Inclusive economies benefit all communities. Yet, supplier diversity has been misunderstood and mislabeled by many during the recent national backlash. These programs ensure that all citizens are given the opportunity to realize their full potential. In the opening session, we will explore the current state of this critical work, including national, state and local perspectives.

Based on prior participants' input, this is a two-part session. The morning session is designed to define the new reality. The afternoon sessions are designed to help participants outline strategies and solutions as they devise their individual action plans. The working sessions are only open to active corporate members and NMSDC-certified MBE firms.

• Tyrone D. Sanders Jr., Esq. - Founder and Managing Director
  Obsidian Advocacy Group, LLC
• Nigel Stephens - Founder
  Phoenix Strategies, Inc.
• Michelle Crockett - Labor & Employment Partner, Honigman LLP
• Peter J. Hammer - A. Alfred Taubman Endowed Chair, Wayne State University Law School

• Growth Through Innovation (MBE)

   

  In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying competitive requires more than just keeping up—it demands innovation. This panel discussion, "Growth Through Innovation," will explore how MBEs can leverage cutting-edge technologies, accelerator programs, and digital transformation strategies to scale, optimize, and future-proof their companies.

   

  Led by industry experts from Automation Alley, Plug and Play, The Centrepolis Accelerator, and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, this conversation will dive into emerging trends, funding opportunities, and practical tools that businesses can adopt to drive growth. Panelists will also share real-world success stories and insights on how small businesses can navigate uncertainty and harness innovation to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

   

  • Amy Rencher - Senior Vice President of Small Business
    Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Chuck Werner - Program Manager Operational Excellence
    LSS Master Black Belt
  • Dan Radomski - Chief Executive Officer
    Lawrence Technological University Centrepolis Accelerator
  • Lisa Stief - Vice President of Operations
    Automation Alley
  • Nishant Dixit - Corporate Partnerships Lead - Plug and Play Detroit & Co-Founder - Alisio

   

• 3 Secrets to Rapid Business Growth for Minority Business Owners (MBE)

   

  A high-impact session designed to help business owners understand and implement the three critical components to scaling revenue quickly. This session will empower MBEs and small business owners with actionable strategies to increase sales, improve profitability, and accelerate growth.

   

  • Ian Watts - The Small Business Dream Fulfillment Coach
    SB Dream Coach, LLC

   

• EV Conversion (MBE)

   

  EV conversion will be a seminar focused on the transition of MBE Ice Manufacturing to EV Manufacturing. More specifically, the seminar will focus on the EV marketplace and reasons why MBEs should consider expanding their businesses to include manufacturing components and providing services to support the growing demand for EVs. The MBE should expect to get market information on the following.

   

  1. Industry Landscape and Opportunities
  2. Business Expansion Rationale
  3. Competitive Edge and Innovation
  4. Strategic Planning and Support

   

  • Jonathan Smith - Chief Deputy Director
    Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity

   

• Turning Disruption into Opportunity: Innovating Supplier Diversity Programs (Corp)

   

  In today's market, disruptions are inevitable - but they can also serve as catalysts for growth and transformation. This session is designed to empower corporations with actionable strategies to redefine supplier diversity programs as drivers of innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

   

  Learn from Industry leaders as they share insights and proven approaches to navigating disruptions while enhancing supplier diversity. Attendees will discover how to adapt programs to evolving market demands, integrate new technologies, and foster collaboration with diverse suppliers across industries.

   

  • Chuck Hendrix - Vice President of Business Engagement
    WBENC
  • Courtney Quenneville - Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Americas Manager
    Schaeffler
  • Rich Buchanan - Founder and CEO
    Buchanan Industries

   

• Building Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times (Corp)

   

  As supplier diversity leaders, the landscape is shifting beneath us. With increasing attacks on DEI initiatives, role eliminations, and restructuring, corporate leaders must strategically pivot while staying committed to their mission. This high-impact, interactive session is designed to equip supplier diversity professionals with resilience strategies, advocacy tools, and an actionable game plan for leading through uncertainty.

   

  • Ana L. Ramírez-Sáenz - Founder and CEO
    La Fuente Consulting

   

• Bold Transitions: Owning Your Brand and Building Your Cultural Intelligence for What’s Next (Corp)

   

  The landscape for supplier diversity and DEI professionals is shifting—roles are changing, teams are shrinking, and entire programs are under scrutiny. How do you stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what’s next?

   

  Led by Dr. Upton, a globally recognized DEI strategist and change management expert, this interactive workshop will equip you with the tools to own your personal brand, reposition your expertise, and confidently navigate career transitions.

   

  Through guided exercises, expert insights, and peer discussions, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to future-proof your career and ensure your skills remain in demand—no matter how the external environment shifts.

   

  This is your moment to redefine your next chapter. Are you ready?

   

  • Dr. Sandra Upton - Founder and Chief Inclusion + Change Management Strategist
    Upton Consulting Group (UCG)

   

Inclusive economies benefit all communities. Yet, supplier diversity has been misunderstood and mislabeled by many during the recent national backlash. These programs ensure that all citizens are given the opportunity to realize their full potential. In the opening session, we will explore the current state of this critical work, including national, state and local perspectives.

Based on prior participants' input, this is a two-part session. The morning session is designed to define the new reality. The afternoon sessions are designed to help participants outline strategies and solutions as they devise their individual action plans. The working sessions are only open to active corporate members and NMSDC-certified MBE firms.

• Tyrone D. Sanders Jr., Esq. - Founder and Managing Director
  Obsidian Advocacy Group, LLC
• Nigel Stephens - Founder
  Phoenix Strategies, Inc.
• Michelle Crockett - Labor & Employment Partner, Honigman LLP
• Peter J. Hammer - A. Alfred Taubman Endowed Chair, Wayne State University Law School

*Part 1 will define the new reality; Part 2 will provide strategies and solutions.

• BSG Live: Business Solutions Unlocked – Your Questions, Expert Answers (MBE)

   

  Have pressing questions about securing capital, scaling your business, navigating M&A, or overcoming today’s challenges? This dynamic, interactive Q&A session connects you with top experts in business coaching, lending, and entrepreneurship, offering real-time insights tailored to your needs. Led by MMSDC’s Business Solutions Group (BSG), this session is your opportunity to gain expert guidance on growth, strategy, and success—no matter the business climate.

   

  • Hassan Elsayed - Business Community Officer
    Bank of America
  • Marlee D’Arco - President & CEO
    Safety Services, Inc.

   

• CORPORATE MASTERMIND: Navigating Supplier Diversity’s New Era (CDC)

   

  As supplier diversity faces unprecedented challenges, corporate leaders must think strategically, act decisively, and adapt proactively. This interactive mastermind session, led by the Corporate Development Committee (CDC),brings together supplier diversity professionals to benchmark, collaborate, and problem-solve in real time.

   

  Through dynamic discussions and peer-driven insights, you’ll develop actionable strategies to sustain and strengthen supplier diversity initiatives, even in an evolving corporate and political landscape. Walk away with a customized resilience plan, new strategies for navigating uncertainty, and a powerful network of corporate peers committed to driving impact.