Tag: MBE Spotlight

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the supply chain diversity space both nationally, regionally, and locally as well as get the latest NYNJMSDC news.

MBE Spotlight: Angela Leon

Angela Y. Leon is the Program Manager and Technology Implementation Specialist at Semirosas, LLC. With over 10 years of experience in project management, event coordination, and specialized training, Angela has a proven track record of delivering impactful solutions that streamline business systems, improve communication, and advance critical initiatives. She excels in driving operational efficiency and technological innovation for small businesses and nonprofits. 

Angela manages diverse projects from inception to completion, ensuring that each initiative aligns with business goals and meets stringent timelines and budget constraints. Her hands-on approach includes defining project scopes, monitoring progress, and serving as a liaison between executives, employees, and clients. This meticulous attention to detail and proactive communication has established Angela as a trusted point of contact for all stakeholders.

Beyond program and project management, Angela is a seasoned trainer, known for creating and facilitating workshops that equip businesses with the tools and best practices needed to thrive. From implementing CRM and task-management systems to developing standard operating procedure manuals and video tutorials, she helps clients systematize their businesses.

About Semirosas, LLC.

At Semirosas, we aid overwhelmed and understaffed companies that need help wrangling their projects to find relief and new confidence in a partner that cares about their business as much as they do. 

Businesses and nonprofits have day-to-day tasks, projects, and events that can be handled by remote teams composed of project managers and virtual assistants. We provide customized administrative, technical, creative, and event management services. Our training programs can also strengthen your current staff.

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

We are deeply committed to giving back to the minority business community and fostering inclusivity in various ways. 

We offer pro bono services in recognition of the challenges faced by small business owners—particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19—to support those who have been significantly impacted. We offer free services such as, creating registration portals for events and providing complimentary consulting on starting or scaling their businesses. By donating our expertise and resources, we aim to empower these entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and thrive in their businesses. 

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization and the broader business community. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive culture, we enrich our team dynamics, enhance creativity and innovation, and drive better business outcomes. 

Through these initiatives and ongoing efforts, we are committed to leveraging our skills, resources, and platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others; promote economic opportunity and empowerment; and contribute to

building a more inclusive and resilient society.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

NMSDC certification has given me access to top-notch business education and resources.

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

I wish I had known how to better leverage my network for collaboration and opportunities.


For more information on Semirosas, LLC., please visit: semirosas.com or follow them on Instagram or LinkedIn.

MBE Spotlight: Yuliya Gimadiev

Yuliya immigrated to the United States from Ukraine in the early 2000s, graduated college, and proceeded to lay the foundation to become a leader in her community and industry. 

In 2017, she established The Best Shades, LLC alongside her husband Marat Gimadiev. This venture was born from her passion for construction, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. Yuliya is a visionary leader with a unique blend of her dual Bachelor’s degrees in English and Business Communications. As a Ukrainian immigrant, Yuliya embodies the spirit of freedom of entrepreneurship and a self-made success through managing multiple businesses, and adeptly overseeing operations. Yuliya’s relentless pursuit of excellence has elevated The Best Shades LLC to an award-winning position, setting new standards for quality and innovation in the custom window treatment industry. Her leadership is underscored by a commitment to mentorship, aiming to guide and inspire others in business and construction areas.

About The Best Shades LLC.

The Best Shades is a Minority and Women Owned Certified Business providing and installing a comprehensive range of custom interior window treatments in the NYC Metropolitan area. 

With years of reputed presence in the industry, they are proud to service city, state, and government agencies, commercial clients, and private residences in New York and New Jersey. 

They are considered a one-stop shop for manual and motorized roller shades, blinds, shutters, drapes, curtains, sheers, window film, and more.

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

Being a minority business—and supporting others like us—represents the core of our community-building efforts. At The Best Shades, we’ve established the Community Window initiative specifically designed to uplift other MWBEs. Through this platform, we share vital resources, promote networking, and highlight opportunities that foster growth and collaborations between minority-owned businesses. It’s our way of contributing to a more diverse and inclusive business environment where every small business has the tools to succeed.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Certification with the NMSDC has been transformative for our business, opening doors to the corporate world that were previously out of reach. It has facilitated valuable networking opportunities, allowing us to forge new partnerships and participate in events that enhance our visibility. Additionally, the peer learning experiences and access to various resources have been crucial in refining our business strategies and accelerating our growth.

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

Looking back at the very start of my career, I wish I had understood the immense power of social capital earlier. The network of supporters, those who have navigated the path I aspired to tread, could have been pivotal from the start. Learning to cultivate and value these relationships is something I’ve come to appreciate deeply, as they are not just connections but cornerstones that support, advise, and propel you toward your goals in ways you can’t achieve alone.


For more information on The Best Shades LLC., please visit: thebestshades.com or follow their Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

MBE Spotlight: Lalitha Priya Chandrashekhar

Lalitha Priya Chandrashekhar, better known as Priya, is an award-winning visionary leader in healthcare communications with over 18 years of experience. In 2013, Priya took her passion for patient value and access and founded PFG MedComm. Her vision was to take a different approach to market access strategy. As a minority, woman founder of a remote company, she champions inclusivity, supporting women, minorities, parents, and advocates. 

Beyond her work with PFG MedComm, Priya actively works to support and promote diverse founders in healthtech through her startup advisory work both independently and as a partner to various accelerators and incubators and enjoys mentoring students and early-career professionals. 

Priya earned a degree in bioscience/biotechnology and psychology from Drexel University and has various certificates in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Regulatory Writing, and Clinical Trial Reporting. She’s a two-time past MIT Bootcamp alum and an active member of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association for the past 5 years and the American Medical Writers’ Association for the past 10+ years.

Outside of work, Priya can be found doing projects with her 9-year-old twins Adithya and Divya, watching Marvel movies with her husband Ashok, and doing functional fitness workouts.

About PFG MedComm

PFG MedComm stands at the forefront of the healthcare industry, renowned for its innovative approach to market access and value communication. Their team of seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, delivering award-winning solutions that drive tangible results for their clients.

At PFG MedComm, they go beyond the conventional to redefine market access strategies for the modern healthcare landscape. Their focus lies in leveraging value communication to achieve access goals, ensuring that their client’s products reach the right stakeholders and resonate with their intended audience.

What sets them apart is their comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and their ability to develop end-to-end marketing strategies that address the needs of all stakeholders. Whether it’s governmental, commercial, or employer payers, healthcare professionals, or patients, they tailor their approach to meet the unique requirements of each segment.

From the clinical trenches to the C-Suite boardrooms, they specialize in crafting solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether it’s navigating regulatory hurdles, engaging key opinion leaders, or communicating value propositions to decision-makers, they have the expertise and insight to guide their clients every step of the way.

In essence, PFG MedComm is not just a market access agency – they’re strategic partners dedicated to helping their clients succeed in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. With their innovative solutions and client-centric approach, they empower organizations to unlock their full potential and make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare.

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

As the founder and CEO of PFG MedComm, being a minority-owned business holds profound significance for me personally and professionally. It represents a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment within the healthcare industry and beyond.

Being a minority business means embracing diversity as a core value and leveraging our unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to drive innovation and create positive change. It’s about fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

Supporting minority businesses is not just about fulfilling a corporate social responsibility; it’s about recognizing the immense value and potential they bring to the table. It’s about creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and community development within underrepresented communities.

As a minority-owned business, we have a responsibility to lead by example and advocate for equity and fairness in all aspects of our operations. This includes promoting supplier diversity, investing in minority-owned businesses, and actively seeking partnerships that prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Ultimately, being a minority business and supporting minority businesses is about building a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or identity. It’s a fundamental part of who we are as a company and drives everything we do at PFG MedComm.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has been instrumental in advancing our business in several key ways.

First and foremost, NMSDC certification has enhanced our credibility and visibility within the community. It serves as a validation of our status as a minority-owned business and demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This certification has opened doors to new opportunities, allowing us to access contracts, partnerships, and procurement opportunities that may have been otherwise inaccessible.

Additionally, NMSDC certification has provided us with invaluable networking and relationship-building opportunities. Through participation at events, conferences, and matchmaking sessions, we have been able to connect with potential clients, strategic partners, and other minority-owned businesses. These connections have not only helped us expand our client base but have also facilitated collaborations and joint ventures that have strengthened our business.

Overall, being certified with the NMSDC has been a transformative experience for our business. It has helped us build relationships, secure contracts, and access resources that have been crucial to our success. We are proud to be part of the NMSDC community and remain committed to leveraging our certification to drive continued growth and impact in the years to come.

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

Reflecting on my journey, there’s one thing I wish I had known when I was starting out in my career: the power of mentorship and networking.

Early on, I underestimated the value of seeking guidance from experienced professionals and building a strong network of peers and mentors. I was focused on acquiring technical skills and knowledge, but I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of learning from others who had walked similar paths before me.

Looking back, I realize that mentorship and networking are essential components of professional growth and success. Having a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and insights can help navigate challenges, avoid pitfalls, and accelerate career development. Similarly, building a network of trusted contacts and peers can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable connections.

Now, as a seasoned professional and business leader, I prioritize mentorship and networking as critical components of personal and professional development. I actively seek opportunities to mentor emerging talent and pay it forward by sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. I also continue to nurture my network, recognizing the power of collaboration and connection in driving business success and personal fulfillment.


For more information on PFG MedComm, please visit: pfgmed.com or follow their Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and X.

MBE Spotlight: Devin Jackson

Devin Jackson is a distinguished technology leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the CEO at GrahamStak, a dynamic IT firm specializing in government contracting. At GrahamStak, Devin leverages his extensive technical expertise and strategic vision to drive innovative solutions for government projects, particularly those requiring highly skilled cloud and cybersecurity personnel.

In addition to his role at GrahamStak, Devin is the founder of We Build Black, a professional networking organization dedicated to empowering Black software engineers. Under his leadership, We Build Black has grown to over 3000 members, hosting impactful events and conferences that promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Devin’s commitment to fostering community and professional growth is evident through his initiatives that provide networking, mentorship, and career development opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. His dual focus on advancing government technology and supporting minority tech professionals highlights his dedication to creating a more inclusive and innovative industry.

About GrahamStak

GrahamStak is a leading IT firm specializing in cybersecurity, cloud services, and custom web solutions. Our primary differentiator in staffing is our robust pipeline of technologists based in the NYC area. This local talent pool allows us to meet the high demand for 100% onsite professionals, a common requirement of NYC agencies. Our expertise and strategic location make us a trusted partner for organizations seeking top-notch, secure, and reliable IT solutions tailored to their specific needs.

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

Being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, holds profound significance both personally and professionally. It encapsulates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the economic landscape, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that minority-owned enterprises encounter. To me, it represents a multifaceted endeavor that involves promoting social justice, driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating resilient communities. 

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified has profoundly impacted my business, offering a multitude of benefits that have propelled our growth, expanded our network, and enhanced our credibility. The certification process itself was rigorous, but it validated our status as a minority-owned business and opened doors to a plethora of opportunities that were previously inaccessible.

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

Starting out in my career, there are countless lessons I’ve learned along the way. However, if I could pinpoint one crucial piece of advice I wish I had known, it would be the importance of building and leveraging a strong professional network. The value of networking extends far beyond the surface-level exchange of business cards; it is about creating meaningful connections that can offer guidance, support, and opportunities throughout one’s career.


For more information on GrahamStak, please visit: grahamstak.com or follow their LinkedIn.

MBE Spotlight: Arlenis Dominguez

Arlenis Dominquez is the Founder and President of Vivid Arc, an architecture and design firm located just outside New York City. For the past 10 years, she has worked as a licensed architect throughout the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Her passion for architecture stems from the desire to share experiences with people through building design. Arlenis believes there is beauty in a silent language like architecture that she hopes to be able to share with the world. 

Professionally, she is both an architect and designer but in her personal life, she is a wife and mother. She thrives in a competitive environment and welcomes challenges that she has to overcome. Arlenis finds joy in being able to use architecture to address her client’s problems and create solutions. She lives by the motto “Dare to Dream”.

About Vivid Arc.

Vivid Arc is an Architecture and Design firm. We have experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Healthcare fields. Vivid Arc has passion and devotion to every project worked on, no matter how small. We bring justice to the notion of architecture by designing beautiful, functional buildings. Vivid Arc believes that form should follow function, and although we prioritize function, we do our best to make sure the form satisfies the client and users desires. 

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

Vivid Arc is proud to be a minority business because we are one of many who assist in representing the victory of a battle. The battle of our ancestors and families before us who may not have had equal opportunity. To own a business is a triumph for many and to be a minority and own a business is proof of change and hope. We are the fire that shines through the darkness and encourages others to keep on fighting for the dream. 

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

NMSDC provides guidance on how to navigate being a minority-owned business. They assist in figuring out what to do with that advantage and how to build on it. NMSDC is encouraging and reminds us how much more we can do to help our companies and others. 

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

When starting my career, I wish I knew more about financial structure. It is something that people do not emphasize but it takes a while to learn and understand. Even though I am an Architect, I am a business owner, and finance is a crucial part of that success that all business owners need to know. 


For more information on Vivid Arc LLC, please visit: vivid-arc.com or follow their social media: Facebook and LinkedIn.

MBE Spotlight: Liza Pizarro-White

Liza Pizarro-White is the CEO and Founder of LPW, where she has steered LPW with unwavering dedication for over 20 years. Today, LPW is a thriving minority and woman-owned enterprise, specializing in technology training. LPW has expanded globally, boasting a network of over 500 trainers spanning 54 countries and 34 languages with over 13,000 successful software implementations. As the eldest daughter of Chilean immigrants, Liza witnessed the sacrifices and hard work of her parents who gave up everything they had to start over from scratch. Their sacrifice fuels her drive to support other minority businesses, contributing to a more equitable and diverse marketplace.

About LPW

LPW was founded in 2004 by a Latino woman in a small room in her house. Today, we are an award-winning, minority and woman-owned, full-service learning and development company that serves a diverse portfolio of clients. We offer world-class learning solutions in Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences technology in over 50 countries and more than 30 different languages. 

With 19 years of experience, excellent quality, and legendary customer service, we create innovative, meaningful, and impactful learning programs that not only increase adoption and proficiency, but achieve the mission, goals, and objectives of our unique organizations we proudly serve. 

We offer custom training solutions, including Instructor-Led training, Virtual-Live Training, Digital Learning (i.e, eLearning, videos, podcasts, interactive PDFs, RISE modules), Change Management, Project Management, and Professional Services.

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

Being a minority business means representing a unique perspective and set of experiences within the broader economic landscape. It signifies overcoming challenges and barriers to entry, often stemming from systemic inequalities and biases. As the eldest daughter of Chilean immigrants, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and hard work necessary to grab a piece of the proverbial pie. My parents gave up everything they had and started over from scratch, instilling in me a strong work ethic and teaching me the real value of a dollar through their relentless perseverance in the face of adversity.

For me, being a minority business owner is about resilience, determination, and the opportunity to create positive change within my Latino community. It’s about embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and demonstrating that success knows no bounds when given the chance. Ultimately, being a minority business means contributing to a more equitable and diverse marketplace while also inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams regardless of background or circumstance.

This personal journey and the values instilled in me by my parents drive my commitment to support and uplift other minority businesses. By doing so, we can build a more inclusive and diverse economic environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Obtaining the NMSDC certification has unlocked valuable networking opportunities for LPW Training Services and instilled a profound sense of responsibility to give back to my Latino community. This commitment led to the creation of the “LPW Latin Women in STEM/Business Scholarship,” supporting deserving students pursuing STEM careers. This June, LPW Training Services will proudly present our third annual scholarship, exemplifying our dedication to fostering the next generation of Latino leaders in STEM and business.

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

I wish I had understood the importance of active listening when I started my career. As a young professional, I was eager to provide answers and solve problems, which sometimes meant I wasn’t fully attentive to others. This mindset narrowed my vision and caused me to miss valuable opportunities.

Over the years, I’ve learned that asking the right questions and being present in the moment is far more powerful. Active listening has enhanced my leadership capabilities, helped me secure great customers, and strengthened my personal and professional relationships.


For more information on LPW, please visit: lpwtraining.com or follow their social media: Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

MBE Spotlight: Chris Colbert

Chris Colbert is a Webby & New York Festival award-winning podcast host, producer, and writer. He is the CEO and Founder of DCP Entertainment, a media production & distribution network for underrepresented voices. Prior to founding DCP Entertainment, Chris previously worked at SXM and Cadence13, where he worked with names like Jamie Foxx, Touré, Joy-Ann Reid, Zak Levitt, iHeart Media, ESSENCE, PEOPLE, Crooked Media, Sports Illustrated, and the United Negro College Fund. 

At DCP Entertainment, Chris and his team specialize in media partnerships and content development for audio and video projects. He has produced content for brands like iHeart Media, Wondery, State Farm (nominated for 2023 Best Branded Podcast), Nissan, Dell, and Remy Martin. 

Chris also serves on the board for The Podcast Academy, BIPOC Podcast Creators, LWC Studios, and the Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund. He also serves as a judge for the Webby Awards, New York Festival Radio Awards, and The Ambies.

About DCP Entertainment

DCP Entertainment is an award-winning media agency that specializes in producing audio and video content to elevate underrepresented communities and voices. DCP provides a full suite of podcast production services from concept to distribution, giving brands and influencers the most value for their money, including a built-in recording space in Times Square NYC.

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

Being a minority business is an honor! Particularly in my field of media, we get to shape the narratives and conversations about our community and the world in a responsible and authentic way. The whole reason I focused my business on this area of the industry is that we get to help create an equitable space for all creators of color and other marginalized individuals before we have to experience another #OscarsSoWhite. It truly is a privilege to work with other minority businesses to create the landscape that will allow talent to rise to the top—without the barriers to entry that plague so many different forms of media.


For more information on DCP Entertainment, please visit: dcpofficial.com or follow their social media: Instagram, X, Facebook, and Threads.

MBE Spotlight: Brittany Hale

Brittany Hale is an undefeated trial attorney who pivoted toward providing businesses with proactive leadership and organizational design solutions. She’s taught “Managing Human Behaviors in Organizations” at an Ivy League institution and provided business solutions for startup and enterprise organizations alike. 

As a trusted guide, she enables leaders to navigate intricate organizational transitions by operationalizing aspirational values. She has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Essence, TechCrunch, and Fast Company for her insights into entrepreneurship and leadership.

Brittany has crafted impactful organizational culture strategies for numerous entities. Her strategic insights led to a 21% increase in employee retention and savings of an additional $400,000 through astute operational advisement. As Interim CEO of an entrepreneurial-focused nonprofit, Brittany achieved impressive milestones, increasing donor contributions by 16%, reducing attrition from 27% to 0% in just 14 months, and boosting research-based revenue by a substantial 41%. 

About BND Consulting

At BND Consulting, we harness the power of values to ignite better decision-making. 

If you’re here, it’s because you know that impactful leadership is the foundation for inspiring innovation within your teams. 

Perhaps you’re seeking guidance from a leader who is well-versed in transitional and crisis leadership as you navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing environment. 

Or maybe your organization is experiencing rapid growth and you want to ensure that it has the solid infrastructure to withstand and thrive in this exciting phase.

If any of these resonate with you, you’ve come to the right place. At BND Consulting, we are here to bridge your understanding and guide you on your leadership journey in a safe and judgment-free zone.

Partnering with BND Consulting Group means developing effective leadership, investing in your business’s success, and creating a resilient organization. Your success is our success, and we are committed to helping you unleash your full potential.

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

Being a minority business means continuing the legacy of redefining the lore of a brilliant business leader. Our communities have built generational wealth in spite of attempts to impede our contributions to the workforce. I am proud to be a Black woman-owned business that provides innovative solutions to complex problems. 


For more information on BND Consulting, please visit: bndconsulting.group or follow their social media: Instagram and LinkedIn.

MBE Spotlight: Cathleen Trigg-Jones

Cathleen Trigg-Jones is a social entrepreneur and executive with a background in journalism, multi-media production, public relations, marketing, public speaking, and executive coaching. She has created and led three independent media companies and is a strategic marketing, crisis communications, and business consultant for global CEOs and Fortune 500 companies.  

Cathleen began her career as a news reporter for WBOC-TV before becoming Press Assistant to U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in his Delaware Senate Office. After returning to television, she worked her way up through the ranks of several news markets, eventually landing her dream job in New York City where she was quickly recognized for her quality journalism, winning an Emmy Award and anchoring the WWOR and WNYW news broadcasts. 

Since that time, Cathleen has produced hundreds of projects and co-starred in more than two dozen TV shows and films, including Power, Madam Secretary, House of Cards, Homeland, and the Tupac Shakur biopic, All Eyes On Me. She is the  Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning iWoman Report on iWoman TV, and of the talk show Chic Chat, which aired on iOne Digital. She is also the creator and co-star of the hit docu-series We Are The Joneses, which aired on Discovery Life and BET Centric.  

From the start, Cathleen has been grounded by her core values of integrity, clarity, compassion, and drive. In addition to her Emmy Award, she has been honored with the Black Women In Media Award, A Child’s Hero Award by CASA of Essex, NJ, and the BMW Women of Excellence Award. She was also nominated for the Women’s Image Network Award.  

In 2006, Cathleen created the Trigg House, a nonprofit, direct-service organization that offers resources to children who are about to become emancipated from the state foster care system to help them make a smooth transition into the real world and independent living. Having experienced the foster care system as a child, she recognized a deep and growing need for energetic nonprofit work to create sensible solutions in this area. She is a New York State Court Appointed Special Advocate for Foster Children and serves on the boards of Operation Keloid, the Columbia University Double Discovery Center, and the Black Entrepreneur Initiative.  

Cathleen is a dynamic executive with demonstrated success building and leading complex projects and organizations. Her businesses are certified by the NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council and by New York State as Minority Women Business Enterprises. She received her BA in Journalism from Delaware State University.

About iWoman TV

iWoman TV is the only 24-hour digital streaming news and entertainment network focused on delivering everyday news, sports, and entertainment through a female lens! Based in New York City, iWomanTV is an over-the-top (OTT) digital streaming and linear channel reaching millions of households. iWoman Studios is also a full-service multi-media production company providing B2B and B2C services such as television and production, virtual event production, marketing, PR, and social media management.   

Founded by Emmy Award-winning journalist, actress, producer, motivational speaker, and success coach, Cathleen Trigg-Jones, iWomanTV is not just another network, it is a movement to change the way the world views women, by putting more women to work in key roles in front of and behind the camera. In a world where women dominate global consumer spending by as much as 85%, iWoman TV is the only combined AVOD and SVOD streaming network dedicated to licensing and producing original programming, including news, entertainment, health, business, politics, and sports content through the lens of women.   

Representation matters and iWoman TV is on a mission to close the gender gap across all industries by highlighting the accomplishments of women and celebrating the companies who put their money where their mouth is when it comes to hiring and promoting women.   

Women contribute $38 trillion to the economy, yet earn an average of $0.55 on the dollar compared to their male counterparts in the United States, and even less globally. iWoman TV is determined to change the narrative by highlighting the disparities and showcasing the many accomplishments and talents of qualified women. In addition to our founder’s more than 25 years of experience in the news and entertainment industry, the advantage our team has over many other OTT startups and networks is our production, marketing, and social media capabilities, as well as our influencer relationships.

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

As a 100% certified minority and female-owned and -operated company, iWoman TV is perfectly positioned to be the global leader in telling stories about the health, wealth, advancement, and struggles of women.


For more information on iWoman TV, please visit: iwoman.tv or follow their social media: Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

MBE Spotlight: Antonio McDonald

Antonio “Tronic” McDonald is the Founder, Chief Creative Officer, Executive Producer, and Live-Action Director of KUAMP Inc. Antonio had a vision of an exceptional company that was skilled at presenting stimulating and thought-provoking images. With his dream in mind, he embarked on a daunting task: raising society’s existing expectation of urban mediocrity in the media to an unsurpassable reign of metropolitan distinction. 

Antonio has worn many hats throughout the years including being the creative, producer, and director in the marketing and production world for over 22 years. Tronic began his career as a director, producer, writer, and editor in the world-renowned MTV On-Air Promotions Department.  

Accolades to his portfolio include numerous award-winning creative campaigns for HP, Google, and MTV.

About KUAMP

We are KUAMP (pronounced Kee-Yamp), an acronym for Keep Up And Make Progress. Meaning, it’s the little steps you take each day that propel you to greater heights. We do the work. And by doing so, we make YOUR brand relevant. No matter the project, we go out of our way to make sure that your message is authentically tied to your culture. Because we believe when it comes to culture, people can sniff out what’s real from what’s not. On paper, we’re an experienced team of award-winning artists, agency creatives, filmmakers, and production leaders, but what you also get is a creative partner without the ego or fluff.

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

A minority business is a badge of honor. All of the odds are stacked against us, and we are faced with tremendous adversity. Being able to rise above all of that and still deliver award-winning work for our clients is meaningful and brings me great joy. After 22 years of being in business, I’ve learned that perseverance and grit are the keys to success.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

One of our biggest and best clients, Google helped us get certified. Since then, we have been certified and by building a strong partnership together our business has grown exponentially. Without our NMSDC certification, this fruitful partnership would not be possible. We have also been able to obtain valuable information through the NMSDC workshops that have led to us obtaining an SBA loan which has also tremendously helped our business.

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

I wish I had known that an NMSDC certification could really help our business. By networking and building strong relationships, I would be able to thrive.  


For more information on KUAMP, please visit: kuamp.com or follow their social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.