Sessions
Free
headshots
all day!
Conquering your Biggest Business Challenge
9:50 am - 10:30 am
Join forces with your business owner peers to solve those sticky problems that keep you up at night. In this lively, hands-on workshop presented by Entrepreneurs Forever, you’ll put your real business issues on the table to see what happens when you plug into the wisdom of your peers.
Katie Outon McMahon
Vice President of Programming
Entrepreneurs Forever
Corporate Member Spotlights and Roundtables
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Dive into an engaging session where each corporate buyer unveils a fast-paced, two-minute glimpse into their future purchasing plans. Then, seize the unique opportunity to join them at the roundtable for a dynamic 30-minute group conversation. Don't miss out on this chance to connect, collaborate, and create new possibilities!
Creating Dynamic Coalitions: Who are the EMSDC Mosaic BNAP Partners?
10:40 am - 11:20 am
In the evolving landscape of business and community engagement, crafting dynamic initiatives that stand out for their innovation and sustainability is key to driving meaningful impact. This exclusive workshop is designed to empower you with the strategies, insights, and collaborative tools necessary to develop and lead successful projects and initiatives within your organizations and communities.
Juan Garrett
Executive Director
Riverside Center for Innovation
Petra Mitchell
President and CEO
Catalyst Connection
Brit Peterson
Staff Attorney
Penn State Law
Stephanie Wilusz
Staff Attorney
Penn State Law
Anne Flynn Schlicht
Director, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship – Women’s Business Center
chathamUNIVERSITY
Danielle Davis
President & CEO
Davis Consulting Solutions (DCS)
From Vision to Victory: The Journey Towards A World-Class Corporate Supplier Inclusion and Development Program
9:50 am - 10:30 am
Tailored for corporate participants, this workshop will highlight the benefits of supplier inclusion and present creative approaches to integrating supplier diversity into business plans. With a focus on mutual benefits and enhancing shareholder value, gain practical guidance on fostering a more inclusive supply chain.
Lee Lewis
Director, Business Inclusion
Highmark Health
Brian K. Oglesby
President/CEO
EMSDC
Tasha Wood
Supplier Diversity Manager
NiSource
Future Frontiers in Procurement: A Fireside Chat From the Corporate Procurement Perspective
1:05 pm - 1:45 pm
The discussion will focus on a range of topics, including but not limited to, the future of procurement, sustainability in supply chains, and leveraging technology for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
Sandra Brummitt
SVP Administrative Services & Chief Procurement Officer
NiSource
Stephanie Howell
Director of Sourcing and Vendor Management
Erie Insurance
Shon Yates
Executive Vice President, Energy and Utilties
Ardmore Roderick
Innovating Engagement: Using AI to Upgrade Your Sales and Marketing
10:40 am - 11:20 am
Discover how AI can revolutionize the way small businesses and high tech high growth technology startups operate and thrive in today's dynamic market. Adam Paulisick, founder of SkillBuilder.io, will unveil the endless possibilities AI offers, from streamlining processes to enhancing customer experiences with Kenyan Hicks of Noire Distillery and Daniela Osio in an engaging conversation about what works with AI and what doesn’t.
Kenyan Hicks
Founder
Noire Distillery
Daniela Osio
CEO
Kloopify
Justice40: Opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in Clean Energy
11:45 am - 12:25 pm
This session will explore how the Justice40 Initiative can benefit minority and women-owned businesses, focusing on clean energy sector opportunities. It will provide insights into accessing federal investments and fostering equitable economic growth. The session aims to educate business owners on navigating the initiative, encourage networking with industry stakeholders, and offer strategies for engaging with federal programs effectively.
Shalaya Morissette
Chief Minority Business and Workforce Division
Deptartment of Energy
Local Leadership in Action: How Diverse Supply Chains Fuel Regional Prosperity
12:25 pm - 1:25 pm
Leaders from local chambers of commerce convene to explore the transformative impact of diversity in supply chains on regional economies. Panelists will share insights on how fostering diversity within supply chains not only drives innovation and competitiveness but contributes to the economic growth and resilience of local communities. Attendees will learn about successful strategies for integrating diverse businesses into supply chains, the role of local chambers in supporting this integration, and the broader benefits of such diversity for regional prosperity.
Majestic Lane
Chief Equity Officer
Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Albert Garcia
President
ALPFA Pittsburgh
Mastering Momentum
8:45 am - 9:05 am
The keynote at the ROAR Mosaic Conference will explore how capital can transform mid-sized firms into scalable minority enterprises fit to supply Fortune 500 companies. It will spotlight Ariel Alternatives' role in forging strategic partnerships between global corporations and its portfolio companies, embodying the innovative business development and diversity practices central to the conference's theme.
Frantz Alphonse
Senior Managing Director
Ariel Alternatives
Unleashing New Horizons: Growing Globally & At Home
9:05 am - 9:40 am
This session highlights the importance of international trade in growing and diversifying businesses and its role in strengthening the economy. Discover how global engagement can boost your business and the local economy, with insights on accessing international markets, tackling challenges, and the benefits of global trade. Learn to use international trade to enhance your growth strategy and economic impact.
Brian K. Oglesby
President/CEO
EMSDC
Ryan Russell
Director
U.S. Commercial Service
Unlocking the Future: The Power and Importance of Financial Planning for Business Growth
10:40 am - 11:20 am
This workshop, designed specifically for small business owners, will equip minority and women-owned business leaders with key financial strategies for long-term success. Learn more about hands-on financial planning, risk reduction, and how to tap into creative financing options. Bridgeway Capital lends their expertise to provide crucial guidance, steering attendees toward enhanced financial health and expansion. Join SBA Western PA Office Deputy District Director, Angel Marschik, as she discusses SBA backed loan and financing options available to MWDBE firms through SBA approved lending partners. During her presentation, Angel will review the SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan Programs and provide expert tips for firms to gain access to capital.
Adam Kenney
Managing Director of Programs
Bridgeway Capital
Angel Marschik
Deputy District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration
Edward Schick
Export Finance Manager
U.S. Small Business Administration
You're Certified What's Next - A View from Our Corporate Members
9:50 am - 10:30 am
This workshop offers a direct look into how corporations engage with certified minority and women-owned businesses. Learn from our corporate members about maximizing your certification for business opportunities, navigating corporate procurement, and building strategic partnerships. Gain practical tips to enhance visibility and meet corporate expectations, all aimed at driving your business forward.
Joel Acie
Deputy Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
Nadir Jones
Diversity Sourcing Manager
CBRE
April Morrison
Supplier Diversity Manager
Erie Insurance
Darcie Orr
Senior Manager, Procurement Excellence
Duquesne Light