2026 Diversity & Procurement Summit

Hero image

Connect with government procurement officials, prime contractors, MWBEs, and business leaders at City & State’s Diversity & Procurement Summit. Learn about contracting opportunities, MWBE participation, supplier diversity, procurement trends, and strategies for successfully doing business with New York government agencies. Gain practical insights, build valuable partnerships, and discover opportunities to compete and grow in the public-sector marketplace.

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Thursday, November 12, 2026

9:00 AM - 3:40 PM

9:00 AM - 3:40 PM

New York Law School

185 W Broadway,

New York, NY 10013

New York Law School

185 W Broadway,

New York, NY 10013

Venue Image
View on Google maps  

Dress Attire: 

Dress Attire: 

Business Casual.

Sponsorship & Ticket Information:

Sponsorship & Ticket Information:

For more information about sponsorships and tickets, please email lblake@cityandstateny.com.

image linking to registration
image linking to registration

9 AM EST

1 HR
9 AM EST 1 HR

Registration & Networking Breakfast

10 AM EST

5 MINS
10 AM EST 5 MINS

Opening Remarks from Emcee

10:05 AM EST

20 MINS
10:05 AM EST 20 MINS

Keynote Speaker Remarks

Michael Garner
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity Officer
City of New York
Michael Garner
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity Officer
City of New York
Michael Garner
Michael Garner
Michael Garner
Chief Business Diversity Officer
City of New York
Michael Garner

10:25 AM EST

20 MINS
10:25 AM EST 20 MINS

Keynote Speaker Remarks

Dhanraj Singh
Dhanraj Singh
State Chief Procurement Officer
NYS Office of General Services
Dhanraj Singh
Dhanraj Singh
State Chief Procurement Officer
NYS Office of General Services
Dhanraj Singh
Dhanraj Singh
Dhanraj Singh
State Chief Procurement Officer
NYS Office of General Services
Dhanraj Singh

10:45 AM EST

1 HR
10:45 AM EST 1 HR

Inside New York’s Biggest Contracting Opportunities

Jason Clark
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Empire State Development
Michael Shipman
Michael Shipman
Chief Contracting Officer
NYC Department of Design & Construction
Eric Alemany
Eric Alemany
Sr. Director, Supplier Relationship Management
New York Power Authority
Brian Sanvidge
Brian Sanvidge
Principal - Risk Forensic Accounting Advisory
Baker Tilly

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Jason Clark
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Empire State Development
Michael Shipman
Michael Shipman
Chief Contracting Officer
NYC Department of Design & Construction
Eric Alemany
Eric Alemany
Sr. Director, Supplier Relationship Management
New York Power Authority
Brian Sanvidge
Brian Sanvidge
Principal - Risk Forensic Accounting Advisory
Baker Tilly

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Jason Clark
Michael Shipman
+2
2 more speakers

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Jason Clark
Jason Clark
EVP, Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
Empire State Development
Michael Shipman
Michael Shipman
Chief Contracting Officer
NYC Department of Design & Construction
Eric Alemany
Eric Alemany
Sr. Director, Supplier Relationship Management
New York Power Authority
Brian Sanvidge
Brian Sanvidge
Principal - Risk Forensic Accounting Advisory
Baker Tilly

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Jason Clark
Michael Shipman
+2
2 more speakers

11:45 AM EST

1 HR
11:45 AM EST 1 HR

Advancing MWBE Opportunities Across New York

Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Chair
New York State Senate Democratic Conference MWBE Task Force Committee
Lourdes Zapata
Lourdes Zapata
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Carlos Bannister
Carlos Bannister
Deputy Chief Contracting Officer/Director of VRAC
NYC Department of Transportation
Mark Brazier
Mark Brazier
Senior Vice President of Contractor Lending
Community Capital New York

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Chair
New York State Senate Democratic Conference MWBE Task Force Committee
Lourdes Zapata
Lourdes Zapata
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Carlos Bannister
Carlos Bannister
Deputy Chief Contracting Officer/Director of VRAC
NYC Department of Transportation
Mark Brazier
Mark Brazier
Senior Vice President of Contractor Lending
Community Capital New York

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Lourdes Zapata
+2
2 more speakers

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Chair
New York State Senate Democratic Conference MWBE Task Force Committee
Lourdes Zapata
Lourdes Zapata
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Carlos Bannister
Carlos Bannister
Deputy Chief Contracting Officer/Director of VRAC
NYC Department of Transportation
Mark Brazier
Mark Brazier
Senior Vice President of Contractor Lending
Community Capital New York

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, including MWBEs. This panel will provide an inside look at major projects coming to market, what agencies and prime contractors are looking for, and how MWBEs can position themselves to compete, partner, and win contracts. Hear directly about agency priorities, upcoming procurements, and strategies for navigating large-scale projects—from getting certified and finding opportunities to building relationships with primes and securing work.

Senator James Sanders, Jr.
Lourdes Zapata
+2
2 more speakers

12:45 PM EST

1 HR
12:45 PM EST 1 HR

Lunch

1:45 PM EST

1 HR
1:45 PM EST 1 HR

From Certification to Contract: How To Compete & Win

Sherece Joseph
Sherece Joseph
Deputy Director
New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services
Sondra A. Little
Sondra A. Little
Director, Office of Diversity and Opportunity
New York State Department of Transportation
Charlette Hamamgian
Charlette Hamamgian
Deputy Comptroller for Contracts and Procurement
NYC Comptroller’s Office
Usman Mohammad
Usman Mohammad
Counsel
Kostelanetz LLP

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, energy, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, particularly MWBEs. This panel will provide a practical look at how businesses can turn certification and opportunity into successful contracts. Panelists will discuss identifying and interpreting solicitations, building relationships with prime contractors, strengthening financial and operational capacity, accessing capital, and meeting the compliance and performance requirements needed to compete for and deliver large-scale contracts.

Sherece Joseph
Sherece Joseph
Deputy Director
New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services
Sondra A. Little
Sondra A. Little
Director, Office of Diversity and Opportunity
New York State Department of Transportation
Charlette Hamamgian
Charlette Hamamgian
Deputy Comptroller for Contracts and Procurement
NYC Comptroller’s Office
Usman Mohammad
Usman Mohammad
Counsel
Kostelanetz LLP

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, energy, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, particularly MWBEs. This panel will provide a practical look at how businesses can turn certification and opportunity into successful contracts. Panelists will discuss identifying and interpreting solicitations, building relationships with prime contractors, strengthening financial and operational capacity, accessing capital, and meeting the compliance and performance requirements needed to compete for and deliver large-scale contracts.

Sherece Joseph
Sondra A. Little
+2
2 more speakers

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, energy, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, particularly MWBEs. This panel will provide a practical look at how businesses can turn certification and opportunity into successful contracts. Panelists will discuss identifying and interpreting solicitations, building relationships with prime contractors, strengthening financial and operational capacity, accessing capital, and meeting the compliance and performance requirements needed to compete for and deliver large-scale contracts.

Sherece Joseph
Sherece Joseph
Deputy Director
New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services
Sondra A. Little
Sondra A. Little
Director, Office of Diversity and Opportunity
New York State Department of Transportation
Charlette Hamamgian
Charlette Hamamgian
Deputy Comptroller for Contracts and Procurement
NYC Comptroller’s Office
Usman Mohammad
Usman Mohammad
Counsel
Kostelanetz LLP

New York’s major infrastructure, construction, technology, energy, and public-sector investments are creating significant opportunities for businesses across the state, particularly MWBEs. This panel will provide a practical look at how businesses can turn certification and opportunity into successful contracts. Panelists will discuss identifying and interpreting solicitations, building relationships with prime contractors, strengthening financial and operational capacity, accessing capital, and meeting the compliance and performance requirements needed to compete for and deliver large-scale contracts.

Sherece Joseph
Sondra A. Little
+2
2 more speakers

2:45 PM EST

1 HR
2:45 PM EST 1 HR

Innovation in Government Contracting

Erkan Solak
Erkan Solak
Agency Chief Contracting Officer
NYC Department for the Aging
David J. Varoli
David J. Varoli
Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)
Sean Carroll
Sean Carroll
Founder
A Posteriori, LLC

As government agencies look for new ways to improve efficiency, transparency, and outcomes, innovation is reshaping the public procurement process. This panel will explore emerging technologies, new procurement approaches, and creative strategies that can help agencies modernize how they buy while creating greater opportunities for businesses and MWBEs.

Erkan Solak
Erkan Solak
Agency Chief Contracting Officer
NYC Department for the Aging
David J. Varoli
David J. Varoli
Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)
Sean Carroll
Sean Carroll
Founder
A Posteriori, LLC

As government agencies look for new ways to improve efficiency, transparency, and outcomes, innovation is reshaping the public procurement process. This panel will explore emerging technologies, new procurement approaches, and creative strategies that can help agencies modernize how they buy while creating greater opportunities for businesses and MWBEs.

Erkan Solak
David J. Varoli
Sean Carroll

As government agencies look for new ways to improve efficiency, transparency, and outcomes, innovation is reshaping the public procurement process. This panel will explore emerging technologies, new procurement approaches, and creative strategies that can help agencies modernize how they buy while creating greater opportunities for businesses and MWBEs.

Erkan Solak
Erkan Solak
Agency Chief Contracting Officer
NYC Department for the Aging
David J. Varoli
David J. Varoli
Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)
Sean Carroll
Sean Carroll
Founder
A Posteriori, LLC

As government agencies look for new ways to improve efficiency, transparency, and outcomes, innovation is reshaping the public procurement process. This panel will explore emerging technologies, new procurement approaches, and creative strategies that can help agencies modernize how they buy while creating greater opportunities for businesses and MWBEs.

Erkan Solak
David J. Varoli
Sean Carroll

3:45 PM EST

3:45 PM EST

Sessions Conclude

Silver

Brown & Weinraub, PLLC Community Capital Partners Davidoff, Hutcher, & Citron Kostelanetz LLP T-Mobile For Government

Bronze

A Posteriori LLC Battery Park City Authority NYSTEC