MWBE Times: Recent Episodes
Angelina Ramirez
The MWBE Times podcast provides business owners from socially and economically disadvantaged groups with best practices to help grow their business and reach their full potential. Specifically, it focuses on providing minorities, women, veterans, the disabled, and the LGBTQ+ community with practical information about accessing public and private sector contacts through MWBE (Minority & Women Business Enterprise) certifications. New episodes will be released on Thursdays and will cover topics including best practices, outreach, compliance, RFPs, financing, and more.
In this episode of the MWBE Times podcast, host Angelina Ramírez has an insightful discussion with Nikki O'Dell, founder of Talentology. They delve into the significance of certifications, networking, and customizing strategies for different clients and industries, while also emphasizing the importance of building respectful and understanding relationships.
Nikki details her company's offerings, which include keynote speakers, actors, models, voice-over artists, and marketing talent, highlighting Talentology's commitment to diverse HR talent and professional development training. She also explains how their various certifications have benefited the company.
Nikki and Angelina underscore the value of curated networking events and the necessity of preparation and professionalism to demonstrate business readiness. Nikki provides essential tips for these events, such as understanding the procurement team's needs and avoiding overselling. She stresses that her certifications and diverse supplier status have been vital in accessing these opportunities. Tune in to this engaging conversation on all streaming platforms now!
In today's MWBE Times podcast episode, Host Angelina Ramírez engages in a discussion with Kesha Rich from the Indiana Department of Administration's Division of Supplier Diversity. Kesha delves into the division's pivotal role in promoting and enforcing certification standards for minority women and veteran-owned businesses in Indiana's procurement landscape. She elaborates on the division's strategic utilization of social media and digital platforms to empower certified vendors and cultivate a thriving business environment. During the conversation, Kesha and Angelina explore the common challenges faced by businesses in the certification process and the agency's dedicated efforts to support certified vendors through various digital avenues. Additionally, Kesha provides valuable insights into Indiana's burgeoning industries, equipping businesses with the knowledge to seize promising opportunities. Don't miss out on Kesha's expert advice on leveraging the Ideoa platform to navigate and capitalize on these emerging sectors!
Episode Bio: In this episode of the MWBE Times Podcast, Host Angelina Ramírez engages in an enlightening discussion with Arnold Jolivet, the Manager of Supplier Diversity for the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Arnold provides a detailed account of his role within the university's supplier diversity program, which is dedicated to ensuring that the minority business community is well-informed about procurement opportunities, ranging from construction projects to daily services. He highlights the program's focus on educating staff members about the advantages of supply diversity.
The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities inherent in the procurement process, with a specific emphasis on promoting competition, certifying minority businesses, and enhancing awareness of available opportunities. Angelina and Arnold stress the crucial role of competition in the contract bidding process, emphasizing its positive impact on service quality and pricing.
Furthermore, they explore the University of Maryland's commitment to promoting inclusion in procurement through its supply diversity program. They also underscore the importance of corporate preparedness, continuous education, and networking for MWBEs seeking to engage with the university, offering valuable insights for navigating the complexities of the small business industry.
Tune in to this episode for a wealth of insightful information on navigating the world of small businesses.
In the latest installment of the MWBE Times Podcast, host and founder Angelina engages in a thorough discussion with Carrita Cloud, the Founder & CEO of Creativity Justified. Throughout the episode, they examine effective strategies Carrita employs to propel her business forward, which include optimizing certifications, fostering meaningful relationships, and delivering top-notch customer service.
Their dialogue ventures into the intricate details of corporate supplier diversity programs. Carrita argues for a more equitable distribution of resources and advocates for a wider and more inclusive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Angelina prompts Carrita to provide her insights on how these programs can be optimized for MWBEs, touching on prevalent issues such as understaffing, inadequate funding, and limited investment in diversity initiatives. Carrita suggests that MWBEs should proactively communicate with supplier diversity leaders to fully understand the needs of the organization and to evaluate their engagement with diverse vendors.
Moreover, Carrita stresses the critical importance of maintaining professionalism in business. She emphasizes the necessity of a polished appearance, a robust online presence, and a clear, concise elevator pitch. Additionally, she discusses the significance of networking, building relationships, and fostering collaboration within the industry, advocating for a perspective shift to view other businesses not just as competitors, but as potential partners.
This episode highlights the essential roles that professionalism, networking, and collaboration play in achieving business success. It offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of supplier diversity programs and aiming to secure MWBE contracts. Be sure to tune into this enlightening episode for more detailed discussions and expert advice.
In this captivating podcast episode, listeners are in for a treat as Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn delves into the latest MWBE legislation she's spearheading in New York State.
Throughout the discussion, the Assemblymember explores key topics such as provisions of the new legislation aimed at further empowering certified businesses, the major challenges confronting MWBEs in NYS, and her unique perspective on the ongoing legal battles surrounding DEI, affirmative action, and MWBE programs. Additionally, she shares insightful strategies to ensure the sustainability of MWBE initiatives despite these challenges, along with future developments and priorities for advancing supplier diversity in NYS.
As a leading advocate for MWBEs at the state level, Assemblymember Bichotte offers invaluable insights that promise to enrich listeners' understanding of the topic. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode!
In the latest episode of the MWBE Times podcast, host Angelina engaged in a compelling discussion with Bailey Brouillard, Business Advisor for the SBDC. Together, they explored the pivotal role of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in bolstering small businesses, delving into Bailey's insightful explanations regarding the array of services provided, including business planning and loan packaging.
Their dialogue ventured into the intricate challenges encountered by small businesses in pursuit of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification. Bailey, drawing from her expertise, detailed her methodical approach to aiding eligible applicants, underlining the necessity of customizing support to cater to the diverse requirements of businesses, especially those owned by minorities.
The conversation also ventured into the realm of AI's impact on marketing and the indispensable nature of maintaining a robust social media presence for effective promotional strategies. Angelina and Bailey generously shared anecdotes of triumphs, narrating instances where businesses they supported successfully secured certifications and contracts. They stressed the significance of comprehending each business's nuances and recommended tailored strategies for certification acquisition.
Angelina and Bailey delved into the Buffalo Small Business Development Center's collaborative efforts with an array of economic development agencies, anchor institutions, and educational establishments, highlighting the synergy fostered for the advancement of small businesses.
Tune in to this episode for a wealth of insightful information on navigating the intricate landscape of small businesses!
In today's engaging episode of the MWBE Times podcast, hosts Angelina and Joe delved into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence within the business landscape. Specifically, the duo explored the intricate world of chatbots, shedding light on renowned entities like Chat GPT and Claude A.I.
Angelina and Joe articulated that these chatbots are meticulously crafted to comprehend and generate text with a remarkably human-like touch. Their functionalities extend to executing diverse tasks, from answering queries and language translation to crafting presentations and aiding in marketing endeavors.
Angelina, in a candid revelation, shared both her personal and professional experiences leveraging AI. She showcased how AI, including the likes of Chat GPT, has become an indispensable tool for tasks ranging from resume creation and enhancement to the inventive realm of crafting catchy party drink names. Notably, she touched upon the strategic use of AI in elevating social media content and crafting website copy for clients.
Drawing attention to the pragmatic applications of AI, Angelina elucidated its role in refining capability statements and generating responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). She highlighted the importance of precision in commands and prompts, underlining the necessity to tailor inputs for the AI to resonate authentically with the user's voice. A cautionary note was sounded against divulging sensitive personal information, emphasizing the data-retaining nature of AI.
Joe, in a reflective moment, shared his personal encounters with AI apps, showcasing how they alleviate the pressure associated with prompt generation. The hosts collectively emphasized the transformative impact of AI in streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
As the episode reached its crescendo, Angelina concluded with an insightful call for further exploration into the nuances of AI tools like Chat GPT and Claude. She underscored the importance of understanding the distinctions between these tools and choosing judiciously based on the specific demands of a given task. Tune in to the MWBE Times podcast for a riveting journey through the vast landscape of artificial intelligence and gain valuable insights into the diverse applications of these cutting-edge technologies.
On today's episode of MWBE Times, host Angelina Ramirez engages in a dynamic conversation in Spanish with Francisco Cabrera (fcabrera@prmsdc.org) and Reina Reyes (rreyes@prmsdc.org) from the Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council (PRMSDC). Francisco, the President and CEO, and Reina, the Director of Corporate & MBE Services, share insights about the PRMSDC, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Puerto Rico that serves its members by acting as a link between corporate purchasing entities and the minority business community. Together, they delve into the world of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), exploring the intricate challenges of leveraging certifications and securing contracts. The discussion extends to the vital role played by PRMSDC, its mission, and the array of programs and initiatives tailored for small business owners. Reina and Francisco share their experiences with PRMSDC and their passion for helping small business owners in Puerto Rico.
MWBE Times Podcast Episode: Navigating Entrepreneurship with Anita from Eleven3Seven5
Join us in today's MWBE Times Podcast episode as Angelina, the host and founder, engages in a captivating conversation with the dynamic Anita from Eleven3Seven5.
Anita's Journey: From Brooklyn to Entrepreneurship
Anita unfolds her remarkable journey, born and raised in Brooklyn, venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship. With a background in nonprofit management and financial services, she now spearheads Eleven3Seven5, a company dedicated to integrating social responsibility into organizational DNA.
Certification Triumphs: Becoming an MWBE
Anita shares the transformative experience of becoming a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) and navigating the complexities of securing contracts with various government agencies. The episode sheds light on the significance of diligent research, understanding agency needs, and cultivating strong relationships in the competitive business landscape.
The 5 Cs of Contract Success
Anita introduces the 5 Cs - credit, character, capital use, and collateral - as indispensable elements in securing contracts. The conversation delves into the importance of seeking support from community development financial institutions and investors, especially for small businesses.
Adaptability in Business: A GPS for Success
Amidst the competitive landscape, the conversation with Angelina explores the importance of a clear, adaptable business plan. Anita draws parallels to using a GPS for guidance, emphasizing the need for a realistic plan of action and regular reviews.
Entrepreneurial Challenges and Strategies
Anita and Angelina delve into the challenges and strategies of entrepreneurship. From understanding financials to staying in a niche and adapting to industry changes, the episode unfolds with a wealth of valuable insights.
Tune In for a Wealth of Small Business Wisdom!
Available on all streaming platforms, this episode is a treasure trove of information about the small business industry. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and inform!
New MWBE Times Podcast Episode Alert! Bridging Gaps and Empowering Businesses with Yolanda Maria Martinez
In the latest episode of the MWBE Times Podcast, host Angelina engages in a dynamic conversation with Yolanda Maria Martinez, the Special Secretary at Maryland's Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs.
Exploring Yolanda's Journey:
Angelina and Yolanda kick off the episode by delving into Yolanda's background and her rich experience as a small business owner. The audience gains insights into Yolanda's entrepreneurial journey and the unique perspective they bring to their current role within the Governor's office.
Addressing Challenges and Utilizing Opportunities:
The discussion unfolds to address the challenges faced by small businesses, emphasizing the importance of leveraging available resources and opportunities. Angelina and Yolanda shed light on their role in overseeing socio-economic programs, particularly focusing on the unique challenges confronted by minority and veteran small business enterprises.
Understanding Underserved Communities:
Yolanda passionately emphasizes the significance of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities. The conversation touches upon financial obstacles, discrimination, and the impact of PTSD within the military community, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and support.
Holistic Approach and Community Focus:
Yolanda expresses gratitude for the governor's holistic and compassionate approach to work, with a specific emphasis on cultural competency and community communication. The episode highlights the importance of fostering a community-driven environment to empower businesses.
Involvement with Organizations and Banking Support:
Listeners learn about Yolanda's involvement with various organizations and their steadfast commitment to supporting minority and women-owned businesses. The crucial role of banks is discussed, with Yolanda sharing a personal experience of receiving a line of credit from M&T Bank, showcasing the practical support offered to entrepreneurs.
Like, Share, and Subscribe!
Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! Be sure to like and share on social media to spread the knowledge. Subscribe to the MWBE Times Podcast on your preferred streaming platforms to stay updated with inspiring stories, valuable insights, and discussions shaping the world of small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
Host Angelina of the MWBE Times Podcast engaged in a compelling conversation with Michelle Howard, Director of the Small Business Program at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and Lilia Rivera, the Small Business Analyst for WMATA, in our latest episode.
This episode takes you on a journey through our esteemed guests' personal and professional backgrounds and uncovers their unwavering passion for supporting small businesses. Meshelle, with over 30 years of experience in small business programs, retired from Maryland's transportation authority, and Lilly, who has dedicated 23 years to working with small businesses, currently serves as a Small Business Analyst for WMATA.
The episode explored the challenges of navigating MWBE certifications and the array of services their respective organizations provide to guide businesses through this process. Meshelle and Lilly stressed the significance of strategically selecting certifications to avoid confusion during renewal.
The conversation also delved into the exciting potential opportunities for small businesses presented by the new infrastructure bill, particularly in the transportation industry. Meshelle elaborated on this, shedding light on how the bill could expedite pending projects within larger agencies, opening up avenues for small businesses.
The release of this episode is set for later in the month, so stay tuned for a wealth of knowledge and insights. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and expertise on supporting small businesses, navigating certifications, and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving corporate responsibility and infrastructure development landscape.
MWBETimesPodcast #SmallBusinessSupport #DiversityandInclusion #InfrastructureBill #NetworkingOpportunities #StayTuned
Don't miss today's MWBE Times Podcast episode, where our host Angelina had an enlightening conversation with Supplier Diversity Specialist, Deon Crayton!The discussion revolved around the significance of various marketing tools for businesses, with a special emphasis on the value of certification. Angelina and Deon underscored that certification, while beneficial, isn't a guarantee of success—it should be part of a larger business strategy.Dive into United Airlines' impressive supplier diversity initiatives! They're actively working to educate their staff on the importance of diverse supplier partnerships. The Business Diversity Ambassador Program and the Certification Assistance Program are making strides in converting non-VDR-certified spending into BDR-certified spending.Deon and Angelina elaborated on the continuous efforts to enhance United's internal and external supplier programs. They prioritize transparency, fair pay for diverse suppliers, and an unwavering commitment to operational improvement. Their focus is on the internal aspect, with plans to extend these improvements to external suppliers in 2024. They expressed their heartfelt appreciation for supplier feedback and the opportunity to work together towards the shared goal of improving business relations.Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insight into the ever-evolving world of supplier diversity and corporate responsibility! #MWBETimesPodcast #MWBE #SupplierDiversity #UnitedAirlines #BusinessGrowth #CorporateResponsibility
New MWBE Times Podcast Episode Alert!Join host Angelina in an insightful conversation with Whitney Morgan, the DBE/Civil Rights Manager for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. In this episode, Angelina and Whitney shine a spotlight on the promising opportunities for Minority-Owned Women Businesses (MBWEs) within the infrastructure sector, thanks to the recent multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure bill. They emphasize the exciting potential for MBWEs to actively participate in a range of construction and public transit projects, including railways, ports, and airports.Whitney and Angelina highlight the various initiatives and programs offered by KCATA to promote diversity and inclusion. This includes quarterly workshops and participation in outreach events organized by external organizations. The conversation takes a closer look at the challenges faced by small businesses when transitioning from subcontractors to prime contractors.
The conversation then dives into the role and responsibilities of the Civil Rights and DBE program manager at KCATA. Whitney eloquently elaborates on her team's crucial tasks, including monitoring sub-recipient performance, ensuring federal compliance, and actively engaging with small businesses. The dialogue also delves into the challenges faced by small businesses, especially when transitioning from subcontractors to prime contractors. Having clear goals and implementing race-neutral goal setting is vital for success!The episode concludes with an exciting exploration of the possibilities the new infrastructure bill could bring for small, certified businesses. Tune in to the MWBE Times Podcast to stay informed and inspired! The future is bright!
Exciting Podcast Alert: Season 2 Premiere!
In a groundbreaking episode of MWBE Times Podcast, Angelina kicked off Season 2 with an inspiring guest, Lisa Flores, Chief City Procurement Officer and Director of the Mayor's Office of Contract Services for New York City. Lisa's mission to ensure quality and equity within NYC's procurement system, especially for minority and vulnerable communities, is commendable. She has oversight of $40 billion in contracts across 40 city agencies and's a procurement powerhouse!Lisa emphasized the vital role of allyship and accountability in advancing equity and accessibility in procurement. Angelina inquired about future procurement trends, expressing optimism for New York's resilience against negative national developments. Local advocacy for MWBEs took center stage. Lisa and Angelina underscored the critical importance of keeping business information current, particularly for Minority-Owned Businesses (MWBEs) eyeing government contracts. Top tips included following agencies on social media, using the city's end-to-end system "Passport," and subscribing to the New York City Record for procurement opportunities.When it came to leveraging certifications and securing contracts, Lisa shared a game-changer: New York State's recent legislation allowing for certification reciprocity, potentially simplifying the process for MWBEs. Stay tuned for this empowering and informative episode!
MWBE #NewYorkCity #MinorityOwned #WomenOwned #NYCProcurement #RepresentationMatters #PodcastDiscussion #MWBETimesPodcast
In this enlightening episode of the MWBE Times Podcast, Angelina engages in a discussion with Jaclyn M. Tacoronte, the Founder/CEO of JMTMedia. Together, they touch on the complexities of MWBE certification and the procurement process while uncovering essential best practices. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge as Jaclyn talks about working with the mayor's office, SBS, and elected officials to advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous Americans into the NYC MWBE program. She also provides valuable marketing insights and the need for consistency with communication, emphasizing the significance of creating a tailored capability statement to meet each agency's unique requirements.
Tune into the MWBE Times podcast, where Angelina interviews Assemblymember Rodneyse Hermelyn Bichotte. Get ready for an engaging conversation as they discuss important topics including legislative reform, changes to discretionary funding, the importance of expanding your network, partnerships with other MWBEs, to name a few. Tune in for more amazing & insightful conversations!
Website- https://www.tn.gov/generalservices/procurement/central-procurement-office--cpo-/go-dbe.html
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina engages in a discussion with Rafael Borjas, the Diversity Business Liaison for the Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise in Tennessee. The episode explores the complexities of managing diversity certification processing, reviewing, and reporting across various agencies. Rafael sheds light on the remarkable support provided by Tennessee's Governor's Office, which offers a wide range of resources and valuable partnerships for small businesses.
Listeners are encouraged to tune in as Rafael emphasizes the significance of business certification, underlining its role in opening doors to opportunities and facilitating growth. He also highlights the importance of attending networking events and expanding business relationships as essential strategies for thriving in the entrepreneurial landscape.
One of the highlights of the episode is Rafael's exciting announcement about the upcoming "Nashpreneur Conference" organized by the Nash Chamber. This conference serves as a remarkable platform to promote and empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Nashville, Tennessee. Listeners are encouraged to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to network, learn, and gain valuable insights from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
Rafael shares valuable insights and advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of business certification, networking, and building strong business relationships. The discussion concludes with an exciting preview of the upcoming Nashpreneur Conference, which promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees.
Join us on today's episode of MWBE Times as we discuss the reauthorization of Article 15-A of the New York State Executive Law, aimed at promoting and enhancing the involvement of minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) in state contracts and procurement opportunities. We'll also discuss outreach efforts, MWBE utilization plans, and specific ways to increase MWBE participation.
Today, we have a special guest, Esperanza Massana, the MWBE Director for the Arkansas Development Commission. She will share valuable insights about the certification process, the steps involved, the requirements, and the benefits of becoming certified. We'll also dive into the topics like BID's (Business Improvement Districts), RFP's (Request for Proposals), procurement opportunities, small business development, and much more!
https://www.arkansasedc.com/community-resources/Minority-and-Women-Owned-Business-Enterprise-Resources
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina talks to Stephanie M. Broughton about her experience working for the Dallas Independent School District as an MWBE Coordinator and current trends in the #MWBE landscape.
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina and Joe do a deep dive into MWBE fraud and #compliance. They discuss rules and regulations regarding #MWBEs, as well as ways to avoid fraud through compliance.
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina talks to co-host Joe about federal certifications for diverse businesses, women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, HUBZone, and how to qualify for them!
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina provides Griselda Garcia an introduction to MWBE certifications including marketing, strategy, and best practices for becoming certified in Spanish! ¡Para el episodio de hoy de MWBE Times, Angelina le brinda a Griselda García una introducción a las certificaciones MWBE que incluyen marketing, estrategia y mejores prácticas para obtener la certificación en Español!
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina talks to Founder & Principal of Lengo Strategic Partners, Sheena Thomas, about her 20+ of supplier diversity experience & best practices for obtaining & leveraging your MWBE certification!
For today’s episode of MWBE Times, learn tips & best practices to successfully apply for an #MWBE certification!
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Angelina talks to Nancy Vargas, Chief Executive Officer of DH2Transporation, an MWBE-certified transportation company. Learn from a pro how to get contracts, connect with procurement officers, and grow your business.
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Founder & Principal Angelina Ramirez answers some questions co-host Joe Ortiz has about the MWBE certification program & the different application processes based on industries.
On today's episode of MWBE Times, we talk to Melissa Figueroa of the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs about RFPs, connecting with procurement officers, & accessing capital for MWBE-certified businesses.
On today's episode of MWBE Times, we'll discuss how to market your MWBE-certified business. The Amblyn Group provides Joe Ortiz with best practices including digital marketing and networking strategies.
On today's episode of MWBE Times, we'll provide @damary4lider with guidance on how to certify her firm! Learn about the certification process, necessary documents, and information she'll need to get started.
On today's episode of MWBE Times, Anthony Peterson, the Executive Director of Crescent Consultant, provides best practices for MWBEs including how to connect with procurment officers.
On today's episode of MWBE Times, MWBE certification expect Francisco Guzman talks to us about the process of getting certified with New York State including best practices.
For today's episode of MWBE Times, Terrence Clark talks to us about the MSDC, what it means to be procurement ready & how to best leverage your certification.
The MWBE Times podcast provides business owners from socially and economically disadvantaged groups with best practices to help grow their business and reach their full potential. Specifically, it focuses on providing minorities, women, veterans, the disabled, and the LGBTQ+ community with practical information about accessing public and private sector contacts through MWBE (Minority & Women Business Enterprise) certifications. New episodes will be released on Thursdays and will cover topics including best practices, outreach, compliance, RFPs, financing, and more. Thought leaders across various industries will share their expertise on how to obtain and leverage certifications.