2023 WBDC Midwest Virtual Utility Conference & Business Matchmaking

You are invited!

The 2023 WBDC Midwest Virtual Utility Conference is an impactful day for diverse and prime supplier communities and top industry professionals. Learn about innovations from subject matter experts regarding the current energy landscape, while gaining insight into the industry’s future. This includes ESG, contract tips and pitfalls, and Tier 2 leveraging.

Connect through virtual networking in structured settings with diverse suppliers, utilities and utility prime contractors. In addition to conference education and networking opportunities, attendees will receive bonus industry takeaways.

Day 1 Conference Schedule

November 7, 2023 9am – 1pm CT

9:00am – 9:05am | Welcome | Karen Goldner, Managing Director, Established Business Program and Services

9:05am – 9:15am | Introductions – Committee Members, Gold Sponsors, WBDC Team | Jennifer Brungardt, Associate Director, Certification Services and Programming

9:15am – 9:45am | Laser Learning Session 1: Panel | Partnering to Deliver the Clean Energy Transformation

9:45am – 10:15am | Laser Learning Session 2: Fireside Chat | New Direction in Utility Sustainability

10:15am – 10:20am | Kahoots | Attendee Engagement Opportunity

10:20am – 10:50am | Laser Learning Session 3: Panel | The Grid of the Future is Now

10:50am – 11:20am | Laser Learning Session 4: Fireside Chat | The Long Game: Investing in Impactful Partnerships

11:20am – 11:30am | Break

11:30am – 12:00pm | Laser Learning Session 5: Panel | Growing Your Business through Tier 2

12:00pm – 12:05pm | Kahoots | Attendee Engagement Opportunity

12:05pm – 12:55pm | Corporate Partner Networking (Gold Sponsors)

12:55pm – 1:00pm | Closing | Karen Goldner, Managing Director, Established Business Program and Services

Day 1 Agenda 

Morning Learning Sessions 

Laser Learning Session 1: Partnering to Deliver the Clean Energy Transformation 

Moderator:
Natasha Vialva-Hayes, Director of Supplier Diversity, Siemens

Panelists:
Raphael Levy, Renewable Supply Chain Lead, Vistra Corp

Rachel Mickschl, Director of Business Development, Kiewit

Marc Welsh, Senior Director Supply Chain, Evergy

Laser Learning Session 2: New Direction in Utility Sustainability 

Moderator:
Luis Jenkins, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Sustainability and Risk, Vistra Corp

Panelists:
Kimberly Reddington, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, United Scrap Metal, Inc.

Nancy Gonzalez, Sr. Supplier Diversity Specialist, CenterPoint Energy

Laser Learning Session 3: The Grid of the Future is Now 

Moderator:
Cindy Pasky, CEO & President, Strategic Staffing Solutions

Panelists:
Al Choi, Director, Innovation & Commercialization, Xcel Energy
Steve Christensen, Manager, Planning & Tech Assessment, Xcel Energy
Alex Rojas, Director of Innovation Implementation and Strategy, Ameren

Laser Learning Session 4: The Long Game: Investing in Impactful Partnerships 

Moderator:
Courtney Williams, Supplier Diversity Manager, Evergy

Panelists:
Donna Wright, Managing Principal, Kansas Business Services LLC

Jaimie Wright, President & CEO, PowerWright Technologies

Neelima Parasker, Owner & President, SnapIt Solutions LLC

Joy Broils, Founder & CEO, Hustle & Ground LLC

Laser Learning Session 5: Growing Your Business through Tier 2 

Moderator:
Valerie Coyazo, Lead Supplier Diversity Manager, Evergy

Panelists:
Lex Sibernagel, Special Projects Manager, Border States

Camille Alfaro, Lead Analyst, Supplier Diversity, CenterPoint Energy

Brian Mitchel, Supplier Diversity Manager, Michels Corporation

Kahoots: Attendee Engagement Opportunity 

Presenter:

Jordan Nikunen, Supplier Diversity Representative, ALLETE

Day 2 Business Matchmaking

November 8, 2023  9am – 3pm CT

Join virtual business matchmaking with Utility Leaders for an opportunity to meet with curated groups of diverse suppliers based on business needs. **Please note, buyers determine all meetings. ** 

Confirmed Buyer Representatives include, but are not limited to: 

• Ameren 
• Border States 
• CenterPoint Energy 
• Evergy 
• Xcel Energy 

Category Opportunities include, but are not limited to: 

• Project Development Opportunities – Environmental & Engineering Services, Permitting, Technical Studies, Pre-Construction Work, High-Voltage Tie-Ins/Interconnects, Abatement & Demolition, Engineering Services 
• Construction – Substation Construction, Transformers, Invertors, Electric / Electric Vehicles 
• Q&M – Preventative Maintenance, Vegetation Control, Panel Washing, Fence & Road Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance 
• Business Services – IT Materials & Services, Advertising, Janitorial, Facility Maintenance, Legal Services 

**MyBusinessMatchmaking registration link will be provided through a separate email once you have registered for the conference.** Matchmaking Registration deadline: Close of Business 11.1.2023  

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors