Minority Business Series presented by KeyBank
ABOUT THIS SESSION
This webinar took place on July 12th, 2021.
From 2019 – 2020, numerous disparity studies related to Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Programs were conducted for various organizations across the state of Indiana. The purpose of supplier diversity programs, public and/or private is to encourage minority and women-owned businesses to participate in procurement and contracting opportunities while creating a fair and equitable playing field. Hear from representatives from the State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis discuss the outcome of studies conducted and the initiatives that have been put in place to ensure equal access and increase XBE utilization for under-represented businesses.
Webinar Replay
Session Panel & Speakers
Holli Harrington
Director of Supplier Diversity
& Chief Diversity Officer,
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Holli Harrington Sr, Director of Supplier Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer, leads the strategic efforts to ensure the airport fosters public value and economic development by providing access to meaningful procurement and contractual opportunities. As the airport’s first Diversity Officer, she promotes equity and inclusion in IAA operations, processes and systems. Holli has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University. Her commitment to the community is evident as she currently serves on the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, the City of Indianapolis Information Technology Services Agency Board, the Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis Board, and volunteers as a facilitator for the Center for Leadership Development and on the planning committee for the UNCF.
Maia Siprashvili
Deputy Commissioner, Supplier Diversity State of Indiana,
Department of Administration
Maia Siprashvili is the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Supplier Diversity (DSD) at the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). In this role, Maia, together with her team, supports and advocates for the Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE) and Indiana Veteran Owned Small Businesses (IVOSB) throughout the State of Indiana. DSD helps MBEs, WBEs IVOSBs acquire certification and empowers the success of all certified businesses through business development and outreach and contract compliance efforts. Most importantly, the DSD team provides equal opportunities to M/WBE and IVOSB communities by introducing them to the state procurement and contracting process and opportunities.
Councillor Vop Osili
President of the Indianapolis City-County Council
Vop Osili is President of the Indianapolis City-County Council. He represents District 11, which covers much of downtown Indianapolis and parts of the nearwest side, including the campuses of IUPUI and 16 Tech. He is chairman of the Council’s Rules & Public Policy Committee and serves on its Public Works Committee.
First elected to the Council in November 2011, Osili has worked extensively with community groups, civic organizations, other public sector officials and the business community on the expansion of work opportunities, skills-training, and disadvantaged small business financing.
Adrian Russell
Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion / Procurement, Shiel Sexton Company, Inc.
Adrian Russell currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion / Procurement at Shiel Sexton Company, Inc. He is an inspirational speaker, mentor, musician, and visionary. A product of Indianapolis Public Schools, Adrian attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree.
Adrian puts great effort in sowing into the lives of young people, perhaps most notably through Russell’s Building Camp which introduces children of all ages to the world of building and inspiring them to use their hands and minds to create a better future.
Joseph Lee
Contract Compliance Officer, Office of Minority & Women Business Development-City of Indianapolis
Joseph Lee is the Contract Compliance Officer for the Office of Minority and Women Business Development-City of Indianapolis. He brings several years of experience in the private sector working in the Hospitality and Tourism industry as well as in education. Prior to joining OMWBD, Joe worked as a buyer for the Office of Finance and Management-Purchasing Division. In his role as a buyer, he championed OMWBD’s mission as well as serving the needs for the City in procurement. He is a native of Indianapolis, graduating from George Washington High School. He received his post-secondary education and degree from IUPUI. In his leisure time, Joe enjoys traveling and pursuing his passion as a professional photographer.