Two years ago, I attended a meeting in Kansas City with minority and women business program directors from across the country. Everyone there was like me – glad to finally meet our counterparts from various states and amazed to discover so many more program directors striving to do good things to assist firms in their states.
We all spoke about how unfortunate it was that there was no formal national association of state minority, women and disadvantaged executives, a group that could meet annually or bi-annually to discuss best practices, spotlight new initiatives and sponsor professional development for those of us in this industry. Well, that day has finally come.
Last week, the National Association of State Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (M/W/DBE) Directors officially incorporated to promote business development among minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises in communities and states throughout the United States.
I am proud to have been asked to serve as Vice-Chair of the inaugural board. The experience will allow me to bring the best ideas and initiatives from other states back to North Carolina, where their potential can be considered by the HUB Office, the N.C. M/WBE Coordinators’ Network and other key partners.
My colleagues, in turn, have expressed interest in our Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) Program and other efforts to improve opportunities for HUB firms to participate in state contracts. I look forward to demonstrating the leadership our state has shown in these and other areas as I collaborate with peers to help create a national climate that supports HUB firms.