As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for our incredible community. This season reminds us of the importance of reflection, appreciation, and connection — values that resonate deeply with the work we do together every day.

At the Council, we are profoundly thankful for the dedication and passion of our members, corporate partners, and advocates who champion supplier diversity and economic inclusion. Your commitment strengthens businesses, creates opportunities, and builds bridges that unite us in shared success.

As we look ahead, let us continue to nurture the relationships that have brought us this far, while welcoming new opportunities to grow and innovate. Together, we are building a legacy that will empower generations to come.

As we reflect on our many blessings, I am reminded of these words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

This question serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of service and gratitude — not only for what we receive but for the chance to contribute to others’ success and well-being.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of those you hold dear. On behalf of The Council, thank you for being part of this journey.

Ellie Reda, a Hispanic woman CEO of Stratford Solutions, leads an IT staffing firm based in New Jersey. With roots in Brooklyn and a deep connection to her Colombian heritage, Elizabeth founded Stratford Solutions in 2015, growing it into a certified WMBE, DBE, and SBE provider. She brings over two decades of expertise in contract staffing, with a focus on database and data warehousing, business intelligence, and application development talent solutions. Elizabeth is committed to advancing diversity in tech by connecting highly skilled professionals with impactful roles and fostering inclusivity through strategic partnerships across the industry.

About Stratford Solutions Inc.

Stratford Solutions Inc., an IT staffing firm in New Jersey, stands as a certified WMBE, DBE, and SBE dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with industry leaders. Established in 2015, Stratford Solutions specializes in placing skilled professionals across database and data warehousing, business intelligence, and application development fields. Known for its commitment to diversity and excellence, Stratford Solutions empowers organizations to achieve their goals with a strong focus on inclusivity and innovation. Under the leadership of CEO Ellie Reda, the firm is passionate about advancing opportunities for minority and underrepresented professionals in the tech sector.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority business means proudly embracing and reflecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and strengths that make up our communities. It’s about more than just representation; it’s about the resilience and unique perspective that minority-owned businesses bring to the table. For me, it means using my platform to show that success and impact are within reach for anyone, regardless of background.

Supporting minority businesses is equally powerful. It’s an opportunity to uplift those who have historically faced challenges accessing the same resources or networks. By partnering with and promoting these businesses, we build a more equitable and inclusive economy. Each connection, contract, and success story contributes to a larger movement for diversity and opportunity, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has been invaluable for Stratford Solutions. The certification opened doors to opportunities with corporations and government agencies seeking to diversify their supplier base, and it positioned us as a trusted partner in the tech staffing field. The NMSDC’s network has enabled us to connect with like-minded businesses and industry leaders committed to diversity, providing valuable networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.

Through the NMSDC, we’ve showcased our capabilities to larger organizations, including securing contracts with the City of New York. This certification has helped us build credibility, expand our reach, and grow our business while supporting our mission to elevate diverse talent in tech.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

One thing I wish I had known early on is the power of intentional networking. At first, I focused primarily on honing my technical skills and knowledge, believing that hard work alone would propel my career. While those qualities are essential, I later realized that building relationships and surrounding yourself with mentors and advocates can open doors in ways that skills alone sometimes cannot. Meaningful connections offer guidance, new perspectives, and resources that are crucial for growth, especially as an entrepreneur. Knowing this from the start would have helped me establish a strong support network even sooner.

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For more information on Stratford Solutions, please visit: stratfordsolutionsinc.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

The Founder and CEO of The Ultimate Side Dish brings many years of experience in crafting the company’s signature product. Born out of a deep love, passion, and a cherished family potato salad recipe created by the family’s Matriarch, the business honors tradition while offering a delightful experience tailored to modern palates.

About The Ultimate Side Dish

Founded in August 2020, Ultimate Side Dish By Evelyn delivers the fresh taste of home with real ingredients and no preservatives. Discover a heavenly potato salad that keeps customers coming back for more, where “One Spoonful Is Simply Not Enough.” Each batch pays tribute to the legacy of the Matriarch who first created this recipe, carefully prepared with a perfect blend of flavors using only the freshest ingredients.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, means creating opportunities for brand visibility, variety, and options within the communities we serve.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Since I was recently certified, I am still in the early stages of the process. However, I look forward to exploring new opportunities in the food service and retail sectors.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

I wish I had known that the people who are supposed to have all the answers sometimes don’t.

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For more information on Ultimate Side Dish, please visit: ultimatesidedish.com or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

This Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us all. Today, we express our deepest gratitude to these heroes for their service and the values they continue to bring into our communities and workplaces.

Veterans possess unique strengths—leadership, discipline, and teamwork—that make them exceptional entrepreneurs and business leaders. At The Council, we are proud to support veteran-owned businesses, whose contributions enrich our economy and embody the spirit of service in industries such as technology, logistics, and consulting.

We encourage our corporate partners and suppliers to explore opportunities to engage with veteran-owned businesses, creating connections that honor their service while driving innovation and growth. By working together, we can build a more inclusive business community that reflects the values veterans fought to protect.

On behalf of The Council, thank you to all veterans for your service. We honor your dedication and are committed to supporting your continued success.

Happy Veterans Day!

Did You Know?

“The 2025 Presidential Transition Project is the conservative movement’s unified effort to be ready for the next conservative Administration to govern at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2025.”

Chapter 22 of Project 2025, which begins on page 691, focuses on the specific recommendations to reorganize and refocus the Department of Treasury. Chapter 15, beginning on page 503, proposes significant reorganization of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Who Wrote It?
Project 2025 is more than just a policy blueprint. It includes robust recruiting, vetting, and staffing components designed to fill roles to begin implementing the policy initiatives on “day 1.” It is important to identify the authors of the agency chapters, as they are the people likely positioned to take leadership roles at the same Federal agencies they are writing about, and to intentionally implement these recommendations as part of the upcoming administration.

William L. Walton, host of The Bill Walton Show, is the former Chairman of the Board and CEO of the private investment firm, Allied Capital Corporation; and is the immediate past President of the Council for National Policy.

Stephen Moore is a senior economist at FreedomWorks, the libertarian policy group that recently shut down after an ideological split with the Trump campaign. He is also a Distinguished Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, and a Fox News analyst.

David R. Burton is the Senior Fellow in Economic Policy at The Heritage Foundation. Previously, Burton was General Counsel at the National Small Business Association; and manager of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Tax Policy Center.

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., MD, is the Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute and previously served as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Department of Treasury:
Anti-Money Laundering Reporting (AML): The document recommends reforming the AML and beneficial ownership reporting systems to “reduce compliance burdens. This new rule went into effect at the beginning of this year which requires businesses to file a report identifying a “beneficial owner” as an individual who owns or controls at least 25 percent of a company or has substantial control over the company, and a “company applicant report” which names the person who files the document that creates or registers the company. The intent of this filing, which was a part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), is designed to fight the illicit use of shell companies created by Russian, Chinese, Cartels, and others to launder money. To do so, a whole range of small businesses (totaling approx. 35 million) now must register with FinCEN who their “beneficial owner” is (i.e., people who own 25% or more of the company or substantially control its decisions). While Project 2025 claims that the recommendations are aimed to make it easier for small enterprises to manage regulatory requirements without undue administrative costs, for most small businesses this would only be a one-time filing with FinCEN.

Tax Reform for Small Business Growth: Treasury’s role in tax reform includes ensuring that small businesses benefit from lower taxes and simplified filing processes. The proposal includes a number of provisions that would be significantly advantageous to small and minority business owners who are able to effectively utilize the new structures:

• Two-Rate Individual Tax System (15% and 30%) – Simplifies the tax code into two rates making it easier for business owners that are sole proprietors (e.g. S-corporations; individually owned LLCs, etc.) or are taxed at the individual rate.
• Reduced Deductions, Credits, and Exclusions: The proposal eliminating most deductions, credits, and exclusions may negatively affect small businesses that rely on certain deductions to offset costs. Minority-owned businesses that depend on specific tax credits, such as those for hiring in disadvantaged areas, may face increased tax liabilities.
• Corporate Income Tax Rate Reduced to 18% – A significant benefit for larger firms, the proposal would lower the corporate income tax rate to 18%, generating significant benefit to small businesses structured as corporations by reducing the overall tax burden on profits, thus creating opportunities to expand operations, hire employees, and enhancing business sustainability and creating new opportunities. However, in exchange, the proposal would eliminate most deductions, credits, and exclusions which may negatively affect small businesses that rely on certain deductions to offset costs. Minority-owned businesses that depend on specific tax credits, such as those for hiring in disadvantaged areas, may face increased tax liabilities.
• Immediate Expensing for Capital Expenditures – Currently set to expire in 2025, this would allow the immediate expensing of capital expenditures, incentivizing companies to invest in new equipment and technology. Immediate expensing has been a useful tool, particularly for small firms aiming to improve cash flow by providing deductions upfront.
• Universal Savings Accounts (USAs) – Similar to Roth IRA’s, these accounts would allow business owners to save and invest their post-tax earnings with tax advantages where gains from these accounts would be non-taxable;
• Increased Business Loss Limitation – Provides an opportunity to write off higher losses, up to $500,000, which would benefit small businesses that are in the early stages of growth and may incur losses.
• Net Operating Loss Carry Forward – Allows businesses to fully carry forward net operating losses, enabling them to offset future profits and reduce tax burdens in better-performing years; and
• Repeal of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Taxes – Repeals taxes such as the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, which requires corporations with over $1B pay a minimum 15% tax rate, and the stock buyback excise tax, which applies a 1% tax on corporate stock buybacks to encourage reinvesting profits in productive activities versus simply increasing shareholder returns.

Capital Access and Investment Programs. Treasury would refocus programs, such as the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC), to support small businesses across various sectors, not just technology startups. While this is intended to ensure small businesses in manufacturing and capital intensive industries have improved access to funding, it would significantly reduce the amount of capital available to promote the growth of small and minority owned businesses in the industries of the future that are heavily technology-driven.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

The proposed reforms to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) outlined in Project 2025 claim to focus on reducing bureaucratic overreach and promote self-sufficiency. Yet, they also promote conservative social-design methodologies that carry risks of exacerbating housing instability, increasing inequality, weakening fair housing protections, and overburdening local governments. Provisions, such as privatizing public housing or shifting housing decision-making from the federal government to the states, could have lasting negative consequences for vulnerable populations, local economies, and housing markets.

Shifting Housing Program Functions transfer many HUD functions to other federal agencies, states, or localities, reducing HUD’s role in administering housing programs. While the “decentralized” model allows state and local governments more flexibility in designing and implementing housing policies based on local needs, this could result in a significant decline in affordable housing and inequitable enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. This devolution could weaken federal oversight and standardization of housing assistance, leaving it to state and local authorities to determine eligibility, funding, and implementation strategies for housing programs.

Privatization of Public Housing recommends the potential sale of public housing stock, shifting ownership and management from the public sector to private entities. It also shifts from federally-owned public housing units to voucher-based systems like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, thereby reducing the direct role of HUD in managing public housing while increasing reliance on private landlords and market-based solutions for low-income housing needs.

Limiting the Scope of HUD’s Role in Housing Development: Limits HUD’s involvement in constructing new affordable housing or managing public housing portfolios and relies more on private sector development and management of housing units.

Encouraging Localized Solutions for Housing Assistance: Allows local governments to pursue housing policies that reflect their own priorities, without interference from federal programs or mandates – including prohibitions on discrimination against minorities, people with disabilities, or other protected classes.

Eliminating or Scaling Back Specific Federal Housing Programs: Project 2025 proposes to repeal programs like the Housing Supply Fund and reducing the use of federal mandates such as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) and other civil rights protections. This could reduce oversight of discriminatory housing practices, reduce federal ability to increase housing supplies, and further shift decision-making to the private sector.

Roll back equity-driven policies: The weakening of fair housing enforcement and the rollback of regulations aimed at promoting diversity and equity in housing and development projects could further exacerbate existing inequalities in the contracting process. As a result, minority-owned businesses, particularly those in construction, maintenance, and housing services, may struggle to maintain their foothold in the market under the proposed reforms.

Conclusion
Overall, Project 2025’s proposed policies could lead to reduced support, increased competition, and greater economic challenges for minority-owned businesses. The elimination of affirmative action and minority-focused programs, combined with broader deregulation and changes to labor laws, may potentially create a more challenging environment for these businesses to thrive and compete. The proposal includes plans to abandon affirmative action and minority contracting programs that have historically provided critical opportunities for minority-owned businesses to compete for and secure government contracts. The attack on regulatory protections for minority businesses would remove protections that help ensure fair competition and prevent discriminatory practices.

Specifically, the proposals to reform the Department of Treasury and HUD could have profound negative impacts on minority communities and minority-owned businesses by reducing federal oversight, reducing the corporate tax rate which disproportionately benefits large firms, weakening fair housing enforcement, rolling back regulations aimed at promoting equity, and exacerbating existing economic and social inequalities. Minority communities would face increased housing instability, diminished upward mobility, and greater exposure to discriminatory practices. For minority-owned businesses, particularly those in construction, housing services, and other industries tied to federal contracts, the shift toward privatization, reduced government support, and the elimination of affirmative action programs could lead to fewer opportunities, increased competition from larger firms, and greater economic vulnerability. Overall, the proposed changes will unfortunately deepen disparities and hinder the economic progress of minority groups across the country.

Sanjeev Welling, Co-Founder and CEO of Avira Digital, leads a technology services firm specializing in digital transformation and AI-driven solutions. With over 20 years of experience, he drives innovation and strategic growth. Under his leadership, Avira Digital has become a leader in delivering transformative solutions that enhance business operations

Sanjeev’s expertise spans multiple technology sectors, with significant experience in digital platforms and data-driven initiatives. Previously, he headed the technology division of a global conglomerate, managing M&A and integration efforts. At Avira Digital, Sanjeev continues to push the boundaries of technology, advancing AI and digital transformation to achieve impactful results and industry-leading efficiency.

About Avira Digital

Avira Digital is a leading technology solutions provider specializing in digital transformation and innovation across diverse industries. We offer a comprehensive suite of services—including cloud solutions, AI-driven analytics, and technology consulting—designed to help organizations navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape.

Our purpose-driven platform leverages generative AI-powered analytics and self-service tools to deliver actionable insights directly to business users, empowering better decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency. With expertise in cloud-native app development and strategic consulting, we provide tailored solutions that drive sustainable business growth.

Committed to excellence and client-centric service, we partner with clients to create transformative technology strategies that align with their unique needs and goals.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority business means embracing diversity and innovation. It enables us to offer unique perspectives, drive inclusive growth, and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Supporting minority businesses helps build a more equitable marketplace where diverse voices are both empowered and valued.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

The NMSDC certification has strengthened our credibility and opened valuable opportunities to connect with corporate partners committed to supplier diversity. It has expanded our network and positioned us to collaborate with organizations focused on inclusive sourcing, paving the way for future partnerships and growth.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

I wish I had known the importance of balancing innovation with scalability early on. Ensuring solutions are both forward-thinking and sustainable is key to long-term success.

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For more information on Avira Digital, please visit: aviradigital.com or follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, or X.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month in 2024, I invite all of us to take a moment to reflect on the profound contributions Indigenous Peoples have made—and continue to make—to our nation. From deep-rooted traditions to their influence in shaping the future, Indigenous Peoples have always been essential to the very fabric of our country. This month, we honor their resilience, strength, and leadership across business, governance, environmental stewardship, and beyond.

For centuries, Indigenous communities have preserved and passed down knowledge, culture, and ways of life, contributing to advancements in science, the arts, and public service. Today, Indigenous-owned businesses are thriving and making a difference in industries such as technology, agriculture, and green energy—bringing innovative solutions and sustainable practices to the broader business community.

Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs

As we recognize Native American Heritage Month, it’s important that we also explore opportunities to support Indigenous-owned businesses. Whether through mentorship, procurement, or strategic partnerships, businesses can help Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. These leaders bring values of sustainability, innovation, and community-centered growth—principles that align with responsible business practices and create shared success.

At The Council, we encourage our network of corporate partners and certified suppliers to connect with Indigenous-owned businesses. Supporting these entrepreneurs is not only a way to honor their heritage but also an investment in a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Moving Forward with Purpose

This month reminds us that diversity and inclusion should remain at the heart of business practices. Indigenous Peoples have faced generations of adversity, but their spirit and contributions continue to shape our nation’s history and future. By recognizing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, we foster empowerment and promote sustainable growth that benefits everyone.

Let’s use this month to deepen our relationships with Indigenous communities, champion Tribal sovereignty, and create spaces where Indigenous businesses can thrive. At The Council, we believe that diversity in business drives innovation, growth, and success—and it’s through inclusion that we all move forward together.

This November and beyond, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a more inclusive future.

Happy Native American Heritage Month!

Danielle Chery is a self-taught artist and the founder of DMC Original Art, an award-winning home decor business based in Brooklyn, NY. What began in 2012 as her hobby has evolved into a passion that led her to launch her own business in 2021.

She specializes in creating functional abstract art for residential and commercial spaces, drawing inspiration from the vibrant, dynamic flow of nature. In addition to her art, Danielle is a published author with a deep love for travel. Having explored over 60 international cities, her experiences abroad serve as a constant source of creative inspiration. She embraces the motto, “Happy is the girl who travels the world.” Whether wandering the streets of Brooklyn or discovering new destinations abroad, these experiences shape her artistic vision.

Passionate about teaching, Danielle also leads workshops, guiding participants of all ages through the meditative process of creating fluid art.

About DMC Original Art

DMC Original Art creates custom decor for both residential and commercial interiors, as well as special events. Our collection includes wall and table art, such as canvas paintings, marble-like ceramic coasters, wooden serving trays, and custom-painted tiles for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Every piece is a handcrafted, functional work of art, inspired by nature’s colorful flow, designed to elevate any space.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority business owner holds deep meaning for me, both personally and professionally. As the first business owner in my family, it represents breaking new ground and creating opportunities where none previously existed. I take pride in offering goods and services of real value to the marketplace and in bringing my unique perspective into procurement spaces.

It’s also about building a legacy—paving the way for future generations in my family and community to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Every piece of art I create, every product I design, and every service I provide reflects that pride and my commitment to quality.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified by the NMSDC has provided valuable opportunities for my business. It’s given me access to unique events where I can network with other certified minority-owned businesses and connect with corporations that are committed to diversifying their suppliers. These events have helped me establish important relationships and explore potential partnerships that support the growth of DMC Original Art.

The certification also adds a level of credibility that helps open doors in procurement spaces, and it’s been a great way to connect with companies that prioritize working with diverse suppliers.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

One thing I wish I had known when starting out in my career is the importance of understanding strategic marketing. Early on, I was so focused on creating my art and building my business that I didn’t fully grasp how essential it is to have a clear marketing strategy in place. It’s not just about having a great product or service—it’s about knowing how to position it, connect with the right audience, and communicate its value effectively.

Learning the key elements of strategic marketing—like branding, audience targeting, and leveraging the right platforms—has been crucial to growing my business. If I had understood the power of marketing earlier, I believe it would have helped me scale faster and reach more customers. Now, I see how valuable it is to invest time and effort into marketing from the start, as it plays such a pivotal role in building long-term success.

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For more information on DMC Original Art, please visit: dmcoriginalart.com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Aneesha Varma serves as the Director of Client Relations and Strategy for the healthcare team at Diverse Lynx. In this role, she thrives on the dynamic challenges of business development, from cultivating new client relationships to strengthening existing partnerships. She is passionate about driving growth and ensuring client success. Managing operations across global teams keeps her engaged and continuously learning, which she considers one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. With an MBA from NYU Stern, she brings both a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach to everything she does.

Outside of work, Aneesha embraces the energy of New York City—exploring new workout classes, catching up on podcasts, and discovering hidden gem restaurants. Travel is her ultimate escape, and she prioritizes exploring new destinations whenever possible. Whether at work or on the go, she remains curious, inspired, and connected.

About Diverse Lynx

Founded in 2002, Diverse Lynx is a leading provider of IT and healthcare staffing solutions. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company has expanded into a global enterprise with a presence across the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Philippines, and India. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees and women holding more than 50% of leadership roles, Diverse Lynx is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. As a woman-owned business, it has built a reputation for delivering top-tier talent and innovative workforce solutions, helping organizations meet their staffing needs while fostering a culture of growth, diversity, and excellence.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

At Diverse Lynx, being a woman-owned business is not just a designation—it embodies our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It means breaking barriers, amplifying the voices of women in leadership, and creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive. With over 50% of leadership roles held by women, we strive to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and innovation is driven by inclusion.

As a minority business, we actively recruit from underserved communities, helping individuals find their dream jobs and creating pathways to success for those facing the greatest barriers. We’ve proudly partnered with a school dedicated to helping girls in underprivileged areas graduate high school, reinforcing the importance of creating opportunities for those who need them most. This experience has deepened our commitment to supporting minority businesses and communities.

I find myself continuously learning from these different individuals and communities while helping them realize their potential and create opportunities where they may not have existed before.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has been instrumental to Diverse Lynx’s growth and success. This certification has opened doors to a vast network of corporate partners and opportunities that align with our values of diversity and inclusion. It has enhanced our credibility as a minority-owned business and allowed us to connect with like-minded organizations that are committed to fostering diversity in their supply chains. For over 20 years, we’ve benefited from networking, meaningful conversations, and personal connections within the NMSDC community.

Through the NMSDC, we’ve gained access to resources and collaboration opportunities that have helped us innovate, expand our reach, and build impactful partnerships. The certification has been a catalyst for growth, empowering us to better support our mission of creating pathways for underrepresented talent and reinforcing our commitment to giving back to communities.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

I wish I had known the importance of staying curious, always being open to learning, and never becoming complacent. Curiosity is a powerful driver—it pushes you to question, explore, and go beyond your comfort zone. The most successful people aren’t those who know everything but those who seek to know more and surround themselves with others who are knowledgeable.

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, continuous learning is crucial for long-term success. Industries—whether technology, healthcare, or business—are rapidly changing, making it essential to keep skills sharp and knowledge current. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning helps you stay ahead, remain competitive, and seize opportunities that others might miss.

Curiosity not only enhances problem-solving abilities but also builds resilience, allowing you to adapt to change with confidence. Whether learning a new technology, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship from diverse perspectives, there’s always something new to discover.

By staying curious and consistently learning, you not only future-proof your career but also unlock endless potential for innovation and personal fulfillment.

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For more information on Diverse Lynx, please visit: diverselynx.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

Gary Pasricha is the founder and managing partner of Pasricha & Patel, LLC. He represents clients in various corporate and business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, debt and equity transactions, private placements, corporate governance, technology agreements, commercial real estate and leasing, secured transactions, and employment issues. Additionally, Gary provides legal counsel to startups and emerging companies, guiding them and their management from inception to exit. He also represents private equity and venture capital firms.

Gary is passionate about giving back to the community. He is the founder and trustee of the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce and volunteers his time with several nonprofits and community-based organizations, often providing pro bono legal advice.

About Pasricha & Patel, LLC.

Founded in 1995, Pasricha & Patel, LLC specializes in personalized legal services across corporate law, complex transactions, securitizations, creditor rights, trusts and estates, and immigration law. The firm is committed to delivering comprehensive legal solutions that help businesses and individuals thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. The team has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, finance transactions, joint ventures, private placements, immigration matters, and large real estate deals. With a proven track record of success, Pasricha & Patel has a deep understanding of the legal challenges businesses and individuals face across various industries.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Supporting minority businesses is something we deeply value. It enables us to connect with a diverse range of clients and contribute to the growth and development of our community. Ultimately, it strengthens our community and fosters a more equitable and inclusive business landscape.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Joining the NY & NJ MSDC has been extremely valuable to us. The NMSDC has been an excellent resource for building relationships with other businesses and interacting with companies that were previously outside our reach.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

It is always better to work with others rather than trying to do everything yourself.

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For more information on Pasricha & Patel LLC., please visit: pasricha.com or follow them on social media: Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.