Government Coins

Join us for an insightful episode of Government Coins as we sit down with Renell N. Roberts, MBA, a seasoned procurement leader with over 15 years of experience in global supply chain operations and procurement strategies. Currently serving as a Senior Procurement Analyst at HUD, Renell plays a key role in category management, supply chain risk mitigation, and strategic sourcing, helping the agency achieve 25% cost reductions while enhancing supplier performance.Don't miss this conversation packed with insider tips for government contractors and procurement professionals! https://www.linkedin.com/in/renell-roberts-mba-5b537822/

Join us as we sit down with David Clark, CEO & Founder of MyGovGuide and Allegiant Strategies Group. A former Airborne Officer and top advisor in Florida's government, David has led high-impact teams, managed billion-dollar budgets, and tackled complex technology challenges. With expertise in government operations, STEM education, and IT innovation, he brings a wealth of knowledge on leadership, strategy, and public service. Tune in to hear his insights on navigating government, fostering innovation, and building high-performing teams. Connect with David at: https://www.allegiant360.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidclark360/

Join Stephanie Geiger, CEO and Founder of Geiger Consulting Group, as she brings nearly two decades of expertise in U.S. Public Sector marketing to the mic. In each episode, Stephanie dives into the strategies, stories, and insights that have driven success for technology companies and government contractors. From integrated marketing campaigns to go-to-market strategies, she unpacks the tools and tactics that can help businesses thrive in the unique public sector marketplace. As a co-founder of Government Marketing University and a seasoned executive with a passion for empowering others, Stephanie has dedicated her career to supporting professionals in the B2G community. Whether she's sharing lessons from her book, Government Marketing Practices 2.0, or hosting dynamic conversations with industry leaders, Stephanie's podcast is your go-to resource for elevating your knowledge and strategies. Expect practical advice, inspiration for rising female leaders, and the occasional hot take on life in the DMV. Tune in for engaging episodes that will leave you energized and ready to conquer the public sector marketing world!

Welcome to our latest episode where we dive deep into the world of accessing capital for your business! In this episode, we have a special guest, Emmyrich Vicente from PNC Bank, who shares invaluable insights on how to secure funding before you actually need it. Often, businesses find themselves scrambling for finances after winning contracts, but we're here to change that! **What You'll Learn:** - The importance of proactive financial planning - Strategies to access capital tailored for small, women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses - Richie's journey and expertise in helping businesses grow and succeed - Key resources available through PNC Bank and beyond Richie has been with PNC Bank for nearly 27 years, moving up from a teller to the Vice President of Minority Business Development. His passion for supporting diverse businesses in the community shines through as he shares tips and strategies for accessing financial resources. Whether you're a startup or an established business looking to scale, this episode is packed with essential information for entrepreneurs at every stage!

Join us for a special live session on government coins featuring Pam, director of purchasing and contracts for Volusia County. With 16 years of public sector experience and a background in retail buying, Pam shares insights on procurement leadership, managing contracts, and building high-performing teams. Don't miss this engaging conversation on navigating government procurement and balancing career with motherhood! Connect with Pam Wilsky PWilsky@volusia.org volusia.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Welcome to our newest episode of the Government Coins podcast! We are excited to have a special guest with us who has dedicated over 38 years of service to the City of Danbury, CT. He began his career in procurement after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Connecticut State University. He spent his early professional years as a buyer for Perkin-Elmer Corp. and Amphenol Corp. before making a lasting impact in the City of Danbury's Purchasing Department, where he has served for 25 years as the Purchasing Agent. In addition to his professional achievements, our guest is deeply involved in the community. He serves on the Board of the Danbury War Memorial Association, is a lector at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, and contributes to the church's Finance Committee. His commitment to both his profession and community is truly inspiring. Please join me in welcoming him! Want to learn more about the City of Danbury, CT: https://www.danbury-ct.gov/ Connect with Chick Volpe on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chick-volpe-a4727812/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

John Tigert currently serves as the Assistant Purchasing Manager for the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia - the most populous city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to his work at the City of Virginia Beach, John also served as the Purchasing Services Manager for Dorchester County, South Carolina, and the Procurement Manager for St. Louis County, Missouri. John has a Master's degree in Public Administration, and holds the NIGP-CPP, CPPO, and CPPB certifications from NIGP and the UPPCC, respectively. His areas of focus during his public procurement career have been on construction procurement, procurement process & policy development, and cooperative procurement. John is currently an active member of the Virginia Association of Governmental Procurement (VAGP) and serves the membership of VAGP on the Board of Directors. Want to learn more about the City of Virginia Beach: https://virginiabeach.gov/ Connect with John Tigert on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdt001/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Dr. Cheryl Sutton has worked for over two decades advocating for the utilization of minority and diverse-owned businesses in the public and private sectors. She has mastered relationship building and uses this skill as a powerful conduit to provide resources and opportunities to minority firms throughout North Carolina. She is passionate about providing equitable opportunities for diverse firms with the ability and readiness to participate in the evolving marketplace. When she identifies a need, her goal is to find solutions through her mantra, “Make Connections Count”. Throughout her career, she has left her fingerprint on multiple initiatives helping to support, empower, educate, and bring recognition to minority business owners. Most recently, she has received the following:  2023 - North Carolina's POWER 100 (Black Business Inc.)  2024 - Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Leader of the Year (Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce)  2024 - Corporate Partner of the Year (NAWBO – GR)  2024 - NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame Inductee (Advocacy honoree) A sampling of her signature programs includes the Women's Owned Business Symposium (City of Dayton), UNC Wilmington's HUB Academy, and she founded the Cape Fear Region Minority Enterprise Development Week (Wilmington, NC). Since joining the North Carolina Education Lottery in 2022, she created the Diversity Champions Resource Group to help facilitate ongoing conversations regarding inclusivity in purchasing decisions. Grateful for her professional success, when asked what is most important, she unapologetically acknowledges that “Family comes first, at all times”. Want to learn more about NC Education Lottery: https://nclottery.com/ Connect with Dr. Cheryl Sutton on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cheryl-d-sutton-06506812/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Meet the Experts: Michael Greene & Lisa Goodman | Procurement Professionals Join us as we feature two seasoned procurement professionals who are making an impact in the City of Tempe! Michael Greene, Procurement Administrator for the City of Tempe, has over 30 years of experience working in public sector organizations like the Arizona Department of Transportation and local school districts. With certifications as a C.P.M. and CPPO, Michael is an expert in the field. He holds a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management and a Master's in Public Administration from Arizona State University. Lisa Goodman, Senior Procurement Officer for the City of Tempe, brings over 28 years of purchasing experience to the table. She holds certifications including NIGP-CPP, CPPO, and CPPB. An advocate for public procurement, Lisa is an active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the National Procurement Institute. She earned her bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University. Learn more about their journeys and insights in public procurement! Want to learn more about the City of Tempe, AZ: https://www.tempe.gov/ Connect with Michael & Lisa on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-greene-1b634810/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamgoodmanaz/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

In this episode of the Government Coins podcast, we dive into the process of doing business with the City of Kirkland, Washington! Our host, ShaKeia Kegler-Gray, is joined by Jay, the Purchasing Agent for the City of Kirkland, who shares invaluable insights on how small and minority-owned businesses can effectively work with the city. Jay Gewin is the Purchasing Agent for the City of Kirkland, WA. He has worked for the city for 10 years and serves a population of approximately 92,000. Kirkland recently launched an Equity in Procurement program to engage with minority- and women-owned businesses. Jay enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and cheering for Seattle sports teams and the University of Washington. Whether you're a local business owner, entrepreneur, or someone interested in public procurement, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn how to navigate the city's purchasing processes and grow your business! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

As senior supplier diversity manager, Jessica manages Brasfield & Gorrie's efforts to champion inclusion through business opportunities with diverse suppliers and trade contractors. She conducts training and strategy sessions with preconstruction and project teams to establish project proposal strategies and coordinate outreach events. Jessica manages the EQUIP program, which was established in 2019 to provide industry education, meaningful networking, and access to upcoming project opportunities for our database of diverse suppliers and contractors. Additionally, she facilitates relationships with diverse industry/trade associations, representing the company at professional and community events throughout the region. Beyond our doors, she's on the social responsibility committee for the Georgia Hispanic Contractors Association, President of the Georgia Chapter of the U.S. Minority Contractors Association, co-chairs the Programs/Education Committee for the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, and co-chairs the communications committee for the National Association of Minority Supplier Development Council's Construction Industry Advisory Group. At home, she is married to her partner Jeff and together they have one child, Noah, who just started kindergarten, and a dog and a cat. Want to learn more about Brasfield & Gorrie: https://www.brasfieldgorrie.com/ Connect with Jessica on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mcmahan-248331166/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

William C. Randolph joined the federal government as a contract specialist in 1995 after graduating from college and enlisting in the United States Navy. During his federal career, William reached the highest level of civil service by being selected into the Senior Executive Service in 2009. In August 2016, William retired from the federal government with over 26 years of public service. After retirement, he joined an acquisition consulting firm as a Senior Consultant and Leadership Coach/Facilitator. In 2019, William founded THINK Acquisition, a government contracting firm, focused on increasing the individual and team effectiveness of all participants (government, industry, and academia) in the government contracting space in the areas of acquisition, contracting, program management, and leadership. He has to date consulted with over 20 government agencies and organizations and over 40 industry clients in the areas of acquisition strategy, program management, and strategic business development. William is a decorated United States Navy veteran (1988-1993), a David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award winner, a Federal Executive Institute (FEI) graduate and the recipient of the Navy/Marine Corps Meritorious Civil Service medal – and now the founder of MicroMarket.co, an online marketplace for government micro-purchase services. Want to learn more about MicroMarkets: https://www.micromarkets.co Connect with William on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-randolph-thinkacq/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Les McGaugh currently serves as the Procurement Director for the City of Fayetteville.  Les brings innovation and strategic vision to his role, striving for efficiency and effectiveness in procurement processes.  In addition to his professional endeavors, Les is deeply committed to public service and professional development. He serves as the President of both the Arkansas Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (ARNIGP) and the Arkansas Public Fleet Professionals Association (APFPA), where he advocates for excellence and innovation in governmental practices. Beyond his professional affiliations, Les is a dedicated spiritual leader, serving as a Pastor in his community. Les is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). With a diverse background encompassing various levels of public and community service, Les McGaugh brings unique perspectives on leadership and innovation. Want to learn more about Fayetteville, AR: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/ Connect with Les McGaugh on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-mcgaugh-624291187/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Shante' is the catalyst for positive change consistently paving the way for success among diverse businesses in the construction sector partnering with Samet. With a decade-long tenure as an educator in the Durham public school system Shante' passion for empowerment and palpable in every endeavor. Leveraging her teaching background, she infuses projects with a drive to up with other strategically guiding teams to meet MWE bid criteria and exceed HUB/MWBE goals, thereby nurturing growth within their teams and resumes alike. Drawing upon her intense project management, Shante's empathetically navigates the challenges faced by minority firms throughout the bidding process and on-site work. After helping others with their businesses, she finds time to nurture and grow her art business StrokesbySMS. Want to learn more about Sumet Corporation: https://www.sametcorp.com/ Connect with Shante' Stewart on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shante%E2%80%99-stewart-36808390/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Nita Piano is a creative entrepreneur, she started her professional journey as a church musician at age 12, igniting her passion for music and prompting her to share it through piano instruction. Transitioning to the business domain in 2017, she boldly presented her services to government entities, later pivoting to support small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.  Today, as the visionary founder and CEO of a distinguished creative program and project management agency called Bold Growth Agency, Nita spearheads projects that focus on minority contract recruitment, business development, project management, vendor development, and business inclusion programming. Her commitment to fostering diversity and small business inclusion is evident in her collaborations with both government bodies and multi-billion dollar corporations, where she champions transformative initiatives through Bold Growth Agency.    By empowering minority-owned businesses, Nita strives to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment, constantly innovating to address small businesses' distinctive challenges and disparities. Her agency's groundbreaking work extends to launching educational workshops and programs, dedicated to promoting collaboration, diversity, and positive change within the small business contract landscape. Want to learn more about Bold Growth Agency: https://www.theboldgrowthagency.com/ Connect with Nita Piano on: https://www.instagram.com/nitapiano/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitapianothebrand/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Shenê Commodore is a known figure in the contract management field for her expertise and dedication in formulating winning strategies for businesses navigating the complexities of government contracts. As the Founder and CEO of Commodore Consulting, LLC, she has been at the forefront of guiding organizations toward success in government procurement for 35 years. From her tenure as a government buyer across diverse sectors including healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction projects, to her role as a contractor, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics of government contracting from various industries. Drawing from this extensive background, Ms. Commodore leverages her expertise to develop procurement and leadership development courses to teach buyers and sellers. Her insights are informed by her credentials as a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and Fellow, reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence in facilitating better business practices for federal government engagement. Notably, Ms. Commodore has played an instrumental role in advancing the contract management profession, having served on the National NCMA Board of Directors. She continues to contribute significantly by lending her expertise to the NCMA National Board of Advisors and NCMA DEI Council. Driven by her passion for advocating for small businesses, Ms. Commodore is deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs to achieve financial freedom through innovative government contract solutions. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including being named one of the 25 Influential Women In Business by Minority Enterprise Advocate Magazine. Ms. Commodore was honored with the Security Industry Association's Government Policy award in 2014 for her impactful work in addressing government regulation challenges that create barriers for small business in the physical security industry. At Commodore Consulting, Ms. Commodore leads a team that offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to guide organizations through the intricate landscape of government compliance and procurement processes. From contract management and strategic planning to proposal writing, GSA services, 8a, and specialized training, Commodore Consulting remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating client success in the realm of government contracting. https://www.commodoreconsulting.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Melanie Patterson is the founder and CEO of Team Integrity Empire-Team Integrity Knowledge Center and Integrity Global Logistics. She is birth from the Chicago landscape and has turned her pain into purpose. From alternative school to an advanced Master's degree in Emergency Room Nursing she has showcased her leadership as an innovative businesswoman. From mentoring over 200 students to a $2.5M Government contract in transportation she is bound for the greatest impact on other minority women. https://www.teamintegrityknowledgecenter.com/ https://www.integritygloballogistics.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

In this episode, Thiané D. Carter, Director of Small Business Programs at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport Authority (RDU), discusses her experience in managing and implementing programs that ensure equal opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses in the airport contracting process. Ms. Carter has over a decade of experience in DBE/ACDBE program development and administration and will share her insights on navigating these programs for contracting success. https://www.rdu.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

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Kourey is a seasoned professional, distinguished by her passion for creating opportunities and fostering inclusion in procurement and supply management. She currently serves as the manager of the Office of Supplier Diversity at the City of St. Petersburg, where she leads a dynamic team of professionals and where she is championing change in procurement processes and policies centered around workforce development, wages, and small and diverse business communities. Armed with a background in interdisciplinary studies and law, she possesses a distinctive perspective that fuels her prowess in process implementation, program development, and compliance. Throughout her career, Kourey has been an advocate for enhancing opportunities and fostering an environment where small and diverse businesses are equipped to succeed. Her approach is characterized by a commitment to seeing the bigger picture, considering multiple perspectives, and pinpointing opportunities for improvement in processes and policies. Kourey is an advocate for diversity, actively engaging in outreach efforts, industry events, and conferences to amplify the importance of supplier diversity. Learn more about the City of St. Petersburg, FL and the work they do: https://www.stpete.org/ Office of Supplier Diversity https://www.stpete.org/business/procurement/supplier_diversity.php https://www.stpete.org/business/index.php https://www.stpete.org/business/small_business_assistance/index.php https://www.stpete.org/business/procurement/index.php https://www.usf.edu/business-finance/purchasing/doing-business-with-usf/index.aspx --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Join us this Thursday featuring Jessica Gaskins, a seasoned professional supporting the SBA Office of Government Contracting Area III in Atlanta, GA. With extensive experience as a Procurement Center Representative (PCR), Jessica's journey began in 2009 with the Army Contracting Command before transitioning to SBA in 2019. She has demonstrated versatility, having served as a PCR and later as a Size Specialist. Jessica briefly explored a role as a Contracting Officer Representative at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, showcasing her international experience before returning to SBA in 2023. Her academic qualifications include a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree from Norfolk State University. Notably, Jessica is certified in FAC-C Professional and FAC-COR, underlining her expertise in the field. Tune in to learn from Jessica's rich professional journey and insights into government contracting. Doing Business with SBA Area III https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/counseling-help/contracting-area-directors --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Join us in this insightful interview with E. Darlene Bullock, Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). With over 27 years of experience in procurement, federal assistance, and acquisitions management, Ms. Bullock brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Prior to her current position, Ms. Bullock served as a Division Director and Contracting Officer in the DHS Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), overseeing billions of dollars in procurement annually. Notably, she led the award process for the first DHS-wide Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts, valued at $1.5 billion and set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Ms. Bullock's distinguished career includes leadership positions at various Federal and local agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the District of Columbia Government. She began her acquisition career with the U.S. Army and is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Ms. Bullock's insights and experiences in fostering small and disadvantaged businesses within the DHS procurement landscape. Subscribe now for more updates and interviews with industry leaders. Doing Business with DHS https://www.dhs.gov/topics/do-business-dhs Business Opportunities at DHS https://www.dhs.gov/business-opportunities For questions: dhsosdbu@hq.dhs.gov --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Welcome to Government Coins podcast, the podcast designed to dismantle entry barriers by educating the small business community and providing them with more insight on how to navigate the government contracting landscape. In this episode, we will delve into the initiatives driving inclusion and opportunity within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) through its Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program. Join us as we explore how DISD is fostering an environment where diversity isn't just celebrated but actively cultivated in its contracting and purchasing endeavors. We'll highlight the various facets of DISD's M/WBE Program, from providing equal opportunities for participation to monitoring contract compliance and promoting networking and outreach initiatives. Whether you're a vendor looking to engage with DISD, a community member interested in economic empowerment, or simply passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion, this podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us as we champion diversity and equity within the Dallas ISD and beyond. Learn more about Dallas Independent School District and the work they do: https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/52108 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Dwan Courtney is the Director of UF Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD), which promotes and facilitates the use of small and diverse businesses by UF departments and academic units. Through collaborative relationships with the campus, the local community, agencies, and business leaders, she develops programs and services aimed at encouraging and supporting small business participation in university procurement opportunities. Prior to returning to the institution, Dwan was the Small Business Program Coordinator at the City of Gainesville. Proceeding this position, Dwan was the Marketing and Communications Specialist in Small Business & Vendor Diversity Relations, in which she was instrumental in administering many of the department's outreach events, including the UF Mentor Protégé Program, monthly business development workshops, and the annual vendor fair. Dwan loves what she does because she believes in the mission. https://www.ufl.edu/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

In this episode meet Dr. PJ – Porscha Jackson, PhD – a powerhouse in Houston's small business ecosystem! As the Business Development Manager at the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), she's not just managing programs; she's the secret sauce for small businesses hungry for success. Picture her as a go-to mentor, helping entrepreneurs navigate the business labyrinth and representing OBO with flair at community events. Beyond her city role, Dr. PJ is an author, penning "Pursuing Legacy" and contributing her brilliance to academic texts and anthologies. With a heart for the underdog, she's not just a professional rockstar but a community champion, fighting for inclusivity and brighter futures. Learn more about the City of Houston, TX, and the work they do: https://www.houstontx.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Michele Torres is the Business Inclusion Manager for the Charlotte Business Inclusion Office, City of Charlotte. Michele provides operational leadership to the Office of CBI, inclusive of office management, budget operations, coordinating outreach events, and serving internal and external committees. In addition, Michele is tasked with planning and coordinating programs and activities overseeing development, compliance, and reporting. Before entering her current role, Michele was the Business Diversity Programs Manager, and later, Office of Civil Rights Manager at Charlotte Douglas International Airport for seven years. In her role at the Airport, Michele was responsible for administering the Charlotte Business Inclusion (CBI), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), Limited English Proficiency, Davis Bacon Act, and the ADA Programs. In her role, she sat on various boards including the Airports Council International Business Diversity Steering Group, where she represented large hub airports in the United States and Canada in the area of business diversity, equity, and inclusion. Michele also currently serves as the chair of an Airport Cooperative Research Program panel dedicated to increasing minority and women-owned business participation at airports. Michele moved to the Charlotte area from New Jersey almost 9 years ago. She has a Bachelor's degree from Montclair State University and a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix. Learn more about the City of Charlotte, NC, and the work they do: https://www.charlottenc.gov/Home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Shemeka Davis is an MWBE Analyst in transition to become the MWBE Officer for the City of Rochester effective January 15th, 2023. As the MWBE Analyst supporting the MWBE Officer, Shemeka processes the MWBE plans for public works construction, professional services, as well as commodities goods and services. Shemeka gathers and reports all MWBE participation for the City of Rochester. To maintain meeting the MWBE goals, Shemeka's work provides technical assistance to certified MWBE firms to ensure equitable access to contracting opportunities. Business owner who wish to apply for the MWBE certification can contact Shemeka to receive assistance. Shemeka also provides training workshops on how to do business with the City of Rochester. Shemeka has a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Alabama A & M University. Her urban planning background, skills, and experience have been utilized throughout her tenure at the City of Rochester many projects and programs are implemented and are still used today. Prior to working with the City of Rochester, Shemeka managed a computer and electronic repair facility for over a decade. It is those entrepreneurial skills and experience that provide understanding to the constituents she serves every day. Outside of the City of Rochester, Shemeka is active in the community as a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Shemeka helps support the needs of women as a board member of the non-profit Dress For Success and also volunteers for a non-profit that supports families affected by the criminal justice system. Shemeka is a mother to an eight-year-old daughter and enjoys all things nature-related including gardening. Learn more about the City of Rochester, NY, and the work they do: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Sylvia Warren, a native Floridian, is a graduate of St. John's River State College where she received a degree in Business Administration and Management, Santa Fe College where she received a BAS Degree in Organizational Management, and Saint Leo University where she received her MBA. She is also currently a 2023 doctoral candidate. She began her career in the Finance industry, where she gained over nine years of experience. For several years, she served in a supervisory capacity. Sylvia Warren has been employed with the City of Gainesville, Office of Equity & Inclusion, since 2011, where she serves as the Equal Opportunity Manager. She oversees the small business procurement program and affirmative action programs. Some of her responsibilities include conducting independent research, studies, and surveys while making recommendations to the EO Director based on developments in these various areas. She also monitors all hires, transfers, demotions, promotions, and terminations for compliance with equal opportunity laws, policies, procedures, guidelines, and related matters. She is enthusiastic about serving her community and has worked with the City of Gainesville for approximately 12 years, performing equal-opportunity work. These experiences have cultivated in her a desire to work to promote equity in the workplace and the community at large. Learn more about the City of Gainesville, FL, and the work they do: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Adrina Gibson joined the City and County of Denver's Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) in 2019 serving as the Chief Officer of the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO). In this role, she leads DSBO's key program areas: Certification, Business Utilization, Contract Compliance, Forensic/Investigation, Strategic Development, and Community Engagement/Outreach programs. Fostering a more equitable playing field on public contracts, DSBO encourages and advocates for the utilization of small and disadvantaged businesses on construction projects, professional services projects, and for the procurement of goods and services, as well as local concessionaire opportunities. Gibson leads a dynamic and passionate team that supports the growth, capacity, and sustainability of small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. Most notably, under Gibson's leadership, DSBO: • Received a unanimous vote from Denver City Council to reauthorize the revised DSBO Ordinance; this law prevents discrimination, maximizes opportunities, and builds equity for small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses • Adopted Rules and Regulations of the programs it oversees as additional guidance of the DSBO Ordinance • Implemented and administered the Citywide Mentor Protégé Program and Bridging the Gap to provide strategic development to small businesses • Oversees compliance oversight of nearly $100 million worth of city contracts that are awarded annually to certified small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. • Facilitates the convening of city agency executive leadership and the Mayor's Office through the Business Equity Leadership Team (BELT) to operationalize key priorities of the small business community. Prior to joining the City and County of Denver, Gibson worked at the Regional Transportation District (RTD) as the Manager of the Small Business Office, whereby she devoted her leadership to economic development, civil rights, community activism, and capacity growth of small and disadvantaged businesses. After starting out as an intern, she served 12 years in a variety of positions within the Small Business Office of RTD's Civil Rights Division, as a manager, consultant, and DBE/SBE project manager. As a Denver native, she is dedicated to the community she serves. Gibson's passion for her community began early in life while in high school she interned several summers at the Metro Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), while in college conducted research and civic engagement projects on social constructs affecting women and minorities and today volunteers assist underserved communities. Learn more about the City & County of Denver, CO, and the work they do: https://www.denvergov.org/Business --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Sky Williams, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Sky is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in municipal government. She's not your average professional; Sky is a visionary leader and change catalyst, known for her exceptional skills and dedication to fostering equity and diversity. Sky's journey is marked by a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. Her technical prowess is unmatched, encompassing a wide range of tools, including Excel, Hyperion, and IBM Blueworks. Sky excels in data analysis, project management, and program design, demonstrating her versatility in tackling complex challenges. In her role as Senior Management Analyst at the City of Fort Worth Water Utility, Sky led transformative initiatives, such as the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) workflow mapping, showcasing her ability to find innovative solutions. Sky is not just a data-driven analyst; she's also a people-focused leader. Her role as Administrative Services Coordinator saw her driving organizational culture change and policy standardization. She excels in talent management, performance evaluations, and employee engagement. Recently, Sky embarked on a new challenge within the Diversity and Inclusion Department, where she leads efforts to address race, equity, and diversity. Her mission is to align diversity and inclusion efforts across the organization, making Fort Worth a more inclusive city for all. Sky's accomplishments are too numerous to list exhaustively, but one thing is clear: she is a force to be reckoned with. Get ready to be inspired as she takes the stage to share her remarkable journey and dedication to a brighter, more inclusive future. Sky represents limitless possibilities and an unwavering commitment to positive change. Christina Brooks, City of Fort Worth Chief Equity Officer Christina is a results-driven equity, diversity, access, and inclusion professional with twenty years of experience working with underrepresented populations. As the City of Fort Worth's first Chief Equity Officer and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Department, she is responsible for the enforcement of the City's Non-Discrimination Ordinance for Fair Housing, Fair Employment, Public Accommodations, ADA and Title VI, and the Business Equity Ordinance for equitable access in City contracting and procurement and capacity building of underrepresented businesses. The newly created Department of Diversity and Inclusion supports several City Boards, Commissions, and Advisory groups including the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission, the Business Equity Advisory Board, the Mayor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities, and the City Diversity and Inclusion Committee for Staff. Before joining the City of Fort Worth, she served in the City of South Bend's Mayor's Office as the first Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the City under Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Christina holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University at South Bend with concentrations in Political Science and History and a Master's in Non-Profit Administration from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business. Christina also holds a Master Compliance Administrator certification and holds Municipal Emergency Management Institute certifications from FEMA. Christina and husband Reggie have been married for over 29 years and together have 5 children. Christina was instrumental in facilitating the CDFI Friendly development process in both South Bend and Fort Worth. Learn more about the City of Fort Worth and the work they do: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/Home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

In this week's episode, we will be guested by Kevin Jennings, founder and CEO of Government Cheese. Kevin Jennings embodies resilience and determination. After facing a complete loss in the 2008 crash, he fought back, carving a niche in real estate and construction, and generating over $350 million in revenue. His tenacity led him to secure significant government contracts and a 10-year Super Bowl deal, with his achievements spotlighted by Rolling Stones Magazine. In 2017, Kevin sold one of his companies to a private equity firm. There, he masterminded acquisitions and mergers exceeding $100 million. Kevin's story is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to turn setbacks into monumental successes. Learn more about the Government Cheese and the work they do: https://thegovernmentcheese.org/ You can follow Kevin Jennings on his social media platforms: https://www.instagram.com/gov_cheese/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-jennings-b59727122/ https://www.facebook.com/govcongreats --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Bogdan Avasiloae is a Purchasing Manager at the City of Deerfield-beach Florida. He is working with and under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, this position is responsible for highly specialized, professional administrative and supervisory work to oversee and unify the City's purchasing and contract administration functions; serves as the City's central point of contact regarding the purchase of contracts for commodities, goods, and services for the City departments and outside agencies; responsible to monitor and ensure the City's consistency and legal compliance with procurement policies, procedures and methods, and requirements of federal, state, and local laws. Bogdan manages and supervises the procurement of commodities and services used by the City using direct purchase, formal and informal quotes, and various methods of formal competitive solicitations, sole source, or other acceptable methods of acquisition. He ensures compliance with applicable guidelines, regulations, laws, and ordinances established by the City or other outside agencies. He also prepares and submits Commission agenda items to department directors and/or the City Manager related contract awards and other procurement-related items. Bogdan negotiates and confers with vendors on terms, conditions, and pricing; analyzes bid and proposal responses for responsiveness. He serves as a consultant to departments for the sourcing of the acquisition of commodities, services, construction, and professional services including CCNA. He maintains accurate records related to the procurement of goods and services in compliance with Florida's Public Records law. Mr Avasiloae acts, or delegates, as the City's representative for various procurement organizations including the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing Cooperative Group, and the National and Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP. And abides by the NIGP Code of Ethics. Learn more about the City of Deerfield-beach and the work they do: https://www.deerfield-beach.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Charles Spencer is the Procurement Director for the City of Plantation. He has been working in the Public Procurement/Purchasing profession for the past twenty-three (23) years. He is a Florida Certified Contract Manager and a Florida Certified Contract Negotiator, Certified Public Procurement Associate, and a Certified Public Procurement Professional. Charles Spencer is an active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), the Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP, and the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO). He holds numerous certificates relating to the Procurement profession and is always actively seeking to broaden his knowledge by continuing his education through continuing education courses and seminars. A few of Charles Spencer's notable achievements: He wrote the City of Plantation's first Procurement manual, and he started an annual education session for staff concerning procurement/purchasing to ensure all rules were being followed and to maximize competition. Charles Spencer also streamlined the procurement processes, and successful transition a Procurement Division to a Procurement Department. He has a passion for Procurement and believes that the process and outcome should end as a “win/win” for both parties and tries to obtain this goal within the State, County, and Local Laws. Learn more about the City of Plantation and the work they do: https://www.plantation.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Mr. Marcos possesses close to 30 years of public procurement professional experience, with 25 years at the executive/managerial level. He is known to be a transformational organizational leader, a subject matter expert in his profession, and recognized for his leadership in attaining organizational excellence in procurement. Throughout his career, he has implemented new technologies and software programs; re-engineered business practices; mentored employees and changed the organizational culture by encouraging employees to be innovators and forward-thinking; drafted laws, policies, and procedures all in an effort to achieve best practices and high performance in the various organizations he has worked for. Mr. Glenn Marcos is the Chief Procurement Officer/Assistant Finance Director for the City of Fort Lauderdale. Before serving in his current capacity, he was the former Assistant Director of Purchasing for Broward County; Assistant Director and Director of Purchasing for the City of Miami; and Assistant Director of Purchasing for the City of Coral Gables. Some of Mr. Marcos's career highlights include forming the Lauderhill Police Department in 1994 and both the City of Aventura and the Aventura Police Department in 1996. He also assisted in drafting the City of Miami's current Procurement Law and authored the City of Coral Gables' first Procurement Law. Mr. Marcos has also been involved in successfully implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Financial Integrated system at the City of Miami, City of Aventura, Broward County, and Fort Lauderdale. He has served as an expert witness and testified in legal matters of dispute and controversy in Court, interrogatories, and depositions. He also has been a speaker, moderator, and presenter for national, regional, state, and local public sector professional associations and chapters. Under his leadership, guidance, and stewardship his various procurement organizations have been recognized and bestowed with over 25 major awards for optimizing procurement practices, technology, professionalism, and efficiency. Mr. Marcos holds a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science with a Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Mass Communication from Florida International University. He also attended law school at Nova Southeastern. He is currently nationally certified as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), and state certified as a Florida Certified Purchasing Manager (FCPM) and Florida Purchasing Agent (FCPA). https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Sandra Hammerstein is the SBE M/WBE Programs Compliance Officer for the City of West Palm Beach. She is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the communications and procurement fields. Hammerstein has had extensive experience in community outreach and education, public relations, and communication strategies to reach diverse audiences. Learn more about the City of West Palm Beach and the work they do: https://www.wpb.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Natalie Richmond Assistant Director of Procurement Learn more about the City of Miramar and the work they do: https://www.miramarfl.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Colette Holt represents public agencies and private firms on issues related to civil rights, public contracting, and affirmative action. She has broad experience in conducting defensible disparity studies, expert witness consulting and testimony, drafting legislation and policies, designing programs, managing initiatives, defending affirmative action programs, and counseling private firms on compliance with diversity requirements. Ms. Holt serves as General Counsel to the American Contract Compliance Association and is an author and frequent media commentator on these issues. Ms. Holt received her B.A. in Philosophy from Yale University and her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. She was a Law Clerk to the former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Prior to developing her own practice, she was associated with a large law firm, Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, and Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Park District. She is a former Adjunct Professor at Loyola University School of Law and the John Marshall Law School. Learn more about Colette Holt & Associates and the work they do: http://www.mwbelaw.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Leveraging entrepreneurial vision and drive, Enovia Bedford thrives in startup and early-stage environments, working to drive profitable growth by coordinating clients with industry-leading companies, partners, and sponsors. Her experience encompasses diverse industries, with a special talent for marketing, p.r., social media branding, event planning, and relationship building. Enovia prides herself on developing and implementing engaging and impactful influencer programs, workshops, and campaigns. Originally from New York, Enovia moved to North Carolina in 2015 where she became the Marketing Director for a restaurant group and Co-Founded  BLKTECHCLT, the first community for black entrepreneurs and technologists in Charlotte, NC which was acquired in 2021. Enovia's current role is Founder in VettDeck, a crowdsourced lead generation platform for the sponsorship and event industry. Vett Deck creates insights for multicultural markets to make impactful decisions about who they partner with and prospect for sponsorship. In previous roles, Enovia has provided creativity, innovation, and leadership to marketing and branding activities, including experiential, print, digital, and social media campaigns. Furthermore, she's cultivated sponsorships and partnerships with industry leaders such as Keurig, Jim Beam,, Wal-Mart, Candies, JCPenney's, Top Shop, Airbnb, Tito's, Jack Daniels, and more. As an effective team leader, she's astutely managed budgets and all project/campaign resources. Enovia collaborates well with all levels of professionals, from vendors to street teams to CEOs and marketing/sales executives leading to VettDeck serving hundreds of clients.   Enovia is both creative and strategic, providing the vision and direction needed to define company goals, promote a brand to consumers, drive growth, and optimize revenue generation. Follow Enovia Bedford on IG for all tips and gems about her experiences: https://www.instagram.com/novey.b/ https://www.instagram.com/vettdeck/ Learn more about Vettdeck and the work they do: https://vettdeck.com/home-page-3/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Dr. Kizzy M. Parks is the President of GovCon WinnersTM As a kid, she cleaned golf balls located in an alley behind her friend's house and them through a fence to golfers. She used the money to buy FUNYUNS® and Nutty Bars. Today, she owns and operates multiple businesses and has over $60 million in federal government contract awards. She's been featured in Entrepreneur® Magazine has a successful YouTube Channel and served on the National Guard (NG) Joint Diversity Executive Council (JDEC). Through GovCon WinnersTM her coaching clients have won over $3 million in federal government contracts in less than 6 months. Follow Dr. Kizzy Parks on IG for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.instagram.com/kizzymparks/ Learn more about GovCon Winners and the work they do: https://www.govconwinners.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Km! Ra was born in Jamaica. Previously he worked with the State Department, Immigration and naturalization service, the Department of Homeland Security, and Miami-Dade County. And currently the Purchasing & Contracts Director at the City of Palm Beach Gardens since 2012. Km! enjoys playing classical piano, among other things. Learn more about the City of Palm Beach Gardens and the work they do: https://www.pbgfl.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

“Everything I do is in service of others. Every single thing I do, I was born to do.”  Danie Spikes is a certified professional relationship coach, public speaker, and award-winning businesswoman. As CEO of Beloved Inc., Danie approaches every business and project as an opportunity to fulfill the basic needs and desires most humans share: self-love, fulfilling relationships, confidence, and healing.  This approach has led her to create a number of businesses. BeLoved Box, a fragrance house and body care brand she leads with her husband, Stephen, started with an all-natural home remedy for his eczema, and can now be found in hotels around the world. Luv and Lavender began as a birthday celebration and has grown into a one-day retreat for women who may not have a whole week to take a vacation but still need to carve out time for self-care. As CEO of a thriving beauty brand, Danie created Hello Beauty to bring together a community of other women in the industry, especially those early in their journeys, to support, encourage, and learn from one another.  Learn more about Danie Spikes and the work they do: https://www.iamdanispikes.com/ https://belovedbox.com/ Follow Danie on IG accounts: https://www.instagram.com/lovecoachdanispikes/ https://www.instagram.com/belovedbox/ https://www.instagram.com/hellobeauteorg/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Dr. Lauren Josephs is a Social/Behavioral Scientist and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Visionary Vanguard Group, Inc. –a consulting firm which uses research, evaluation, training & technical assistance to help organizations eliminate disparities and achieve equitable outcomes. Her work has been done on the national level for both private corporations and governmental entities. In previous roles, she was a Health Disparities Researcher at the Center for Health Futures at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) where she was responsible for research, and evaluation of culturally appropriate community initiatives designed to improve the health of underserved, underinsured, and minority populations. Dr. Josephs started her career as a Mental Health A counselor working with juvenile-justice-involved youth. She has been a Florida-licensed psychotherapist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) for over two decades. Dr. Josephs has worked collaboratively to address health and healthcare disparities, gender inequities, childhood trauma, as well as other issues impacting minority and under-resourced communities. Her work has been presented at the International Family Violence and Child Victimization Research Conference, the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare, the Florida Health Disparities Conference, the National Youth at Risk Conference, Georgetown Institutes, Baylor University, and numerous others. Dr. Josephs obtained master's and Specialist Degrees in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida (UF). She earned a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, an interdisciplinary program drawing from the fields of public administration, social work, health management & research, criminal justice, governance, and public policy, from the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is currently a member of the Collaborative Community Council, a subcommittee of the AdventHealth Orlando Board of Trustees. She also serves on the boards of Embrace Families Solutions, and Passionate Heart Ministries. She previously served on the executive committee of the boards of Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County, Central Florida Partnership on Health Disparities, and Community Health Centers. Dr. Josephs has received several awards for her work including the Orange County Public Health Equity Heroes Award from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, in 2016 and the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Doctoral Program in Public Affairs at UCF, in 2017. She was born on the island of Jamaica and currently resides in Orlando, FL. Follow Dr. Lauren Josephs on IG for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurenjosephs/ Learn more about VV Group Inc and the work they do: vvgroup.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Althea A. Harris has been helping businesses her entire federal career which began in 1993 at the U.S. Department of Commerce with the late Secretary Ronald H. Brown; there, she traveled worldwide in support of small and medium-sized exporters. Then she helped small business owners compete for federal contracts while at the U.S. General Services Administration in the Office of Enterprise Development. Having held several positions within the SBA office in Miami since 1999, Althea now serves as the Deputy District Director overseeing a staff that implements SBA's mission throughout the District's 24-county territory and advocating on behalf of the estimated 2 million+ small business owners. She is responsible for the daily operation of the District Office in Miami and the Alternate Work Site in Tampa, Florida. Althea is also the Faith- & Community-Based Initiative Coordinator for the office. A graduate of Howard University and the University of Miami School of Law, Althea is also active in her community. She currently shares her time and talents as the Board Chairman of Greater Miami Youth for Christ and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. A Washington, D.C. native, Althea shares her life and love with her husband, their four wonderful children, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback. Learn more about SBA and the work they do: https://www.sba.gov/district/south-florida Email: althea.harris@sba.gov --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Mrs. Dudly Etienne-Harvard is the President of Dudly's Professional Services (DPS). DPS is a certified small and woman-owned business within the tri-county areas in South Florida and Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard has been providing Community Engagement, Project Control, Technical Services, and Project Administrative and Small Business Support within the construction industry since 2010. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard's expertise spans both individuals as well as organizations. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard earned her B.A. in Construction Engineering Technology from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to starting her business, Mrs. Etienne-Harvard held several positions in Commercial Construction with an emphasis on Education, Parks & Recreation, Hospitality, Health Care Facilities, and much more. Dudly had service contracts ranging from $1.5 million to $75 million; projects include the Broward County Convention Center & Hotel Center, City of Pompano Beach Surtax Dixie Highway, Café 601 Renovation, American Airline Arenas Capital Improvement Projects, Paramount World Center, Coconut Grove Elementary School, Kenwood K-8 Center, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Cooper High School and more. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard takes pride in ensuring her clients are knowledgeable on the impact of hiring small businesses on profitable projects and engaging with the community when potential job opportunities arise within their projects. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard believes small businesses and working citizens are the force behind a successful economy. Once an opportunity is given, it will allow that firm or individual to strive further than they can imagine. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard's love for small businesses extends beyond construction. Mrs. Etienne- Harvard purchased a commercial location in the city of North Miami, Florida. There she provides intimate spaces for micro and small business owners. Most small business owners meet clients at their local coffee shops. At our CoSpace location, you can bring your client and team members to a location that is professional, personal, and localized. Venture into our website for more information or let's customize a package for you. We will be more than glad to serve you. Currently, Mrs. Etienne-Harvard is the Co-Chair on the Construction Committee for the Miami Dade County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the CBT College Advisory Committee Board (Miami Garden Campus), the City of Fort Lauderdale Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Advisory Board for Florida A& M University Construction Engineering Technology Program. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard was a part of the Marketing board with NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction). Also, Mrs. Etienne-Harvard was Co-Chair of the Marketing committee for the South Florida National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). During her time with NABWIC, she helped facilitate and organize the first Industry Day Program at Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C. Industry Day helped educate the youth on the various occupations within the Architecture, Aviation, Construction, and Engineering industry. Since the launch of the program, NABWIC frequently conducts Industry Day programs in Washington, D.C., and South Florida. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZG8b3wnNh9XYWQZV2KR0aw/join --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Ms. Tisha Blue-Warren is currently the Industry Liaison for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Procurement Operations (OPO). Her role as the Industry Liaison is to interface with the industry, to the maximum extent practicable, to increase awareness of OPO initiatives and priorities and to provide insight on how to do business with DHS. By trade, Tisha is a seasoned acquisition professional, a contracting officer with over 20 years of experience, and over 10 years of leading people, leading change with a results-driven approach to government contracting and procurement. Previously, she served as an Associate Director for OPO Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Acquisition Division (CWMDAD) where she provided customer support to CWMD Systems Support Division (SSD) and served as the principal business advisor providing oversight for all SSD acquisition program procurements from the cradle to the grave for Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) detection devices, Minor Construction, Architect-Engineer, Inter/Intra Agency Agreements (IAAs) and Advisory & Assistance Services (A& AS) contracts. Tisha obtained her B.S. in Political Science from Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, and her M.A. degree in Computer Resources Information Management from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Sorority. Learn more about DHS-OPO and the work they do: https://www.dhs.gov/office-chief-procurement-officer Email: OPOIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov DHSOSDBU@hq.dhs.gov. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Mariel Reed is co-founder and CEO of Pavilion, a venture-backed marketplace for state and local public procurement. Pavilion enables public servants to save time and money by purchasing from suppliers that have been pre-qualified by other public entities, and helps reduce the cost of selling into the $2T state and local public sector for businesses. Before founding Pavilion, Mariel served at the San Francisco Mayor's Office, where she worked on two of the greatest challenges and opportunities for local governments: procurement and talent, and was an early employee at Coursera, an education technology startup. Follow Mariel Reed on LinkedIn for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariel-reed-6b27a917/ Learn more about Pavilion formerly CoProcure and the work they do: https://www.withpavilion.com/ Website for suppliers: https://www.withpavilion.com/about/suppliers --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Entellect is a full life-cycle Business Development boutique company that works with companies to help scale their current processes and resources. Our cadre of experts helps companies scale up by augmenting their current resources and elevating their marketplace status to make them more competitive. In addition, we offer tailored solutions to expand a company's capabilities and efficiently support enduring success. Entellect has aided dozens of businesses in understanding the federal procurement landscape, navigating the competitive terrain, and winning contracts totaling more than $150B in value. We employ government contracting thought-leaders, individuals who share their knowledge with their clients and the GovCon community at large. These thought-leaders speak at AFCEA, regional PTACs, VETS, and other venues on GovCon topics, including partnering, debriefings and protests, capture management, pipeline management, and more. Entellect supports and mentors small businesses to understand and thrive in the GovCon market and provides executive coaching support to SDVOSB, 8(a), WOSB, and other minority-owned small business leaders. We provide various services, including Capture Management, Proposal Management, Strategic Pricing, Contracts Management, Financial Management, and Business Operations Optimization. These services are critical in allowing companies to win bids in the short term and become more efficient, cost-effective firms thereafter. As President of Entellect LLC, Ms. Tan Wilson provides full-lifecycle business support to primarily small businesses. She is an experienced and successful entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business development and program management across federal and commercial business sectors. As a supporter of the small business community, Ms. Wilson aids businesses in their strategic planning, business development, capture management, proposal management, partnership development, operations support, and leadership coaching. She brings extensive management experience in leading large project teams of diverse stakeholders, ranging from C-level executives. In addition, she was the 2021 Chair of AFCEA's Small Business Committee (SBC), Small Business Person of the Year for 2020, and has provided invaluable support to AFCEA small businesses. Ms. Wilson is also a Board Member on AFCEA International and Emeritus Chair of the SBC. Follow Tan Wilson on LinkedIn for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanwilsonpmp/ Learn more about Entellect and the work they do: entellectllc.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Jakayla Leathers is an entrepreneur, mom of 3, and the owner of Transform Floor Care & JS LLC. Transform is a DBE WOSB Facilities Maintenance firm that provides flooring solutions, installations, maintenance, janitorial services, and more. Jakayla's journey with the government included mistakes and lessons that she and her partner ultimately used as a stepping stone to their success. With lots of commitment, Jakayla went on to win her first Subcontract with a Military Housing Company and a 7 Figure Contract within her home state of SC. She now continues to grow her company while also helping others launch into the world of Government Contracting as a consultant. Follow Jakayla on Instagram for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.instagram.com/officialjakayla/ Learn more about Transform Floor Care & Janitorial Service LLC and the work they do: https://www.transformfloor.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Zach Berke, Founder & Managing Partner at Exygy Zach oversees Exygy's strategy, design, and engineering work. He serves as the Account Manager for clients such as Children's Council, CARE, REDF, Benetech, and the SF Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development. Zach founded Exygy in 2004 with a vision: innovation and technology will accelerate progressive social change. This vision led Zach to build Exygy, the market-leading innovation agency in the for-purpose sector. Zach wrote his first line of code at age six, designed his first website at 12, co-founded a non-profit at 18, graduated with High Honors at 22, completed his AmeriCorps*VISTA fellowship at 23, and then started Exygy. A Bay Area native and father of three, today Zach is dedicated to improving the health and resilience of his community. Learn more about Exygy and the work they do: https://www.exygy.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Colleen Finnegan is the Executive Director for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). She is responsible for oversight of programs that promote small business participation in DOI procurements, with special emphasis on socio-economic programs including Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Women-Owned Small Businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and Businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones). Ms. Finnegan began her federal career at the Department of Interior in 2007, at the Minerals Management Service. Originally overseeing the management and use of offshore sediment resources for coastal restoration and resiliency projects. Prior to her position with OSDBU, Ms. Finnegan served as the Acting Executive Chief and Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Resources within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, responsible for managing and developing offshore energy and mineral resources. Learn more about the Department of the Interior and the work they do: https://www.doi.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Nicole Jews grew up and currently lives in the small city of Rialto, California. Nicole has been in the field of Purchasing for over 15 years. She started her career as a part-time clerical aide with the City of Rialto, moved on to a non-profit as an Accounting Assistant, then worked at the San Bernardino International Airport as a Purchasing Supervisor. To gain additional contract background Nicole worked for Transportation Corridor Agency, which operates the toll roads, then moved on to OmniTrans, the largest bus transportation agency in San Bernardino. She finally worked her way to her current position as the Purchasing Manager for the City Banning. Nicole has her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources, from California State University, San Bernardino. She is currently working on her Master of Business Administration from Western Governor's University. Nicole has two young adult children, Natalie and Austin, who are the center of her world. Learn more about City of Banning CA and the work they do: https://banningca.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support