8 – 8:45 am: Breakfast / Registration / Networking
9 – 9:30 am: Welcome/Plenary Session:
Master of Ceremonies: Eric Alemany, Senior Director Supplier Relationship Management, NYPA
Safety Moment: Anne O’Malley, Sr. Supplier Diversity Specialist, NYPA
Keynote Speaker: Daniella Piper, EVP & Chief Innovation Officer, NYPA
9:30 – 10:30 am: Signature Fireside Chat: NYPA’s Expanded Authority and Modernizing New York’s Canal System: Making Transformative Investments in New York’s Infrastructure while Building Powerful Community Connections
Session Description: Join us for a fireside chat that ignites New York’s renewable energy future and revitalizes the NYS Canal system! Delve into exciting new possibilities as NYPA and Canals embarks on its journey in support of the NYS Governor’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
This is more than just a capital plan – it's a catalyst for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community revitalization.
Moderator: Yves Noel, SVP & Chief Strategy Officer, NYPA
Carley Hume, Chief of Staff & VP Policy, NYPA
Maribel Cruz-Brown, SVP Customer Solutions, NYPA
David Mellen, SVP & Regional Manager, NYS Canal Corp.
Patricia Lombardi, SVP Project Delivery, NYPA
10 – 11:30 am: 1 on 1 w/ Procurement Team
10:30 – 10:45 am: Break
10:45 – 11:30 am: MWBE and SDVOB Voices: Making an Inclusive Mark with NYPA and Canals Opportunities
Session Description: Hear directly from successful MWBE and SDVOB businesses as they share their journeys navigating the contracting landscape at NYPA and Canals.
Practical advice on how to leave your own mark, including tips for effective collaboration, delivering high-quality work, and building lasting relationships with NYPA and Canals.
Moderator: William Choi, Director Supplier Diversity, NYPA
Pablo Rodriguez, Cavalry Engineering (MBE, SDVOB)
Benjamin Houston, Groundpoint Engineering (SDVOB)
Donna Hager, President, Macan Deve (WBE)
Achaibar (Dan) Sawh, President, Haydan Consultants (MBE)
11:30 am - 12:15 pm: Forging Powerful Project Teams: Unlocking Prime-Sub Synergy
Session Description: Tired of project roadblocks? This power-packed session equips you with the essentials to build seamless collaborations, optimize resource utilization, and craft winning project plans.
Hear from both primes and sub-primes that found success with NYPA and Canals and made collaboration work for them!
Moderator: Melinda Lepage, Director, NYS Canal Corporation
Anne O’Malley, Sr. Supplier Diversity Specialist, NYPA
Brian Russell, VP, Project Execution, K&A Engineering
Janice A. Olmstead, President, Schupp's Line Construction
Ana Peraza, Program Manager, AECOM
Lus Haberberger, Chief Executive Officer, Lusco Technology
12:15 – 12:45 pm: Lunch
12:45 – 1:15 pm: Awards Ceremony
1:15 – 1:45 pm: Mentor Protégé Program Session
Session Description: The Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) connects diverse businesses (protégés) with established firms (mentors) to provide guidance and support. This conversation will platform diverse businesses that have thrived thanks to the MPP.
The program's goal is to foster a community where established firms can share their knowledge and experience to cultivate a pool of highly competitive and profitable M/WBE and SDVOB businesses. By participating in the MPP, protégés gain the tools and strategies needed to compete for projects and achieve their long-term business objectives.
This conversation will showcase the MPP's effectiveness in transforming M/WBE and SDVOB firms into thriving and independent entities.
Moderator: Gina Jackson, Supplier Diversity Program Administrator, NYPA
Adam Akmal-Gonzalez, Manager, Business Diversity – East, CDW
Oscar Martinez, Founder & CEO, Broadgrid Technology & Ozkar Services
Stacey Richter, Administrative Assistant, Elecnor Hawkeye, LLC
Rafiqul Chowdhury, President & Founder, Quadrant Engineering, P.C.
1:45 – 2:15 pm: Coffee & Dessert Break / Exhibitors
2 – 3:30 pm: 1 on 1 w/ Procurement Team
2:15 – 3:15 pm: NYPA Customer Facility Decarbonization and eMobility Programs - Who are NYPA’s Customers and How to Participate in their Projects?
Session Description: Join us for a deep dive into the statewide portfolio of clean energy projects spearheaded by NYPA. This session is your key to unlocking opportunities with diverse customers across the state, from NYCHA developments, SUNY campuses and more.
This session is your gateway to a world of opportunity in New York's clean energy landscape.
Moderator: Kevin King, Director Category Management, Strategic Supply Management, NYPA
Megan Blank, Director Implementation, NYPA
Ben Cuozzo, Director, DER Advisory Services, NYPA
John Raudenbush, Sr Director Program Implementation, NYPA
Nathan Anctil, Director Customer Business Development, NYPA
3:15 – 4:15 pm: Propel NY Energy - A Transmission Solution to Propel New York State’s Renewable Energy Future: Exploring Paths to Participate in Bolstering Resiliency & Reliability of New York State’s Electric Grid, Fostering Healthy Communities, and Delivering Statewide Benefits
Session Description: Are you ready to learn about a transformative clean energy infrastructure project planned for parts of Long Island, Westchester County and New York City? This dynamic session will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to participate in upcoming procurement activities to implement Propel NY Energy.
Moderator: Kaela Mainsah, VP, Environmental Justice, NYPA
Kylie Murphy, Category Manager, Renewables, NYPA
Ana Stachowiak, Sr. Program Director, Projects Development, NYPA
Gary DeWulf, Commercial Director, WSP USA
Vishal Patel, Director of Business Operations & Support, NY Transco
4:15 – 5 pm: Upgrading NY’s Original Economic Engine: What’s Next for MWBEs, SDVOBs and SBEs at NYPA and Canals Upstate Projects
Session Description: Join us for a high-octane session exploring the future of Upstate New York's projects and the exciting opportunities it holds for MWBEs, SDVOBs, and SBEs in the engineering, construction, and energy efficiency sectors, as well as many more! Dive deep into our ambitious projects, from revitalizing the iconic canals to modernizing critical infrastructure.
Don't miss this crucial session! Come prepared to accelerate your business and contribute to upstate New York’s dynamic comeback.
Moderator: Grant Johnston, Director, Transactional Procurement, NYPA
Lisa Beaty, VP, Technology Business Management, NYPA
Katherine Rougeux, Corporate Strategy Manager, NYPA
Jesse Scott, Canals Strategic Project Director, NYPA
Michael Doyle, Project Manager II, Operation Support Services, NYPA
5 – 5:05 pm: Closing