ABAOC BizMatch 2022
A Virtual Event (via Airmeet)
Thursday, November 10 2022, 9am – 1pm PST
Presented by:
Program Schedule
9am-9:05am
Welcome Remarks
Jeffrey Bautista
9:05am-9:10am
National Anthem/America The Beautiful
9:10am-9:15am
President’s Message
Tom Nguyen
9:15am-10:15am
Resource Panel & QA
Host: Lindsey Poker
10:15am-11:15am
Certification Panel & QA
Host: Troy Nguyen
11:15am-12 noon
Interactive Buyer Showcase
12 noon-1:00pm
Virtual Exhibit Booth Hall
1:00 pm
Closing Remarks/Program Ends
Speakers & Panelists
Opening Remarks
Welcome Remarks
President’s Remarks
Resource Panel
Sylvia Gutierrez
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Sylvia works for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Orange County / Inland Empire District Office. She is an Economic Development Specialist and Women’s Business Outreach Representative. She has more than 20 years of experience in business development. Her marketing and outreach activities reach the tri-county area of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. She is invited to speak on SBA Programs and Services by various organizations including Radio and TV networks like Telemundo and Univision.
Sylvia is tasked with promoting and executing SBA Programs and Services consisting of business counseling and planning, management, access to capital, government contracting and certifications. She creates programs in English and Spanish. Sylvia is the District Office Technical Representative for two Women’s Business Centers in the Inland Empire. She works with Chambers of Commerce and ED professionals. Sylvia is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship.
Sylvia holds a B.A. Degree in International Relations from USC, and M.A. Degree from The American University in Washington, D.C., in International Economic Policy, Business, and Finance.
Sylvia is an active member and club officer of Toastmasters; she holds an Advanced Leadership and Toastmasters Silver Certificate.
In 2020 she was recognized as Women of the Year by Congressman Lou Correa of California’s 46th District.
In 2020, she was recognized as a Latina of Influence by Hispanic Lifestyles Magazine.
Karla Gonzalez
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Karla Gonzalez is currently a Business Consultant for the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC). She provides counseling and training services to businesses throughout the Inland Empire. Karla worked for more than five years with the Inland Empire Minority Business Enterprise, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce where she counseled business owners on the managerial and technical aspects of expanding their businesses, as well as the importance of sound financial management. She has a successful track record in government procurement and job creation. Karla has over 10 years’ experience in business management, government certifications, business administration, project management, budget/accounting, customer service, event planning, strategic planning, and real estate. Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Management along with a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Redlands. Karla is fluent in English and Spanish.
Mike Edwards
SCORE
Mike’s 45-year career in the durable goods industry led to strong expertise in Product Development, Manufacturing, and Sales and Marketing. Successfully combined three competing companies into a single performing unit of 1200 employees and $110M in sales. Has strong expertise in writing Business Plans, organizing companies, and Lean Start-up. More recently, he worked for a private investor to save a failing company by first executing a business turn-around and then successfully building a national brand through strengthening Distribution and Product Innovation. The business was sold at an attractive multiple.
Mike joined SCORE seven years ago. He served as the Workshop chair and moderator for the CEO Forum. Later became Chapter Chair for a two-year term and now serves as an advisor to the board.
Carma Lacy
County of Orange
Carma Lacy conquered her family circumstances through faith, education, and determination.
Carma Lacy is currently the Executive Director of the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB) and the Director of Workforce and Economic Development for Orange County. In this position, she not only creates local policies, but she also implements strategies to address education and workforce issues that impact local businesses and job seekers. She also provides fiscal and program oversight for over 30 million dollars in funding provided by the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, State of California Employment Development Division, Orange County Social Services Agency (Welfare to Work Program), and Orange County California.
The programs funded by the above entities support youth, adults, veterans, and dislocated workers with employment and education opportunities. Carma’s experience includes fifteen years in program administration, financial management, and investment oversight with the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation, the State of Ohio, Nationwide Insurance, BISYS Fund Services, and Huntington National Bank.
A product of the Columbus, Ohio public school system and an alumnus of the Franklin County Children’s Services Emancipation program, Carma holds a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University, MBA from Ohio Dominican University and a BS degree in Law concentrating in Paralegal Studies from Capital University Law School.
Carma contributes to the community by donating her expertise in project management, business development, and social media skills to local nonprofits. Her civic and charitable commitments include support for the following organizations: Foster Care Alumni of America, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Rise Sister Rise, the Ohio Sickle Cell Association, Gateway Health & Wellness Center, YMCA Homeless Shelter, Strategies against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.), Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, and Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
Carma is the ideal profile of a determined, efficacious adult that conquered her plight as a ward of the State of Ohio from the age of two to her emancipation from foster care at 18. Today, she is the proud mother of two boys and is surrounded by friends and colleagues that provide her with love, motivation, and support.
Lindsey Poker
Host
Coming soon!
Certification Panel
Marlene Nantell
SCMSDC
Marlene Nantell is the Director of Business Development and Community Outreach for the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council, a non-profit organization headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles that provides minority-owned entrepreneurs opportunities to compete for large corporate contracts by providing MBE Certification, as well as professional development programs, relevant workshops and networking events. In addition to helping grow the number of Minority Businesses and Corporate members, her role is to represent the council at various diverse business events and present on the value of certification; cultivate and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, partnering organizations and Corporate sponsors; create and develop programs and services for MBEs, specifically seeking to build capacity for large contracts; provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to partner and build their businesses through networking; serve as a liaison to the Minority Business Entrepreneur Input Committee (MBEIC), a standing committee of the SCMSDC Board of Directors, and ensure that MBE Certification is in compliance with national guidelines under the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
She is a Board member and Executive Secretary for the Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC), on the Corporate Advisory Board for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) and a member of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). She received her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of La Verne and a Master’s degree in Social Science from Humboldt State University.
Jaymee Lomax
WBENC-West
Jaymee Lomax is The Vice President of WBEC-West. WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, Women Business Enterprises and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification
standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam.
WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supplier diversity programs. Previously before taking on her new role Jaymee was the Senior Diversity Advisor for San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), a Sempra Energy utility. SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 860,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and Orange counties. The utility’s service area spans 4,100 square miles.
Jaymee is committed to Supplier Diversity and is very proud to be a part of the WBEC-West team. Jaymee is responsible for impacting women – owned business in the community through education, networking, and community development. Enhancing Corporation and WBEs relationships, outreach programs and creating business opportunities for WBEs.
Jaymee has shared her expertise and knowledge with the community by serving on Executive Boards and committees for several diverse organizations Jaymee is an award-winning diversity professional who has received numerous awards and nominations in recognition of her support in the diversity arena.
Joann Patty
CA Department of General Services (DGS)
Joann Patty currently serves as a Business Outreach Liaison at the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services, California Department of General Services. In this role, she educates business owners about the benefits and opportunities of pursuing a Small Business (SB) certification, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification, and contract opportunities with the state of California.
Joann is an experienced leader in workforce development. She has a proven record of accomplishment with over a decade of experience in obtaining and managing close partnerships with the County, State and Federal programs, Community Workforce Boards, and nonprofit partnerships.
Joann has a background in Labor Studies and Employment Relations and holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from California Institute of Integral Studies.
Jasmin Joseph
CPUC
Jasmin Joseph has extensive experience in compliance and management. Jasmin is the Certification Manager with the Supplier Clearinghouse who is responsible for managing the certification team, assessing productivity, reporting, analyzing certification applications, and determining eligibility for diverse businesses.
Troy Nguyen
Host
Troy Nguyen is Southern California Edison’s regional account manager for Orange County and works with Edison’s mass-market customer base to promote awareness of Edison’s Energy Efficiency programs and services. He serves as the company’s spokesperson in the Vietnamese community and also works as Edison’s liaison in working with the Cambodian and Filipino American business communities in Southern California. Mr. Nguyen’s passion is giving back to the community through involvement with nonprofit and volunteer efforts.
Buyer Showcase /
Virtual Exhibitors
Text “BUYERS” to (888) 832-3812
Link to Interactive BUYER Portal: https://app.thetagnetwork.com/tag/abaocbizmatch2022buyers
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Buyer Representative:
Gloria Burton
Advisor, Supplier Diversity and Development
Gloria Burton is a Program Manager, Supplier Diversity & Development at Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the nation’s largest electric utility. As such, she is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in support of healthier and strong communities with a clean energy future.
Gloria has over 25 years of Supply Chain experience and has supported many organizational business units across SCE as a Contract Manager.
Prior to joining Edison, Gloria worked for ARCO Products acquired by Beyond Petroleum in various capacities managing multi-million-dollar contracts within procurement and working with supplier diversity.
Gloria is very passionate in supporting youth programs. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and her granddaughter Syriah.
Gloria holds a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Redlands. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Pepperdine University.
Metropolitan Water District (MWD)
Lydia McGee
Principal Public Affairs Representative
About Rep:
Lydia McGee is the Principal Public Affairs Representative with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Through the Business Outreach program, she works to promote business and economic development in the area of contracting opportunities for regional, small, and disabled veteran businesses. This program represents a current reinvestment of more than $1 billion in small businesses. As the regional, small and disabled veteran business program outreach representative, she is charged with identifying and vetting businesses that are positioned and seeking to do business with the Metropolitan Water District.
Lydia oversees Metropolitan’s training, coaching, and mentoring programs for Small Business Enterprises, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, along with hosting and participating in various training workshops. Lydia hosts Business Outreach’s signature event Connect-2-Met and/or Connect-2-Vet twice a year. Lydia represents MWD in industry groups, professional organizations and supplier diversity advocacy groups, demonstrating MWD’s commitment to partner with and assist in the development of small business capacity building.
Resources
California Department of General Services (DGS)
Joann Patty
Business Outreach Liaison
About Rep:
Joann Patty currently serves as a Business Outreach Liaison at the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services, California Department of General Services. In this role, she educates business owners about the benefits and opportunities of pursuing a Small Business (SB) certification, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification, and contract opportunities with the state of California.
Joann is an experienced leader in workforce development. She has a proven record of accomplishment with over a decade of experience in obtaining and managing close partnerships with the County, State and Federal programs, Community Workforce Boards, and nonprofit partnerships.
Joann has a background in Labor Studies and Employment Relations and holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from California Institute of Integral Studies.
Resources
City of Hope
Flora Mayer
Manager of Supplier Diversity
About Rep:
Flora Mayer joined City of Hope as Manager of Supplier Diversity in 2022, leading COH’s supplier diversity program, including strategy development and execution as well as external and internal relations. Flora has extensive experience in sourcing, community involvement, and developing and implementing supplier diversity programs in previous roles held at Teradata Corporation and Sprint Corporation. Flora’s passion includes building and nurturing relationships with small and diverse businesses, supporting capacity building and mentorship, and advocating for small and diverse suppliers with the goal to secure and increase business opportunities. Flora earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is based in San Diego, CA.
Resources
SCORE
Mike Edwards
Manager of Supplier Diversity
About Rep:
Mike’s 45-year career in the durable goods industry led to strong expertise in Product Development, Manufacturing, and Sales and Marketing. Successfully combined three competing companies into a single performing unit of 1200 employees and $110M in sales. Has strong expertise in writing Business Plans, organizing companies, and Lean Start-up. More recently, he worked for a private investor to save a failing company by first executing a business turn-around and then successfully building a national brand through strengthening Distribution and Product Innovation. The business was sold at an attractive multiple.
Mike joined SCORE seven years ago. He served as the Workshop chair and moderator for the CEO Forum. Later became Chapter Chair for a two-year term and now serves as an advisor to the board.
Resources
SoCalGas
Vaughn Williams
Principal Supplier Diversity Advisor
About Rep:
Vaughn M. Williams III currently serves as the Principal Supplier Diversity Advisor for SoCalGas Company. In this capacity he is responsible for ensuring the advancement of small, minority and underrepresented businesses. Previously he served as Category Manager for Southern California Gas Company (A Division of Sempra Energy), his responsibilities included management of all staff augmentation, contracts negotiation and management, fostering long-term client relationships in the areas of engineering, food services and Human Resources.
Resources
AT&T
Roger Cheng
Sr. Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager
About Rep:
Roger Cheng recently joined AT&T as a Sr. Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager. Prior to AT&T, Roger spent the previous 14+ years with M/WBEs in the technology space leading business development through Supplier Diversity.
Roger, also known as “The Voice,” has served as emcee or VOG for a number of organizations across the country. In 2017, Roger was recognized as the #Hes4Shes Champion at the WBENC National Conference.
Resources
Caltrans
Michael Aguillio
Chief of the Outreach Branch
About Rep:
Michael Aguillio is the Chief of the Outreach Branch with the California Department of Transportation in the Office of Civil Rights. His office is dedicated to increasing the participation of Small Business (SB), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms in both Federal and State procurements.
He is the founding member and the Chairmen of the Board of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Public Agency Consortium. Both committees are dedicated to creating economic growth in their respected regions.
He worked with the Department of General Services as a Buyer and contract administrator for all the fuels (Gas, Jet, Biodiesel, Natural Gas) contracts. He also served as a Business Outreach and Diversity Inclusion Liaison for the State of California in the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services. He presided over the Statewide SB/DVBE Advocates Committee. Participated with the Buying Green program, High Speed Rail Project, and held positions with Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Highway Patrol and Energy Commission.
Resources
T-Mobile
Stacie Harwood
Sr. Program Manager, T-Mobile Supplier Diversity
About Rep:
Stacie Harwood is a 14-year T-Mobile veteran and responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Un-carrier’s Supplier Diversity team, which oversees organization-wide initiatives concerning diversity and opens doors for minority-owned businesses to thrive with the carrier.
In her current role, Stacie utilizes her proven interpersonal skills to speak with organizations about possibilities within T-Mobile while also working with suppliers to help get them certified and primed for success. Her impact spans multiple regions and national markets and can provide significant beneficial opportunities for professional entities across the U.S.
Before T-Mobile, Stacie built her repertoire as an accounts receivable specialist first at U.S. West Communications, then at kidney dialysis company DaVita before taking her talents to T-Mobile. Prior to her current role, Stacie gained invaluable experience as a program manager for the Un-carrier’s tower operations and safety team, ensuring tower climbers and their overseers remained safe and secure while helping to make the T-Mobile network sing.
Originally from Montana, Stacie and her husband currently reside in the greater Seattle area with their three dogs and two cats. The two humans of the household support various animal rescue organizations and love to travel abroad, preferably to lounge on warm sandy beaches.
Resources
Genesis Bank
Andrew Mort
SVP, Head of SBA & Government Guaranteed Lending
About Rep:
Andrew Mort, the Head of SBA and Government Lending, is responsible for leading the Bank’s focuses on banking small businesses under the lending programs of the SBA and other federal, state, and local government agencies. In his dynamic career he has over 30 years in banking and has 20 years of direct experience working with the SBA initially in business development and later in management.
Andrew began his banking career in 1991 as a credit analyst and eventually managed a credit department for Chase Manhattan Bank in Buffalo, NY. He moved to California in 1996 and began his sales career as a Business Development Officer (BDO) at Bank of America eventually moving into a sales position in their SBA group in 2001. He was the top SBA BDO with Bank of America nationwide for 6 straight years prior to joining City National Bank in 2012.
At City National Bank he worked as an SBA Business Development Officer for 3 years leading the SBA team in production each full year in the role. In 2015, he was promoted to SBA Business Development Manager overseeing the national SBA Business Development Officer team. In 2016, his role was expanded to include the Department management and creation of an SBA Loan Processing team that worked on the preparation of SBA loan documents. He also created the Bank’s SBA Tenant Improvement process.
Andrew graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1991 and holds an MBA along with degrees in Computer Science and Economics. He holds a certification from Robert Morris Associates for completing their credit program.
Resources
OCTA
Elia Verduzco
Community Relations Specialist
About Rep:
As a community relations specialist, Elia Verduzco has executed public outreach and diversity campaigns for the Hispanic, Vietnamese, and minority-owned business communities in Orange County. In her role at the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), she is responsible for providing public relations, public education, and community outreach services for public campaigns, as well as providing information on procurement processes and resources for the business community to enhance economic opportunities.
Resources