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Michael Bavaro is the Corporate Vice President at Navitas Partners, bringing over 15 years of experience in sales leadership and business development. Known for thriving under pressure, he consistently delivers exceptional results and tackles challenges with innovative, outside-the-box thinking. Michael excels in sales process optimization, strategic selling, customer relationship management, and team building. As an energetic and enthusiastic team leader, he values collaboration and holds teams accountable for achieving outstanding outcomes. With a proven track record of driving sales growth and building high-performing teams, Michael is a results-driven professional dedicated to elevating sales efforts to new heights.

About Navitas Partners

Navitas Partners is a forward-thinking global workforce solutions and technology services company that helps businesses transform for the digital age. With extensive expertise in professional and consulting services, we assist clients in reimagining their business, operations, and technology models. Our comprehensive portfolio spans Digital, IoT, Cloud, Automation, Cybersecurity, Analytics, Infrastructure Management, Engineering Services, and Administrative and Operations solutions. At Navitas, our success is driven by a dedicated and skilled team, all committed to putting clients first and delivering innovative solutions for the digital era.

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

Being a minority-owned business and supporting minority businesses signifies a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. As a minority-owned company, we take pride in bringing unique perspectives and innovative solutions that arise from diverse experiences and backgrounds. We foster a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity.

Diversity is a core value and essential to our economic and community sustainability. We believe that diversity strengthens productivity, fuels innovation, enhances service excellence, and drives success. Supporting minority businesses means creating an environment where underrepresented groups can thrive, compete, and succeed. It’s about building opportunities, forging meaningful partnerships, and contributing to the economic growth of diverse communities. By working with and advocating for minority businesses, we help pave the way for innovation, resilience, and long-term success. Our goal is to inspire collaboration, create inclusive opportunities, and highlight the value of diversity in achieving excellence and driving progress.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our business. This certification has granted us access to a vast network of corporations actively seeking partnerships with minority-owned businesses, unlocking opportunities that we may not have otherwise encountered.

The NMSDC certification has also strengthened our credibility and underscored our commitment to diversity and inclusion, positioning us as a trusted partner for organizations prioritizing supplier diversity initiatives. This recognition has enabled us to forge meaningful relationships with clients who appreciate the innovation and resilience that minority-owned businesses bring to the table.

Furthermore, the resources and events offered by the NMSDC, such as matchmaking sessions and networking forums, have allowed us to build valuable connections and stay up to date with market trends. These opportunities have not only broadened our business pipeline but also provided us with insights that help us better serve our clients.

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 value of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than seeing them as obstacles. Early in my career, I sometimes viewed setbacks as roadblocks, focusing on immediate solutions instead of stepping back to consider the bigger picture.

Over time, I’ve learned that challenges often offer the best learning experiences. They teach resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving in ways that success alone cannot. If I had embraced this mindset earlier, I would have approached challenges with more confidence and creativity, turning them into stepping stones for both personal and professional growth.

My advice to others is to face challenges with curiosity and a solution-oriented mindset. Often, these are where the greatest opportunities lie.

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For more information on Navitas Partners, please visit: navitassols.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

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Dear MBEs,

As we look ahead to the coming year, the landscape for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) is shifting in ways that require both vigilance and proactive adaptation. Recent developments at the federal level have introduced new challenges that we must address head-on.

On January 22, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration directed all federal employees involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to be placed on paid administrative leave, with plans to eliminate these positions by the end of the month.

This directive mandates the closure of all DEI offices and the termination of related initiatives across federal agencies.

This action is part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI programs within the federal government, which the administration has criticized as discriminatory and wasteful. The executive order also aims to end affirmative action in federal contracting, emphasizing a return to “merit-based” hiring practices.

These federal changes mirror recent trends in the private sector, where several major corporations, including Ford, Walmart, and Lowe’s, have scaled back or eliminated their DEI initiatives. This convergence of public and private sector shifts underscores a significant transformation in the support systems that have aimed to benefit MBEs in recent years.

The message we’ve received is clear: we cannot afford to depend solely on programs or government policies to ensure our success.

At the Council, we understand the frustration and concern these developments may cause. It’s natural to feel uncertain when support systems evolve or diminish. However, it is precisely in these moments that MBEs must rise to the challenge.

The reality is that certification as a Minority Business Enterprise has never guaranteed success. A certification might open doors, but it is the quality of your product or service that keeps those doors open. It is your work ethic, innovation, and ability to deliver exceptional value that will sustain and grow your business in any environment. As we reflect on the lessons of the past and face the realities of the present, this truth has never been more critical.

For the year ahead, I urge MBEs to focus on the following:

• Excellence in Delivery: Ensure your products and services meet and exceed the expectations of your clients. Quality will always be your most reliable advocate.
• Adaptability: Markets evolve, and customer needs change. Stay attuned to these shifts and position your business to address emerging opportunities.
• Building Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. Trust and credibility are earned through consistency and results.
• Strategic Investment: Invest in your business—whether it’s through technology, training, or expanding your network. Be prepared to compete and excel in any economic climate.
• Advocacy and Unity: While individual effort is essential, collective action remains powerful. Engage with organizations like the NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are represented.

The political and economic landscape may shift, but the principles of good business remain constant. Let’s commit to building enterprises that are not only minority-owned but also universally respected for their excellence and impact. By focusing on what we can control—the quality of our work and the strength of our business practices—we will not only survive but thrive, regardless of external challenges.

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Parag Shroff is an experienced and dynamic corporate leader at 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., bringing extensive expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, personnel and human resources, sales and marketing, financial management, operations, and business development. His broad base of executive management experience stems from roles in both large organizations and start-up companies, showcasing his versatility and strategic vision.

Parag’s core competencies include strategic business planning, profit and loss accountability, corporate finance and budgeting, organizational development, staff and policy development, operations management, and sales and marketing development. His leadership in personnel and human resources further underscores his ability to build and sustain high-performing teams.

At 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., Parag leads the Commercial Practice, driving growth and innovation for the organization.

About  22nd Century Technologies Inc.

For over two decades, 22nd Century Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner, achieving significant milestones in the industry. The company serves a wide range of clients, including several Federal and State agencies, as well as prominent organizations such as Boeing, UPS, Northrop Grumman, NetApp, Spirit AeroSystems, Rentokil, Coca-Cola, Cox Communications, Carrier Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, Parker, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, Iron Mountain, Kimberly-Clark, and many others.

22nd Century Technologies specializes in delivering comprehensive cybersecurity and compliance services, encompassing endpoint, network, and cloud security, 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) support, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), and more.

The company also provides a full spectrum of staffing solutions, including contingent workforce management, temporary staffing, permanent placements, payroll services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), and vendor-on-premises solutions.

With top-secret facility clearance, SOC 2 compliance, and Nationwide Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification through NMSDC, 22nd Century Technologies is positioned as a leader in the industry. Headquartered in McLean, VA, the company operates over 35 offices across the United States, Canada, and India.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

When I first started working for a certified diverse supplier, I had the privilege of attending an annual GNEMSDC conference. At the time, I had little understanding of how to engage with the diversity and sourcing professionals I met. It was an enjoyable experience, and everyone was welcoming, but I wasn’t sure how to turn those interactions into meaningful opportunities. Since we operated in the life sciences and healthcare space, the GNEMSDC was a crucial platform for networking and growth.

During a matchmaking session, I met a diversity professional from one of the largest healthcare companies. I gave my usual sales pitch for our staffing business, only to be told there were no opportunities available. They already had the category covered and a long list of suppliers waiting. It was a disappointing moment—I felt as though we’d never win business with such a large company.

Over the next few months, I attended more meetings and gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed at diversity conferences. I realized that consistent engagement and a compelling value proposition were key. It wasn’t just about attending events but demonstrating why a company should work with us and how we could deliver unique value.

In the first year, we achieved a few small wins, which boosted my confidence. I continued to engage with the individual I’d met earlier from that healthcare company and eventually had the opportunity to meet a senior procurement leader at one of the conferences. 

After 2.5 years of consistent follow-ups, relationship-building, and staying engaged, I received an email from their staffing MSP. The procurement team had requested that we be added as a staffing supplier.

Within six months, we had over 200 contractors billing with that company.

This journey taught me the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and delivering value. Being certified with the NMSDC opened doors, but consistent effort and engagement turned those opportunities into lasting success.

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

Persistence can get you to the door, but consistency is the key that unlocks it. I wish I had understood how vital this principle is, especially as a diverse supplier. Building meaningful relationships and proving your value over time are what truly create opportunities.

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For more information on 22nd Century Technologies Inc., please visit: tscti.com or follow them on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

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Today, as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his unwavering fight for civil rights, equality, and justice. His vision of a society rooted in fairness and inclusion continues to guide us, inspiring us to pursue the American Dream that he so passionately championed. Dr. King’s words, “We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience,” resonate as deeply today as they did decades ago.

At the Council, we are committed to building a society that aligns with these principles. Dr. King’s vision calls on us to create a world of justice, unity, and fairness—values central to our mission. By fostering relationships rooted in mutual respect, ethical practices, and a spirit of cooperation, we can bring these ideals to life in our work.

In 2025, collaboration among businesses is key. When we come together, share resources, and support each other’s growth, we can all succeed. This unity is the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future. By helping one another, we strengthen not only our businesses but also the broader community.

Our work centers on breaking down barriers, creating opportunities for certified suppliers, driving economic equity, and building sustainable supply chains. This year, our theme—“Decreasing Systematic Business Growth Barriers: Increasing Sustainable Supply Chains”—focuses on the critical role of systemic change in achieving these goals.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, let us commit to advocacy and action. True change requires more than words; it demands that we use our influence to challenge inequities and support the advancement of underrepresented communities. The Council remains steadfast in empowering certified suppliers and advancing economic justice, but this mission relies on the collective effort of our community.

We are grateful for the progress we’ve made together in promoting diversity in business. Each step forward is a testament to the dedication of our partners and advocates who share our vision. Yet, there is still much work to do.

Let this day of remembrance be a reminder of the responsibility we have—to lead with integrity, to collaborate for mutual success, and to ensure we are building a society truly at peace with itself.

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Beverly White, President of BKW Transformation Group, has worked in both domestic and international settings within major corporations, bringing a wealth of experience to her professional endeavors. Passionate about helping clients transition from their current state to a targeted future state, including implementing AI strategies, she is certified in AI strategy, Six Sigma, and other advanced methodologies.

In addition to holding a master’s degree in Business, Beverly has completed executive programs in business at esteemed institutions such as Kellogg and Dartmouth. While she does not claim to know everything, she possesses extensive knowledge of business operations and is deeply committed to problem-solving and research. Beverly excels in creating roadmaps for success and prioritizes enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of her clients and peers by leveraging their unique experiences and perspectives.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Beverly actively engages in studies on business and technology through renowned institutions like MIT and insights from Big Five experts. For her, the journey of learning is ongoing and ever-evolving.

About BKW Transformation Group

BKW Transformation Group specializes in strategy, process improvement, technology, and change management. Our focus is on driving competitive performance within and across teams, helping clients achieve even greater success. We aim to take what’s best in our clients and make it better.

We are expanding our subcontractor opportunities, collaborating with clients where we can deliver measurable value. Our solutions extend to key areas such as sustainability and organizational health, ensuring comprehensive support for long-term success.

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

For us, it means the same as it does for non-minority businesses: providing valuable solutions to our target markets. However, as a minority-owned business, we often face additional challenges, such as gaining access and overcoming perceptions of lower performance. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to delivering exceptional results and consistently perform at a high level.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has helped by opening doors to key companies and organizations, providing the support needed to effectively pitch my business. This certification has been a valuable tool in gaining access to new opportunities and expanding our reach.

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

The constantly evolving landscape of business.

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For more information on BKW Transformation Group, please visit: thebkwgroup.com or follow them on social media: Facebook and X.

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Standing Together: Applauding Costco’s Leadership in DEI

In a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are facing unprecedented challenges, Costco has shown us what real leadership looks like. While many companies are scaling back their commitments under pressure, Costco has stood firm, showing the world that staying true to your values isn’t just about business, it’s about people, communities, and doing what’s right.

Across the country, we’ve seen over 80 anti-DEI bills introduced, with many becoming law. This political climate has made it easier for organizations to retreat and abandon the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve but Costco is proving that integrity is non-negotiable. By keeping DEI at the heart of its mission, Costco is showing all of us that inclusion drives not only better outcomes for communities but also stronger, more sustainable businesses.

As the regional affiliate minority supplier development councils, we see firsthand the impact that corporate commitments to equity have on minority businesses and the communities they serve. That’s why we celebrate Costco’s courage and leadership. Their stance is a reminder that progress takes persistence and that standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

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Colin Hall, an entrepreneur and founder of Alpha International Travel, started his company in 1984, bringing over 30 years of experience to the travel industry. With no marketing budget at the time, Colin conducted his own market research by polling passersby on the streets of Manhattan while working as a FedEx courier. Driven by a strong work ethic, he self-funded his business by juggling multiple jobs, embodying the true Jamaican spirit. Colin is also passionate about supporting others, often making introductions and connecting people with mutually beneficial opportunities. He holds a BS from the University of Pittsburgh and completed the Building High Performing Business program at Dartmouth Tuck School of Business in 2012. 

Outside of work, Colin is deeply involved in his community through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and his church. A proud husband and father of two adult children, Colin enjoys staying active with golf, soccer, and basketball. He’s also a passionate fan of the Yankees and Cowboys.

About Alpha International Travel

Alpha International Travel Inc. (AIT) is a boutique travel management company founded in 1994 by Colin Hall. As one of the few 100% black-owned businesses in the field, AIT specializes in delivering personalized domestic and international travel services with a boutique touch.

AIT is hosted by Internova/Global Travel Collections (GTC), a premier travel management company with over $24 billion in annual sales and ranked #11 in Travel Weekly’s 2024 Power List. This partnership enables AIT to offer competitive pricing, exclusive perks, and access to top-tier resources while maintaining its signature high-touch service.

At AIT, we provide each client with a dedicated advisor who is committed to understanding your needs and delivering expert guidance. From planning to execution, our consultants ensure a seamless travel experience, leveraging in-depth destination knowledge and insider tips. Our services include vendor negotiations, policy consultation, visa and passport support, proprietary discounts, and VIP priority status with airlines and hotels.

We also offer 24/7 support for peace of mind during emergencies. Recognized for excellence and resilience, AIT and Colin Hall were honored with the 2024 Supplier of the Year Award by the New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council.

Experience the perfect balance of boutique service and global resources with AIT—a trusted partner in travel management.

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

Being a minority business means that I am participating in the economy in a fundamental way by providing people with a livelihood.  It also shows what can be accomplished by minority vendors and expands the view of what is achievable by minorities and spur others to greater accomplishments.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC gives us the opportunity to bid for contracts with companies seeking to diversify their vendor base.

It also provides clients with the assurance that we are a vetted company with the experience and credentials to provide our services.

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 I was starting out in my career is the value of having mentors and advisors who could provide more guidance. Their experience and insights would have helped me avoid common pitfalls, navigate challenges more effectively, and better understand how to access capital, secure funding, and manage finances. Having the right mentors would have accelerated my growth and provided a clearer path to success.

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For more information on Alpha International Travel, please visit: alphatravel.net.

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As we close out 2024, we are filled with gratitude and pride as we reflect on a year of remarkable achievements and meaningful partnerships. First and foremost, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors. Your unwavering support has been crucial to the success of our events, and your commitment to diversity and inclusion has made a lasting impact on our efforts throughout the year. We deeply appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together in 2025.

This has been a milestone year for The Council, brimming with transformative events that united business leaders, corporate partners, and advocates in pursuit of progress and collaboration. Among our achievements, the Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit in Rochester in January stood out as a testament to our commitment to statewide inclusion and set the tone for the year. This groundbreaking event welcomed over 300 participants, sparking dynamic discussions, fostering connections, and reinforcing our efforts to expand opportunities across the region.

This year, we also introduced our first-ever four-part webinar series in collaboration with Tompkins Ventures, which received overwhelming positive feedback. These sessions provided actionable insights and empowered businesses to achieve greater success. Building on this momentum, we continued our popular “How to Do Business With” webinars, welcoming MGM, Pfizer, and Truist to share their expertise. These interactive events offered invaluable opportunities for our MBEs to connect with major corporations, gain practical knowledge, and understand the pathways to securing contracts. Their success reaffirms our commitment to fostering meaningful engagements, and we’re excited to carry these initiatives into 2025.

In April, we held our Business Opportunity Exchange, hosted by Prudential Financial. This event was an excellent platform for minority-owned businesses to connect with corporations, explore new opportunities, and foster long-lasting partnerships. It was a dynamic and engaging start to what would be a year of success.

In the summer, we gathered once again for our Biz Connect event, this time aboard the Horizon’s Edge Yacht. This unique setting offered our members the chance to build connections while enjoying beautiful views and meaningful conversations. It was a fantastic evening that highlighted the power of networking in a joyous and scenic atmosphere.

In September, we celebrated the best MBE supporters in the industry at our Partnership Awards Gala at Gotham Hall. This event was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of those leading the way in diversity and inclusion. Congratulations again to our honorees! Please take a moment to view the attached document showcasing our 2024 Partnership Awards Gala winners, whose achievements continue to inspire us all.

View the Award Winners →

We wrapped up our signature events with our 27th Annual Networking for Scholarships event, an important occasion that focused on strengthening relationships and providing support for scholarships. It was a fitting close to a year of celebration and empowerment, as we worked together to ensure a brighter future for the next generation of leaders.

This fall, Northwell Health hosted our Healthcare Symposium, bringing together a distinguished panel of speakers and industry experts to explore innovative strategies for advancing supplier diversity in healthcare. The event provided invaluable insights and fostered meaningful discussions to help drive change in the industry.

As the year drew to a close, we partnered with Citi to host our Sustainability Symposium in December. This virtual event featured speakers from around the world, emphasizing the importance of aligning business operations with sustainable goals while fostering economic growth. It was a powerful finale to a year dedicated to progress, collaboration, and impact.

Throughout 2024, we had the privilege of welcoming over 300 new MBEs and 5 new Corporate Members to The Council. This growth is a direct result of the support of our community and the collective commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are excited to continue collaborating with all of our new and existing members as we move into 2025, and we look forward to seeing the impact these new relationships will have in the years to come.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the tentative dates for our 2025 Signature Events:

• Business Opportunity Exchange: April 23, 2025
• Biz Connect: Summer 2025
• Networking for Scholarships: Fall 2025
• Partnership Awards Gala: October 10, 2025

Our theme for 2025, “Decreasing Systematic Business Growth Barriers: Increasing Sustainable Supply Chains,” will shape our work throughout the year. This theme emphasizes our commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that prevent diverse suppliers from reaching their full potential. At the same time, it underscores the need for sustainability within supply chains, ensuring that growth is not only achievable but also responsible and inclusive. As we tackle these challenges in 2025, we will continue to advocate for solutions that create a more equitable and sustainable future for all businesses, large and small.

In 2025, The Council is excited to continue expanding its reach with events across New York State, Northern and Central New Jersey, and beyond. This year, we’re also joining forces with the Eastern MSDC to bring impactful programming to Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, further strengthening our regional presence.

We’re kicking off the year with another Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit in Rochester, New York, setting the stage for another year of meaningful connections and opportunities. 

Join us on February 5, 2025 in Rochester, NY → 

As we prepare for another exciting year, we encourage you to stay connected. To stay up to date with the latest news, event details, and opportunities, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media.

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If you would like to contribute to The Council for our 2025 calendar year, you can check out our sponsorship packages below. We offer a wide range of packages to fit any budget. 

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Thank you again for making 2024 such a remarkable year. We look forward to continuing our journey together in 2025 as we break down barriers, increase opportunities, and build a stronger, more sustainable future. Here’s to another successful year ahead!

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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.