Category: News

Dr. Sylvia Acosta Leaves NMSDC to Helm New Mexico State University Foundation

Dr. Sylvia Acosta Leaves NMSDC to Helm New Mexico State University Foundation

Posted on by Jered Weber

Picture of Dr. Sylvia Acosta, a Latina woman with light brown hair wearing a red dress and gold necklace.

Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Dr. Sylvia Acosta is leaving NMSDC to join the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Foundation as its next CEO. The NMSU Foundation works to foster long-term relationships with alumni, supporters, and the community to secure, manage, steward, and protect a sustainable source of private resources that will enhance the ability of NMSU to fulfill its land-grant mission. In her new role, Dr. Acosta will advance systemwide fundraising priorities to build long-term support for that mission. She will also serve on the NMSU Foundation board of directors.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization that is so important to the continued success of our country. While I’m sad to leave NMSDC, I look forward to helping advance its vision of a more equitable and inclusive economy by helping more students realize their American dreams,” said Dr. Acosta.

Since coming to NMSDC, Dr. Acosta has spearheaded NMSDC’s efforts to diversify its funding to achieve its mission of accelerating MBE growth. One of her most recent and high-profile accomplishments was helping win a multi-year, $3 million Capital Readiness Program grant from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to launch the MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation.

Dr. Acosta has also served as a leading thought leader and valuable liaison to the Hispanic minority business community strengthening NMSDC’s ties to this important constituency.

“We’re grateful for Dr. Acosta’s contributions to NMSDC, which have been instrumental in diversifying our funding and advancing our mission,” commented NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire. “We look forward to her leadership benefiting the NMSU Foundation and its students,” she added.

Dr. Acosta’s last day at NMSDC is September 22. She will begin her new role with NMSU on October 1. You can learn more about the NMSU Foundation here. Inquiries related to NMSDC’s resource development and diversification can be directed to NMSDC Development Manager Dannie Kyle at dannie.kyle@nmsdc.org.

Reflection on NMSDC’s First Expedition to the India B20 Summit

Reflection on NMSDC’s First Expedition to the India B20 Summit

Posted on by Jered Weber

Images of individuals for Indian descent during G20 conference.

After her recent trip to India leading NMSDC’s first overseas expedition since the relaunch of its Global Link International program, NMSDC CEO and president, Ying McGuire reflects on her experience.

The visionary Harriet Michel created the Global Link international program in 2001 with three key objectives:

  • Facilitate global expansion for our MBEs.
  • Aid corporate members in their global supplier diversity endeavors.
  • Collaborate with international NGOs to share best practices in empowering underserved communities through entrepreneurship and supplier diversity.

This initiative has been instrumental in establishing partner organizations in Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. These global partnerships serve as gateways for U.S.-based MBEs to connect with international counterparts, forging pathways to the global marketplace. Earlier this year, thanks to the work of Global Link consultant and former CEO of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, Fang Fang, NMSDC relaunched the program and added three new partners – India, Brazil, and Chile.

One of our newest partners in India is the Dalit Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI). For centuries, the Dalit minority in India and South Asia, commonly known as the “untouchables”, have been born into a lifetime of discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion.

DICCI, an apex industry body of entrepreneurs belonging to minority communities of India (i.e. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC-ST)) empowers SC-ST youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with business skills and support systems.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chief architect of India’s Constitution. DICCI, founded on Dr. Ambedkar’s principles of economic self-help and entrepreneurship for an equitable society, draws inspiration from him and the Black American experience, including Black capitalism shaped by figures like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Dr. Millind Kamble, the visionary behind DICCI, ascended from humble origins to become a prominent Indian business leader. His tenacity has constructed a unique platform for flourishing Dalit entrepreneurs, instilling newfound hope. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Kamble champions the cause of equal rights with unwavering fervor. Through personal financial commitments, he and DICCI leaders have fostered a network spanning 35 Indian chapters, propelling Dalit entrepreneurs from “job seekers” to “job givers.”

Drawing wisdom from afar, Dr. Kamble and the DICCI team meticulously examined the NMSDC model over the years. Their quest for inspiration culminated in October 2022, when they participated in NMSDC’s 50th Anniversary Conference & Exchange in New Orleans. Here, the symphony of NMSDC’s journey and the triumphs of its MBEs further kindled their pursuit of partnership with NMSDC.

In India, DICCI is inspiring more than 350 million that make up the SC-ST population, paralleling the entire U.S. populace. Envision the economic dynamism that could burgeon if every Dalit were empowered to engage fully in the economic landscape making their members sustainable, and transforming them as national and international champions, and acting as a “change agent in the ceosystem” through policy interventions.

On August 20, an NMSDC delegation embarked on a transformative journey to India, marking our first overseas expedition since relaunching the Global Link program. What an incredible adventure it was! Joined by a dynamic group of MBEs and corporate members, Fang Fang and I were thrilled to be part of the U.S. delegation at the B20 Summit – a pivotal precursor to the upcoming 2023 G20 Summit.

Some of the exhilarating highlights include:

  • Diverse Voices, United for Inclusive Growth: Our collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and DICCI led to the co-hosting of the “Diversity & Inclusive for Sustainable Growth” conference. Anju Able from Lancesoft, one of our remarkable MBEs, graced the main stage, showcasing the incredible impact of business diversity in driving sustainable success.
  • Global Visionaries United: Imagine several Fortune 100 CEOs and 15 trade ministers from the world’s largest economies converging in one place! They shared a resounding call for inclusive and equitable growth to ensure a sustainable future. The presence of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and CEOs of NMSDC corporate members like Bernard Looney of British Petroleum underscored our shared commitment to these goals.
  • Inspiring Words from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the B20 Summit: A moment to remember as the Indian prime minister took the stage to inspire business leaders to look beyond the bottom line. His words resonated deeply, reinforcing the significance of equitable and sustainable business practices.
  • Shaping the Future: The B20 task forces are gearing up to present 54 policy recommendations to global political leaders at the G20 Summit next week. These recommendations will echo the collective voice of global business leaders, with inclusive growth and ESG principles at the forefront.
  • A Historic Day: During our journey, we celebrated alongside the people of India as the nation achieved a historic feat – becoming the first country to land near the south pole of the moon. A moment that echoed the spirit of exploration and progress.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our partners DICCI and CII for their unwavering support and warm hospitality. We’re immensely thankful for our 2023 Global Link sponsors, Rose International, Lancesoft, Johnson & Johnson, Barclays, and Bank of America, whose generosity has propelled our mission forward. Special thanks to Kris Mangan, vice president of procurement citizenship at Johnson & Johnson, for leading the Global Link advisory council.

The theme for this year’s G20 is One Earth, One Family, One Future. The Slogan underlines the need for a cooperative and united approach to address the challenges in the world, including the widened wealth gap. As I reflect on this unforgettable voyage, I am reminded that the pursuit of equity and inclusivity knows no bounds. We connected with visionaries, shared ideas, and set the stage for meaningful change. The journey continues, and NMSDC is excited to keep pushing boundaries, fueled by the inspiration we gathered from the vibrant heart of India, and our partner Dr. Millind Kamble and his DICCI team.

To learn more about the Global Link program visit nmsdc.org/programs-events/global-link/.

Volunteer at this Year’s NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange

Volunteer at this Year’s NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange

Posted on by Jered Weber

The 2023 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange is less than two months away. Our regional affiliate host, the Capitol Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC) is looking for volunteers to help make sure this year’s conference is the best one yet!

Taking place in Baltimore from October 22 – 25, this year’s NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange will include the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)’s National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. It will focus on closing the equity gap. But we need your help to make it happen.

CRMSDC is seeking volunteers from October 20 – 25. There are several flexible volunteer opportunities that can accommodate a variety of schedules and preferences including:

  • Airport Greeters
  • Awards Gala Assistance
  • Office Support
  • IT/Help Desk Support
  • Exhibit Hall Support
  • Scanners
  • And more!

Interested in volunteering? Sign up here!

You can also learn more by downloading the 2023 Volunteer Handbook or contacting renee.sanford@crmsdc.org.

NMSDC International Delegation Builds Partnerships in India

NMSDC International Delegation Builds Partnerships in India

Posted on by Jered Weber

Map of India in a digital raster micro structure - 3D illustration

As part of the relaunch of the Global Link program, NMSDC is leading a delegation of corporate members and minority business enterprises (MBEs) to India on August 22 – August 27. During their trip, delegates will attend the B20 Summit India 2023 and the Conference on Diversity & Inclusivity for Sustainable Growth to build strong partnerships with the Indian and international business community.

As the official global business forum of the G20, the B20 conveys its final recommendations to the G20 Presidency at the B20 Summit. The theme for this year’s summit is Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable (R.A.I.S.E) Businesses. R.A.I.S.E is rooted in the belief that the G20 business community should raise the bar for equitable growth by committing to business practices that are responsible and rooted in sustainable practices. Attending this event provides a unique chance for the NMSDC network to build the vital global connections needed to increase international business opportunities for its MBEs and corporate members.

The Conference on Diversity & Inclusivity for Sustainable Growth is being co-hosted by NMSDC’s India partner, the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI). NMSDC will strengthen its link to this central partner, by sharing supplier and business diversity best practices from the U.S. with businesses in India through robust panel discussions. Following the conference, delegates will also participate in several roundtables, meetings, and site visits aimed at forging a long-lasting relationship between the DICCI and NMSDC business communities.

“This trip is an important part of reigniting NMSDC’s Global Link program and will go a long way towards building a stronger network for supplier diversity and MBE growth both in India and across the globe,” said Global Link program consultant, Fang Fang.

Established in 2001, Global Link played a critical role in the creation of partner organizations in Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, NSMDC expanded the program and established partnerships with India, Brazil, Chile, and the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. These international partner organizations are a gateway for U.S.-based MBEs to meet international MBEs who may be potential partners to help them gain access to the global marketplace.

NMSDC’s international delegation to India was made possible thanks to the generous support of Rose International, LanceSoft, GEP, Bank of America, Barclays, Johnson & Johnson, and Sirus Staffing.

NMSDC will build on Global Link’s momentum later this year with an international delegation to the European Supplier Diversity Project’s (EDSP’s) EU Supplier Diversity Conference & Awards in Amsterdam on September 20 – 21. Interested in attending? Reach out to Global Link program consultant, Fang Fang at fang.fang@nmsdc.org.

NMSDC and MBDA Work Together to Close Equity Gap for Minority Businesses at Annual Conference & Exchange

NMSDC and MBDA Work Together to Close Equity Gap for Minority Businesses at Annual Conference & Exchange

Posted on by Jered Weber

As part of our efforts to accelerate minority business growth and advance economic equity the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) are collaborating to bring this year’s NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange and MBDA National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week to Baltimore October 22- 25.

NMSDC Launches MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation

NMSDC Launches MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation

Posted on by Jered Weber

NMSDC receives MBDA Capital Readiness Program grant to support new initiative

NEW YORK — The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has received a multi-year, $3 million Capital Readiness Program grant from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to launch the MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation. Thanks to the initial support of the MBDA, NMSDC will launch this transformation center to scale historically underrepresented certified socially economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDIs) and focus on minority business enterprises (MBEs).

NMSDC’s existing national geographic reach, its deep partnerships with the nation’s top Fortune 500 corporations, and its experience with state/local government make it well-positioned to help SEDIs scale their businesses to meet the needs of the dynamic and growing U.S. economy. It is also uniquely suited to help these businesses participate in the federal contracting opportunities created by recent legislation like the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and CHIPS and Science Act.

The MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation will focus its work on three pillar programs:

  • Contract Readiness: This capacity-building initiative will prepare certified MBEs for doing business with the federal government and national/global corporations.
  • Capital Connection Program and Platform: This effort will cultivate a powerful network of capital options for certified MBEs, both private and State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs.
  • NMSDC Matchmaking and Marketplace Tool and Opportunity Connections: This tool will integrate with NMSDC’s customer relationship management and certification tool to bring certified MBE profiles to an open, online marketplace, connecting them to corporate members and government entities actively seeking suppliers and sourcing solutions.

NMSDC recognizes that the United States is nowhere near achieving economic parity for SEDIs. However, there is also momentum and commitment within government and corporate entities to make the systemic changes needed to create positive momentum toward addressing this issue. According to the Federal Reserve, white households in America have on average, eight times the wealth of Black households and five times the wealth of Latino households – a disparity that has increased since the pandemic. Contributing to this reality is that, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), in 2020 Black businesses received only 1.67% of the more than $559 billion in federal contracting dollars available to small businesses, with Hispanic businesses representing only 1.78% of this spend and Asian Pacific American businesses representing only 1.23%.

“We find ourselves at an unprecedented moment in history. Despite the progress that has been made in supplier and business diversity, we know that we still have a long way to go if we are going to create the thriving, equitable business environment that is the key to not only achieving generational wealth for communities of color but also for the long term growth and sustainability of our nation’s economy,” said NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire. “We are incredibly grateful for MBDA’s support of the MBE Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation and look forward to the enormous impact it will have on MBE growth in the coming years,” she added.

43 organizations received MBDA Capital Readiness Program grants including NMSDC regional affiliate council the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC), and strategic partners U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE).

NMSDC will be releasing additional information on the NMSDC Center for Accelerated Growth and Innovation in the coming months. We appreciate your patience while we formalize this initiative.

Applications are Open for the 2024 Cohort of NMSDC’s Acres Program

Applications are Open for the 2024 Cohort of NMSDC’s Acres Program

Posted on by Jered Weber

Picture of Black women in green apron in the middle of crops.

Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Acres – Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture program. Acres is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering and advancing Black farmers, growers, and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. With a commitment to fostering equity and economic growth, it is redefining the landscape of Black agriculture, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future. The program is open to Black farmers that meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a farmer with an agriculture for-profit enterprise and physically located in the U.S. or its trust territories with revenue of at least $25,000 per year.
  • Business must be at least 51% Black–owned, managed, and controlled. Participants must meet the African American/Black definition as set by NMSDC.
  • Management and daily operations must be exercised by the Black ownership member(s).
  • Must have two years of farming experience.
  • Must be registered with the Secretary of State where business is conducted.
  • Must have a business bank account.
  • Must have proof of U.S. citizenship.

Acres is designed to address the historical disparities and systemic challenges that have disproportionately affected Black individuals and communities in the agriculture industry. Rooted in the principles of equity, education, and opportunity, Acres provides a comprehensive platform to help Black farmers overcome barriers, enhance their skill sets, and expand their businesses. More specifically, the program supports participants in two key ways: through a 12-week learning curriculum and strategic business support.

To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit nmsdc.org/acres-cultivating-equity-in-black-agriculture and fill out the online application. We encourage all eligible Black farmers, growers, and agricultural entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity and be part of this transformative journey towards greater equity and prosperity in the U.S. agriculture industry.

NMSDC Partners with iDatalytics to Modernize Customer Relationship Management Database

NMSDC Partners with iDatalytics to Modernize Customer Relationship Management Database

Posted on by Jered Weber

NMSDC is pleased to announce a significant leap forward in our mission to modernize and enhance our technology infrastructure to provide a superior user experience to our corporate members and certified minority business enterprises (MBEs). We have chosen the Zoho CRM platform to serve as our new customer relationship management (CRM) database. In addition, we are excited to partner with iDatalytics, an NMSDC-certified MBE, to ensure a seamless implementation of this transformative platform.

The adoption of the Zoho CRM will serve two key purposes. Firstly, it will facilitate the consolidation of data, empowering NMSDC and our partners with timely, relevant information to make informed decisions that drive business success. Secondly, it endeavors to enhance NMSDC’s existing processes, delivering improved services to our regional affiliate councils and corporate members, while aligning our efforts to assist in accomplishing NMSDC’s audacious goal of achieving $1 trillion in annual revenue for certified MBEs.

This undertaking forms an integral part of NMSDC’s broader organizational transformation strategy, dedicated to cultivating a more agile and efficient organization capable of propelling MBE growth. As we continue to transform our organization, we are laser-focused on achieving our goal of creating long-lasting, generational wealth for communities of color by establishing a thriving, inclusive economy that benefits all. For more information about this work, contact NMSDC’s transformation office at transformationoffice@nmsdc.org.

About Zoho
With over 55 apps in nearly every major business category, Zoho is one of the world’s most prolific technology companies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India, Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 12,000 employees. Its CRM platform allows organizations to harness the power of omnichannel presence, segmentation, KPIs, predictive intelligence, and more to deliver personalized experiences that breed customer loyalty. For more information, please visit www.zoho.com.

About iDatalytics
Based in Overland Park, Kansas, iDatalytics is an NMSDC-certified MBE and full-service technology solution consulting provider catering to the diverse needs of clients across the globe. It believes in offering transformational information management solutions to its clients, aptly reflected in its mission statement, “To serve as the catalyst for transforming information into insights for the connected world.” Learn more at www.idatalytics.com.