M/WBE Mentors

Rolando E. Acosta Esq. (Roly) is the second-generation President and CEO of JAG Companies Inc., the parent company of construction industry firms Northeast Remsco Construction, Caldwell Marine International, and Huxted Trenchless. Family owned and operated since 1978, JAG Companies' firms have over 375 employees and are licensed to do business in 15 states. The companies are ranked annually in the top 50 largest Hispanic-owned companies in the United States.

Roly grew up in a construction family and throughout his career has held the positions of Superintendent, Project Manager, Legal Counsel, and Executive Vice President. Roly works side-by-side with trades people and managers leading by example and exemplifying the company’s core values of reputation — work ethic — team accomplishment. He supports the construction industry as a board member of the UTCA, ACCNJ, and GCA of NYC. He gives back to the community as a board member of the Community Medical Center Foundation, the NJIT HLLC, and the Princeton Football Alumni Association.

He enjoys bodysurfing, birding, hunting, and golf. Roly greatly enjoys supporting his children Alexis on the lake, Austin on the diamond, and Kaiella in the gym. Most of all, Roly enjoys growing old with his one-and-only Tricia.

Roly earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark.

Tosin Adeyemi’s background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Nigeria and decade of experience and technical expertise gained as an automation engineer laid a strong foundation for his future ventures.

Upon moving to the United States, Tosin shifted his focus to construction and uncovered a profound passion for environmental safety, specifically the removal of hazardous substances. This passion drove him to address critical issues like asbestos, lead, mold, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), aiming to improve living conditions and promote health.

In 2017, Tosin and wife Morenike Adeyemi founded DeFash Global Resources Inc., a general contracting company specializing in both construction and hazardous material abatement. The company's mission is to uphold the highest standards of environmental safety and construction quality. DeFash Global Resources Inc. has gained a reputation for excellence by consistently exceeding industry benchmarks and delivering top-quality results.

The company serves a diverse client base, including private homeowners, commercial enterprises, and notable projects with various government agencies, such as NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS); NYC Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP), Fire (FDNY), Homeless Services (DHS), Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and Police (NYPD); NYC School Construction Authority (SCA); and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

DeFash Global Resources Inc. is also committed to supporting programs that assist small, minority, and women-owned businesses, reflecting Tosin’s dedication to diversity and inclusive growth. This commitment has expanded the company’s reach and enhanced its impact, and the company is a testament to Tosin's passion, hard work and commitment to excellence.

Barbara Armand Kushner is the President and Owner of Armand Corporation. Ms. Kushner started the firm in 1991. The firm’s markets include transportation, housing, educational facilities, and disaster recovery.

Services offered include program management and construction management including operations, budgeting, reporting, supervision, scheduling, and cost estimating. Some of the firm’s notable clients include the NJ Schools Development Authority, the NYC Housing Authority, the NY Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, the NJ Department of Transportation, the Hudson River Park Trust, the Philadelphia School District, and PA Dept. of General Services.

Armand Corporation’s reputation for excellent quality, professionalism, and client satisfaction have sustained its 29+ year growth. The firm has won many awards and continues to expand in NY, NJ, PA, FL, and the USVI.

Ms. Kushner is President Emeritus of the national chapter of Professional Women in Construction; holds an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Rowan University (NJ); and a B.A. in Mathematics and Natural Science (Specialization: Physics) from Thomas Edison State University, NJ. She resides in Manhattan with husband, Neil Kushner.

Deborah Bradley founded Deborah Bradley Construction & Management Services Inc. (DBC) in 1993. DBC is a full-service general contractor and construction management consultant to institutional and educational facilities and to state and city public agencies, authorities and trusts throughout New York State. Today, DBC continues to be a 100% woman-owned and operated business enterprise and union contractor.

DBC’s General Contracting Division specializes in site/civil construction, interior building renovations and electrical work. The firm self-performs a majority of its work and is a licensed electrical contractor in NYC. DBC works within sectors including transportation, corrections, education, healthcare, utilities, energy, parks, streetscapes, and green spaces. DBC’s Construction Management division provides construction management services including project supervision and management, field supervision, project engineering, quality assurance and quality control reviews and code compliance, document control, LEED compliance tracking and documentation, and site safety management and supervision.

Long-time clients include the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA), Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), MTA, Hudson River Park Trust, Con Edison, NYC Economic Development Corporation, Battery Park City Authority, CUNY, Columbia University, NYC Department of Correction, and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, among others. Despite the firm’s extensive growth in recent years, Deborah is hands-on in all aspects of the company’s performance. Her early experience as a CPA with Deloitte & Touche and her MBA from Columbia University serve her well as she guides the firm she founded.

Former President of the Women Builders Council Inc., Ms. Bradley currently serves on its Executive Board. She also serves on the Executive Board of Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) and is involved in the Regional Alliance of Small Contractors and the NYC Building Congress, the NYC SCA, the NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) Diversity Boards, and the NYC Office of the Mayor’s M/WBE Advisory Board. As a business owner and mother of three, Deborah is committed to teaching and mentoring young women entering the construction industry as well as helping other small M/WBE firms grow and prosper.

Jennifer Carpenter, RA, AIA, LEED AP is a principal of Verona Carpenter Architects and has practiced in New York since 1998. She and partner Irina Verona are focused on building spaces that expand inclusion by creating environments that embrace neurodiversity.

Jennifer has deep experience across many project types, including workplace and education. Recent projects include the Calhoun School renovation, the New York offices for Adidas, global headquarters and offices around the world for MediaMath, and a winning competition entry for a K-12 school at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Before launching Verona Carpenter, Jennifer was the principal of Jennifer Carpenter Architect. In 2000, Jennifer co-founded the innovative furniture and product design studio TRUCK Product Architecture; she designed furniture for retailers including the MoMA Design Store and Design Within Reach. She is featured in design anthologies including Dish, a compendium of women in design from Princeton Architectural Press, and the book …& Fork, a global survey of ‘the most exciting and important’ young designers from Phaidon Press.

Before earning her Master of Architecture from Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Jennifer worked with Cesar Pelli + Associates. She graduated summa cum laude with a BA from Yale, where she studied architecture and art history. She has been a LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional since 2010.

Jennifer is currently on the Board of Directors of the Quad Preparatory School, serving gifted special-needs students, and was a founding member of the Museum of Food and Drink. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, where she sits on the NYC Social Sciences and Architecture committee. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.

Andre Cole, a master electrician, founded Elmhurst Electric Corp. in NYC with a vision to power the city's most ambitious projects. Over the past 12 years, he's transformed that vision into reality. Elmhurst Electric has grown from its humble beginnings to become a leading provider of electrical system installation and engineering maintenance for a diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial, and transit projects.​

2015 brought a pivotal moment when Elmhurst Electric secured a prime contract with the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC). This breakthrough opened doors to significant opportunities, with the company successfully completing approximately $35 million in city contracts. These projects include high-profile endeavors such as the expansion of Terminal 6 at JFK Airport, as well as critical work for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA), and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).​

But Andre's success isn't solely measured in megawatts and contracts. As a dedicated husband and father of three young boys, he finds profound meaning in balancing his entrepreneurial drive with his commitment to family. He views Elmhurst Electric not just as a thriving business, but as a legacy for his children, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve their dreams.​

Ernst Fleuranvil, P.E. is a professional engineer and founder and CEO of Excelsior Engineering Services P.C., a company that specializes in private and government engineering service, including complete professional engineering services offering a portfolio of highway design, structural engineering, transportation planning, construction management, site engineering, and surveying.​

Mr. Fleuranvil is the president of the Association des Ingénieurs Haïtiens et Américains (ADIHA) - the Association of Haitian and American Engineers. ADIHA is well known for serving the community through mentoring youths, offering scholarships, and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) among children and youths.​

Mr. Fleuranvil graduated from the New York City College with a bachelor’s degree of engineering in civil engineering, and has a master’s degree from NJIT in Civil Engineering.​

One thing that has been the motivation in Mr. Fleuranvil’s life is selfless contribution and doing the right thing to promote the success of others with no expectation or desire for personal recognition. Throughout his life, Mr. Fleuranvil has tried to be a mentor anywhere he has had the chance to serve.​

Ericka Keller truly has a heart for community development and revitalization. Attending school on academic scholarships, Ericka earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Professional Certification degrees from New York University, Brooklyn College, and the College of St. Rose, respectively. Ericka commenced her career as a junior high school teacher and served 10 years as NYC Department of Education Principal before taking over the family business of construction and development in 2012.​

Ericka built upon Brisa Builders Corp.’s history as a HUD 202 General Contractor building senior housing for faith-based sponsors, and in 2016 opened her own company Brisa Builders Development LLC, an organization focused on the development of affordable housing with faith-based organizations and church partners. Since 2016, Brisa Builders Development LLC has currently completed more than 660 units of affordable housing with more than 108,575 sq. ft. of commercial/retail and community facility spaces, many with faith-based partners. The company currently has more than 700 units in predevelopment in NYC including 233 units as the selected developer for the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Brownsville RFP - Site B in 2018. In 2019, she partnered with a colleague to expand the business outside of the NYC metro area by forming Brisa Development LLC. Brisa was the winner of the City of Chicopee, Baskin Site in 2020 and the 24-acre Carriage Grove site in Western Massachusetts in 2021, as well as purchaser of properties in Rhode Island and Maine.​

Ericka has received several awards and citations during the course of both of her careers including, the 2009 Queens Rotary Club “Unsung Hero Award”, 2010 NYS Senate “Constituent of the Month Citation”, 2012 National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) “Woman of the Year Award”, the 2015 Mayor Hall - Village of Hempstead “Woman of the Year Award ”, as well as recognitions from recent colleagues like the New York State Association of Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) 2021 M/WBE of the Year and 2021 Crain’s Notable Business Woman Recognition.​

Ericka continues to be focused on supporting other minority and women-owned businesses much like her father did many years ago, and she also provides an annual scholarship to young men from Brooklyn pursuing college with an entrepreneurial spirit in honor of her late father, Thomas B. Keller.​

Yasmeen Latif, a successful minority woman business owner of SH5 Construction, emigrated from Sialkot, Pakistan, to the United States when she was 17 years old to join her father, Mohammed Latif, who was working in NYC as a contractor. In 2004, Ms. Latif and her father founded their own general contracting company. Currently, Ms. Latif is the president & 100% owner of the business.

Ms. Latif has an extraordinary passion about the construction business, and she has always worked with enormous devotion and energy towards growing her family business. Her knowledge and solid experience in the construction industry make SH5 a top-notch minority woman-owned construction company in NYC. Ms. Latif is one of very few women in the construction industry who has financially raised her business from practically “zero” to a multi-million-dollar company. She graduated from the NYCCT with a degree in Construction Management.​

SH5 keeps growing and diversifying divisions of the company. Now, Ms. Latif is expanding to be a material supplier in the tri-state area. SH5 is a certified MWBE/DBE/SBE, specializing in civil/site/roofing work, and bonded to $25 million aggregate.

Ms. Latif has been nominated to receive several awards in recognition of her services in the construction industry, including:​

• MTA Success Stories (2015-2018)​
• BOC Capital/NYCEDC - Entrepreneur of the Year award (2019)​
• Family-Owned Business of the Year award from the SBA (2020)​
• Competitive Edge Conference - DBE of the Year award (2021)​
• Women of Distinction - Assemblyman William Colton’s office (2022)​

Ms. Latif believes in supporting equality in humanity, and she donates to many organizations, such as UNICEF, American Red Cross, & NewYork-Presbyterian.​

In 2002, Robert formed The McCloud Group with the opening of its New York office located in Manhattan, NY, followed by locations in Hoboken, NJ, Bridgeport, CT, and Jersey City, NJ.

Robert’s experience has been rooted in the Construction and Design Industry for more than 30 years, where he has managed corporate departments and construction projects as well as development of various new business campaigns for both public and private sector clientele. Robert McCloud is a proven marketing and construction professional with entrepreneurial thinking towards increasing new business opportunities, company growth and profitability. Robert has an associate’s degree from Pittsburg Technical College, and his extensive industry experience is built on an established and creditable reputation in the marketplace, allowing easy access to prospective clients and teaming partners.

As President and CEO of the firm, Robert is responsible for setting and implementing the strategic direction of the organization. His hands-on approach brings great insight and management experience from many of the top construction management firms in the nation. As an entrepreneur, he expanded his vision into the women’s retail space with the opening of his new company Habebe Couture. He has given back to the community by creating the McCloud Cares Foundation Miracles in December 2018. The Foundation has reached over 3,000 socially and economically disadvantaged children in the New York Tri-State area during holiday seasons with the Miracles in December Program providing toys and educational tools such as computers and laptops.

Robert is on the Board of Directors for the New York Regional Alliance, and he holds a seat on the Friends Board for the Marion P. Thomas Charter School.

Samuel Padilla began his career at American Electric Power in 1974. There he advanced from an entry-level engineering position to Structural Engineering Manager responsible for all structural components of its fossil, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants. In 1983, he was recruited by Consolidated Edison. There he advanced from a Principal Engineering position to becoming the Manhattan Construction Division Manager.​

In 1993, Samuel founded Padilla Construction Services as a full-service Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) in the engineering and construction consulting field. In 2006, Padilla Construction Services Inc. moved its headquarters from Staten Island to Westbury, NY. With more than $5 million of construction equipment, a bonding capacity of $150 million, and a team of dedicated professionals, Padilla’s average annual revenues has grown to $50 million.​

Padilla Construction Services Inc. has developed into one of New York’s largest minority prime general contractors. It employs a management staff of professional engineers, project managers, superintendents, and more than 250 full-time experienced union field personnel. Padilla has wide-ranging capabilities that include piped underground utilities, concrete work, stonework, masonry, steel work, park work, interior work, as well as utility engineering consulting services.​

Samuel received his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the City College School of Engineering. He obtained a civil engineering master’s from the Polytechnic Institute of New York in 1977, and his New York State Professional Engineer’s License in 1979.​

He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and serves in advisory capacities on the NYC School Construction Authority Diversity Board, the NYC Department of Design and Construction Advisory Board, the National Hispanic Business Group Board, and Brand Fire LLC’s Advisory Board.​

Nayan Parikh is the owner of Ashnu International Inc., an award-winning, premier M/WBE construction and management provider to a host of Federal, State and City agencies, corporations and other industries. For more than 15 years, he has continued to establish his name within the corridors of government agencies and has continued to build his reputation to his expertise in bringing excellent performance to the projects undertaken by his company. He has been the champion in leading many professional and community organizations and continues to give back to the society in many different ways. He has brought new ideas to fruition, both for profit and non-profit organizations.

After graduation from college, Parikh began his career as a Civil Engineer in India before migrating to the USA. In his new homeland, he began his career as an estimator in a small construction company, before quickly finding his own strength to become the founder and Managing Director of Ashnu International Inc. Parikh’s vision, entrepreneurial aptitude, civil engineering background, and broad range of expertise have made Ashnu International a name to be envied within the construction industry. His company is credited with many well-known projects including Sandy repair work at Coney Island and Rockaway Beach, multiple school renovations for NYC School Construction Authority, and signal modification at 71st Continental Ave with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Serving the community comes naturally to Parikh. From his first days of being a new immigrant to this country to the present, he has been involved and has given his time, knowledge and wisdom to community and professional non-profit organizations. Although he is a part of many organizations and affiliations, he takes pride in each and every one and maintains an active leadership role in these organizations. Currently, he’s the president of the NAMC NY Tri-State Chapter. During his term he would like to bring more project procurements to his local chapter members. From humble beginnings and as a minority himself, he understands the struggle to make the right connections or get that big break. Parikh isn’t afraid to reach out to make the necessary connection, which is one of his many strengths. Because of this, his network of associations varies in different influencers, who hold his opinion in high regards and has created a foray into creating an outreach program for his chapter members.​

Rafael Perez Jr. is a construction executive who is passionate about building and transforming the construction industry. He has a deep knowledge of the construction business and more than 28 years of construction management experience. Rafael has held leadership positions in Schiavone Construction Co. (now Dragados), Perini (now Tutor Perini), and Skanska USA Civil, NE, where he has learned from some of the best in the industry. Almost eight years ago, Rafael fulfilled his dream of having his own business.

He is currently the President of GCCOM Construction Company Inc., a Certified MBE & DBE heavy construction company. Rafael graduated from Fairleigh Dickenson University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. In 2019, he graduated from the PA Mentorship Program and is now dedicating some of his time to mentoring small minority business owners. Rafael is passionate about giving back to the community and is actively involved in a few non-profit organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club of Paterson & Passaic of NJ, Eva’s Village, The Mauer Foundation, and The Oasis Foundation.​

Elizabeth Velez is the President of the Velez Organization, a second-generation construction firm started in 1972 by her father, Andrew Velez. To her credit are hundreds of projects which have come to fruition under her direction, including more than 600 units of housing made affordable by State and Federal grants in the Bronx and Harlem, and more than 10 billion dollars of significant educational, healthcare, and large-scale projects throughout New York.​

Ms. Velez is the current Chairperson of the New York Building Congress, and the first person of color and second woman to serve as such in the Congress’ 99-year history. She is a Trustee of Boricua College, an accredited private institution serving primarily Latinas through three campuses in NY. She serves on the advisory boards of numerous NYC and NYS agencies, industry non-profits, and groups supporting mentorship and scholarships for youth. She is a member of the Board for Catholic Charities and the NYC Police Foundation. She is currently serving as a Commissioner of the NYC Property Tax Reform Commission. Following Hurricane Maria’s disastrous landfall, Elizabeth was appointed to the governor’s NY Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery & Rebuilding Committee, the NY Memorial Commission for Hurricane Maria, and has spearheaded numerous workforce and economic development programs – including a satellite corporate office in Ponce Puerto Rico.

On the international front, Ms. Velez is Co-Chair of Iran 180 – an organization that advocates for human rights and the end to Iran’s nuclear threat. She is a contributor to media outlets such as MSNBC Morning Joe, Matter of Fact TV with Soledad O’Brien, Fox News Latino, Daily News, Wall Street Journal, El Diario La Prensa, Hispanic Business, ENR, City & State, DowntownNY, and Crain’s NY Business. She is an outspoken advocate for diversity and empowerment of women, and a sought-after speaker on women’s leadership and work/family balance issues. In addition to numerous awards and recognition, Ms. Velez was recognized by City & State as one of the “Manhattan Power 50”.​

Ms. Velez holds an MBA from Hofstra University.​

As CEO of Infinity Contracting Services, Corp (ICSC), Shirley Wu’s mission extends beyond construction projects. She is dedicated to building a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and exceptional client partnerships. Over two decades, she’s had the privilege of transforming ICSC from a small, family-owned HVAC business into one of the largest M/WBE general and mechanical contractors in the NYC region. ICSC specializes in public works for agencies such as MTA, DASNY, CUNY, NYC SCA, PANYNJ, NYC DDC, NYC DEP, and NYC DPR.

Shirley’s leadership approach is hands-on and collaborative. She believes her strength lies in empowering her skilled teams to think proactively and utilize cutting-edge tools to deliver outstanding results. ICSC has aggressively integrated sustainable building practices and advanced technologies to simulate project sequences and optimize costs from the planning phase through closeout. This commitment positions ICSC as a forward-thinking force in the market, passionate about advancing the industry.

Beyond work, Shirley finds balance on the golf course and through art painting - activities that remind her that strong foundations are built with patience and attention to detail.

Shirley is always eager to connect with fellow industry leaders, investors, and potential partners who share a vision for building a better, more sustainable future.

Penda Aiken brings more than 30 years of experience leading client-focused workforce solution projects, compliance, project management, and staff augmentation teams. As President and CEO of Penda Aiken Inc., she is responsible for establishing and maintaining the quality of staffing, compliance, monitoring, and reporting services delivered to clients. Through her leadership, PAI has successfully completed more than 25,000 engagements in a wide range of disciplines. Aiken is a respected local business owner, where she is well known for her leadership and expertise as a trained staffing, compliance, and workforce professional.

Known as a problem solver and strategic planner, Aiken serves as Director, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Committee Chair: Workforce Development; Director, Court - Livingston – Schermerhorn Business Improvement District; Director, Brooklyn Neighborhood Improvement Association; Board Director for the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) New York Tri-State Chapter; Board Director of Empire State Bank; and Board Chair, Teach to Excel Foundation. In addition to her work with various community boards, Aiken also conducts numerous philanthropic endeavors. She holds a B.A. from the CUNY Baccalaureate Program and an MFA from Columbia University.

Hugo E. Almeida Jr. has more than 28 years experience in the global information communications & technology sectors. His specialization and expertise has been in international business with a strong focus on servicing the Latin American markets. In 2003, he took on the role of President and later Chief Executive Officer for Abitronix LLC where he continues to lead his team with great Leadership, Vision, Passion & Direction. His latest venture to date is the production of T20E World Podcast (The 2020 Entrepreneur World) as he shares his knowledge and experiences as we learn to adjust in the "New Norm" of doing business!

Prior to Abitronix, Hugo held very successful sales management roles for Matsushita (Panasonic), Lucent Technologies and at Avaya Inc. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Juventud Ecuatoriana, has served on the Board as Treasurer for the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber, a member with the United States Hispanic Chamber & several different tech organizations. He prides himself on mentoring young entrepreneurs and students and continues to sit on the Judging Panel of Directors for the Annual Scholarship Applicants for Juventud Ecuatoriana based in NY.

Hugo continues to be a guest speaker at many international roundtable meetings, has presented “Latin America Business and Markets” to Matsushita in Osaka, Japan, at the 10th Anniversary of "Lideres a Lideres" in Quito, Ecuador, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Hugo's understanding of how global enterprises operate outside of the United States, how business transactions are done, how export companies work, customs knowledge in Latin America, payments, logistics, and fluctuating economies have made him a true expert in these fields. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Kean University.

Denise Arboleda has a successful history of providing IT services and solutions to the government, education and non-profit sectors for more than 25 years as VP of Sales at family-owned Compulink Technologies Inc., an MBE IT firm based in New York City. Denise is multifaceted, has a strong background in sales, business operations, financials and the essentials of what it means to do business as an M/WBE in New York. Denise has a notable reputation for acting as a reliable liaison for New York’s government agencies, aiding in the building of robust manufacturing relationships and excellent customer delivery. She has been known for providing expert industry advice and repeatedly delivering successful IT projects and solutions.

During her career Denise has been recognized for her dedication and service to the New York government through a multitude of awards and certificates. As a woman in the IT industry, Denise has empowered herself to always think big, accomplish her goals, and never give up on opportunities. Denise looks forward to empowering more women and sharing her experiences over the years.

Fun Fact: Denise is pentalingual and fluent in all five languages.

Nisha Balwani is the second-generation CEO of RCI Technologies, an M/WBE information technology firm focused on building and modernizing digital systems while minimizing security risk. RCI unites people, process, and technology to create high-value technical solutions for federal, state, and local government entities. RCI was founded by Anisa and Raj Balwani in 1982, and has advanced into an award-winning, highly respected firm within both the public and private sectors.

Nisha was recently featured in Forbes for her leadership of RCI through its generational succession. She entered the CEO role in January 2021 and is especially proud to continue RCI's woman-owned and led legacy as she leads the company into the next generation of growth. Under her leadership, RCI has already tripled its business with New York City agencies and expanded its cyber security capabilities.

Prior to this role, Nisha graduated from Columbia Business School with an MBA in technology and entrepreneurship, led Business Development at RCI, and founded RENTALYA, the first US-based brand to provide South Asian formalwear as a rental service. She sat on the board of the NJBPU Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC) and was Chief of Staff to the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Northeast President. She also completed the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ Strategic Steps for Growth program with the NYU Stern School of Business.

Nisha currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband and (too) many plants. In her free time, you can find her on her yoga mat, with her nose in a book, or exploring a new coffee shop.

K.Y. Chow started his career in investment finances as a merchant banker for loan syndication in Hong Kong. After more than a decade of success in that sector, he moved to New York City and worked in management at technology and financial firms before starting his company, Grand Meridian Printing, in 1993. His extensive experience in business analysis and strategic planning, product and project management, business development and customer service provided a strong foundation for him to grow his company. That growth required him to move his operation from its initial Manhattan, Chinatown 850 sq. ft. location, that started out specializing in takeout menus, to a larger, 18,000 sq. ft. facility in Long Island City producing high-quality, custom and high-volume print jobs. Now GM Printing is located in a 35,000 sq. ft. operation in Maspeth.​

Mr. Chow’s company and its continued growth are representative of his business acumen, stamina, and innovation in an industry that has gradually become smaller and seemingly more finite. GM Printing is proud to include public, private, and non-profit sector organizations among its clients, including City University of NY (CUNY), The Asian Culture and Media Group of SinoVision, the American Museum of Natural History, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), NYC Transit, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), NYC Council, and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), among many other distinguished organizations.​

As a first-generation Chinese immigrant pursuing his American dream, Mr. Chow has been asked to speak about his entrepreneurial experiences and success by many community and commercial organizations, and he and his company have been nominated for and have won several awards and accolades for their contributions to NYC’s commercial universe. Mr. Chow has taught entrepreneurs and small business owners at Renaissance Economic Development Corporation’s entrepreneurship program and at other government agencies. He had also served as a part-time lecturer at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, investment courses for Institute of Bankers, UK, and Small Business Management of Hong Kong Baptist University.​

In addition to running GM Printing, Mr. Chow also serves as a board member of the Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation and of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA from Hong Kong Baptist University, an MBA from Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines, and a certificate from the Kellogg School of Management’s Advanced Management Executive Program.​

Born in Los Angeles to parents from Mexico, Daniel Dorado’s love of cooking can be traced back to his earliest years, first cooking Sunday dinners with his grandmother, and then working in numerous different restaurants alongside his older brother in Los Angeles. As a student at Villanova University, Dan worked in the college cafeteria and moved on to working in Philadelphia restaurants after realizing Villanova was not the place for him. It was then that he realized his passion for food and decided to pursue cooking full-time. Dan moved to NYC in 1999 and began working his way through the NYC restaurant scene, learning the craft from respected industry professionals.​

In 2018, following a successful tenure as Executive Chef at the critically acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant ilili, Dan decided to venture into entrepreneurship. He established a catering and event company to provide culinary experiences to corporate offices, showcasing the unique cultural backgrounds of its kitchen team members. This endeavor evolved into the formation of The Migrant Kitchen (TMK) in 2019, prior to the onset of COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, TMK was at the forefront of initiatives to support healthcare workers as the first to donate meals to hospitals, inspiring a national movement.​

Subsequently, Dan expanded the scope of TMK to address the pressing needs of communities throughout the city. These endeavors were bolstered by participation in programs like Get Food NYC, enabling TMK to extend its reach and impact across diverse neighborhoods. As a social impact food enterprise, TMK and its leadership team is dedicated to delivering impact through food. Today, TMK operates retail storefronts, a wholesale prepared meals division, and continues to combat food insecurity across the five boroughs of NYC through its non-profit The Migrant Kitchen Initiative by distributing restaurant quality meals to those most in need.

In 2002, Thomas Egwabor came to the United States from Nigeria in pursuit of a career in fashion. Unfortunately, 9/11 had significantly impacted the industry, and he needed to explore other options.​

A referral to a doctor who needed help sourcing medical supplies from China opened another door. Thomas mastered navigating the new import rules that came about after 9/11. More referrals followed, and a new career was born.​

In 2011, Thomas formally started a durable medical supply and equipment company, All South Shore Medical Supply, serving public and private medical groups and health insurance companies. Nassau County and the NYS Department of Corrections became customers.​

When COVID-19 struck, Thomas came upon the opportunity of providing medical supplies to New York City. He found out about the City’s commitment to doing business with NYC-certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and applied for M/WBE certification.

Since then, the company has won contracts from the NYC Department of Health, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.​

Maureen Fairlie is the owner and president of Snappy Solutions Inc., an industrial supply company she founded in 2006. Under her leadership, Maureen transformed Snappy Solutions from a startup into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Snappy Solutions has become a trusted provider of construction, safety, janitorial, and maintenance supplies, serving general contractors, schools, government agencies, and private companies across the New York Metropolitan area. Her company helps clients achieve their goals including safety, compliance, productivity, sustainability, and value. Snappy Solutions proudly serves clients such as the MTA, Port Authority of NY & NJ, NYPD, FDNY, NYC DEP, NYS Parks, and Equinor US. The company is certified as a NYC and NYS WBE, DBE, SBE, LGBTBE, WBENC WBE, and WOSB.​

Snappy Solutions was the first M/WBE to partner with the NYS Preferred Source program and is named on four NYS contracts. The company has been spotlighted in the NYC Department of Small Business Services' #CityCertified Campaign and is instrumental in supporting sustainability initiatives for clients such as the NY Power Authority and various NYC agencies.​

A lifelong learner and advocate for business excellence, Maureen holds a BA from Siena College and an MA from SUNY Albany. She is also a graduate of the NYC Department of Small Business Services' Strategic Steps for Growth program at NYU’s Stern School of Business.​

Beyond her business, Maureen is dedicated to community service. She serves as a board member of the Staten Island Business Outreach Center and Windmill II, an organization that provides affordable housing for seniors on the East End of Long Island.

With a commitment to fostering opportunities and advancing supplier diversity, Maureen Fairlie continues to lead Snappy Solutions with passion and purpose, proving that opportunity knocks every day — not just once.​

William Ford, a dynamic and driven individual with a passion for business and technology, is making a difference.

As owner and president of K Systems Solutions, William is leading an IT solutions firm serving public and private sector clients, with a mission to reach a 1-billion-dollar valuation in 15 years while empowering people, driving world change, and creating technological equity.​

With a business degree from Bernard M. Baruch College and as a graduate of Columbia University’s CCBP program, William has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

His professional career spans operations and information technology in the financial and retail sectors, having worked for companies including JP Morgan Chase, Bear Stearns, Coach, and Michael Kors.​

When he's not busy running his company, William loves cooking, spending time with his family, mentoring, volunteering, and constantly learning. With his infectious energy and unwavering determination, William is a true inspiration to all who know him.

Micoy Hamilton is the founder, CEO, and owner of Nifty Concept Inc., a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) providing medical equipment, office, and janitorial supplies.

Soon after obtaining his degree in Aeronautics Technology, Mr. Hamilton worked as a volunteer in nursing homes, where he saw a need to provide durable medical equipment. Shortly thereafter, he started his business, Nifty Concept Inc. Initially, he concentrated on providing specific types of equipment, but later decided to scale his business differently to satisfy the market need, and to be able to sell more products.​

Mr. Hamilton won large contracts with the NYC Departments of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Emergency Management (EM), Fire (FDNY), and Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to provide medical and janitorial supplies.​

Mr. Hamilton’s tips for winning contracts with the City are to network, to create relationships, and to keep trying. Also, he states that he is always honest with the agencies’ procurement officers and believes in developing relationships based on trust.​

Cathy Hsieh brings more than 25 years of experience in information technology to her role as Founder and CEO of Kambrian Corporation, a certified M/WBE IT value-added reseller (VAR) and managed service provider (MSP) delivering end-to-end technology solutions to public sector and commercial organizations. Kambrian's portfolio spans AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, virtualization, and data center services, supported by a catalog of more than 600 hardware and software brands. The company serves government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and enterprises across New York City and nationwide.

Born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, Cathy launched Kambrian in 2010 following a decade-long career at Microsoft Corporation's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, where she held roles including Group Product Manager, Regional Lead for the Greater China Region, and Channel Development Manager across divisions encompassing technical support, worldwide licensing and pricing, and public sector sales and marketing. Prior to Microsoft, she worked at Honeywell International in Morristown, New Jersey, as both an Account Manager and Program Manager.

Under Cathy's leadership, Kambrian has grown into a trusted technology partner for state, local, and federal agencies, including New York City. The company actively works with municipal agencies, thoroughly understanding each entity's distinct procurement processes and IT requirements, and holds certifications as a small business with numerous agencies across all 50 states.

Cathy has dedicated time and expertise to the broader business community, serving as a Director on the Board of the Asian Business Association in Los Angeles and as Chair of the WBEC-WEST LA Forum, promoting women-owned business certification and development.

Cathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MBA from Cornell University.

Narae Lee is the Founder and President of WINGGLEE LLC, a one-stop shop serving government and public-sector clients. Under her leadership, WINGGLEE has successfully supplied a wide range of products – including construction materials, electrical equipment, IT hardware, furniture, appliances, safety products, and facility supplies – to agencies such as FDNY, NYPD, NYC Public Schools, and numerous other public-sector organizations.

Narae brings extensive expertise in government contracting, procurement strategy, supplier management, certification utilization, and business development. As an entrepreneur, she has successfully built and scaled a woman- and minority-owned business in highly competitive industries, gaining firsthand experience navigating access to capital, securing government contracts, and achieving sustainable growth.

Passionate about supporting the next generation of M/WBE entrepreneurs, Narae serves as a mentor to business owners seeking to strengthen their operations, expand into government markets, and maximize opportunities through supplier diversity programs. She is committed to sharing practical insights and helping businesses build the relationships, capabilities, and confidence necessary for long-term success.

Narae holds an M.A. in International Relations from New York University. Her early career included work with diplomatic missions in Uganda and Sri Lanka, where she gained valuable exposure to government operations, international development, and public-sector procurement. These experiences helped shape the foundation of her expertise in government contracting and public-sector engagement.

A proud alumna of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and NYPA's PowerUp2030, Narae remains dedicated to continuous learning, business growth, and expanding opportunities.

Love Malone is a visionary leader dedicated to revolutionizing the creative industry through an innovative fusion of technology and diversity. As the dynamic CEO and founder of Malone Creative Group LLC, operating under The Group, she leads an award-winning, full-service advertising and media placement agency renowned for its excellence and creativity. Driven by the belief that diverse teams are pivotal for sustainable brand success, Love pioneered The Gradient technology. This groundbreaking platform has empowered thousands of creatives by connecting them with transformative opportunities in the advertising and media sectors.​

Beyond heading The Group, Love is a distinguished member of various Boards of Directors, including the Cannes Can Diversity Collective (CC:DC). As a passionate advocate for inclusivity, she contributes significantly to CC:DC's mission of opening doors for emerging talents in advertising, media, and entertainment. Under her esteemed guidance, CC:DC hosts global activations and conferences in iconic locations such as Cannes, France; Dubai; Davos, Switzerland; and Martha's Vineyard.​

Before launching her ventures, Love enjoyed a stellar career as an award-winning executive in advertising, marketing, and sales. She sharpened her strategic acumen at prestigious agencies Ogilvy & Mather and BBDO Worldwide. Her illustrious career took root at industry giants Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, where she was recognized globally for her leadership in marketing and sales.​

Love has crafted compelling campaigns and award-winning creative work for world-renowned clients, including Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Universal Pictures, the NFL, NBA, HBO, Mars, BlackRock, and Genentech, among others. Her exceptional ability to blend creativity with business insight has consistently set benchmarks in the industry.​

An alumna of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Love earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with minors in History and Physics and excelled as a track team athlete. Further sharpening her expertise, she holds a certificate from the Center for Excellence in Advertisement at Howard University.​

Residing in the vibrant city of New York, NY, Love continues to inspire change and champion diversity across the global creative landscape.​

Marcos Merced is the CEO of QnA Tech, a technology reseller committed to providing an exceptional customer experience and secure solutions.​

A visionary leader with a passion for technology and customer satisfaction, Marcos has more than 30 years of experience in the IT industry.​ Prior to founding QnA Tech, Marcos held various leadership roles in NYC government, gaining valuable experience in managing technology initiatives and serving the public.​

He was also recognized for his contributions to the community by being named "Information Technology Leader of the Year" by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.​

He recognized a need for a technology reseller that prioritized not only cutting-edge products but also an exceptional customer experience and robust security measures.​

Emmanuel Ola-Dake is a distinguished entrepreneur, driving business outcomes and transformation across the financial sector, enterprises, and public sector, including government agencies, using innovative technologies.​

As the founder of Molaprise, Emmanuel was driven by a vision of a future where opportunities abound not just for himself, but for countless others, and to generate significant impact.​

Before founding Molaprise, Emmanuel leveraged his expertise as a consultant for Fortune 500 financial and investment institutions, such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and Citi Group. His work focused on revamping inefficient middle-to-back-office operations and technology processes within the wealth and fund management sectors.​

Emmanuel's contributions to technology and business have not gone unnoticed. He has been a prominent figure at numerous technology and minority business forums in New York City, as well as at global technology conferences, including CiscoLive.​

His academic credentials include an MBA from the Hagan School of Business at Iona University in New York, and he has furthered his education with an Executive Program in Private Equity and Venture Capital at Harvard Business School.

Hetal Parikh is famous for carrying out Rangam’s vision of “Employment for Everyone”. These three words continuously inspire her to pave the path for many achievements, on both personal and professional fronts.

Hetal’s overall vision is to create a people-centric workplace within Rangam and in corporations around the globe. For the past 20 years, Rangam has become a high-performing, diverse supplier of workforce solutions utilizing innovative technology and strategic delivery models. Hetal’s out-of-the-box thinking not only inspires everyone at Rangam but also influences others to create a more collaborative workforce.

As a game-changer in the talent acquisition space, the Rangam team under Hetal’s leadership has developed SourceAbled™, an end-to-end solution connecting employers, job seekers who are differently abled, and support agencies. Rangam also offers SourceVets™, a career development and employment program for transitioning military service members.​

Srini Penumella is the Managing Partner of Spruce Technology Inc. Srini has led the company to annual revenues of $13 million dollars in 2013, and expanded from the headquarters in Clifton, NJ, to offices in New York, San Ramon, Boston, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Srini personifies Spruce's commitment to delivering the highest quality services to its clients around the country. He has built a reputation for his strong work ethic, results-oriented consensus building, and exceptional ability to forge and maintain major client relationships. In his role as Managing Partner, Srini is responsible for managing areas of strategic growth, alliances and partnerships, consulting services, business development, sales, and IT infrastructure. He has authored numerous scientific and engineering publications and holds winning patents and awards in R&D and innovative engineering design, including the Ohio Governor’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Engineering and Creative Design. With almost 24 years of experience, he develops dynamic strategic business growth plans and brings strong relationships with senior leadership in both private and public sector clients.​

Mr. Penumella has more than 20 years of experience leveraging technology to enhance communication, decision making, and productivity for organizations in diverse industries, from start-ups to large-scale enterprises. Before joining Spruce, Srini was Chief Technology Officer at CMS, an alternate investment company with private equity, real estate, and wealth management lines of business. He also worked in senior management roles within professional services organizations servicing both private and federal sector clients. His experience included working as Program Manager and Project Manager at firms such as KPMG and Ernst & Young. Srini earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Madras and M.S. in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He is currently a PMP and a member of Project Management Institute (PMI). He is also a certified six-sigma professional.​

Mr. Penumella was recognized as a regional finalist for the 2020 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. He received the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award for Entrepreneurship from the Vellore Institute of Technology, where he completed his bachelor’s degree, and was also a recipient of the 2014 SmartCEO award for Fastest-Growing Companies. He is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO); a certified PMP and a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI); a certified six-sigma professional, a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE).​

Marie E. Saint-Cyr is a visual artist, muralist, entrepreneur, and business consultant who has built a multi-company enterprise serving New York City public schools, healthcare institutions, corporations, and nonprofits. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (BFA, 2018), she also studied Studio Art at the Lorenzo de' Medici institute in Florence, Italy, grounding her creative practice in both technical rigor and an international perspective.

Marie founded Saint-Cyr Art Studio in 2019 as an art education company focused on expanding access to visual arts for young people across Long Island and New York City. By 2021, the company had evolved into a full-service mural agency, designing and managing large-scale commercial and community murals for schools, healthcare facilities, corporate clients, and state agencies. To date, Saint-Cyr Art Studio has completed more than 350 murals — including projects for multiple New York City public schools, healthcare organizations such as SIBS Place and Adapt Health, and corporate clients including United Natural Foods and SL Green Realty. The company holds seven certifications, including NYC M/WBE, NY/NJ DBE, and NMSDC designation, and serves clients nationally and internationally.

The art education mission that launched the company continues through its sister organization, Saint-Cyr Art Engagement, an NYC DOE vendor that delivers culturally responsive visual art residencies, paint parties, and virtual art programs to K–12 public schools across all five boroughs. Partnering with more than 25 schools and organizations, Saint-Cyr Art Engagement follows NYC DOE Arts Education Blueprints and provides teaching artists, tailored curricula, and all materials — making high-quality arts programming accessible to students and families regardless of school resources.

As the founder of Saint-Cyr Business & Art Consulting, Marie draws on her own experience navigating the NYC public school ecosystem to help fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, and educational vendors grow their businesses. By working directly with schools as a non-contracted vendor, she has generated more than $3 million in school-based contracts across arts education, murals, and enrichment programming. Through workshops, coaching, digital resources, and community initiatives, she guides vendors through DOE purchasing processes, outreach strategies, funding opportunities, and sustainable business development — helping them serve school communities with confidence and impact.

Marie's entrepreneurial trajectory has been recognized through a one-year residency with the Haiti Cultural Exchange, an art and business fellowship with the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, and participation in more than 11 business development programs, including Goldman Sachs and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Her work has been exhibited at the Haitian Embassy, and she continues to create employment opportunities for working artists while championing diverse representation through public art.

R.F. Wilkins Consultants Inc. is a New York-based business development and management consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, and corporations to meet their development and expansion needs. Services include project management, technology systems integration, fundraising and capital sourcing, technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and compliance.​

To date, Mrs. Francilia Wilkins Rahim has aided in the development of numerous citywide diversity and inclusion initiatives and continues to advocate for equal opportunity for minority real estate developers, contractors, and small businesses. She has engaged more than 5,000 local businesses and has led the company in raising more than $900 million for clients through grant writing, advocacy and events; growing its reputation in the ranks of top-performing management consulting firms, owned by a minority woman. In partnership with the New York Real Estate Chamber and the NYC Economic Development Corporation, she worked to develop the City’s Emerging Developer Loan Fund. Mrs. Wilkins Rahim has spearheaded Google’s NYC Google Digital Coaches program to create access for minority- and women-owned small businesses throughout the city. In 2019, HNTB and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey named R.F. Wilkins Consultants one of two compliance contractors responsible for ensuring minority and local inclusion across the $13 billion John F. Kennedy Airport Redevelopment Project.​

In addition to her role as CEO of R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Mrs. Wilkins Rahim was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Greater Allen Development Corporation & Allen Community Non-Profit Programs. She was also appointed in 2020 to the Mayor’s COVID-19 Real Estate & Construction Sector Advisory Council. Mrs. Wilkins Rahim serves as the Executive Director of the New York Real Estate Chamber, Member of NYS Housing and Community Renewal’s Multifamily Advisory Council, and Vice Chair of Brooklyn’s Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District. Formerly, she served as Director of Economic Development for the National Black MBA Association-New York Metro Chapter, Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Regional Economic Development Committee, Assistant Treasurer for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Queens Alumnae Chapter and the Vice Chair for I Am Acceptance Inc. – a mental health non-profit.​