HUDSON CHAMBER EVENT: HOLA New Jersey Conference

Everything you want to know about Contracts & Procurement, and Supplier Diversity

Since 2007, the number of minority-owned businesses in the United States has grown by nearly 40%, according to the Minority Business Development Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Earlier this year the U.S. Census Bureau released data showing that 1.1 million employer firms were owned by women and 1.0 million were owned by minorities.

As the number of minority firms continues to grow, it is imperative that access to procurement and contract opportunities are made available to this critical sector of our local economies. Our 2020 HOLA NJ Conference presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey will focus on issues of supplier diversity and becoming certified.

Join us for a day of discussion and networking with professionals working in the area of supplier diversity and your peers!

Speakers to be announced as they are confirmed.

Morning Sessions
9:30 AM
Opening Remarks & Welcome
Maria Nieves, President & CEO, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce

9:45 AM
Keynote Speaker
Hester Agudosi, Esq., Chief Diversity Officer, New Jersey State Office of Diversity and Inclusion

10:15 AM
Certification Readiness

Rafael Mata, Vice President, Business Development GAMBIT Services
Rebecca Moll Freed, Partner, Procurement Law, Government Contracts & Bid Protest Litigation, Genova Burns Attorneys

11:15 AM
Panel Discussion #1: Keys to a Successful Supplier Diversity Program

Jermaine Pharmes, Director, Office of Business Opportunity, Hudson County
Carlos Lejnieks, Board Member, Jersey City Medical Center - RWJ Barnabas Health
John Viele, Chief Procurement Officer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Afternoon Sessions
2:00 PM
Panel Discussion #2: Doing Business With...

Shanta Nelson, Operations Manager, Commodities and Services Division, Procurement Department, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey
Diana Candelejo, Director of Anchor Strategy, Social Impact & Community Investment, RWJ Barnabas Health
Marisol Ramirez, Supplier Diversity Manager, PSEG

3:00 PM
Mentor Matchmaking & Networking
- Present by VensureHR - Jorge Elias, VicePresident Latin American Affairs

Patricia Saporito, Certified Mentor & Outreach Committee, Chair SCORE Northeast New Jersey
Burkay Aplyildiz, Business Counselor, Volunteer at Score Mentors New York, NY

Award Recognition: