October 5, 2016

2016 New York State MWBE Forum

The Sixth Annual New York State MWBE Forum was held in Albany, New York at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. The event is designed to give New York City and State MWBE certified and non-certified companies networking opportunities with other businesses and government agencies. Participants learned about the latest news concerning city & state MWBE programs, business workshops, upcoming bids and other opportunities for contractors and vendors.

The event drew a large crowd interested in working with both the city & state. Many companies were interested in obtaining information for how they can work with the city. DDC's Office of Diversity and Industry Relations team will continue to reach out to those interested in working with us and learning about our procurement process.

As part of our diversity goals, DDC staff participated in the event by sharing contract bid opportunities available to MWBE small businesses. “We plan to continue our efforts of creating an equitable and competitive business environment that facilitates procurement opportunities for the city’s MWBE community,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora.

Magalie D. Austin is the Chief Diversity and Industry Relations Officer for the Department of Design and Construction, and currently oversees the Office of Diversity and Industry Relations. The Office of Diversity and Industry Relations develops, implements, and monitors innovative policies and procedures to support minority and woman-owned business enterprises (MWBE), as well as strengthen relationships with industry partners