams has created what most industry. They also service private companies in the catering
will say the “gold standard” for construction cleaning in Las industry.
Vegas.
WinMax Systems Corporation is an established
company based out of the SF Bay Area. They provide staffing
augmentation, managed projects, managed services, and custom
development services to customers nationwide. Their highly
talented engineers specialize in a variety of areas including
Hardware Engineering, Software Development, Testing, Mobile
Engineering, Project & Program Management, Business Process
Re-engineering, and Business Analysis.
Class 3 (Annual Sales From $10M - $50M) Applicants
iTalent Digital is an innovative global woman- and minority- United Mechanical and Metal Fabricators, Inc. (UMEC)
owned digital consulting and software engineering company is a metal fabricator with 37 years of experience delivering
headquartered in San Jose, California. They help companies high precision, high quality CNC machined parts, components,
achieve exceptional business outcomes through a suite of and welded sheet metal assemblies to customer specifications.
digital transformation services such as enterprise collaboration, Located in the Silicon Valley, they service the transportation,
personalization and unified search, business insights and semiconductor, clean tech, medical devices, biotech, and high-
analytics, cloud and software development, and Change as a tech startups. They employ over 70 people using the latest state
Service (CaaS). of the art CNC equipment: zoom lasers, water jet, milling centers,
lathes, brakes, and punch press.
Class 4 (Annual Sales Over $50M) Applicants
Blackstone Consulting, Inc. was founded in 1991 by World Wide Technologydesigns, builds, demonstrates and
company President Joe Blackstone. Blackstone Consulting, Inc. deploys innovative technology products, integrated architectural
(BCI) is a national and international service provider performing solutions and transformational digital experiences for their
services in Security, Environmental, Facilities Maintenance, customers around the globe. They do this through a collaborative
Staffing and Food Service Management. BCI is a minority- ecosystem with thousands of IT engineers, hundreds of
owned company with credentials in a number of national, application developers, and unmatched labs for testing and
regional and local programs, including the NMSDC Corporate deploying technology at scale. WWT is committed to helping
Plus Program, which attest to their commitment to excellence. their customers bridge the gap between IT and the business in
order to innovate faster than their competition.
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Supplier Diversity Leader Of The Year Applicants
This award recognizes a Supplier Diversity professional (Executive, Director, Manager, Coordinator, Specialist
working within Supplier Diversity) who has made significant contributions to WRMSDC with their time, support, and
advocacy, and who has championed Supplier Diversity and MBEs within their own company.
Todd Gray, Kaiser Permanente, says that most who know Kenyatta Lewis, MGM Resorts International,, is a global
him would call him a champion of the people. Throughout his business executive of 20 years, whose visionary leadership
career he has led and managed supplier diversity for a variety and strategic execution led to the enterprise adoption of an
of fortune 500 companies ranging from Healthcare, Banking, to award winning supplier diversity program within a Fortune 500
Retail Pharmacy, endeavoring to provide diverse suppliers and corporate organization. Kenyatta is an engaged, committed
small businesses better and increased opportunities. leader who has coached numerous minority businesses in
obtaining and maintaining multi-million dollar contracts,
growing MGM’s diversity procurement spend by 111%.
Denise Lombard, Cisco Systems, Inc., just celebrated 13 Salvador Peinado, Jr., CSAA Insurance Group, has a BA
years at Cisco and although she has enjoyed the majority of and MA in Economics and has taught undergraduate courses
her different roles at Cisco she believes she has finally found in economics at San Jose State University. He is a big supporter
her dream job. Denise leads a small team that is dedicated to of Junior Achievement’s company program, which teaches high
Responsible Procurement, which includes Supplier Diversity, school students to become entrepreneurs. He currently resides in
Risk, Ethics, and ensuring suppliers are committed to social/ Glendale, AZ with his wife and two dogs, Cinnamon and Sotiri
economic/environmental responsibility. Her team is committed (means Savior in Greek).
to ensuring all opportunities include a diverse supplier,
providing them a seat at the table and provide coaching and
mentoring through an Executive Sponsorship program.
Donna Ruff, MUFG Union Bank, N.A. is committed to Bryan Wiggins, Cisco, is a Supplier Diversity program
promoting economic vitality through supplier diversity. This manager in Global Procurement Services at Cisco Systems for
commitment drives her to continue advocacy for DBEs through the last 4 years. Prior to this role, he was a Category Supplier
promotion, outreach, and mentorship. Manager and has been with Cisco for over 12 years – the last
10 being in Procurement. A graduate of North Carolina State
University, Bryan is a former US Army helicopter pilot, Persian
Gulf War Veteran, and past congregational president of Temple
Beth Or in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Expo
WRMSDC’s expo is still the largest and most successful annual minority business opportunity expo in Northern
California. 2020 was the first virtual, multi-day installment. Attendees enjoyed:
Contract Connections: Creating a Winning Capabilities Statement
This event promoted economic development by educating MBEs and preparing them to create capability
statements that empower them to procure contracts and grow their businesses.
Pitch Contest
With the support of Cardinal Health and Pacific Gas and
Electric Company, 10 Diverse Suppliers presented their solutions
to real-world problems impacting corporations in their industry,
live in front of a virtual audience, and competed for their shot at
awards and prizes.
Sponsored by: Roundtables
Small groups of diverse suppliers were placed in breakout rooms
with our Corporate Members rotating between rooms to cover
upcoming opportunities and mentoring.
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Private Matchmaking Appointments
These one-on-one appointments with Corporate Members were
designed to offer quality connection meetings for our MBEs.
Sponsored by:
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Annual Holiday Celebration & Fundraiser
Our Holiday Celebration & Fundraiser celebrated incredible corporations and MBEs that are committed to supplier
diversity. On Friday, November 13th, we ushered in the season of gratitude and appreciation by recognizing our
H.E.R.O.E.S (Heart, Excellence, Responsibility, Opportunity, Equity, and Service) with special awards.
Sponsored by:
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H.E.R.O.E.S Award Winners
Heart award is bestowed upon a company who has demonstrated a heart and spirit
for supporting nonprofit organizations and who has passionately given back to the
community and WRMSDC. AP42 is a certified MBE and has worked with WRMSDC on
various projects including Gala presentations and tools to measure WRMSDC impact.
Excellence award is presented to a company who has demonstrated an exemplary
commitment to MBE success. In 2020, Cardinal Health generously partnered with
WRMSDC to present opportunity and connections for MBEs and corporations alike with
our first ever Virtual Expo Series.
Responsibility award was created to recognize a company who has been
instrumental in helping MBEs thrive. MGM Resorts International has built policies,
strategies, and initiatives that foster an environment of inclusion and create sustainable
programs.
Opportunity award is bestowed upon a corporation who has demonstrated
exceptional engagement in providing opportunity and inclusion for diverse businesses
and ongoing support of WRMSDC. State of California Department of General
Services (DGS) has been aggressive and intentional in helping diverse suppliers gain
opportunities to win contracts, partnering with WRMSDC on several outreach events.
Equity award is presented to a company that has created new pathways to build and
advance social equity and supplier diversity and expanded commitment to WRMSDC. In
2020, Genentech greatly increased its commitment in communities of color by investing
and cultivating partnerships with suppliers that boldly advance diversity and inclusion.
Service award is presented to a company in grateful appreciation for above and
beyond efforts in providing time and resources to strengthen the WRMSDC. Commercial
Energy Services and Supply (CESS) has been a strong advocate for WRMSDC in
Nevada, opening doors to meet with potential Corporate members.
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Staff
Staff Members
Cecil Plummer Christine Garcia Michael McQuarry Rose Davis
President, CEO Vice President of Program Vice President of Operations Director of Corporate Services &
Development & Minority Business & Corporate Services MBE Development (NV)
Services
Rosemary Wetzel Sheena Lyons Kellie Payton Chantel Miller
Director of Certification Senior Events Manager Certification Assistant Executive Assistant and
Special Projects Coordinator
Directors and Staff stand ready to assist our Corporate Supporters and Minority Businesses.
Important Contacts [email protected]
[email protected]
General and Administrative Questions [email protected]
Corporate and Annual Supporters [email protected]
Certification Questions [email protected]
General Event
MBE Training or Services Questions
We look forward to a strong 2021!
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Small businesses need our help
now more than ever! Please help us
continue to serve them.
Donate today at WRMSDC.org/donate
We at the WRMSDC want to thank you in advance for your
generous donation. Your donation helps support our mission
by promoting the growth and welfare of minority communities by
championing the use of minority-owned businesses in Northern California,
Nevada, and Hawai‘i.
WRMSDC was founded on September 9,1977, 10 years after the
Civil Rights Movement that sparked national awareness about racial
discrimination and segregation in the United States. Galvanized by the
unequal treatment of minority-owned businesses, the Council began
serving as advocates for impacted minority communities throughout our
three-state footprint.
WRMSDC is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN#94-2416322.
Located at: 80 Swan Way, Suite 245, Oakland, CA 94621
Contributions to the WRMSDC are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law as charitable contributions,
except for the estimated value of goods and services provided by the WRMSDC.
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Special Thanks - Magnificent Seven
If you lived long enough you have known adversity and hardships in life. If you’re fortunate you also
have experienced the faithfulness and support of good friends. 2020 and COVID19 challenged us
all and brought hardships to many, but it also provided the opportunity for the best in people and
organizations to come out. During times of need we have all experiences with people who tell us that
their thoughts and prayers are with us and express their concern. There are also those people who
spring into action and offer a helping hand. When COVID19 hit our economy, WRMSDC responded
by waiving all ticket fees for diverse business owners to attend and participate in our events which
are designed to help stabilize and grow their businesses. Once 2020 was over, WRMSDC asked
the MBE community how we could best help them in 2021. MBEs told us if WRMSDC could keep
events at no cost for the year, it would be extremely helpful as every dollar counts in an economic
downturn. WRMSDC was also experiencing the same economic pressures as the MBE community
and we knew we needed help to meet the request. We called on our corporate members for assis-
tance and they answered the call! Therefore, on behalf of the MBE community, WRMSDC would
like to thank our “Magnificent 7”; the companies that sprang into action when they realized the MBE
community needed support. These organizations all pledged money so that WRMSDC would not
have to charge MBEs for event tickets for all of 2021. It is with heartfelt thanks that we recognize the
following organizations who backed up their words with tangible assistance.
Thanks you all!
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or junk box?
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Do you want to be in the know?
To reduce our carbon footprint, WRMSDC communicates electronically, via social media and email.
Never again miss important information regarding upcoming events, trainings, and offerings.
To sign up for the Pulse newsletter, please contact us at
[email protected]
Follow us on:
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2021 Events
Awards Gala – May 6, 2021
Supplier Diversity Best Practices Virtual Forum – May 25, 2021
MBE Platinum Partner Pitch: The Best in the West II – June 9, 2021
Construction Summer Series:
Unpacking Contracts – June 23, 2021
Risk Management – July 28, 2021
Working with Primes – August 25, 2021
Marketing & Business Development – September 22, 2021
Expo – August 19, 2021
Post Expo Networking Event – August 19, 2021
MBEIC Open House Month – September & October 2021
Annual Holiday Celebration – November 16, 2021
Annual Meeting – December (TBA) 2021
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