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Connecting Government with Pennsylvania’s Small Diverse Businesses.

City & State PA’s 3rd 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 small diverse businesses (SDBs). Find out what it takes to thrive in Pennsylvania’s complex and competitive procurement arena by connecting with key government agencies, prime contractors and state & local representatives at the City & State PA 2023 Diversity Summit.

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Details

08:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

June 15th, 2023 at The Hilton, Penn's Landing

Purchase Tickets Here

View Event Photos Here

Keynote Speaker

Reggie McNeil

Secretary, Department of General Services

Speakers & Panelists

Lisa Sanford

Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities; Pennsylvania Department of General Services

Kerry L. Kirkland

Deputy Secretary for Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities, Pennsylvania Department of General Services

Teresa M. Lundy

Teresa M. Lundy

TML Communications

Keir Bradford-Grey, Esq

Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker and Rhoads

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

Aaysha Noor

Aaysha Noor

Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at The GIANT Company

Cherelle M. Moore

Cherelle M. Moore

Talent Recruitment and Retention Specialist, City of Philadelphia's Mayor's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Malcolm Kenyatta

Malcolm Kenyatta

State Representative, General Assembly

Grace Rustia

Grace Rustia

Associate State Director of Multicultural Outreach, AARP Pennsylvania

Sheila Alexander-Reid

Sheila Alexander-Reid

Executive Director, PHL Diversity, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mitch Vidovich

Mitch Vidovich

VP of Government Affairs, Independence Blue Cross

Jason Evans

Jason Evans

Manager of Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Diversity at TD Bank

Lauren Footman

Lauren Footman

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Delaware County, PA

Kenyatta James

Kenyatta James

Director, Philadelphia Anchors for Growth and Equity, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia

Nicole Tyler

Nicole Tyler

Director of Equitable Transportation, PA Department of Transportation

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Agenda

8:00 AM

Doors Open + Breakfast

9:00 AM

Welcome Remarks by Keir Bradford-Grey, Esq. Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker and Rhoads

9:10 AM

Keynote Remarks by Reggie McNeil, Secretary, Department of General Services

  • Introduction by Grace Rustia, Associate State Director of Multicultural Outreach, AARP Pennsylvania

9:20 AM

Sponsor Remarks: Mitch Vidovich, Vice President of Government Affairs, Independence Blue Cross

9:25 AM

Panel 1: The Future of Pennsylvania’s SDBs in the New  Administration

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 the pandemic, inflation, and rising interest rates have been more acutely and disproportionately felt by business owners from communities of color, as well as women, veterans, and the disabled. In this panel, we will explore how the Shapiro administration will work with the PA Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO)and keep its promises to level the playing field for more small and diverse businesses throughout the commonwealth. What are some of the roadblocks that have kept small businesses from participating in this program, and what role can Pennsylvania's labor community and government officials play in providing these businesses with the tools they need to succeed?

  • Moderated by: Lauren Footman, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Delaware County, PA
  • Kerry L. Kirkland, Deputy Secretary for Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities, Pennsylvania Department of General Services.
  • Lisa Sanford, Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities, Pennsylvania Department of General Services
  • Jason Evans, Manager of Responsible Sourcing and Supplier Diversity at TD Bank
  • Malcolm Kenyatta, State Representative, General Assembly
  • Kenyatta James, PAGE Director, Economy League

10:30 AM

Sponsor Remarks: Sheila Alexander-Reid, Executive Director, PHL Diversity, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

10:35 AM

Panel 2: Workforce Diversity: How can we do better?

Pennsylvania’s public and private sectors are working harder than ever to implement inclusive hiring practices and foster a diverse workforce across the Commonwealth. These win-win strategies not only promote better quality outcomes; they help organizations to remain competitive. What else can Pennsylvania’s key business sectors do to foster diversity and inclusion in the workforce? This panel will review the latest programs, projects and market-specific opportunities within tech, healthcare, education, construction, hospitality and more. What are some innovative ways our government leaders can address disparities in diversity across our state and ensure our existing initiatives are further embraced?

Moderated By: Teresa M. Lundy, TML Communications

  • Cherelle Moore, Talent Recruitment and Retention Specialist, City of Philadelphia Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
  • Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
  • Aaysha Noor, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The GIANT Company
  • Kenyatta James, Director, Philadelphia Anchors for Growth and Equity, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
  • Nicole Tyler, Director of Equitable Transportation, PA Department of Transportation

11:50 AM

Closing Remarks

12:00 PM

Event Conclusion

Sponsors

Gold


Moravia Health

Silver


PHL Diversity
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