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Alex Aceves
Supplier Diversity, Enablement Lead at Google
Alex Aceves is a dynamic leader passionate about driving growth through diversity and innovation. With a successful track record of co-founding businesses and championing diverse suppliers at Google, Alex embodies leadership and impact. His MBA and extensive experience at PwC and Google further equip him with the knowledge and strategic vision to advocate for underrepresented businesses and foster inclusive growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alex enjoys travel, snowboarding, and family time. As a first-generation Mexican-American, he exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and is dedicated to making a positive impact.
Ernie Flores
Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Ernie Flores leads the Supplier Diversity program for Kaiser Permanente. He oversees and advocates for securing a spend worth more than $3.24 billion (2023) with Tier I diverse companies. Ernie is also responsible for relationship building, supplier diversity compliance efforts, and creating strategic alliances for upcoming sourcing initiatives across the organization. Ernie holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from California Polytechnic (Cal-Poly) State University, San Luis Obispo, CA and an MBA in Supply Chain and Operations from Marquette University. Prior to his role with Impact Spending, Ernie was in the role of Strategic Sourcing Manager focusing on Security Service and Products, Facilities Management and Operations and Real Estate Services. He is a recognized expert in category management, negotiation, supply market analysis, and supplier management. In his spare time, Ernie likes to golf, spend time with friends and family, as well as his 5-year-old dog, Charley.
Rachel Parsons
Supplier Diversity Project Manager for Impact Spending
Rachel Parsons is the Supplier Diversity Project Manager for Impact Spending at Kaiser Permanente. She manages the Impact Spending team’s communications, supplier outreach, and their strategic partnerships with external organizations. Rachel has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from California’s Sonoma State University, and a professional certificate in Strategic Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. Prior to working with Kaiser Permanente, Rachel was the Operations Manager for the green energy company, Clean Tech Lighting and Power, and the lead administrator for UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute, (formerly known as the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society). Rachel’s experience has made her an expert in strategic planning, process optimization, communication and outreach, client relations and adaptive problem-solving. Personally, Rachel enjoys spending time in the redwoods with her partner and dog, singing and playing guitar, and playing RPGs with friends.
Alejandro Serrudo
Principal, Supply Chain Responsibility
Alejandro is a Supplier Diversity Principal at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He is responsible for working with Electric Operations in strategies to increase spend with diverse businesses, foster supply chain environmental sustainability best practices and supplier code of conduct compliance.
In addition, he supports the second tier spend growth, by collaborating with PG&E’s prime suppliers to increase their subcontracting efforts with certified diverse suppliers. Alejandro serves on the PG&E Pride Network Employee Resource Group as Director of Professional Development.
Jerilyn Gleaves
Senior Manager
Jerilyn Gleaves leads Supply Chain Responsibility for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In her role as Senior Manager, she is responsible for developing strategies to increase spending with women-, minority-, service-disabled veteran, and LGBT-owned companies and promoting a supply chain that is sustainable and
ethical. She is charged with building relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, as well as with prime and diverse suppliers to foster business
opportunities. Jerilyn is a graduate of the University of California, Davis. She has held various positions in the utility, financial and healthcare industries for over 30 years promoting supplier diversity.
Lili Kwan
Senior Manager, Racial Equality and Justice Taskforce - Purchasing
Lili Kwan is a seasoned supply chain responsibility professional with decades-long experience in sourcing and developing sustainable and inclusive supply chains. She has implemented various programs that advance equity and justice in the diverse business community, many in partnership with community-based organizations. These include technical assistance training, mentorship, and prime supplier engagement programs. Her deep business operations background also includes management of regulatory compliance, supplier risk, metrics and reporting, communication strategy, and engagement.
Jackie Dickens
West Region- Business Enablement Manager- Strategic Technology Resourcing
With a proven track record in Strategic Technology Resourcing, I specialize in aligning business objectives with cutting-edge technological solutions. As a Business Enablement Manager, I orchestrate seamless integration of technology to optimize operations and fuel growth for our long-standing customers. My expertise lies in fostering cross-functional collaboration by delivering a full range of Technology Staffing solutions, including short-term, long-term, temporary-to-hire, direct-hire, and tailored project teams placed not only nationally but across the globe. In addition to driving innovation initiatives, I deliver tangible results that empower businesses to thrive in dynamic market landscapes.
Sudheesh Subhash
VP, Innovation & Emerging Technology
Sudheesh is the Vice President of Innovation and Emerging technologies, ePlus Inc, a global organization with teams located at the Corporate Headquarters in Herndon, Virginia as well as in the UK, India, and Singapore. ePlus is listed in NYSE (PLUS). Sudheesh joined ePlus, via the acquisition of OneCloud Consulting inc., where he was the Co-Founder & CEO
Sudheesh is a proven technology entrepreneur and executive with a track record of successful ventures. He gained extensive experience of building products and businesses from ground up. He is proficient at leading cross-functional, transformational initiatives across diverse groups to successfully develop Go to Market Strategy (GTM) and launch innovative services, and solutions.
Sudheesh a seasoned executive with strong management experience in product development, corporate development, technology and services strategy, business operations and Product marketing with a proven track record of building strategic plans, building high performing organizations and enhancing operational efficiency.
Sudheesh’s vast experience also includes working at various roles in IBM, Cisco and Salesforce on Datacenter and Cloud Technologies. He holds a bachelor’s in computer science from Madurai Kamaraj University.
Alyse Zimmermann
Sr. Account Executive
As an Account Manager with ePlus, I assist customers with their everchanging IT needs and projects around Datacenter, Cloud, Security, Networking, Collaboration and Managed services. With 8+ years in the IT Industry, I have strong relationships with my customers, as well as our top tier partners. I strive to bring the best of breed solutions to our customers, and showcase our engineering abilities on large deployments and service engagements.
ePlus delivers IT solutions to clients by providing solutions around the Data Center, Networking, Wireless, Storage, Microsoft, Security, Backup/DR, Private and Public Cloud, Global logistics and other value adds, via Hardware and Software procurement, IT Consulting, and Professional and Services.
Justine Pangallo
Senior Analyst-Supplier Diversity
Justine Pangallo is a versatile professional with extensive experience in strategic accounts, talent acquisition, and diversity and inclusion (DE&I) program management. Currently, she supports Supplier Diversity and DE&I Programs at Southwest Gas Corporation, where she is involved in technology implementation and enhancements, vendor management, and community engagement. Her role also involves leading employee resource groups and diversity councils, enhancing department effectiveness through detailed spend analysis and event management. With a background spanning various industries and roles, Justine Pangallo is recognized for her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to innovation and inclusion.
Tyiesha V. Jones
CEO
Tyiesha V. Jones is a multifaceted professional, combining her passion for safety and community health with her expertise as a certified Children's Book Author, CPR/BLS/First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. As a certified Community Health Worker, Health Unit Coordinator, and FEMA disaster responder, Tyiesha has dedicated her career to fostering safer, more prepared communities. She is the founder and owner of Pulse Check 101, a mobile safety compliance training company that serves California and Nevada, offering essential life-saving skills to businesses, schools, and families.
Porsha Dawkins
Commercial Associate II
Porsha is a relationship builder at heart, and she prioritizes developing strong connections with both her clients and her colleagues. Her commitment to digital transformation is rooted in her belief that technology can help businesses thrive, and she is always on the lookout for innovative solutions to help her clients succeed.
With early experience as a Personal Banker and Small Business Consultant, Porsha gained valuable insights into the challenges facing business owners, enabling her to better understand what it takes to help them reach their goals.
Beyond her work in finance, Porsha is deeply committed to giving back to her community. As an African American woman in finance, she sees her success as an opportunity to inspire others to pursue similar career paths.
Jade Tate
Vice President | Small Business Banker
Jade Tate is a Small Business Banker for the San Francisco Market in the PNW/Northern CA Region. She supports a portfolio of over 400 Small Business Clients with revenues from 1-25mm. She specializes in helping these clients with access to capital as well as all their other business priorities. This includes but is not limited to—exposure to the other seven lines of business within Bank of America, as the need occurs.
Jade has held numerous roles at the firm within the Consumer and Small Business Channel: Financial Center Manager, Assistant Financial Center Manager, Personal Banker, Business Development Officer, all the way to the Professional Teller. Jade is driven by her desire to help improve her clients’ financial lives, which she achieves by working alongside them on the front lines.
Jade is an active member of the BPG Bay Area Chapter, as well as the Co-Chair for BELC’s Responsible Growth Pillar.
Darretta Whitfield
Director of Supplier Diversity
Darretta Whitfield is Director of Supplier Diversity at Charter Communications, a national broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Darretta joined Charter in 2019 to lead Supplier Diversity and is responsible for the strategy development and execution, operations, and future roadmap development of Supplier Diversity across Charter’s footprint. Since her arrival, Charter has grown diverse spend to exceed the $2 billion threshold in 2022 and 2023.
In prior roles Darretta led eSourcing and Contract Management for various global companies in financial technology and services, consumer products, and paper/packaging manufacturing. She led multiple program design and development efforts, system and process design and implementations, and supported organizational restructuring projects and change management initiatives. Those roles have provided her with a foundation of strategic souring, contracting knowledge, and business management skills that she leverages in her current role in support of diverse owned businesses.
Darretta graduated from Clark Atlanta University’s School of Business Administration and continues to support initiatives within the HBCU. She also serves on the Executive Board for tech:SCALE, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC), and a serves on the Board of Directors for Atlanta based non-profit Inspired Heart Youth Empowerment (IHYE).
Deneen Ogbeide
Small Business Liaison
Deneen Ogbeide is the Small Business Liaison for California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Deneen has a background in Business, Marketing, Human Resources and Administration. As the Small Business Liaison for District 4 Bay Area, she promotes and enhance contracting opportunities. This includes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business (SB), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). Her role is to ensure nondiscrimination based on race, color, gender, or national origin. In addition, to promoting equality for all California businesses, in accordance with Federal and State Statutes and Regulations. She is committed achieving these goals by continuing to be advocates for Small Businesses and keeping the community informed about the contracting opportunities within the State of California.
Jordan Nakasone
Supplier Diversity Program Manager
Jordan Nakasone is the Supplier Diversity Program Manager at California Water Service, a CA based Water Utility. He is responsible for working with engineering and operations to increase spend with diverse businesses. Jordan started his Cal Water career in August of 2022 joining the Procurement department.
Prior to joining Cal Water, Jordan was a Program Manager at SoCal Gas for 7 years managing Energy Efficiency Programs and Financing, a RFP Analyst at Northrop Grumman, and received his B.A. in Business Administration at California State University, Fullerton.
Jordan enjoys travel, photography, and serving the community.
Mariela Whyte
Bilingual Business Outreach Liaisons
Mariela Whyte is a Bilingual Business Outreach Liaison at the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services for the California Department of General Services. In this role, she educates business owners about the benefits and opportunities of pursuing a Small Business (SB) certification, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification, and contract opportunities with the state of California.
Mariela is an experienced leader in community and business outreach. She has a proven record of accomplishment with over a decade of experience in politics, community engagement, obtaining and managing close partnerships with local government and stakeholders, and working with the Latino community and Spanish speaking media.
Mariela has a background in Politics and Community Engagement and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Human Behavior from California State University Sacramento.
Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner
CEO
CEO Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner is the co-owner of a successful SDVOSB/DVBE second-generation printing business. She has over thirty years of experience in sales and marketing and has been essential in the continued growth of the 52-year-old company. Rebecca has twenty years of experience organizing and successfully executing national Veteran conferences. In 2016, she co-founded the Veterans In Business (VIB) Network, a nonprofit organization that helps connect Veteran businesses/DVBEs and SDVOSBs with corporations and government agencies for contracting opportunities. The VIB Network offers Veteran businesses a FREE directory, resources, and business development programs. Throughout the years, Rebecca has been recognized for her leadership, won several awards, and was invited to the White House to witness a bill signing by President Obama. In 2023, Rebecca was appointed to serve on the U.S. Small Business Administration Advisory Committee on Veteran Business Affairs (ACVBA). Her enthusiasm to truly help veteran businesses grow is infectious and she believes collaboration is key to the success of the VIB Network.
Jaymee Lomax
Vice President of Development & Engagement
Jaymee Lomax is the Vice President of Development & Engagement for WBEC-West. WBEC-West is a regional partner organization of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBEC-West serves Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, and America Samoa.
Jaymee is committed to Supplier Diversity and is immensely proud to be a part of the WBEC-West team. Jaymee is responsible for impacting women - owned business in the community through education, networking, and community development. Enhancing Corporation and WBEs relationships, outreach programs and creating business opportunities for WBEs.
Jaymee has shared her expertise and knowledge with the community by serving on Executive Boards and committees for diverse organizations. Jaymee is an award-winning corporate diversity professional for over 25 years. Jaymee has been married for 32+ years to Dr. Phillip Lomax.
David Wayne Aguilar
Board Member
David Wayne Aguilar is a professional based in San Francisco, known for his role as the CEO and Principal Consultant at Consult Our Source, LLC. This company, founded in 2005, specializes in information technology and services, providing consulting solutions for businesses, including prominent clients like Blue Shield of California and Kaiser Permanente. Aguilar’s leadership has been critical in growing the company, particularly in the areas of project management and information security consulting .
His company has been active in the tech consulting space for several years, and under his direction, it has established a reputation for delivering robust IT solutions to some of the state’s largest businesses. Consult Our Source operates from San Francisco, with Aguilar playing a key role in its day-to-day operations and strategic direction
Will L Jackson
VP Business Access Advisor
For over 20 years, Will Jackson has been a noteworthy leader and consummate professional as an VP in the Compliance space; and most recently in Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a leader in Resource Management via the Resource Groups. You may know him as the National Chair of the African American Resource Group. Will also is credited with his tremendous work in serving underserved communities with education on Financial Literacy, Credit Money Management, and the Home Buyers informational sessions. In addition to his expertise in his field, he is an active member of 100blackmen Bay Area, contributing to the organization's mission to empower and uplift the black community. Will also is a Board Member with the OK Program of Oakland, where they make a positive impact by mentoring young individuals and helping them overcome challenges. As VP Business Access Advisor for USBank, Will plays a pivotal role in providing guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Recognizing the importance of equitable lending practices, Will is a passionate advocate for fairness and equal opportunities in lending spaces. Through his work and commitment, he strives to foster a more inclusive and just financial landscape for all.
Janie Gomez
AVP, Branch Manager, Geographic Lead Asian & Pacific Islander BRG- SF Chapter- Influential Leader
Throughout my 30-year tenure in Bay Area banking and retail, I have built a reputation as a visionary leader, leveraging expertise to propel team success and customer satisfaction. Community engagement and empowerment are core to my approach, inspiring individuals to pursue their goals and dreams through guidance and support.
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