2022 Diversity Summit

Connecting Government & Pennsylvania’s Small Diverse Businesses

City & State PA’s 2nd Annual Diversity Summit will offer industry executives, public sector leaders, and academics a half day conference dedicated to fostering business partnerships between the state and local government, prime contractors, and MWBEs. Find out what it takes to thrive in Pennsylvania’s competitive procurement arena by connecting with key government agencies, prime contractors and state & local representatives at the City & State PA Diversity Summit.

10:00 AM	Doors Open + Check-in + Networking
10:40 AM	Welcome Remarks By Emcee Michael Days, Board Chair; City & State PA Advisory Board
10:45 AM	Keynote Remarks By Yassmin Gramian, P.E., Secretary; Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
11:00 AM	The Future of MWBEs in Pennsylvania Since 1987, Pennsylvania has focused on breaking barriers by implementing one of the most robust Small Diverse Business (SDB) programs in the nation. Nevertheless, the economic impact of COVID-19 is more acutely and disproportionately felt by communities of color and small businesses. What has changed with Pennsylvania’s procurement guidelines for Small Diverse Businesses (SDBs) and the eight classifications that fall under this category (MBE, WBE, MWBE, DOBE, LGBTBE, BE, SDVBE and DVBE)? How can PA further level the playing field and provide these diverse small businesses with the tools they need to succeed? Moderated By Denise Clay-Murray, Reporter/Editor; Write Me, Inc. Panelists: Kerry L. Kirkland, Deputy Secretary; Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities; Pennsylvania Department of General Services Jennifer Olzinger, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Chief Procurement Officer; Office of Management & Budget, City of Pittsburgh Lynn T. Newsome, Deputy Commerce Director; Office of Economic Opportunity; City of Philadelphia Ron Drozd, Director, Export Programs & Services; World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia
12:00 PM	Lunch + Networking
12:45 PM	Current State of Pennsylvania’s Projects and Procurement In February 2022 Pennsylvania leaders announced a jointly funded, partnership to open paths for more minority-owned and other disadvantaged business to get a greater share of the lucrative government contract pie in the Mid-Atlantic region. One of the goals is to inform businesses out there that have been disconnected in some way from both city and county government in terms of doing real partnerships, that Pennsylvania is open for business. This panel will break down new programs, projects, and market-specific opportunities in Pennsylvania, including transportation, construction, technology, hotels, and more. Our panelists will also dive into the ever-expanding project delivery methods like design build and public private partnerships. Moderated By Lauren Vidas, Founder & Principal; Enact Strategies Panelists: Lisa Sanford, Director; Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities; Pennsylvania Department of General Services Karl Singleton, Chief Equity and Compliance Officer; City of Harrisburg; MLK Jr. City Government Center Kenneth Anderson, Vice President, Civic Affairs; The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Jennifer Rodriguez, MCP, President & CEO; Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Jonathan D. Lovitz, Public Policy & DEI Advocacy Advisor; Special Advisor to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
1:45 PM	Break + Networking
2:00 PM	Diversity in Pennsylvania Panel Pennsylvania is working harder than ever to implement inclusive hiring practices and foster a diverse workforce across the Commonwealth. These strategies are a win-win: they promote good quality outcomes and help organizations remain competitive. What else can the government and sectors like tech, education and health care do to foster diversity and inclusion? How can Pennsylvania’s government ensure that the diversity in our state and major cities is further embraced? Moderated By Nefertiri Sickout, Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer; Office of the Mayor, City of Philadelphia Panelists: Denise Pearson, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Gary N. Lee, Chief Administrative Officer; Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director; Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Kristen Davis, Senior Business Partnership Specialist; Philadelphia Youth Network
3:00 PM	Summit Concludes