2026 Sponsor

ABOUT EY

Ernst & Young LLP exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

ABOUT KATHY GOLDING

Kathy is the EY Global Procurement Leader for Technology, Talent, Alliances, and Brand, Marketing and Communications. She works with various stakeholders to develop initiatives that add long-term value for EY’s people, clients, and communities. Kathy oversees an annual third-party spend of US$5.9 billion, leading a team of over 300 professionals in more than 30 countries, excelling in sourcing and supplier management to support strategic growth. Kathy holds a BA in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Finance from York University. With over 20 years of procurement experience and a champion for inclusive procurement she has been a great asset in driving triple digit growth across her categories for multiple years. Kathy serves on the WEConnect International Board of Directors to support women-owned business growth globally. Originally from Canada, she now lives in the UK with her husband and son.

“Serving as Co-Chair at WBENC is an easy decision because it’s the ‘only’ decision! Supporting women to grow businesses and ourselves while enabling customers to receive the best innovative, quality solutions available – Done!”

ABOUT THE ACTONE GROUP

ActOne Group’s mission is to become the business community’s global partner in providing forward-thinking talent and resource-management solutions. By leveraging the expertise of the various companies of the ActOne Group, our clients can access the powerful potential of today’s diverse global workforce.

ABOUT JANICE BRYANT HOWROYD

Janice Bryant Howroyd, fondly known as JBH, is the first African American woman to found and build a multi-billion dollar company. ActOne Group, a $3.4 billion (USD) workforce solutions organization, operates in over 32 countries, engaging some of the world’s best technologies and systems to support organizations of all sizes and provide jobs and careers for millions of workers across the globe. She leads from a culture of humanity, discipline, and excellence instilled by her parents and uses her presence as a connector of humanity, saying, “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally!”

“Ampcus has been Co-Chairing this national event for many years now. We see a lot of benefit as we get an opportunity to network and build a continuous relationship with the corporate decision makers. At this event we have also met other Woman and Minority business leaders with who we have formed not only a mentor-protege relationship but we have also done business with them. The schedule of WBENC is packed and is full of information. I would strongly recommend my WBENC sisters to attend and avail the opportunity to do business with each other and with corporates.”

ABOUT AMPCUS INC.

Ampcus is a global Business, Technology consulting and a staff augmentation firm headquartered in Chantilly VA 25 miles west of Washington DC, with 16 customer support offices in the US,  global delivery centers, innovation labs and a workforce of over 2200 employees Ampcus and Ampcus owned subsidiaries continue to bring positive impact in the lives of over 80 of the fortune 100/1000 companies, agencies and non profits. We provide innovative, cost effective quality and sustainable solutions and services with focus on Intelligent Automation, Cybersecurity & Risk Management, Infrastructure Modernization, Testing and Staffing services.

ABOUT ANN RAMAKUMARAN

Ann Ramakumaran is the Founder and CEO of Ampcus Inc. Ann is a technology-savvy entrepreneur with more than 20 years of design, development and delivery of innovative and leading-edge Technology Solutions and Human Capital Management across the globe. Under her leadership, she has cultivated Ampcus and Ampcus group of companies into a fast-growing Consulting and Professional Services organization. For eleven consecutive years she has been recognized as a top Asian American owned business by USPAACC and for over twelve consecutive years has been honored as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned and Women Led Business in the CONUS by the Women Presidents Organization. Under Ann’s leadership, Ampcus has made the Inc. 500/5000 list and has been recognized as a Top Diversity Business. Ann was also awarded Women in Technology Entrepreneur of the Year by WIT and most recently was inducted into the Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame and Capital Region’s Hall of Fame. Ann has also received the Chairman’s Award for Inspirational Leadership from CRMSDC and the President’s Award from WPEO, the Global Growth Award from Astra Women’s Business Alliance, Supplier of the Year Award from GMSDC, Top Asian American Business Award from USPAACC-SE and USPAACC-SW, CRMSDC Supplier of the Year, NMSDC Supplier of the Year and NMSDC MBE of the Year, MBDA Minority Business Enterprise of the Year . In 2019, Ampcus became part of the NMSDC’S elite Corporate Plus Program.

Ann serves on the National Board of WBENC, Board of Greater Washington Partnership CRMSDC Board, WBEC DMV/NY Board, CWE Board, USPAACC Scholarship Committee. She has been a speaker at numerous National and Local Procurement and Diversity and Technology Conferences. In addition, Ann has mentored several women and minority start up’s in an effort to help them grow their business. Ann holds her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business and Commercial Management from India and has completed Executive Management from the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond Virginia and an Advance Management from the Kellogg School of Management Northwestern University Illinois.

“Supply chains are under scrutiny. Do you have reliable suppliers and are they close to where products are needed? Do they have contingency plans and bring needed innovation? Do their business practices support your ESG goals? Some of us have been asking these questions and solving these challenges for years. That is why ALOM has 80% of our U.S. suppliers within 100 miles of our facilities. It is one of the reasons why we have an aggressive ESG program and a history of uninterrupted delivery.

As a WBENC Conference co-chair I look forward to welcoming you to Denver to showcase your accomplishments, write new business, and learn from each other during this important week.”

ABOUT ALOM

ALOM is a supply chain management services provider, serving as a strategic partner to its Fortune 500 clients in the technology, automotive, life sciences, and highly regulated industry sectors. Headquartered in Fremont, CA, its teams operate globally from 19 locations.

Committed to environmental and social responsibility, ALOM manages the physical supply chain from procurement, inventory, production/kitting, digital media and print, to omni-channel fulfillment and returns. ALOM seamlessly integrates digital and financial supply chain streams deploying e-commerce and payment solutions, visibility tools, data management, and back-end reporting.

ALOM is proud to deliver its clients’ products impeccably and uphold their brand reputations.

ABOUT HANNAH KAIN

Prior to founding ALOM in 1997 in Fremont, California, Hannah Kain held various management and executive positions dating back to 1983, with a wide range of experience in the packaging industry since 1990.

Ms. Kain’s unwavering focus is on customer commitment and quality while challenging her team to deliver a competitive advantage for the customer. This focus led to ALOM receiving ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 14064-1 certification, and expanding the ALOM footprint to five continents. It has also fostered many long-term customer and business relationships.

Ms. Kain has extensive international management experience, membership, and involvement in numerous governmental and educational agencies and business groups. She is a board member of the National Association of Manufacturers, WBEC-Pacific, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) where she also serves as 1st Vice Chair of the WBENC Forum. She is the board chair of How Women Lead – Silicon Valley and serves on the Advisory Council of Heritage Bank of Commerce. Kain is a member of the exclusive invitation-only Committee of 200 (C200) for executive women.

“Serving as Co-Chair of the National Conference is deeply meaningful to me because WBENC represents the power of community, opportunity and women lifting each other up. Rose International has proudly attended every conference since earning our certification, and each year we see firsthand how these connections spark real growth and lasting partnerships.”

ABOUT ROSE INTERNATIONAL

Rose International is a people‑first workforce solutions company that helps organizations navigate change, find exceptional talent, and build stronger teams. For more than 30 years, the company has believed that when people are given the opportunity to succeed, businesses and communities thrive.

“Impact is not a single moment. It is the accumulation of decisions that strengthen businesses, support communities, and create opportunities for others. Every customer relationship deepened, every community dollar invested, and every team member developed is part of that accumulation. “

ABOUT MERRIMAK CAPITAL SOLUTIONS

Merrimak Capital Company is the industry’s leading and largest independent diverse lessor, serving more than 100 Fortune 500 and similarly scaled organizations. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and operating across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Merrimak owns and manages nearly $1.5 billion in assets. The company’s primary focus is material handling equipment and over-the-road fleet, delivered through a single-source lifecycle model spanning leasing, fleet management, asset tracking, refurbishment, and resale. As a WBENC-certified, woman-owned enterprise, Merrimak provides Tier 1 diversity spend credit while delivering enterprise-grade performance and consistent annual growth exceeding 20 percent.

ABOUT MARY KARIOTIS

Mary Kariotis is the CEO of Merrimak Capital Company and a recognized leader in equipment finance and lifecycle management. With more than 30 years of experience, she has built Merrimak into the largest independent diverse lessor serving Fortune 500 and similarly scaled organizations.

A defining strength of Mary’s leadership is her vision. She sees opportunities ahead of the market and builds the infrastructure to capture them. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2008, she has led with a clear focus on independence, innovation, and customer-first solutions. In an industry dominated by banks and private equity, she has maintained full ownership of the company, allowing Merrimak to prioritize flexibility, straightforward dealing, and long-term partnerships.

Mary personally engaged more than 100 Fortune 500 organizations through a hands-on approach to account development. A pivotal decision early in her tenure brought all customer accounts under direct company ownership, transforming Merrimak from a $30 million portfolio into a company managing nearly $1.5 billion in assets today.

That vision continues to drive Merrimak forward. The creative and flexible lease structures Mary developed remain the foundation of the model, continuing to evolve and give large fleet customers the flexibility and lowest cost of use in the industry. She forged a strategic partnership with Element Fleet Management to create Elevate as a single-source DOT over-the-road fleet solution, developed Merrimak Fleet Solutions to reduce material handling equipment maintenance costs by up to 40 percent annually, and is leading development of proprietary software that integrates lease data directly into customers’ financial systems. Merrimak is also deploying AI across every area of the business to accelerate growth, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for customers.

Mary has built a strong leadership team around her, with her children joining the business and positioned to carry this legacy forward.

“I love and live by that word. Life is so much more meaning full when you have impact. The word IMPACT alone is an action word and definitely generates energy. It is also a bonding word, and you can immediately know who you want to connect with because they love and want to have impact in their life as well. It is also a giving word – to have impact is to do something outward. I want to have impact with my clients and my team members, my friends and family.”

ABOUT ALANIZ MARKETING INC.

Alaniz is a strategic growth firm that partners with midsize businesses to build permanent, AI-powered sales infrastructure. We help companies break through the “midsize ceiling” by transitioning them from renting temporary marketing to owning predictable revenue engines. Recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as a Top 100 Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Business, Alaniz combines operational discipline with the velocity of customized AI. As a proud WBENC-certified WOSB, we specialize in helping fellow founders install the targeted outbound systems required to scale past founder-led sales, connect with the exact right stakeholders, and dominate their markets.

ABOUT ROXANNE ALANIZ

Roxanne Alaniz is the Founder and CEO of Alaniz, a premier strategic growth firm, and the go-to expert for midsize companies seeking to connect with their most elusive, high-value stakeholders. As a “Revenue Architect,” Roxanne helps established businesses break through growth plateaus by replacing unpredictable, founder-led sales with permanent, AI-powered sales infrastructure.

Under her leadership, Alaniz has been recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as both a Top 100 Women-Owned Business and a Top 100 Minority-Owned Business. Roxanne’s proprietary approach combines the velocity of modern AI technology with the authentic, human-to-human strategy required to close complex deals. Her firm doesn’t just run temporary marketing campaigns; they build the customized outbound engines that allow companies to own their growth and scale with total predictability.

A graduate of UC Berkeley, Roxanne’s entrepreneurial journey began immediately out of college when she owned and operated a successful franchise for seven years. This foundational experience gave her a profound, firsthand understanding of the challenges founders face. She then spent a over a decade in the high-stakes corporate media world at ABC/Disney, mastering audience connection and strategic positioning. Today, she combines that enterprise-level discipline with her founder’s grit to bring high-velocity growth to the mid-market.

Roxanne is a passionate, lifelong advocate for supplier diversity and women’s entrepreneurship. She is honored to serve on the Host Committee for the WBENC 2026 National Conference representing the Pacific Region. Her firm is an SBA-certified Small Business, a WBENC-certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and an active member of the Diversity Alliance for Science (DA4S).

Whether she is consulting one-on-one with a CEO or leading a Mastermind cohort, Roxanne’s mission remains the same: empowering diverse founders to stop renting their marketing, build a sales engine they actually own, and confidently secure their company’s legacy.

“Throughout my journey, one of the greatest joys has been witnessing the success of entrepreneurs I have had the privilege to mentor. When a woman business owner shares that a single conversation helped shift the trajectory of her company, I am reminded that true impact rarely stops with one person or one moment. It extends to her team, her family, and the possibility of building lasting, generational wealth. That ripple effect is where impact becomes truly powerful.”

ABOUT IBEX IT BUSINESS EXPERTS

IBEX IT Experts is a women-owned IT professional services and training solutions firm delivering end-to-end, collaborative solutions for organizations such as Cognizant, MedStar Health, Amazon/Fabric.com, Exelon, Cox Enterprises, the Department of Defense, CDC, and NASA. Our work spans multiple industries and mission environments, supporting federal agencies, healthcare institutions, technology organizations, and major enterprises. We specialize in learning and development solutions, automated procurement support with a compliance focus, inclusion-driven initiatives that help organizations strengthen their workforce and ecosystem, supplier management tracking and reporting, and driving measurable value towards achieving sustainable growth.

ABOUT TRACEY GRACE

Tracey is the founder and CEO of IBEX IT Business Experts, a women-owned professional services firm specializing in IT solutions, workforce training, and government contracting support. Originally from New Jersey, she earned her B.A. in Economics and Spanish from the University of Pittsburgh and later received a Graduate Tuition Fellowship that fully funded her MBA in Marketing, which she completed in just 11 months.

Before launching IBEX in 2012, Tracey built a strong career leading successful sales teams at global companies such as Learning Tree and FedEx. Under her leadership, IBEX has grown into a trusted partner for organizations including NASA, the CDC, and Cox Communications, helping them implement technology solutions and prepare workers for innovation.

As a minority woman founder, Tracey has built IBEX with a mission that extends beyond technology. She is deeply committed to creating access and opportunity for underrepresented communities, while also bringing expertise in IT solutions, supplier inclusion, government contracting, business growth, networking, and leadership.

In 2022, IBEX launched NectariQ, a supplier management platform designed to help organizations strengthen communication, collaboration, and engagement with diverse suppliers. Tracey’s leadership has helped IBEX earn a place on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for four consecutive years, as well as honors including Greater North Fulton Small Business of the Year, the Georgia Fast 40 Award, and the 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services OSDBU Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award.

Tracey is also passionate about service and mentorship. She serves on several nonprofit and community boards, supporting minority businesses and helping strengthen communities across Georgia.

“My idea of IMPACT is about cumulative successes that create positive change year after year. We have always been in service of mandating results for our for-profit clients — of all sizes and industries. The same is true of non-profit work. Our agency’s engagement with causes has been extensive and long-lasting. We have created a ripple effect of impact over these past 25 years, particularly giving voice to historically excluded populations. Through branding, marketing, sponsorships, board memberships, and volunteering, we are helping to serve important causes close to my heart — the arts, people experiencing homelessness (PEH), education, sex-trafficking prevention, and so much more.”

ABOUT KNOCK INC.

Knock is a fiercely independent brand experience design partnership, helping ambitious brands solve and evolve with intention. Its people-first, design-forward promise values deep relationships and distinctive creative — integrating every touchpoint and turning point in the audience journey. With a compass on culture and commerce, Knock’s 100+ collaborators serve a diverse roster of clients — from Fortune 500 enterprises and start-up entrepreneurs to mid-sized companies and nonprofit organization. With headquarters in Minneapolis, Knock enjoys an expanded presence in Chicago, Miami, New York, and London.

ABOUT LILI HALL

Lili Hall is Founder and CEO of Knock, inc., a brand experience design partnership headquartered in Minneapolis. As a certified Women/Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE) she envelops a spirit of inclusion, invention, and imagination, empowering her 100+ FT collaborators to guide brands, businesses, and communities at a national and international scale. Lili has been recognized globally for outstanding contributions, including being named one of EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and Most Admired CEO of the Twin Cities by Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. She serves on multiple boards, is a member of many professional women networks, and is a sought-after speaker and mentor. Because of her successful leadership, Knock was one of Inc. magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America for six consecutive years.

“When I hear the word IMPACT, I think about responsibility—using every opportunity not just to create something exceptional, but to create something that matters. At Nemacolin, that has meant looking beyond the guest experience and asking how we can meaningfully influence the lives of those around us.

Impact, in my journey, is about legacy in action. It’s the ability to take a vision and translate it into tangible support for our community—whether through initiatives like Light Up Nemacolin or through ongoing investments in local organizations, families, and future generations.”

ABOUT NEMACOLIN

A destination like no other, Nemacolin has crafted extraordinary moments in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands since 1987. Spanning 2,200 acres, this four-season playground offers Forbes Travel Guide award-winning accommodations, from the grandeur of The Chateau to the modern elegance of Falling Rock and The Grand Lodge. Guests enjoy exceptional dining, championship golf, the Woodlands Spa, and endless outdoor pursuits—from fly fishing to wildlife encounters. With curated experiences, seasonal events, and 35,000 square feet of event space plus a private airstrip, Nemacolin transforms every stay into something truly unforgettable.

ABOUT MAGGIE HARDY

In 1987, Joseph A. Hardy III, founder of the 84 Lumber Company, set out to buy a few acres near a lake or stream for his daughter, Maggie Hardy, who loved fishing. But, instead, he fell in love with Nemacolin and purchased a hotel and a few hundred acres of land. What began as a thoughtful gift for his daughter turned into a family-owned resort they would share, building something truly magical together.

Since 2002, Maggie Hardy has been leading the team as owner and CEO of Nemacolin and has overseen 84 Lumber since 1992. Her energetic approach, aggressive goals, and spirited vision have been critical success factors in the operation and growth of the resort. She inherited her father’s mindset that “nothing is impossible” and has embraced that perspective to make Real Life Magic a part of Nemacolin’s approach in curating one-of-a-kind, elevated experiences and luxe stays for guests and members.

With recent resort recognition in Vogue, The Daily Front Row, Golfweek, Golf Digest, Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast, Travel + Leisure, Robb Report, Architectural Digest, and other publications, Maggie Hardy’s leadership has positioned Nemacolin to become a world-class destination for luxury travel. In her time away from business, Maggie enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, fitness, and spending time with her son, PJ — Nemacolin’s VP of brand strategy — and her pups, Tootsie and Ajax.

“For West Hill, IMPACT is the reason we created our firm. Our journey began with a belief that sophisticated legal counsel could — and should — create meaningful impact on both sides of the table: for the businesses we support and for the legal professionals who serve them. IMPACT shows up in the founders and innovators who rely on us to protect their intellectual property, negotiate their most important agreements, and provide the legal foundation that fuels growth, job creation, and community investment. When our clients scale, secure funding, expand and extend offerings, or successfully exit, we feel that ripple effect — not just as a legal outcome, but as a moment of shared economic impact.”

ABOUT WEST HILL TECHNOLOGY COUNSEL

West Hill is a law firm that helps technology companies and other IP-focused businesses grow, manage risk, and prepare for a successful exit. A true partner for your business, West Hill provides proactive, practical legal advice to help solve problems before they arise and protect what you have worked so hard to create. Our team is laser-focused on our mission to make our clients wildly successful. Can working with the right lawyers IMPACT your business? Let’s start a conversation.We would love to meet you.

ABOUT LOUISE LEDUC KENNEDY

Louise Leduc Kennedy is the founding attorney of West Hill Technology Counsel. She has extensive experience advising technology companies on intellectual property and strategic matters. She is passionate about helping clients protect and grow what they have built and position themselves for a successful exit. With deep expertise in all legal aspects of software development and licensing, including open-source, using and developing AI tools, and addressing privacy and data security compliance issues. Louise particularly loves working with innovative women and their entrepreneurial businesses.

West Hill is a truly unique law firm. It has spent the past 15+ years redefining the culture of sophisticated legal practice at the intersection of business and technology. This includes providing exceptional value to business clients and unrivaled opportunity and quality of life for top-credentialed professionals who choose to step off the large law firm or in-house path.

Before forming the firm, Louise worked for many years as in-house counsel at IBM Corporation, including as brand counsel for Lotus Notes. She received her B.A. in Economics from Smith College and her J.D., with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

In 2024, Louise was honored by WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) as a 2024 WBE Star. She was recognized for outstanding business achievement, leadership, and impact among women-owned businesses.

“The IMPACT others have had on my career and journey has been profound. The community I’ve built over more than 20 years paid that support forward to Jason and me when we started our company, the IMPACT they made on us. In turn, we strive to create the same IMPACT for our team and for others around us. Through mentorship, opportunity, and giving back, Jason and I work to ensure that the support we once received continues to come full circle and that the IMPACT we can make on each other continues. “

ABOUT BLACKHAWK DATA

BlackHawk Data is a fast-growing woman-owned technology solutions provider and managed services partner helping organizations simplify, secure, and modernize their IT environments. Founded with the belief that technology should solve real problems and not create more complexity we bring together elite engineering talent, trusted partnerships, and a people-first approach to deliver meaningful business outcomes. From cybersecurity and networking to cloud and managed services, we help clients operate with greater visibility, resilience, and confidence. At our core, BlackHawk Data is built on purpose, innovation, and the belief that great technology starts with great people.

ABOUT MARYANN PAGANO

With more than two decades of leadership experience, Maryann Pagano serves as CEO and Co-Founder of BlackHawk Data, where she leads the company’s strategic vision, revenue growth, and partner ecosystem. Known for building strong relationships and high-performing teams, Maryann oversees sales, marketing, and vendor engagement to ensure alignment with client goals and providing exceptional client experience.

Maryann brings deep expertise in client services and leadership to every decision. She is intentional about building a team that reflects the company’s core values and invests heavily in developing her people, empowering individuals to grow their skills, strengthen their personal brands, and deliver meaningful results. At the center of every initiative there is one guiding principle: enhancing the client’s journey and delivering long-term value.

Founded in 2018 by Maryann and her co-founder Jason Caparoso, BlackHawk Data was built on a simple but powerful idea: bring together the right people to solve real problems and deliver real results. What began as a vision has grown into a nationally recognized technology solutions provider with more than 55 employees and offices in New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey, including a warehouse, staging facility, and 24/7 Network Operations Center.

Under Maryann’s leadership, the company has earned numerous industry awards including CRN Top 500 Solution Provider, CRN Fast Growth 150, and Top Managed Services Provider.

Maryann herself has been honored as Most Powerful Women of the Channel, U.S. SBA Female Entrepreneur of the Year, WPO/JPMC Top 50 Fastest Growing Female-Led Organizations, and Ernst & Young Winning Women.

Beyond the business, Maryann is deeply committed to mentoring emerging leaders and advancing women in technology through industry speaking, mentorship, and community initiatives.

“Impact is the driving force behind everything we do, as we are in the business of helping leaders solve problems, big and small. It represents the transformation we deliver, helping organizations grow with strategic partnership. I am always challenging myself and my team in all our endeavors to move the needle by translating complex challenges into actionable plans. Ultimately, impact means co-creating with clients to make smarter decisions in a rapidly changing world.”

ABOUT EBENUM EQUATION

Ebenum Equation helps organizations grow through strategy, leadership development, and AI-enabled decision making. They partner with corporations and entrepreneurial leaders to clarify priorities, strengthen leadership capability, and turn complex challenges into actionable plans. Their work blends strategic advisory, executive coaching, and collaborative workshops that help teams use AI and better thinking to move faster and make smarter decisions. The goal is simple: help leaders align their teams, use technology wisely, and drive sustainable growth.

ABOUT EBONY SMITH

Ebony Smith is a Foresight Strategist, Executive Coach, and AI-driven thought partner who helps organizations grow with clarity, alignment, and purpose. She partners with corporations, institutions, and entrepreneurial leaders to design forward-looking strategies, strengthen leadership capability, and translate complex challenges into actionable plans.

An ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), the highest credential in the coaching profession, Ebony brings deep expertise in leadership development, strategic facilitation, and executive coaching. She is known for helping leaders think more clearly, align teams faster, and make smarter decisions in a rapidly changing business environment.

Ebony integrates strategic frameworks with practical AI-enabled tools to help organizations move from insight to execution. She is also passionate about expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs/SMEs), helping bridge meaningful connections between innovative companies and corporate partners.

“For me, impact is about more than business success. It’s about how I lead, how I treat people, and how I use my business to share a part of who I am with the world. I hope the impact I leave is one of authenticity, opportunity, and encouragement, where people remember not just what we built at API Source, but how we made others feel and the doors we helped open along the way.”

ABOUT API SOURCE

API Source is a global provider of custom branded merchandise and promotional solutions that help companies strengthen brand engagement and create memorable experiences. We partner with organizations to design, source, and deliver high-quality merchandise programs that align with their brand, culture, and goals. From curated event swag and corporate gifts to scalable global merch stores and fulfillment, our team manages every detail, from concept through delivery.

What sets API Source apart is our consultative approach and focus on sustainability. We help clients create merch that matters: thoughtfully designed, responsibly sourced products people actually want to keep and use. The result is merchandise that drives engagement while reducing waste and maximizing brand impact.

ABOUT KATY VOIGHT-NOBIS

With 20 years at API Source, Katy Voight-Nobis has built her career helping brands create authentic, lasting connections through meaningful branded merchandise programs. She partners with organizations to transform branded merchandise from simple promotional items into thoughtful brand experiences that inspire loyalty, recognition, and pride.

As a daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, Katy leads with purpose and heart. Family is at the center of everything she does, shaping the way she approaches leadership, relationships, and business. She brings a people-first mindset to every client interaction, believing the most successful partnerships are built on trust, understanding, and genuine connection.

Katy believes branded merchandise is far more than giveaways or swag, it’s a tangible extension of a company’s brand and culture. When done right, it creates emotion, celebrates milestones, strengthens relationships, and becomes part of someone’s story. Her passion is helping organizations use merchandise strategically to recognize employees, engage customers, and create memorable brand moments.

Outside of work, Katy enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with family. She is a dedicated CrossFit athlete and runner who values discipline, resilience, and personal growth; principles that guide both her personal and professional life. She also serves her community as a volunteer EMT, driven by a strong desire to help others and make a difference when it matters most.

“As a family-owned, certified women-owned enterprise, I talk often about how it is a real advantage to lead your business through the lens of your purpose and values. When you are mission driven, profit will follow. I am humbled that I have been able to lead Milo’s from local favorite to national category leader while simultaneously building an award-winning People First culture, TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification and a 1% giving pledge. We are not just making delicious drinks with real ingredients you have in your kitchen, we are truly brewing a legacy, and that is what real IMPACT means.”

ABOUT MILO’S TEA

Milo’s Tea Company is a family-owned, certified women-owned business crafting high-quality, fresh beverages since 1946. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Milo’s is the #1 selling refrigerated tea in America and one of the fastest-growing lemonade brands, available in all 50 states at over 60,000 retail locations. A TRUE Platinum Zero Waste company, Milo’s is committed to supporting the communities where it operates, donating at least 1% of profits to causes focused on education, the environment, and disaster relief. Learn more at www.drinkmilos.com.

ABOUT TRICIA WALLWORK

Tricia Wallwork is the third-generation leader of Milo’s Tea Company, a family-owned business founded by her grandparents in 1946. Since becoming CEO in 2012, she has transformed Milo’s from a local favorite into a national category leader approaching $1 billion in retail sales, available in over 60,000 locations. Today, Milo’s is the #1 refrigerated tea brand and the fastest-growing lemonade brand in America—growth built on an award-winning People First culture, operational excellence, and corporate stewardship including TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification and a 1% giving pledge. Tricia holds a philosophy degree and Juris Doctor. She serves on the boards of the Consumer Brands Association, National Association of Manufacturers, Birmingham Museum of Art, and the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. Recognitions include EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 National Award, Executive of the Decade, three-time Top Woman in Grocery, and Woman Who Shapes the State of Alabama.

“Bold moves with strategic focus have IMPACT. Being a member of and serving on Regional and National Forums have enabled me to assist other WBE’s in an impactful way.”

ABOUT TRATTATIVA MEETING & EVENT SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL

Trattativa is a full-service meeting, event, and conference planning company with DMC services also. We become an extension of your team to realize your goals and ensure you are able to be in the moment and attend your function. Established in 2007, Trattativa has been

ABOUT JANEEN ZOOK

Janeen Zook, President and CEO began her career as Director of Sales and Marketing with Marriott for over 15 years. In 2007, she founded Trattativa Meeting & Event Solutions International and for the past 19 years has grown the company. Trattativa became WBENC Certified in 2013 and Janeen has been active in the Regional Forum and the National Forum, currently serving as the WBEC-West Las Vegas Forum Chair and is also the 1st Vice Chair of WBENC’s National Forum Engagement Team. Awards earned included WBEC-West’s Advocate of the year (2017), WBEC-West’s Community Impact Award (2018), 2019 WBENC Star for WBEC-West; and WBEC-West Community Impact Champion in 2025. Janeen is proud to be on WBENC’s Host Committee again in 2025 (also in 2017).