About

ABOUT OUR EVENT

Experience the vibrant growth of the Greater Reno-Sparks-Tahoe area, an exciting hub of diverse industries positioning it as one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. Here, small businesses drive both national and local economies. Join us as we bring together corporations and government agencies with small- and diverse-owned businesses for a day of invaluable networking, meaningful connections, and community impact.

Who should attend: Diverse businesses (including MBEs, WBEs, LGBTQBEs, Veteran-Owned, Disabled Veteran-Owned), Small businesses, emerging innovative entrepreneurs, WRMSDC Corporate members, Corporate representatives industries including technology, distribution/packaging, finance, renewable energy, utilities, healthcare, gaming/hospitality, construction, & more; Government entities; General Contractors; Prime suppliers & Subcontractors; operations decision makers; procurement and sourcing professionals; supplier diversity champions, and companies seeking to increase their inclusion of Small and Diverse businesses.

ABOUT WRMSDC

WRMSDC supports the growth and welfare of minority communities by championing the inclusion of minority-owned businesses in Northern California, Nevada, and Hawai‘i. Please visit us online at www.wrmsdc.org to learn more.

Hotel Room Accommodations at THE ROW

THE ROW has three connected but distinctive casino resorts – Eldorado Resort Casino, Circus Circus Reno, and Silver Legacy Resort Casino. It’s your choice! Note: the event takes place within the Eldorado Resort Casino.

 

ELDORADO AT THE ROW
345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
BOOK A ROOM

CIRCUS CIRCUS AT THE ROW
500 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503
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SILVER LEGACY AT THE ROW
407 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
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Shuttle

Hotels at THE ROW offer free shuttle service to/from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Parking

Free parking is available.

Agenda

All times listed are in Pacific Time and activities & times may change

Refreshments & Hosted Bar Available throughout Event

Tickets

THANK YOU
Registration Powered by:

If you don't know how to use the discount code, please email events@wrmsdc.org for help!
ALL SALES ARE FINAL; NO REFUNDS!
Please *do not* purchase a ticket and ask for a refund, as we will not be able to accommodate you.

Corporates: Use promo code MXR24-CORP for $25 off
MBEs and Diverse Businesses: Use promo code MXR24-DB to attend for free.

Event Supporters, Premier Members, MBE Platinum Partners, & Make a Difference Supporters: Watch for a separate e-mail describing how to register & claim your benefits.
Questions? E-mail rose@wrmsdc.org

Supporters

Want to Support this Event and Make an Impact?

WRMSDC deeply appreciates the following companies for their support. Their contributions ensure our ability to advocate for and impact diverse communities.

Thank You, Headline Supporter!

Event Supporters

Make a Difference Supporters

Due to the generosity of our Make a Difference Supporters, this event is FREE for MBEs and diverse businesses.

Premier Members

MBE Platinum Partners

Annual Video Production Supporter

Annual Branding Partner Supporter

Speakers

Michelle Picard, Host

Director Business Governance & Risk Management / DBE Liaison Officer

Michelle Picard is currently Director, Business Governance and Risk Management and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison Officer for Siemens Mobility’s North American Rolling Stock headquarters in Sacramento, CA. As DBE Liaison Officer, Michelle partners with procurement and advocacy groups to help establish relationships with businesses recognized as small or diverse. Michelle leads the DEI Education & Inclusion Council for Siemens Mobility North America. She currently serves on the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council’s board of directors.

Jennifer Greenwell

National Category Manager F&B

Jennifer Greenwell’s professional journey began with regional purchasing, where she discovered a passion for procurement. After much hard work and dedication, she was promoted to national procurement, a position which allows her to leverage her culinary background while engaging in strategic decision-making and fostering supplier relationships on a large scale. When not pursuing her professional passions, Jen enjoys outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and biking, with her husband and two children.

Rose Davis

Director of Corporate Services & MBE Development (Nevada)

Rose Davis is the Director of Corporate Services and Minority Business Development (Nevada) at the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. She has dedicated over two decades to passionately championing and influencing diverse businesses for inclusion within corporate America’s purchasing and supply chain strategies. She brings a wealth of experience in supplier diversity, procurement, business development, accounting, and finance. Rose has more than doubled the number of certified minority business enterprises impacting the community in Nevada with jobs, sales tax revenue, and innovation. She has strengthened the corporate members in Nevada supporting supplier diversity and inclusion strategies. Rose has received several awards for her zealous advocacy of small businesses including the 2023 Nevada SBA Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. A native of Las Vegas, Rose holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from UNLV.

RAPID-FIRE OPPORTUNITY SHARING

Jennifer Greenwell

National Category Manager F&B

Jennifer Greenwell’s professional journey began with regional purchasing, where she discovered a passion for procurement. After much hard work and dedication, she was promoted to national procurement, a position which allows her to leverage her culinary background while engaging in strategic decision-making and fostering supplier relationships on a large scale. When not pursuing her professional passions, Jen enjoys outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and biking, with her husband and two children.

Pepper Freyman

Project Manager

Pepper Freyman has worked for Whiting-Turner for 5 years and has been in the construction industry for over 20 years. Pepper is a Northern Nevada native born in Gardnerville and lives in Washoe Valley with his family. Pepper enjoys hunting in the Ruby Mountains and Fishing in Pyramid Lake.

Austin Kight

Strategic Brand Director

Austin Kight joined Martin-Harris Construction in 2003 with a background in Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Administration. In her current role Strategic Brand Director at Martin-Harris, Austin ensures internal and external programs are in align with the company’s strategic goals and core values. Specific to procurement, she oversees the Subcontractor “Opportunity Program” and ensures company policies and procedures support the company’s commitment for awarding contracts and subcontracts to small, minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged business concerns from all possible sources. The company’s approach to subcontractor and vendor inclusion is three-pronged incorporating Outreach Efforts, Educational Workshops, and Strategic Partnership Events. Founded in 1976, Martin-Harris Construction is currently ranked as the largest General Contractor in Las Vegas by VEGAS INC magazine. Martin-Harris Construction is a leader within the industry and the Southern Nevada community.

Justine Pangallo

Senior Analyst-Supplier Diversity

Justine Pangallo, Senior Analyst for Diversity Programs at Southwest Gas, boasts over a decade of experience in sales, marketing, and communications. Renowned for her commitment to DEI programs and supplier diversity initiatives, she excels in driving brand awareness through innovative strategies and campaigns, advocating for diverse supplier participation. With a versatile background in agency and in-house roles, she emphasizes inclusive practices in sales, operational efficiency, and brand management. Justine's strategic acumen and meticulous attention to detail shine as she navigates dynamic market trends and nurtures relationships with diverse suppliers and corporations. Passionate about storytelling and customer-centric approaches, she consistently delivers impactful results, championing diversity and inclusion in fiercely competitive industries.

Roundtable
Connections

3:50pm to 5:00pm

Take part in Roundtable Connections where MBEs and diverse suppliers can interact and engage with Corporate and Government procurement, operations, and/or supplier diversity professionals and learn about the procurement/contracting process, upcoming opportunities, and understand next steps.

More corporations being added. Check back often

Jennifer Greenwell

National Category Manager F&B

Jennifer Greenwell’s professional journey began with regional purchasing, where she discovered a passion for procurement. After much hard work and dedication, she was promoted to national procurement, a position which allows her to leverage her culinary background while engaging in strategic decision-making and fostering supplier relationships on a large scale. When not pursuing her professional passions, Jen enjoys outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and biking, with her husband and two children.

Martha O’Neill

Mountain West Regional Buyer

Martha O’Neill began her career in Las Vegas holding various positions in credit & collections, regional procurement, and retail purchasing and management at the Del Webb hotels. Through perseverance and dedication, she received her degree in Project Management while balancing a career and a family. She now brings her passion and expertise to Reno as a Mountain West Regional Buyer. In this role, she has enjoyed working with world-class chefs and hoteliers and the countless interesting people she has met along the way.

Pepper Freyman

Project Manager

Pepper Freyman has worked for Whiting-Turner for 5 years and has been in the construction industry for over 20 years. Pepper is a Northern Nevada native born in Gardnerville and lives in Washoe Valley with his family. Pepper enjoys hunting in the Ruby Mountains and Fishing in Pyramid Lake.

Austin Kight

Strategic Brand Director

Austin Kight joined Martin-Harris Construction in 2003 with a background in Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Administration. In her current role Strategic Brand Director at Martin-Harris, Austin ensures internal and external programs are in align with the company’s strategic goals and core values. Specific to procurement, she oversees the Subcontractor “Opportunity Program” and ensures company policies and procedures support the company’s commitment for awarding contracts and subcontracts to small, minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged business concerns from all possible sources. The company’s approach to subcontractor and vendor inclusion is three-pronged incorporating Outreach Efforts, Educational Workshops, and Strategic Partnership Events. Founded in 1976, Martin-Harris Construction is currently ranked as the largest General Contractor in Las Vegas by VEGAS INC magazine. Martin-Harris Construction is a leader within the industry and the Southern Nevada community.

Nicole Bowman

DBE Liaison

Nicole Bowman has been a valued member of Martin-Harris Construction for over ten years, with the last five focused on Estimating Administrative Management. As our DBE Liaison, she is dedicated to helping disadvantaged businesses work with Martin-Harris by connecting them with the right contacts within our company to address their needs and facilitate successful collaborations. Nicole is an essential part of Martin-Harris’s Innovation through Inclusion program focused on outreach events, educational opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Justine Pangallo

Senior Analyst-Supplier Diversity

Justine Pangallo, Senior Analyst for Diversity Programs at Southwest Gas, boasts over a decade of experience in sales, marketing, and communications. Renowned for her commitment to DEI programs and supplier diversity initiatives, she excels in driving brand awareness through innovative strategies and campaigns, advocating for diverse supplier participation. With a versatile background in agency and in-house roles, she emphasizes inclusive practices in sales, operational efficiency, and brand management. Justine's strategic acumen and meticulous attention to detail shine as she navigates dynamic market trends and nurtures relationships with diverse suppliers and corporations. Passionate about storytelling and customer-centric approaches, she consistently delivers impactful results, championing diversity and inclusion in fiercely competitive industries.

Shawna Carpenter

Concessions Manager

Shawna Carpenter is the Concessions Manager for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. With strong business acumen, including excellent project planning, program management, budgeting, analytical and communication skills, she serves as the primary program manager for all in-terminal concession operations at RNO. Shawna is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno with a B.S. in Business Administration, Information Systems.

Lacy Glodowski

Capital Improvements & Grant Coordinator

Lacy Glodowski is the Capital Improvements & Grant Coordinator for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). She’s been with the RTAA since 2015 and was recently promoted into her new role. She is also a key member of the RTAA’s DBE program, including managing DBE participation on federally funded projects, goal setting, and project tracking. She is a member of the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Business Diversity Committee, a board member of the Nevada Unified Certification Program (NUCP), and is also a Certified Compliance Administrator.

Ron Holmes

Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity

Ron Holmes is currently a Sr. Manager on Apple’s Supplier Diversity team. Ron brings more than 25 years of experience in the technology industry to the role as well as a passion for seeing small and diverse businesses succeed. He has been with Apple since 2005 and during this time has lead efforts in Materials Management, Strategic Supplier Deals, and most recently in Corporate Procurement (Indirect).

Stacey Hill

Senior Manager, Governance and Business Administration

With close to two decades of dedicated service to Siemens Mobility, I have had the privilege of contributing to our organization's growth and success in various capacities. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of Governance and Business Administration at our North American Rolling Stock headquarters in Sacramento, CA, I am deeply committed to ensuring operational excellence, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation. I thrive on building bridges between our internal teams and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. This includes facilitating connections in employment and business opportunities, as well as cultivating relationships with small and diverse businesses that offer valuable products and services to enhance our operations.

Nico Katerkamp

Business Governance & Outreach Specialist

Nico Katerkamp is currently a Business Governance & Outreach Specialist for Siemens Mobility, Inc. – Rolling Stock headquartered in Sacramento, CA with 2 years in the Transportation Industry and 6 years in Strategic Procurement. Nico currently supports the implementation of Supplier Diversity initiatives for Siemens Mobility, Inc. - Rolling Stock and strives to build relationships with small and diverse businesses for Siemens through partnering with advocacy organizations and chambers of commerce. Nico joined Siemens Mobility from the Digital Industries business of Siemens AG where he was responsible for procuring IT consulting and development services. Nico graduated with a BA in International Business and Management in the Netherlands.

The Paragon Group serves as the Nevada Department of Transportation's DBE Supportive Services Consultant. In Partnership with NDOT, we Elevate Certified DBE & SBE Firms in Heavy Highway, Transportation & Construction-Related. We do that through Supportive Services providing Training & Education, a Mentor-Protege Program, Outreach, and The Resource Center. To learn more about the USDOT DBE & SBE Program visit www.nevadadbe.com

Michael Herrera

Senior Director, Community Outreach & Supplier Diversity

Michael is an accomplished supplier diversity, supply chain and community builder leader, with experience managing compliance, rules, regulations, and public laws for various corporations – including employment, for over a decade, with a woman-owned general contractor, a few of the Nation’s largest public utilities, and most recently with a globally recognized healthcare system. Currently Michael serves as Senior Director of Community Outreach and Supplier Diversity for McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., leading McCarthy’s related community building efforts in Southern California and the state of Nevada as well as operational efforts nationally. His experience also includes creating and managing strategies, goals, and programs that exceeded over $2 billion dollars in spend annually with small- and diverse-owned businesses. His efforts have lead him to be honored by various community leaders and recognized with awards by numerous local and national business organizations – most recently being recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of their 2023 Diversity Professional of The Year Honorees.  

Jayna Litz

Management Analyst-Federal Grants

Brynna Nichols

Management Analyst

Victor Albiniano

Facilities Manager

Cathey Beckner

Control Analysis 2.0

Wyatt Brazell

Project Manager

Resource Tables

Be sure to visit the corporate and resource partner tables for access to resources that can help you develop, enhance, and extend your business for sustained success.

Rodney Chichester

Director of Partner Relations

Rodney Chichester is the Director of Partner Relations for Access Community Capital (ACC). Rodney is responsible for ACCs client relations team, business development initiatives and assists in the administration of the company’s technical assistance programs. Rodney joined ACC in 2021 after co-founding and operating a company in the film and entertainment industry for 6 years. He has over 30 years of corporate experience working in consumer products, brand marketing and residential construction. He also has extensive operations experience in the technology and financial services industries working at several startups. Rodney holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and a M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Michigan.

Alfredo Cedeno, Jr.

Outreach and Marketing Specialist

Alfredo Cedeno is an Outreach and Marketing Specialist for the Nevada Small Business Administration Carson City office. He participates in outreach, training, education, development, lender recruitment, and consultations with lenders in Northern Nevada. Before the SBA, Alfredo worked for two large banks, helping small business owners access the resources they need to be successful. He is a Reno, Nevada native.

Kathleen Taylor

Program Manager - Small Business Development

Ms. Taylor’s commitment to sustaining the viability of Nevada’s business ecosystem is evident with 13 years of experience in entrepreneur and small business development. As a former business owner, Kathleen understands the challenges and dynamics of start-up and established businesses. She has impacted the growth of Nevada’s business ecosystem via her work with the Nevada Women’s Business Center, the National Association of Women Business Owners southern Nevada chapter, and with the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. Kathleen’s commitment to lead has influenced systems and processes of governance statewide via her leadership activities as a legislative and Governor appointed Commissioner and advisory board member. Ms. Taylor co-hosts the Commerce First radio show for the Urban Chamber of Commerce to promote business resources and services within Nevada’s business communities. To enhance her transformative leadership style, Kathleen completed an executive leadership course at Harvard University, Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles, in 2021 to develop organizational leadership principles and practices. Ms. Taylor is a Magna cum laude graduate of the distinguished HBCU, Grambling University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.

Ash Sobhe

Senior Business Advisor

Ash Sobhe, an Iranian-born tech entrepreneur, has significantly impacted the business world since immigrating to the U.S. in 2003 at age 17. As an honor student at California State University, Northridge, he evolved from an introverted student into a tech leader, founding R6S and serving top brands like Lamborghini and State Farm. Recognized as one of the top 40 Entrepreneurs Under 40 by the California Legislative Assembly in 2017 and honored by the U.S. Congress in 2016, Sobhe is dedicated to mentorship, offering scholarships for women tech entrepreneurs. His resilience and creativity, overcoming health obstacles and adopting a minimalist life in Reno, Nevada, are highlighted in his TEDx Talk with 1.1 million views, reflecting his life-long dedication to uplifting the community.

Monica Coburn

Co-Founder & Managing Director of Reno-Sparks Chapter

Monica is the co-founder of POWHer of WE, a Nevada based women entrepreneur group with chapters in Reno/Sparks and Las Vegas. Monica brings over two decades of expertise in banking and finance to her role as Managing Director of the Reno/Sparks Chapter of POWHer of WE. In this capacity, she drives initiatives to support and empower women entrepreneurs in the region. Her leadership continues to build a strong foundation for this chapter, enhancing its growth and impact within the community.

Monica Coburn

Managing Director

After a successful career in the banking and finance industry, Monica Coburn left her corporate career in senior management and launched Nevada Business Advisors in the summer of 2019. Monica has served as a mentor and guest expert for several business programs including Emerging Leaders (now known as SBA THRIVE), the Vegas Chamber's EDGE program and the Small Business Opportunity Program with Clark County. She is a Business Coach for the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. Program for the Las Vegas cohort in 2023 and again in 2024. Monica is also the co-founder of POWHer of WE and she has received numerous awards including a Woman of Distinction Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners-Southern Nevada and 2023 Woman Owned Small Business of the Year by Nevada SBA.

Sheree Garcia

VP, Branch Manager

Sheree is a successful branch manager at Umpqua Bank for 14 years with over 25 years of banking experience. She has a keen eye for details and her commitment to providing excellent service to her clients every day. Her wide range of knowledge in banking are her greatest strengths in helping her clients achieve their financial goals. Sheree believes that strong leadership, honesty, and confidence are assets that make her remarkably significant. Sheree is involved in our community; she is the Treasurer/Board Member with Friends of Washoe County Library since 2013. She promotes, advocates, and seeks funding to support the services, programs, and collections of the Washoe County Library System. Through their projects, they strive to give children an educational head start, encourage literacy, and foster lifelong learning and recreation for adults. When Sheree is not at work, you will find her outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, or skiing. She enjoys family time with her husband, 2 children, and her fur babies.

Matt Rittenhouse

AVP, Branch Manager

Matt is a proven, dedicated banking professional that has over a decade of experience helping business owners achieve their dreams. He loves the community and is involved with multiple children and education-based nonprofits that serve the Reno area, including Envirolution and the For Kids Foundation. He takes his responsibility seriously and strives to be a valuable resource to his clients. As an expert in business and personal banking, Matt helps his clients with cash flow, establishing credit, purchasing equipment, updating systems and operations, hiring employees, paying bills, and beyond. He finds a great deal of joy in helping businesses and individuals achieve financial success. He loves spending time with his wife, one year old son, and two dogs, doing as many outdoor activities as possible. Any time spent at the lake or on the mountain is a great day for Matt and his family!

Lurdes Madrigal

Director

Lurdes Madrigal is a dedicated professional who has served her country and her community with distinction. With a decade-long tenure in the Army Reserves, including 2 years of active-duty orders, Lurdes sharpened her skills in logistics and human resources, demonstrating a keen ability to manage complex operations efficiently. Complementing her military service, Lurdes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Counseling from CSU Sacramento and is currently pursuing a full-time MBA. Her commitment to education underscores her passion for continuous growth and development. Lurdes is the Director for the Nevada Veterans Business Outreach Center. She brings her organizational expertise and dedication to serving veterans. Her mission extends beyond her professional roles as she actively advocates for awareness of resources available to veterans, striving to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Edward Coleman

Executive Director

Dr. Edward has lived in Reno, NV since 2012. During that time, he has been a state employee. He worked as the Quality Assurance Specialist for the NV Department of Agriculture and oversaw the statewide National School Lunch Program. In this role, Edward provided fiscal and regulatory oversight to over $150 million in federal funds. In 2019 he received his MBA from Western Governors University and received a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Finance at Northcentral University in 2023. In his spare time, he loves to travel, is a trained tailor and designer, play dungeons and dragons, and is a practitioner of Aikido.

Brad Scribner

Community Project Manager
Bio forthcoming

Sandra Rentas

Business Advisor
Bio forthcoming

JoAnn Blake

Owner and CFO

JoAnn Blake is currently the owner and CFO for a 40 year old local business that operates in the Reno Sparks area.  She has also served on non profit boards and owned & operated other businesses. She brings these experiences and passion for CEOs and Business owners to her current position as the EOA (Entrepreneurs Organization Accelerator program) chair for the EO (Entrepreneurs Organization). She has a strong belief that all business owners need a support system outside of their businesses. A place where they can learn and grow from thier peers. EOA is this type of program. Her personal goal is to support and offer resources to business owners as they scale their businesses. To live in a community where we all support each other.

Kristine Cambunga

Small Business Specialist

Kristine Cambunga has been in banking for 11 years with and has a passion for helping small business owners in the community with guidance and financial education. As a daughter to business owners, she knows she can add the most value to current and future clients by being able to relate to their personal stories. Kristine has a solid understanding of the time and effort it takes to run a business.

Doug Petersen

Small Business Specialist

Doug Petersen is a native Nevadan who has been in banking for 13 years. He has been with US bank for 5 years and his main motivation is helping clients reach their goals.

Menu

“It’s a fact—people do business with those they know and trust! Enjoy delicious food and drinks while you mix, meet, gain intel, and build REAL-ationships with Corporate members, diverse suppliers, and community partners in a fun, casual atmosphere.”

Appetizer Stations

Hosted Bar Includes: Beer, Wine,
Call Drinks, & Sodas | Water Station

Gluten Free (GF), Vegetarian (V), and Vegan (VG)

• Mediterranean Display (v): Variety of Fresh & Grilled Vegetables, Marinated Feta Cheese, Greek Olives, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Traditional Hummus, Tzatziki Sauce & Herbed Flatbread
• Seasonal Fresh Fruit Display (v) (vg) (gf)
• Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Reduction (v) (gf)
• Pesto Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers (v) (vg) (gf)
• Build Your Own BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Spicy Slaw (on the side)
• Thai Chicken Satay with Teriyaki Sauce on the Side (gf)
• Street Taco Station (gf): Carne Asada Tacos with Onions, Cilantro & Lime and Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pico de Gallo & Cilantro Crema. Served with Blue & Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips and Chef's Selection of Assorted Salsas
• Miniature Desserts: Array of Courtyard Pastries, French Macarons (gf), Lemon Bars, & Chocolate Covered Strawberries (gf) (v)

Contact

WRMSDC Nevada Office
500 N. Rainbow, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89107

Please contact rose@wrmsdc.org
for questions about this event.

Contact Us
(702) 996-6158