Agenda

Sandhya Mukkamala

Co-President; Partner and Co-Founder
ASTUTE; USPAACC Western Regional Chapter

Sandhya Mukkamala is a Partner and Co-Founder at ASTUTE and an accomplished CPA in the State of California. She advises clients on R&D tax incentives, technical accounting, forensic audits, as well as works closely with clients’ CFOs/Controllers to develop stronger processes and controls within the business. She has more than 15 years of experience in audit and review engagements, and complex Merger & Acquisition due diligence audits for private and public accounting sectors.

Prior to founding Astute, Sandhya has served as M&A due diligence auditor for several years in a reputed public accounting firm in Silicon Valley. She has led the audit team in planning, structuring, and performed M&A due diligence activities across all functional areas such as financial, products, operations, and technology etc. She has also served as an external Auditor for various high-tech, automotive, retail, manufacturing, and service industries nationally and globally. As an acumen auditor, she helped companies uncover millions of dollars lost due to fraudulent activities or lack of control over processes, addressed complex accounting and financial reporting challenges.

Besides Auditing and Corporate finance, Sandhya has extensive experience in R&D tax credit consulting projects, performed numerous financial and M&A due diligence audits, resolved complex Accounting for Income tax provisions, SEC Reporting, internal controls testing and fraud testing over financial reporting for a multitude of industries from early startups to Pre-IPO to public companies nationally and globally.

Her unique understanding, problem-solving skills and providing reliable solutions have benefited clients in various industry sectors.

Roger Cheng

Senior Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager
AT&T

Roger Cheng recently joined AT&T as a Sr. Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager. Prior to AT&T, Roger spent the previous 14+ years with M/WBEs in the technology space leading business development through Supplier Diversity.

Roger, also known as “The Voice,” has served as emcee or VOG for a number of organizations across the country. In 2017, Roger was recognized as the #Hes4Shes Champion at the WBENC National Conference.

Alan Gartrell

Vice President of Procurement
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

Alan has over 20+ years of experience in Purchasing & Warehousing Management in the Entertainment & Hospitality Industry. Alan joined Caesars Entertainment in June 2011 and is currently the Vice President of Procurement responsible for overseeing Regional Procurement, Warehousing, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability for all Caesars’ properties. Prior to this role, Alan has held multiple Regional Director positions throughout the country most recently the Senior Director of the Western Region. Before coming to Caesars, Alan spent 4 years as the Purchasing Manager at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, NC and 10 years as the Purchasing and Warehouse Manager at Six Flags America in Maryland.

Egwu Nwankpah

Head of Supplier Diversity
Cushman & Wakefield

Egwu Nwankpah is the Head of Supplier Diversity at Cushman & Wakefield. Egwu is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Global Supplier Diversity Strategy. Egwu is a key part of both the Procurement function as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. In this role he is an advocate for diverse suppliers, provides critical information related to current and potential diverse suppliers, leads engagement with external organizations aligned to supplier diversity, and promotes utilization of diverse suppliers globally to both internal and external stakeholders.

Before coming to Cushman & Wakefield, Egwu was a Vice President at Bank of America as he served as part of the Supplier Diversity and Responsible Sourcing team. Egwu is noted by several supplier diversity councils and organizations for his work in the field of Supplier Diversity. Prior to his work at Bank of America, Egwu was a Manager in the Financial Services group of Deloitte & Touché LLP. In that role, he provided auditing, accounting and advisory services to both public and private clients, inclusive of banks, broker dealers and mortgage banks. Egwu has more than 23 years of combined relevant experience in the realms of internal audit and advisory services, vendor management, supplier diversity/development, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Egwu earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Accounting from Andrews University where he graduated as a member of the prestigious J. N. Andrews Honors Program. He holds an MBA from the R.H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, where his focus area was Global Strategy. He is a Certified Public Accountant (NY, MD,and CA), Certified Auditor (IIA), a Chartered Global Management Accountant (AICPA).

In his spare time Egwu is very involved in local and national civic activities, church activities, cheering for various sports teams, and most importantly spending quality time with his beautiful wife and three daughters.

Axel Adams

Manager - Supplier Diversity and Inclusion
Delta Air Lines

Axel D. Adams is employed with Delta Air Lines as a Manager in Supplier Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where he and his colleagues are responsible for ensuring diverse businesses have an opportunity to secure contracts for business with Delta. Prior to Delta, he had a brief stint as National Director of African American Outreach with 2020 Presidential Candidate Tom Steyer’s Campaign. His overall responsibility keeping the campaign focused on AA voters, issues, concerns and what is most important to them.

Axel’s most noted employment was noted with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) where the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. is the Founder and President. Axel served in a many roles such as the Chief Operations Officer in the Chicago Headquarters managing all operations/departments of the organization. staff, finance, education, trade bureau, press, finding, national and regional conventions, and cooperate relationships, emerging markets, and regional offices to name a few. He also held the positions of Bureau Chief, and National Youth Director.

Prior to RPC, Axel was with Westinghouse Savannah River Company as a supervisor in the Nuclear Materials Processing Division. During his employment there, he was the first African American to receive the Community Service Award.

Axel is a recipient of many awards/honors such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama; The Georgia Assembly passed House Bill 1984 for his dedication to the betterment of the citizens of the State of Georgia; South Carolina Senate recognized Axel Adams and passed Resolution 1118 for his significant contributions and outstanding achievements in the fields of politics, business, and community outreach. He is the author of “The Journey”, a book detailing his life experiences in politics, community service, and social activism. He is President of the Axel Adams Foundation (www.axeladamsfoundation.com), which is committed to making long-term improvements in education, health and wellness, and combating socioeconomic issues in the Central Savannah River Area. Axel has the honor of being the first African American elected to serve on City Council in New Ellenton South Carolina at the early age of 22 years old, serving two-four-year elected terms on city council. And he was Acting-Mayor and Police commissioner for three years, and the first African American to serve in this capacity as well.

He has a master’s in business administration, and bachelor’s degree in business management. Axel says that God is first and foremost in his life.

Randy Brown

Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity
Denny's

Randy Brown is the Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity for Denny’s. The award-winning executive i charged with managing and expanding the company’s supplier diversity program. Brown works closely to identify procurement opportunities around the country with certified diverse companies, including small disadvantaged, minority business enterprises, veteran-owned, woman business enterprises, LGBTQ+owned, disabled veteran-owned or disabled-owned. Prior to joining Denny’s, he played an instrumental role at Emory University in winning the Jesse L.Moore's2021 Supplier Diversity Award from Insight into Diversity.

The Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council also awarded Emory its George Lottier Rising Star Award during Brown’s tenure at the university. Brown has served on Emory University’s Business Diversity Council, National Minority Supplier Diversity Council Mentor Program, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s Executive Council. He is currently aboard advisor for Spectrum Autism, a board member of Encourage Men Ministries Inc., and a member of the Georgia State University Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute Strategic Planning Ecosystem Subcommittee. Brown received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson School of Business.

Allen Reddick

Executive Director of Economic Impact & Workforce Inclusion
Drexel University

Allen is the Executive Director of Economic Impact and Workforce Inclusion at Drexel University. Allen oversees Drexel’s Accounts Payable and Procurement Services supplier and workforce inclusion efforts. In his role, Allen is responsible for ensuring equal and open purchasing and hiring opportunity. Allen works alongside Drexel’s Strategic Sourcing team and serves as a resource to all University departments for increasing spend with Small, Minority, Women, Veteran, Service Disabled and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. In addition, Allen and his team work to provide 191XX zips code residents with equal and open access to job opportunities, skills training, and construction trade development.

From 2015 to 2018, Allen served as the Category Manager of Supplier Diversity for Ricoh Americas Corporation, a global technology. From 2007 to 2015, Allen worked as the Director of Operations for Alpha Enterprise Group, a national consumable goods distribution company voted Black Enterprise Largest Top 100 Black Owned Businesses. In 2014, Allen was recognized as the President’s Award Winner, an award given to employees that successfully demonstrate collaborative efforts that improve efficiency Externally, Allen is involved with key organizations geared toward supplier inclusion, procurement, work force development, and civic engagement. Allen is a current Board member for the Women’s Business Enterprise Council East and Vice President of Black Employees At Drexel (BEAD) colleague resource group. He serves as co-chair on West Philadelphia’s Promise Zone Workforce and Economic Development Committee, national strategic leader for Drexel University’s Women 100 VisionForward program, and former board member of The Institute of Supply Chain Management of Philadelphia. In 2022, Allen was the recipient of the City of Philadelphia Citation Award during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, for his valuable contributions to the city’s growing minority business community. He most recently was acknowledged in ISM Magazine in the Members Making News section.

Allen is a graduate of the University of Delaware, a Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity

through the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) and a Certified Professional in Diversity & Inclusion through Cornell University. Currently he is study for his Masters in Business Administration at Drexel University with a concentration in Sustainability & Social Im pac

Dipali Hunjan

Director, Indirect Sourcing
Edwards Lifesciences

Dwayne Norris

Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager
Enterprise Holdings

Dwayne Norris has worked for Enterprise Holdings for the past 17 years. During his time he has served on the North American DE&I Team for Enterprise Holdings for two years from 2018-2020 and the Southeast Region DE&I Team for Enterprise Holdings two years from 2020-2022. He managed daily rental operations as an Area Manager with Enterprise in Orlando FL, including the Orlando International Airport (Largest car rental facility in the world). He is an Alumni of the University of Florida where he earned a BA in History w/ concentration on General Business. He was also a student athlete, playing football at the University of Florida from 2001-2004 (Defensive Tackle). Dwayne was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.

Simone Ray

Director, Corporate Procurement & Supplier Diversity
Hilton

Simone Ray leads Hiltons award-winning Supplier Diversity program, advancing their commitment to increase diversity in supply chain. She partners with HSM category leaders to identify, develop, and mentor minority suppliers. Simone also collaborates closely with Hilton’s D&I team and is always looking for a referral to small and minority business owners!  She is originally from Orlando, Florida and attended Florida State University with a concentration on Merchandising. She’s worked with leading retail companies such as Macy’s and JC Penney, holding positions in buying, planning and product development. For her work at Hilton, she was named Buyer of the Year in 2020 by Minority Business News USA. In her free time Simone enjoys hosting events and meeting like-minded creative and community leaders.

Debra Quade

Supplier Diversity Manager
Kellanova

Debra Quade is the Supplier Diversity Manager at Kellogg Company. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served as Supplier Diversity Specialist at Toyota Boshoku America in Erlanger, Kentucky and Magna Donnelly in Holland, Michigan.

Debra serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in addition to leading a MiDiCo module for supplier inclusion and opportunity. She represents Kellogg Company on the National Minority Supplier Development Council Working Group, and the Corporate Advisory Council for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in addition to participating on the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Programs Committee, the Food Marketing Institute Group Supplier Diversity Committee, WEConnect International Agricultural Industry Group and the Food & Beverage Industry Group.

Itu Otu

Head, Global Supplier Diversity
Logitech

Itu Otu is the Global Supplier Diversity Lead at Logitech, responsible for developing, implementing and prioritizing a robust supplier diversity vision and strategy across the enterprise to meet the company’s business objectives.

Itu is a 25-year veteran of supplier diversity. He joined Logitech in November 2020 after a five-year career at Wyndham Destinations as the senior manager for supplier diversity, seven years at Mars Chocolate North America as the manager for supplier diversity. Prior to joining Mars, he had a lengthy career at the Walt Disney World Resort where he progressed through several roles from Merchandising to Minority Business Relations. He was instrumental in positioning Walt Disney World Resort as a choice destination for multicultural convention businesses.

Quinae J. Ewing

Supplier Diversity Manager
MassMutual

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Quinae J. Ewing is a MassMutual Supplier Diversity manager, supporting the company’s innovative supplier diversity strategy that aligns with MassMutual's core values, and was appointed to this position in July 2022. With more than two decades of manufacturing, engineering, global procurement and supplier diversity management experience at Xerox Corporation, Quinae has managed significant corporate initiatives across North America, Asia, and Europe.

Quinae is an active and visible member of his community. He has worked as an adjunct professor of Mathematics at Monroe Community College (Rochester, NY) and also served on the Board of Directors at the Carlson Metro Center YMCA (Rochester, NY). Quinae represented Xerox Corporation as a corporate member of the Portland Black Business Association (Portland, OR) and over the past ten years, has attended various Supplier Diversity and Sustainability conferences and activities nationwide.

Quinae holds a Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Business from Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY). He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Interdisciplinary Science and Mechanical Engineering from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) and North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC) respectively. Quinae is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (Gamma Kappa Chapter) and Pi Tau Sigma National Mechanical Engineering Honor Society

Andrea Arce

Specialist, Global Economic Inclusion & Supplier Diversity
Merck

Andrea Arce is a Specialist, Global Economic Inclusion & Supplier Diversity at Merck. Joining the company in 2019, as part of the Global Economic Inclusion & Supplier Diversity Team, Andrea has been responsible for supporting Research Development Sourcing & Procurement category when it pertains to sourcing diverse suppliers. Andrea also leads the Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Diverse Suppliers, along with external and internal communications. Prior to joining Merck, Andrea was the Site Manager at Express Employment Professionals, where she was responsible for large clients and their staffing needs. Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts from William Paterson University.

Raul Saurez-Rodriguez

Director, Global Inclusion & Supplier Diversity
Merck

Raul Suarez-Rodriguez currently serves as Director, Global Economic Inclusion and Supplier Diversity at Merck. In this role, Raul is responsible to drive diverse supplier inclusion, innovation and economic growth through lens of the company mission by partnering with internal business leaders and external advocacy groups to grow mutual value, and create a lasting impact on the business and communities where we live and work.

Raul joined Merck in 2018 from CVS Health, where he led their Supplier Diversity Program to Best In Class by being inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable and winning several top awards including National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Corporation of the Year for Innovation, DiversityInc Top Companies (No.1) for Supplier Diversity, and Americas Top Corporation for Women Business Enterprises.

Raul is recognized for his creative and innovative thinking and transformation efforts in Supplier Diversity. Most recently, he was recognized as the Supply Chain Advocate of the Year by Disability: IN for his work around Disability Owned Business Enterprises where he serves as the Procurement Council Co-Chair. Also, the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) recognized Raul as Advocate of the Year and Shining Star. Raul co-led the Retail Industry Group (RIG) driving change and strategy while advocating for diverse businesses to become strategic partners in the global economy for major retail companies. Raul serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Diversity Alliance for Science.

Raul holds a Master in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Nova Southeastern University

Robert Medina

Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
NASA

Mr. Robert Medina is the Deputy Associate Administrator, for the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) at NASA Headquarters (HQ), since January 2023. Prior to this position, he served as a Small Business Program Manager, at NASA HQ OSBP, from September 2019 to December 2022. Mr. Medina was a Senior Procurement Analyst and Small Business Specialist at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Edwards, California from March 1994 through September 2019.

Mr. Medina is a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico and graduated from New Mexico State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Accounting degree. After graduation he continued to work with NASA. He began his career with NASA in 1977 as a cooperative education student.

During his forty-five years with NASA, Mr. Medina has worked in many different procurement positions and at different NASA Centers. He has worked as a purchasing agent, price analyst, contract specialist, contracting officer, procurement analyst, and small business specialist. In addition to his procurement background, he worked three years at NASA Headquarters in the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, as an Institutional Program Manager, having oversight over NASA’s three Research Centers (Ames, Langley, and Glenn). Most recently, Mr. Medina served on a detail at NASA Headquarters in the Office of Small Business Programs, from December 2016 through December 2017, serving as a Small Business Program Manager with oversight of the small business programs at NASA Stennis Space Center, NASA Shared Services Center, and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Mr. Medina has been a long-time supporter and member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). He is a NCMA Fellow and has held a number of NCMA chapter office positions, as well as national functional positions. Mr. Medina also is a member of the Department of Defense (DoD) Western Regional Council for Small Business Education and Advocacy and has served on the Executive Board for the council, as well as a chairperson of the council’s Interface Committee. In 2008 and 2013, he was selected as NASA’s Small Business Specialist of the Year

Marcus Benefield

Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI)
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

Marcus graduated from Bowie State University with a degree in Communications and concentration in Broadcast Journalism. After graduating, Marcus worked for companies such as Digital, EDS and MCI Worldcom and has 30 years of acquisitions and small business experience. Marcus previously worked at the Federal Aviation Administration for 20 years as a senior contracting officer in acquisitions and senior program analyst in the small business office, while also serving as the Program Manager for FAA’s Mentor-Protégé Program responsible for over 70 mentor-protégé and joint venture partnerships.

Marcus joined The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in 2018 and is currently the Business Procurement Analyst and Small Business Specialist leading the Small Business Program in the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion. Marcus is passionate about working with small businesses and assisting in their growth. He believes small businesses are the backbone of society and there is a renewed energy around Supplier Diversity and Inclusion in today’s workplace which should pave the way for incredible growth in the small business community.

Dennis Thurston

Supplier Diversity Manager
Southern California Edison

Dennis J. Thurston, a 36-year employee of Southern California Edison (SCE), beginning in August of 1987 serving in his current capacity as a Supplier Diversity Program Manager for 25 years assisting small and diverse businesses understand the Company’s general procurement practices and procedures.

Prior to SCE, Mr. Thurston worked at Consolidated Edison in New York bringing 12 years of experience with him.

In 2021, Dennis received the 2021 Corporate Advocate of the Year Award from the Southern California Minority Development Council.

In 2018, Dennis received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California for outstanding work within the Native American business community and tribal leaders.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Santa Ana District Office selected Dennis as the 2017 Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for his devotion to the success and advancement of Veterans in business in his professional capacity at SCE and his personal life.

During the 2017 Inaugural Veterans In Business (VIB) Network National Conference, Dennis Thurston received the Above & Beyond Bravo Zulu Award recognizing Veteran Business Advocates that go Above & Beyond to help the Veteran business community grow and succeed.

In 2016 Dennis was nominated for the State Agency Recognition Awards (SARA) given by the Department of General Services.

In recognition of his contributions as a role model of Edison International’s values and guiding behaviors of integrity, continuous growth and improvement, excellence, respect, and teamwork, Dennis was awarded the Chairman’s Award, now the Edison Award in 2009. Edison selects only 40 employees out of over 15,000 for the first of the prestigious award.

Mr. Thurston still volunteers for many community activities geared toward mentorship and guidance of small and diverse businesses in the areas of career, jobs, and starting businesses.

For the past 27 years, served as an off-ice official for the National Hockey League (NHL) assigned to the Anaheim Ducks and Dennis represented the NHL at the first ever game played outside North America in Japan, Helsinki, and Berlin.

Joyce Christanio

Senior Program Manager, Supplier Diversity
T-Mobile

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Accomplished leader with over 20 year's experience managing Supplier Diversity, Contract Negotiations and leading cross-functional teams of an organization to achieve cost savings. Write policy language, programs and processes to advance a corporation's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals. Joyce recently developed T-Mobile’s workforce development program - NextTech Diversity to nationally fund training and job placement for women and men of color to become network technicians and network equipment drivers.

Author of "Dressing Classy Doesn't Change" which provides women an overview of the do's and don'ts of proper workplace attire. Information that Corporate America doesn’t share with women is included in this book. One Reader Commented: The author has hit the "nail on the head" as she mixes humor, personal experiences and concrete advice regarding proper attire for women in any setting and at any income level. Women buy this fun and easy to read book for you and all the young girls you know. Men buy it for all the women in your life. It is a keepsake.

Edkedsha (KeeKee) Mathis

Supplier Sustainability & Diversity Senior Leader
Trane Technologies

KeeKee joined Trane Technologies in April 2021, before joining Trane Technologies, she worked in the automotive industry for thirteen years at Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. where she was the Supplier Diversity Manager. Her accolades include an array of awards, acknowledgements, and nationwide recognitions including but not limited to 2017 and 2022 Corporation of the Year and Corporate Representative of the Year for (TSMSDC) TriState Minority Supplier Development Council and 2022 USPAACC Corporation of the Year. She has been recognized for many years as one of the Top 30 Diversity Professionals and Women Leading Diversity on a national level as a leader in the Supplier Diversity community. She has held many board seats and has chaired many boards across the nation. She is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, Urban League’s Inclusion by Design, YALP, and is a part of the current cohort of Leadership Tennessee. KeeKee brings more has more than 26+ years within purchasing which includes supporting as a regional buyer, service buyer, supply chain support, key user for all the purchasing systems and continuous improvement such as (TPM) Total Planned Maintenance, QCDSM, and Lean Management. She is committed to mentor diverse suppliers but also to build strategic “partnerships” and “alliances” with diverse suppliers. Now, also leading supplier sustainability within her organization her role is the integration of social, ethical, and environmental performance factors into the process of selecting suppliers. The goal is to build strong, long term relationships with suppliers as we “Boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world.”

KeeKee holds has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from University of Phoenix, Chattanooga, TN.

Donna Ruff

Director, Supplier Diversity and Development
U.S. Bank

Donna Ruff joined the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, managing Supplier Diversity & Development at Union Bank in 2018, where the bank was 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 brings a unique perspective to Supplier Diversity, having sat on both sides of the table as a prime supplier and as a large corporation that prime suppliers seek to partner with. She works diligently to help diverse businesses do business with the bank and find other growth opportunities for those businesses. Donna brings her knowledge and experiences to continue building on strong, sustainable, and inclusive initiatives. She holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA. Before joining the Union Bank family, Donna brings more than 15 years of experience, jointly supporting business development and managing supplier diversity for a non-diverse private corporation, where she was successful at bringing new revenue streams to the company and creating/implementing the company-wide supplier diversity program.

Donna is a committee participant with the Financial Services Roundtable for Supplier Diversity, Western Regional Supplier Development Council Board Member and Board Secretary, Advisory Council Co-Chairperson for the Asian Business Association – Los Angeles, Advisory Council Member with the UC Small and Diverse Business Advisory Council, Veterans in Business Network Corporate Advisory Board Member, California Commanders Veteran Council Member, Council for Supplier Diversity San Diego Board Member and Vermont Slauson Educational Development Corporation Board Member

Ron Uba

Acting Supervisor for the Office of Business Development
U.S. Department of Commerce

Ron Uba grew up and attended Public Schools in Denver, CO (during US Court Ordered Busing for De-Segregation.) While earning a BA at the University of Colorado, Boulder in Ground Water Trace Metal Analytics in Bio-Chemistry, where Ron was selected to participate in an Advanced Chemistry R&D Government Workforce Develpoment Program at the U.S. Department of Interior/ US Geological Survey Water Quality Resources Lab to build C-14 Geiger Counters , LAMDSAT IV Remote Satellite Ge-Mapping of Minerals, Petroleum, Gas and Water I data and Aqua-cultural Fish Tank Circular Systems, Ron was detailed to the US & Foreign Commercial Trade Service ITA at the Denver District / Regional Office at US DOC, focused on rare earth commodities purchases and international irrigation water technology for agri-business, mining, and hydroponics before joining a Remote Geo-Mapping Satellite Detection Oil, Gad and Water Colorado tech firm. At the University of Southern California, Ton received an MSC in Artificial Intelligence Modeling for Computer statistics and Artificial Intelligence I Operations Management System.

In his current role as a Senior Business Development Specialist, Ron was instrumental in identifying to scale data analytics for Strategic Growth Initiative’ (SGI) Million Dollar Sale Revenue MBE’s the Office of Business Development and participating in the DOC’s interagency Committees to Integrate Executive Orders (E.O.’s) #13985, #14008, and #14036 for preparing recommended policy practices for Aquaculture – Hydroponics Fish Farming with NOAA, USDA, and EPA, DLA and DOD/DLA Defense Logistics and Military Base Rapid Response Set Asides for Underserved Serviced Disabled Vets, Native Indigenous Alaskan Native 8 (a***’s) AIANNHPI’s GWAC’s and (HUB Zone / WOSB) SDB’s SBIR Roundtables, and B2G Matchmakers for the Infrastructure Investment in Transportation Construction, EDA / FEMA Emergency Resilience Support Function for Disasters, EPA Clen Water, GSA Green Energy Summit, Weather and Climate Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice and has served as an Acting Supervisor in 2021 and 2022 for sharing the Lead Access role in promoting Contracts Acquisition Opportunity (Category Management and OTA’s Other Transactional Authorities) during his Team rotation detail in the Office of Business Development and Office if Native American Business Development.. Ron oversaw management of 14 NE states w. MBDA Centers prior to the 2012 move to US Department of Commerce HQ in Washington, DC during “9-11”, Ron advocated Business Data Use, Mining and Community Partnership Office at the NY Regional US Bureau of the Census / USDOC from 1998 to 2003 before joining MBDA Prudential Financial Services, and North American Corporate Business Operations to deploy Global and US Market Francise Strategic Market Development and Multimedia Technology Training while working for KUMON USA –KUMON multi- Ethnic Education in Franchise Markets to North America, 5 continents and NJ, NY, DC, and Toronto. Contributed to STEM Training with US National Teacher’s Training Institute/Public Broadcasting Stations at WNET Channel 13 NYC.

Among his achievements, Ron was recognized with the NJ Statewide AAPI Governor's Award by Governor James Mc Greever in 2003 and in 2016 Government Advocate of the Year by the National and NY-NJ Minority Supplier Diversity Council for trailblazing MBDA Government-Corporate Mentor - Protégé Advocacy to the Pharmaceutical and Bio—Life Medical by join lunching the Diversity Alliance for Science Diversity Supplier’s Conference from 2005 – 2015. Ron advanced Policy Compliance with the Westerner Pacific School and Colleges Regional Credentialing Board to revise outdated Curriculum and Test Placement Assessment for Undeterred and Minority Students involved in STEM/STEM and Advanced Placement Test Assessments to better align with California Stat Instructional and Financial / Business Technology Curriculum Design while Acting HS Principal at Stoneridge Precatory High School in San Fernando Valley ( Stage Screen Actor’s Guild). Later, Ron was selected to launch the Interdisciplinary Advanced Assessment for School-Careers in Global Environmental Ecosystem impact and Commercial Innovation Curriculum for Math, Science and Computer NGO’s by the Camogie Foundation Endowment with the International Schools of the United Nations and the United Nations Development Programs in New York.

Sherry Singh

Senior Director, Supplier Diversity Sourcing
Walmart

As of January 2023, Sherry leads the strategy and team responsible for building an inclusive supply chain at Walmart that is reflective of Walmart’s customer base. She is tasked with helping to grow Walmart’s direct and indirect spend with certified diverse owned businesses. Her team works as business partners to help build diverse supplier connections, drive internal engagement, and support external stakeholder collaborations all in service of helping to level the playing field for diverse owned businesses to grow with Walmart.

Prior to taking on this role Sherry was Director, Sustainability Walmart.Org from October 2016 where she led several commitments and programs. Sherry began her Walmart career in 2012 at Massmart in South Africa, where she was responsible for accelerating Massmart’s flagship supplier development program with a focus on diverse suppliers, women owned suppliers and small and medium-sized businesses. Prior to Walmart, Sherry had a career in international development, international trade, and management consulting. Sherry holds an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford where she was a Rhodes Scholar and a BA (Hons) Political Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where she was a Ronald H. Brown Foundation for Commercial Diplomacy fellow.

Kimberley Thompson

Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader
Edwards Lifesciences

Inclusion thought leader, diversity, inclusion and equity strategist, culture changer, influencer, internal and relationship architect with over 15 + years related experience in diversity and inclusion design, management and community engagement.

Currently practicing D&I in the healthcare industry. Prior to that spent 12 years at Starbucks Coffee Company, providing D&I subject matter expertise, best practices, tools and strategic consultation across the corporate and retail businesses.

Kimberley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Sociology (Race Relations and Education) from University of California, Los Angeles. She holds several certifications: D&I from eCornell, Unconscious Bias and Cultural Intelligence training.

Outside of work, Kimberley enjoys listening to podcasts and running, spending time with her husband, George, and children George, Alexander (twins) and Grace.

Michael Nguyen

Product Design
Apple

Mike Chop

Designer, Conversational Interaction
Apple

Moderator, What's Your Pitch?

Jennifer Rasing

Global Lead of Pan Asian Network (PAN)
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)

Jennifer Rasing is a passionate scientist and leader who has spent a career of over 20 years dedicated to the biopharmaceutical industry. She currently leads the Pan Asian Network (PAN) People & Business Resource Group for Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).

As Global PAN Lead, Jennifer is committed to championing an inclusive workplace that welcomes, values, and elevates diverse voices.

Beginning her journey at BMS in 2004 as a research scientist, Jennifer’s extensive experience in cell-based and immunological assays was key to the approval of multiple marketed products. Since then, she has held various roles in the clinical trial space, managing key global Immuno-Oncology clinical trial studies as a Senior Project Manager and Senior Auditor.

Throughout her tenure at BMS, Jennifer has taken meaningful steps to drive equitable advancement and outcomes for all. To provide a safe culture where colleagues can bring their authentic selves to work and fostering inclusion and ensure every colleague — across diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences — is valued, respected and feels a sense of belonging.

Spending many years as a scientist in clinical trials, Jennifer recognizes that to drive a more just and equitable society, we must address health disparities and the social determinants of health in communities around the world.

Jennifer is a change champion, promoting PAN and awareness of Asian and Pacific Islander issues by speaking and driving the development of groundbreaking programs throughout the organization. Her commitment to an inclusive workplace that values diverse viewpoints has led to key initiatives, spanning across many facets of BMS culture. She has spoken on behalf of Bristol Myers Squibb on topics on Inclusion & Diversity, health equity and social justice in the AANHPI community and led initiatives to elevate and advance Asian talent across BMS. In addition, Jennifer has mentored aspiring future Asian leaders in the company.

Jennifer holds a BS degree in biotechnology from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Kimberley Thompson

Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader
Edwards Lifesciences

Inclusion thought leader, diversity, inclusion and equity strategist, culture changer, influencer, internal and relationship architect with over 15 + years related experience in diversity and inclusion design, management and community engagement.

Currently practicing D&I in the healthcare industry. Prior to that spent 12 years at Starbucks Coffee Company, providing D&I subject matter expertise, best practices, tools and strategic consultation across the corporate and retail businesses.

Kimberley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Sociology (Race Relations and Education) from University of California, Los Angeles. She holds several certifications: D&I from eCornell, Unconscious Bias and Cultural Intelligence training.

Outside of work, Kimberley enjoys listening to podcasts and running, spending time with her husband, George, and children George, Alexander (twins) and Grace.

Anita Ramdhani

Manager - Program Delivery and Analysis
JP Morgan Chase

In her role as Program Manager for the Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs – a DEI Center of Excellence – Anita oversees programming for the team’s Business Growth and Entrepreneurship pillar and supports overall infrastructure and operations.

Since joining the firm in 2013, Anita has held multiple roles with the Consumer Bank’s Client & Employee Experience team and the Market Expansion Field Strategy & Support Program Management team, supporting Chase’s retail expansion into 25 new states. Anita served as chair of NextGen, the firm’s early career professional Business Resource Group, from 2020-2022 and currently serves as an advisor.

Anita is very closely tied to her Indo-Caribbean & South Asian roots and is actively involved in celebrating both communities in the Tampa Bay area, particularly through her involvement in Delta Phi Omega, a South Asian Interest Sorority.

Naina Patel

Head of Supplier Management
MassMutual

Naina Patel has over 20 years of experience as a leader in all areas of global procurement within pharma and insurance industries. Leading operations strategic sourcing, Category, and supplier management as well as manufacturing and supply chain strategy. Naina is results-driven and drives maximum value by leading change, creating vision, collaboration, inclusive approach, and inspiring people to achieve goals. Throughout her career Naina has focused on driving simplicity, process improvement, operational excellence, relationship management and organizational transformation.

In her current Executive leadership role at MassMutual life Insurance company as Head of Supplier Management Naina is focused on aligning and working closely with MassMutual leadership and cross-functional stakeholders across all business units to ensure that the management of MassMutual suppliers is executed consistently and efficiently across all levels while driving diversity and inclusion within the process and with supplier partners

Naina is an Avid runner, loves cooking and traveling.

Saima Cardwell

Supplier Diversity Specialist
SAS Institute

Saima has had a lifelong passion for helping others for the past 8 years and is the supplier diversity specialist. Her current role allows her to use this passion and energy by engaging with diverse business owners, and SAS to increase utilization of minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ and disabled-owned businesses. Currently she serves on the ISM-Carolina Virginia-Triangle Chapter- President, HarmonyNC - Board of Directors. Disability-IN-NC- Board of Directors.

Saima has held various positions in her 24+ years at SAS, Finance, Licensing & Contracts, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement. Her experience has given her an in-depth knowledge of business development, contracts and sourcing & procurement. She has a Bachelor's from Campbell University.

Eloisa Hubilla-Reus

DEI Asian and Indigenous People Segment Manager
U.S. Bank

Leads in creating the long-term vision for the Asian and Indigenous Peoples segment and developing growth business plans. Partners with business lines to provide segment-specific cultural insights, and consults on internal and external programs. Provides segment specific strategy and insights to inform business activity and market engagement for employees, customers and communities.

Pafoua Xiong

Procurement Supplier Diversity Specialist
U.S. Bank

Pafoua Xiong joined the Supplier Diversity team at U.S. Bank in 2021 as the Procurement Supplier Diversity Specialist, where her work is focused on enhancing the Supplier Diversity program by actively working to grow relationships with diverse-owned businesses and partners. Shortly after joining the Bank, Pafoua became a board member for the Asian Heritage Business Resource Group (BRG).

Pafoua founded her way into this industry after working as a Merchandiser Assistant at The Scoular Company managing the inventory of pet food ingredients. She later moved on to support the non-retail side of supply chain at Target for 3 years.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota where she majored in Journalism and Communication Studies.

Outside of the office, you can find her hiking around state parks with her Pitbull, listening to supernatural podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Jerome Flores

Senior Consultant - Diversity & Inclusion
Wells Fargo

Jerome Flores is a Senior Diversity & Inclusion consultant focused on enhancing the employee resource network program to grow leadership capabilities, bench strength and serve as a diverse resource to influence business outcomes. Jerome has always been passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging helping to stand up the Washington, DC chapter of Pride Connections, and forming relationships through community outreach and engagement.

As a highly skilled and experienced professional, Jerome has spent 19+ years working in the financial services industry. With a proven track record of success. Jerome is become known for their thought leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Jerome has a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate from University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Office of Executive Education, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Pennsylvania State University and is committed to staying up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices.

And is based in Washington, DC

Eric Toda

Head of Meta Prosper & Global Head of Social Marketing
Meta

Sheetal Desai

Chapter President, Attorney and Partner
The Trusted Lawyers, a Desai Law Group, USPAACC SE

Sheetal Desai is an accomplished attorney and partner at The Trusted Lawyers, a Desai Law Group, PC. Her areas of practice include commercial transactions, real estate, corporate law and commercial litigation. A product of the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin, Sheetal began her professional career in Chicago. Two years later, she married Ritesh ("Rick") Desai and moved to the Atlanta area where she has been practicing law ever since.

Sheetal Desai has worked closely with many business and community leaders through her service as a public relations lead for BAPS Atlanta. She is the current President of the Southeast Chapter of the US Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC-SE). Sheetal has held various leadership position such as an advisory board member for United Way – Gwinnett and a member of the Community Outreach Board for Gwinnett County. Mrs. Desai has also volunteered her legal services for such causes as Asian Pacific American Council (APAC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Sheetal and her husband are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters. She enjoys cooking, exploring local and state parks, travelling and spending time with her family.

Mike Chop

Designer, Conversational Interaction
Apple

Moderator, What's Your Pitch?

Katie Macias

VP Strategy and Client Partnership
Cynet Systems Inc

Katie is a dynamic business professional with a proven track record spanning Marketing, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management in diverse industries, including contingent labor, aviation, and construction and facility management. Her results-driven approach and wealth of experience underscore her ability to deliver tangible outcomes across global markets.

With a keen focus on optimizing human capital, Katie adeptly navigates complex supplier relationships, fostering innovative solutions that drive organizational success. Her fluency in multi-cultural and multi-lingual environments equips her with a unique perspective, enabling her to overcome obstacles and achieve strategic goals with finesse.

Recognized as a leader in the staffing industry, Katie's visionary leadership has propelled her to
the forefront of talent acquisition and workforce planning. Her innovative strategies have garnered acclaim, earning her nominations and awards such as the "Top 100 Staffing Leaders to
Watch" at the World Staffing Awards 2023.

Further cementing her reputation, Katie has led Cynet Health to prestigious accolades including being named as a “FAST 100 Asian American Business Award Winner for 2024” by USPAACC, securing a spot among the "Top 50 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the Washington Region" by the Washington Business Journal, and earning the distinction of "2023 Best Staffing Firms to Work For" by Staffing Industry Analysts. Her commitment to excellence and strategic vision continue to drive success in the staffing industry and beyond.

April-Kelly Drummond

Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Denny's

Nearly 25 years ago, April Kelly-Drummond began her professional career as a wide-eyed, ambitious executive assistant to corporate diversity and community relations. Now, she’s leading “America’s Diner” diversity initiatives, playing a significant role in transforming the company’s image and forging lasting relationships with a who’s who in diverse national organizations.

April serves as the Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Denny’s Inc., the nation’s largest family dining restaurant operator with more than $2 billion in annual sales. She has been an integral player in championing the company’s “Bold Way Forward,” a company-wide ongoing effort to create diversity at all levels, improve corporate culture and strengthen and expand relationships with community partners. The award-winning executive has been named to Savoy’s Top 100 Influential Women in Corporate America.

Among her many accomplishments, she established and chairs Denny's first DEI Council chair, sponsored by CEO and Denny's board member. This includes seven business resource groups that impact the local and national community. She also played a pivotal role in and negotiated Denny’s title sponsorship of the Orange Blossom Classic, an event that had not occurred in 43 years.

April is an experienced executive in corporate diversity and multicultural affairs who currently works directly with all members of the company’s C-Suite and marketing team to create effective programs and partnerships with major national organizations.

She has become known as an effective collaborator in the company, coordinating messaging and program implementation with corporate board members, the executive team, and the media to help strengthen and raise the profile of Denny’s work in diversity, its core products, and services. She has become a key team member in helping to roll out the company’s outreach for its major Hungry for Education program.

As part of this major corporate initiative, the company has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships, recognizing academic achievement and students in elementary, high school and college who have worked in their communities to help end hunger. April has forged relationships with nine diverse organizations including, the Tom Joyner Foundation, the U.S. Pan American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), the Urban League of the Upstate of South Carolina, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Magic Johnson Foundation to create the “Hungry for Education” Scholarship program.

April also has helped raised Denny’s profile with many organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Civil Rights Museum, The King Center, the National Urban League, the National Action Network, the Step Up Foundation, and the Hispanic College Fund. She has worked tirelessly to help the company gain significant national media attention from civil rights groups for becoming a corporate example of increasing diversity among its workforce, its franchisees and its vendors. She has received numerous awards and coverage on TV (60 Minutes), Fortune, Black Enterprise, and Essence. Other recognition for April and Denny’s efforts have appeared in Hispanic Business, Savoy Magazine, Family Digest, and Latino Magazine. She has been acknowledged at the beginning of the book, titled “Denny’s Turnaround Story” by Jim Adamson for the contributions made to Denny’s Brand Acknowledged in the book, titled “Managing for Diversity for a Global Inclusive Workforce” by Michalle E. Mor Barak.

Additionally, she was named South Carolina Women of the Year /Human and Community Relations Award by the Governor of South Carolina; was named Minority Advocate of the Year by Asian Enterprise Magazine for two consecutive years. In her community, April is a corporate board member of the League of United Latin American Citizen Multicultural Foodservice Hospitality Alliance, the Southern Area Links, Incorporated, and a former board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate. She is currently president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated chapter and president of the Lambda Rho Omega chapter of Gaffney, SC.

April believes that you must continuously learn, putting knowledge into practice. She demonstrated that philosophy while working on her B.A. in Professional Studies with a concentration in organizational leadership and development at the College of Charleston. As an example of her ability to bring disparate groups together to rally around a common cause, April and Denny’s co-sponsored with the college “Advancing Diversity and Inclusion: Building Successful Organizations and Communities,” a conference that attracted over 200 attendees. In an interview, April later said, “My goal was to apply my learnings to impact my job and the community … I was able to achieve this goal by participating in the evolution of the CofC’s (diversity) event.”