Dennis Ong

Technology Executive, Board Advisor, Amazon Web Services | TEDx Speaker
Amazon

Dr. Dennis Ong serves as a Technology Leader at Amazon Web Services, where his primary role is to drive business and technology innovation for Fortune 100 companies, with particular emphasis on AI/GenAI and cloud transformation. He is also an Industry Advisory Board member of the University of Pennsylvania’s PRECISE Research Center. Prior to this, he spearheaded 5G AI applied research at Verizon, leading his team to develop the world's first 5G/AI autonomous vehicle, a collaborative project with the Honda Research Institute.

Dr. Ong has given two TEDx talks: one on "IoT Transformation through Machine Learning" and the other on " Securing the World with Blockchain". A frequent presenter at international conferences, his topics revolve around AI, 5G, IoT, and Blockchain. His research collaborations span various global technology companies like Cisco and Nissan, as well as major research universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on AI and 5G. His innovative 5G and AI designs have earned him three patent awards in 2022. Additionally, he co-founded “Leading AI”, a non-profit that delivers leadership and AI education to students and emerging professionals worldwide.

Dr. Ong earned an MBA, graduating with honors, from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also received a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University as a University Fellow. Furthermore, he served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Roger Cheng

Lead, Supplier Inclusion
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.

Hollina Ung

DEI Consultant
Boston Scientific

Trevor Boylston

Economic Inclusion Manager
Boston Scientific

Jessica Medeirosman

Senior Vice President of Product Transformation Technology
Caesars Entertainment

Jessica Medeirosman is the Senior Vice President of Product Transformation -Technology at Caesars Entertainment, where she leads enterprise-wide efforts to modernize and scale product strategy. Known for building high-performing teams and aligning innovation with business outcomes, Jessica plays a key role in driving product transformation across the gaming and hospitality space.

At Caesars, she has been instrumental in streamlining the product and project review lifecycle—supporting initiatives such as automated chat responses, data driven parking renovations and AI-transcribed processes and tools that are beginning to reduce the operational burden on product managers.

With over a decade of experience in the gaming industry, Jessica brings deep expertise in IT sourcing and growing expertise in product transformation. She holds an MBA from Cornell University, Fulbright in focused on international brand and private equity strategy in Mexico and is passionate about the intersection of technology, experience design, and scalable innovation.

Pritesh Patel

Principal Analyst, SD & Engagement
Constellation Energy

Pritesh Patel serves as the Principal Analyst for Supplier Development and Engagement at Constellation, where he leads initiatives that drive inclusive procurement strategies and supplier diversity across the energy sector. In his current role, he collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to expand access for small and diverse businesses, thereby shaping a more competitive and resilient supplier ecosystem. He is passionate about building meaningful partnerships with a wide array of suppliers and has played a crucial role in expanding Constellation’s engagement within the communities it serves.

Prior to this position, Pritesh held roles as a Senior Chemist and subsequently a Senior Instructor of Engineering at one of Constellation’s Clean Energy Centers. His transition from technical operations to Supplier Development and Engagement reflects a career-long commitment to operational excellence, continuous learning and improvement, and thoughtful innovation.

Pritesh holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA with a Project Management Specialization from Seton Hill University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Pritesh is a regular contributor to national supplier development forums and is proud to represent Constellation as a Roundtable Leader at CelebrASIAN.

Egwu Nwankapah

Head of SD / ESG Leader / Mentor / Brand Strategist
Cushman & Wakefield

Axel Adams

Manager - S.D. 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.

Minh Le

Chief Technology Officer
Denny's

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.

Antoine Hinton

Sr. Director, Small Business Development
Dollar General

Rich Szellan

SVP Merchandising Operations
Dollar General Corporation

Dallas Simmons

SD Program Manager
Domion Energy

Kimberley Thompson

G.D. & 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.

Jim Flynn

Executive Director
JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Vivian Young

Global Head of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs
JPMorgan Chase

Vivian Young has over 15 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry. In her current role as global head of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs for JPMorgan Chase, Vivian is responsible for developing a leading a global, unified strategy to advance equity and inclusion for the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. Key focus areas include driving opportunity and progress through increased cultural understanding and collaboration; raising awareness about cultural identity and the challenges faced by underserved individuals and communities; supporting API communities globally through public advocacy, economic inclusion and community development.

Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Vivian spent 7 years at Charles Schwab Advisor Services, where she was responsible for strategy, execution and management of the Family Office and Investment Consultant client segment. She also served as business lead on new product initiatives for trust products, ETFs, mutual funds and separately managed accounts. Previous to Charles Schwab, Vivian was a relationship manager and team lead at U.S. Trust Company of New York providing financial planning services to high net worth individuals and families in the Wealth Management division.

Vivian Joined JPMorgan Chase in 2012 leading strategic initiatives for the Product and Platform team in the Private Bank and J.P.Morgan Wealth Management. She was responsible for product management, development and expansion of Trusts & Estates services, donor advised fund, and financial planning tools. She most recently was global head of Bank Product Marketing in Asset & Wealth Management, developing strategies to deepen client relationships and drive business growth. Working in partnership with Product leadership in banking, lending, mortgage, annuities, trusts and estates, and cyber and fraud, Vivian lead the content development and implementation of strategic marketing programs.

Vivian received a BA in Political Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

She resides in New York City with her husband and two children.

Learn more about Vivian:

⦁ Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs at JPMorgan Chase https://www.jpmorganchase.com/...

⦁ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vi...

⦁ Bringing a cultural lens to her community: Women on the Move podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episo...

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.

Jessica Lozano Williams

Head of Responsible Sourcing
MassMutual

Jessica Lozano Williams is the Head of Supplier Diversity at MassMutual. Her responsibilities include leading the company's Responsible Sourcing vision, mission, goals, and initiatives, while providing support to category teams by bringing innovative suppliers forward for consideration. Her involvement in the Supplier Diversity industry includes National and Local non-profit organizations that support diverse owned companies (ethnic minority, women, LGBT, veteran, and/or disabled owned companies). She serves as the Vice-Chair for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Procurement Council and has also served on numerous committees and participated in panels across the country.

Prior to her time at MassMutual, Jessica spent sixteen years at Target Corporation, leading their Supplier Diversity program, as well as various other roles in procurement and recruiting. Jessica received her undergraduate degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Law, Criminology, and Deviance from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.  In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, including her husband and two sassy children.

Dianca Kelly

Regional Liason, Buy to Pay Impact Spending
Kaiser Permanente

Dianca Kelly joined Kaiser Permanente in December 2015 as a Contracts Administrator with National Facilities Services, now known as National Facilities Design and Construction (NFDC). In this role, she collaborated with project delivery teams to establish contract strategies, provided subject matter expertise for the implementation, execution, and administration of construction, design, and specialty services contracts, and developed critical contract documents and processes for the organization’s major construction and maintenance projects. In 2017, Dianca became a Supplier Diversity Champion for the Mid-Atlantic States market, where her contributions were instrumental in helping the region consistently achieve its Tier 1 and Tier 2 Supplier Diversity spend goals.

In November 2024, Dianca transitioned to Buy to Pay Impact Spending as a Regional Liaison, focusing on increasing spending and contract opportunities with vendors in markets outside of California. In her new role, she connects small, local diverse vendors with contract opportunities, supports responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that include special spend requirements, and ensures compliance with the organization’s goals and standards.

Laura Flamm

Impact Spending
Kaiser Permanente

Debra Quade

S.D. 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.

Stéphane Masson

Strategic Advisor to CEOs & Boards | Retired Senior Vice President, Global Procurement
Marriott International

Stephane entered the hospitality industry in 1990 and has a degree in Hotel Business Administration. His career began with Holiday Inn and later he joined the Ramada/ Renaissance group to set up their purchasing department in Eschborn (Germany) covering EMEA. In 1997, Stephane was named Regional Director of Procurement for Continental Europe, overseeing Marriott’s procurement operations to drive margins optimization from contract programs and provide services and savings to our regional teams and owners. In 2002 Stephane was promoted to Vice President International Procurement, managing successfully procurement functions in London, Dubai, Shanghai, Sydney, Bangkok, Eschborn, Paris, Cap Town, Hong Kong and Mumbai. He was responsible for assisting our hotels to maximize buying leverage, providing support to ensure compliance and monitoring service levels of vendors.

As the leader of the Global Procurement Team, Stephane who is a 23-year veteran with Marriott, successfully led the team through the Starwood hotels acquisition, which added ,500 hotels to the 4,000 already supported by the team.

In 2017 Stephane was promoted to Senior Vice President and continues to develop opportunities by leading a team to manage and deploy global key procurement initiatives and strategies including an EProcurement tool which is scalable, environmentally responsible, increases synergies between domestic and international contacts and advances global supplier diversity.

Susanna Webber

Senior Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer
Merck

Susanna Webber currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer for Merck. In this role, Susanna is responsible for all aspects of strategic procurement (Indirect, Direct and Research & Development), supplier development and performance management, process, operations, and strategy, as well as, the global workplace enterprise services, which is Merck’s facilities and real estate portfolio.

Prior to this role, Susanna served as Vice President, Indirect Sourcing and Operations organization for Merck, responsible for leading the simplification of the purchasing process, supplier performance management, data standardization and transparency by embracing a culture of service mindset while driving efficiencies and innovation in support of the launch and growth of key products that provide benefit to society.

Under Susanna’s leadership, Merck gained a seat at the Billion Dollar Roundtable. In addition, Merck has been recognized as Top Global Champion in Supplier Diversity & Inclusion by WEConnect International, America’s Top Corporation for WBEs by WBENC, Corporation of the Year by NMSDC, Corporation of the Year for Disability-Owned Businesses by Disability:IN, and Best of the Best Corporation for Inclusion by National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (NLGCC) and National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC).

Susanna has an extensive supply chain, procurement, finance, operations, sales, and business development background that spans more than 20 years and includes senior positions in both the pharmaceutical manufacturing and auto manufacturing industries. Susanna has served in several executive positions at General Motors (GM), including general manager and president of GM in Russia and vice president, Global Purchasing & Supply Chain for GM Europe. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as one of the Top 15 Chief Procurement Officers by DiversityPlus Magazine in 2023.

Susanna serves on the board of directors for NMSDC in the capacity of Vice-Chair and is an active member of World 50 Group.

Susanna holds an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from Southern Methodist University, and a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Winona Taylor-Lee

Executive Director, Enterprise IT
Merck

Winona Taylor-Lee is a dynamic leader currently serving as the Executive Director of Enterprise IT at Merck, where she supports global Procurement and Workplace Services. Since joining Merck in July 2023, Winona has been instrumental in partnering with the Procurement and Workforce Services organizations to develop, implement, and manage innovative technology strategies and roadmaps.​
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In her role, she leads a talented team of solution architects, technical and solution engineers, and product analysts, focusing on delivering products that enhance the source-to-settle process, employee experience, and supplier management product lines. Winona's extensive experience spans multiple industries, having held key positions at renowned companies such as CareFirst BCBS, Johnson & Johnson, Barclays, and Citi.​
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Winona holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Morgan State University. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Winona actively engages in mentoring and leadership forums to promote awareness of women in STEM fields. She is also a proud member of the National Black MBA Association, where she advocates for diversity and inclusion and the importance of education.

Katie Watson Jordan

Policy Strategy & Governance Manager
Meta

Katie Watson Jordan is a Policy Strategy & Governance Manager at Meta where she serves as the global lead for the Llama Impact Program, including managing it's portfolio of global events, trainings, and funding opportunities. Katie previously served as Meta's Privacy Policy PoC for product strategy related to location, data management, and social impact applications. Prior to joining Meta, Katie was the Director, Public Policy and Technology at the Internet Society where she developed and led engagement on critical internet policy issues, including privacy, interoperability, content moderation, and broadband access. She also previously worked on related initiatives at Public Knowledge and Next Century Cities. Katie received her BA in Media Studies and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.

Deborah Robinson

Procurement Manager
MGM Resort International

Tobias Thornwell

Regional Director of Global Business Impact
MGM Resort International

Tobias Thornwell is the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager for MGM National Harbor, a $1.4 billion resort and casino located on the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, MD. He is responsible for developing and overseeing all procurement activities including vendor sourcing, purchasing, vendor contracts, and supplier diversity for the property. Mr. Thornwell is focused on ensuring that MGM National Harbor continues to meet or exceed its spending goals with certified diverse suppliers with the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County.

Mr. Thornwell has more than 12 years of purchasing and supply chain management experience in the food service industry. Prior to joining MGM National Harbor, Mr. Thornwell served as National Product Manager/Regional Buyer at The Chef’s Warehouse in Hanover, MD, and Lead COP Buyer/Product Line Manager at US Foods in Severn, MD.

Mr. Thornwell earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland, College Park (Go Terps!). He also holds a Certified Purchasing Manager certification (C.P.M.), and a Certified Professional in Supply Management certification (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Mr. Thornwell is originally from the Bronx, New York and enjoys traveling.

Tony Gladney

Vice President
MGM Resort International

Drew H. Misher

Vice President of Procurement
Penn Entertainment

Drew Misher is the Vice President of Procurement for PENN Entertainment, Inc.

Mr. Misher is responsible for PENN’s Procurement Operations including Strategic Sourcing, eProcurement as well as property purchasing and warehouse. Mr. Misher also plays an active role in managing PENN’s Supplier Diversity program.

Prior to joining PENN in 2017, Mr. Misher worked in procurement for 20 years across various industries including pharmaceuticals, banking/finance and the public sector. He has considerable experience in developing national and global procurement organizations and transitioning the function into a high performing value-added operation.

Drew was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and received his Bachelor of the Arts in International Relations from The College of William and Mary where he was a member of the Division 1 Varsity Soccer Team. He also received his Master of Business Administration from Temple University. He resides in Villanova, PA with his wife and three children.

Brian Gatus

Principle Manager, Direct Services Procurement
Southern California Edison

Brian P. Gatus leads the Direct Services Procurement group for Southern California Edison (SCE), managing over $3.5 billion in annual spend. He oversees a team of professionals dedicated to delivering effective procurement and category spend management solutions for SCE’s supply chain.

With a proven track record of success, Brian excels in leveraging spend, optimizing procurement controls, minimizing risk, and improving product quality. He brings over 25 years of experience in both public and private sectors, with expertise in sourcing transmission and distribution line construction, technology, complex contract negotiations, logistics, and business process improvements.

From 2000 to 2010, Brian held various supply chain leadership roles at the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second-largest public school district. He began his professional career in Southeast Asia, working in business operations roles within the construction and textile industries.

Brian is recognized by the Institute of Supply Management as a Certified Professional in Supply Management. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at Purdue Global Law School

Tammy Tran

Principal Manager - SD
Southern California Edison

Joyce Eggers

Global Lead of S.D.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Joyce Eggers is a passionate Supplier Diversity expert with over 20 years of experience in the Life Sciences industry. Joyce is responsible for providing the leadership for Takeda to grow and develop a sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion program for suppliers.

Supported by and aligned with Takeda’s overall DE&I strategy, her expertise and passion for fostering an inclusive and innovative supply chain drives positive impact in the global communities in which our patients, employees, and customers live and work, guided by Takeda’s commitment to patients, our people, and the planet.

In her role, Joyce also serves as an advocate, mentor, and coach for small and/or diverse suppliers and is actively involved with numerous NGOs and advocacy groups focusing on supplier mentoring, development, diversity, and inclusion.

Dennis Thurston

S.D. 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.

Katie Lawler

Executive Vice President, Global Chief Ethics Officer
U.S. Bank

Katie leads U.S. Bancorp’s Global Ethics Office and serves as the leading voice in the company’s ongoing commitment to ethics and integrity. Under her leadership, U.S. Bank has been recognized by Ethisphere as a World’s Most Ethical Company 11 years in a row. In 2023, Katie received the Carol R. Marshall Award for Innovation in Corporate Ethics from the Ethics and Compliance Initiative. Katie is a regular speaker, sharing insights on the importance of cultivating an ethical culture to drive business success.

Since joining U.S. Bank in 2002, Katie has served in multiple leadership roles within the Law Division and Human Resources, including Deputy General Counsel, Director of

Inclusion and Employee Relations, and Human Resources Chief Risk Officer. An active member of the Twin Cities community, Katie serves on the board of trustees of Wallin Education Partners and the advisory board for the University of St. Thomas Center for Principled Leadership.

Katie received her B.A. from Rice University in Houston, Texas, and her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. Katie lives with her husband, Charlie, and their two children in Minnesota. In her free time, she is an avid reader, novice crocheter, cautious mountain biker and Ted Lasso fanatic.

Pafoua Xiong

Procurement S.D. 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.

Hector Martinez

Vice President, S.D.
U.S. Bank

Dale Shintani

Senior Vice President
Wells Fargo

Dale Shintani is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo. In addition to being a strategy and planning leader in her day job, she also serves as the strategy chair for Wells Fargo’s internal women’s employee resource network with over 25K members. She has also focused on supporting small businesses for much of her career through various leadership roles including head of Customer Experience, Digital Strategy, and business manager of a business line of credit portfolio all while continuing to be a Diversity Equity and Inclusion champion.

Passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, Dale regularly delivers talks on women’s empowerment in business and was a frequent leadership speaker in an Asian American Pacific Islander Diverse Leaders program. Dale lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Mark and daughters Claire and Katie.

Jennifer Broden

Vice President, Branch Manager
U.S. Bank

Andrew Moy

Executive Vice President, Division Executive Commercial Banking for Diversified Sector Management
Wells Fargo

Jerome Flores

Senior Consultant - D & I
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

Doug Kelly

Chief Executive Officer
American Edge Project

Jonathan Brady

Senior Business Development Office
Export - Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)

Jonathan Brady is a Senior Business Development Officer with the Emerging Exporter Business Development Division in the Office of Small Business at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). Based in Washington, DC, his primary roles include serving as an export counselor and trade finance specialist for current and potential exporters.
Jonathan possesses a strong background in international relations and economics from having worked for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the U.S. Treasury Department (International Banking Office), and ten years with the Ohio Department of Development’s International Trade Division.

Before joining EXIM, Jonathan worked at ExportDC, a division of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). Promoted to Program Manager in 2015, his primary responsibilities consisted of administering business support grants for DC-based exporters, organizing trade missions, providing export counseling services, conducting international business seminars, and coordinating special projects with the foreign embassies located in Washington, DC.

Jonathan holds a B.A. and Master of Financial Economics (MFE) from Ohio University, and is a 2009 graduate of Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, with a Master of International Public Policy (MIPP).

Sri Nori

Information Management Officer
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Terry Hsiao

Adjunct Professor
George Washington University

Terry Hsiao is an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor with extensive experience in mobile messaging, payment, and fintech. He has founded multiple companies in mobile that got acquired by Sybase, Verifone, and Kaleyra where he helped its recent public listing on NYSE:KLR in November 2019.

Mr. Hsiao served on the board of Virginia’s Center of Innovation and Technology, a state-funded economic development and investment agency. Terry is a current adjunct professor at Marymount University. He also serves as the President of Monte Jade DC, representing Asian American business leaders and entrepreneurs for 25 years. He also founded and leads the DC MIT Alum Angel Group.

Terry received a BSEE Honors degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Management of Technology from MIT Sloan.

Sarah Porter

Vice President
Kelly Services

Sarah Porter is the Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services, leading sales, and operations for Kelly Government Solutions (KGS). KGS is part of Kelly’s Science, Engineering, Technology, and Telecom division, specializing in outsourced solutions for the federal government in Science & Clinical, Healthcare, Technology, and Professional services. Sarah holds an MBA and is a certified Project Manager. With nearly 20 years of government industry experience, including her former role as a Program Manager at the National Institutes of Health, Sarah has a deep understanding of the complexities of the sector.

Rikin Thakker, Ph.D.

Chief Technology Officer & Senior Vice President
NCTA

Rikin Thakker, Ph.D., is Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Senior Vice President of Technology, at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association. He leads NCTA’s technology efforts and the industry’s interest in techno-policy, standards, and guidelines in such areas as broadband Internet performance, cybersecurity, wireless spectrum, video services, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI).

He has served on various governmental committees, including the Technological Advisory Council (TAC) at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Dr. Thakker also served on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC) and was an active participant in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and 6G working groups. Prior to joining NCTA, Dr. Thakker was serving as the CTO at the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA). Additionally, he has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland, College Park since 2009.

Dr. Thakker received his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University, his Master of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Gujarat University. He also earned an Executive Certificate in Cybersecurity from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Sloan School of Management.

Tom Giancola

Policy Associate
MIT Washington

Miguel Peñaloza

Finance Manager
SBA

Miguel Peñaloza is an Export Finance Manager under the SBA’s Office of Manufacturing and Trade (OMT). Miguel supports small businesses and lenders which engage with SBA’s three core export loan programs as well as the recently launched Working Capital (Pilot) Program. Prior to joining the SBA, Miguel worked as a Loan Specialist with the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) as well as a Membership Manager with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). His background in lending provides a unique understanding of the financing needs for small business exporters.

Pamela Prince-Eason

President & CEO
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

Pamela Prince-Eason is the President and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a role she assumed in 2011. She was previously Vice President of Worldwide Procurement for Pfizer Inc. and held various leadership positions at Texas Instruments, GSE Systems and Warner Lambert, as well as co-owner of RMR Associates.

Pamela is a member of the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), a non-partisan federal advisory council who advises the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners.

Pamela’s dedication to women’s business leadership is illustrated in her many professional and personal roles advancing women’s excellence and opportunity. She serves on women’s advisory committees of several corporations including the CVS Health Executive Learning Series, EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program, the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network, and Walmart’s Women Owned Business Advisory Council.

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from East Tennessee State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland with a Master of Administrative Science in International Business and Finance. In 2008, she was among the first to receive ISM’s Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) designation, in 2010 was named a Power Women by NYMoves, and in 2012 she received the AIDC WBE Hall of Fame “Executive Leadership” award. In 2013 and 2017, she was named a top leader in Supplier Diversity by WE-USA Magazine and selected by the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) as the 2014 Woman of Achievement. Most recently she was inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame in March 2018 and was recognized as Alumna of the Year at East Tennessee State University in May 2018.

She and husband John have three children and six grandchildren. Favorite family activities include tennis, basketball, and snowboarding.

Susan McGowan

Manager of Supplier Outreach
USPS

Chasity Chatmon

Procurement Officer
USPS

Anisa Balwani

Northeast Chapter President | President
USPAACC | RCI Technologies

Anisa Balwani is the owner of RCI Technologies, Inc. and is a results-driven business professional with over 25 years of experience. She has successfully established trusting relationships with clients, resulting in increased business. Anisa is an enthusiastic, self-motivated and accomplished entrepreneur with many years of managerial, sales and marketing experience. She has an outstanding analytical, problem solving and communication skills with a successful track record of assisting at all levels of her organization.

RCI Technologies, Inc. provides Information Technology Professional Services and Software Development to major corporations and government entities nationwide. RCI is headquartered in Iselin, NJ with branch offices in New York, Washington DC and Houston, Texas.

Anisa is the Northeast Chapter President of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce, (USPAACC)and she is responsible to connect Asian American businesses within the region of New York, New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware to major corporations and government agencies. Anisa serves on the Governing Forum Board of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) the Steering Committee of the Women’s President Educational Organization and is the member of the Women Presidents Organization, (WPO). RCI is the proud winner of numerous excellence awards and the recipient of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce -Fast 50 Asian American Business Excellence Award. In September 2013, Anisa Balwani was invited to speak at the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Recently, on March 31st, Anisa was invited by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce to participate in the roundtable discussion, “The Power and Promise of the Minority Woman Business.”

Anisa is a graduate of the Executive Management Programs at the Amos Tuck School of Business and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Anisa is an advocate for small, minority and women owned businesses. She resides in Edison, NJ with her husband and two children.

Grace McDermott

Southwest Chapter President
USPAACC

Dallas, Texas. Grace is an advocate, role model, and mentor for women and Asian Americans in Dallas business and the larger community. She has best served Asian American communities through various leadership roles and by giving them a voice and presence on mainstream boards and community associations.

Maitjian Welke

Western Chapter President | Founder and Chief Security Officer
USPAACC | CMIT Solutions

Maitjian Welke is the Founder and Chief Security Officer of CMIT Solutions Silicon Valley which is an IT Managed Service Provider specializes in IT infrastructure, Cyber Security, IT Consulting & CIO/CISO services. Maitjian Welke has Computer Science background and extensive IT & Software Engineering experience of over 20 years working in fortune 500 corporations including IBM, SUN, CISCO, AMEX, NCR, VMware and GOOD Technology. Maitjian Welke started their company CMIT Solutions of Silicon Valley in 2009 and continue to grow with two acquisitions. As an active VAR Channel Partner for fortune 500 computer manufacturers, she has been recognized in the Women of the Channel by CRN Magazine every year since 2015 for her leadership and accomplishments. Maitjian and her team are passionate about helping businesses and corporations with their Technology and Cyber Security. Maitjian recently developed a Cyber Security in Supply Chain course for University of California Santa Cruz extension and has been teaching it since 2021. She had been invited to be on Cyber Security Panelists for a number of Cyber Security Summits and Expos in San Jose, Fresno and Los Angeles and provided a number of Cyber Security webinars for professionals in recent years. Maitjian also volunteered and served on three Boards - Board of Industry Council for Small Business Development, USPAACC Western Chapter and Alameda County Employer Advisory Council.

Mallik Medarametla

Southeast Chapter President | Founder & Chief Architect
USPAACC | SAMPRASOFT

Eddie Allen

VP of Finance
USPAACC

Eddie Allen is the Vice President of Finance at USPAACC, leading financial strategy, budgeting, and regulatory compliance to support the organization’s mission of empowering Asian American businesses. With over a decade of experience in Asset Management and Investments in private equity and commercial real estate, he has honed his skills in financial analysis, portfolio optimization, and operational efficiency to maximize investment returns.

Eddie earned an MBA in Commercial Real Estate from the University of San Diego, complemented by a Bachelor of Education in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia.

Mark S. Allen

Vice President, Corporate and External Affairs
USPAACC