2025 Sponsor

“We are purposeful and create valued partnerships. Our partnership with WBENC and the WBEs in our supply chain are important to enable us to continue our mission. Value is the impact we’re making in the communities we live, work and serve.”

ABOUT BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe in the power of science to address some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our focus on these unmet needs comes during a remarkable time, when unprecedented scientific breakthroughs are advancing the treatment of disease as never before in human history.

We work every day to transform patients’ lives through science. Each day, our employees around the world work together for patients – they are at the center of everything we do. They inspire us. They are the reason we come to work each day. We combine the agility of a biotech with the reach and resources of an established pharmaceutical company to create a global leading biopharma company powered by talented individuals who drive scientific innovation.

We are proud of the advancements we have made in oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease, and we are dedicated to helping patients prevail over serious diseases through our diverse and promising pipeline and new scientific platforms.

ABOUT RONDU VINCENT

Rondu Vincent is an Executive Director, Global Supplier Diversity & Sustainability at Bristol Myers Squibb. In this role, he leads an award-winning program that is responsible for all internal & external supplier diversity and small business operations, community outreach and strategy alignment with Bristol Myers Squibb’s inclusive Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Organization. Rondu is also responsible for supporting the company’s procurement sustainability goals, including specific standards for suppliers regarding social responsibility, environmental stewardship, ethical practices and governance.

Rondu Vincent has won many accolades for his work in the industry. Most recently he was recognized by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) as a “We Work For Health Champion” for his work in Bristol Myers Squibb’s COVID-19’s philanthropic response, including working to secure over $1 million in personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers and supporting small and diverse suppliers impacted by the pandemic. He also won the 2020 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year by the Disability:IN organization. His past awards include 2019 Program Manager of the Year Award by Diversity Alliance for Science, 2019 Champion of Change recognized by Accenture, 2019 Hero of Pride, recognized by The Mixx – for 2019 World Pride, 2016 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year Award by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and 2014 Advocate of The Year Award by The New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council (The Council).

“As a native of New Orleans and longtime Chevron employee, I am especially excited for the WBENC National Conference to come to my hometown and home to our offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico. At Chevron, we welcome you to join us for what promises to be a productive, inspirational, and informative experience – along with a bit of New Orlean’s style fun. All in a region that is critical to our Chevron mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and ever cleaner energy that enables human progress.”

ABOUT CHEVRON

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. To advance a lower-carbon future, we are focused on cost-efficiently lowering our carbon intensity, increasing renewables and offsets in support of our business, and investing in low-carbon technologies that enable commercial solutions. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com

ABOUT TERENCE BAPTISTE

Terence Baptiste, Supplier Diversity Advisor in P/SCM, has been at Chevron over 30 years. His primary responsibility is managing the Supplier Diversity program, which encompasses advocating for the utilization and development of local, small, and diverse suppliers to support our operations.

Terence has been in supply chain over 20 years and has worked in a variety of roles from Contracts Advisor, Strategic Sourcing Specialist and SCM manager. He has worked in various domestic and international assignments. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and has an Accounting degree from Southern University in New Orleans and an MBA from the University of New Orleans.

Terence is excited to be part of the supplier diversity Center of Excellence in P/SCM to help build and grow our supplier diversity efforts as a company. Supplier diversity is an area he has always been passionate about, while in supply chain and while in business roles. Terence believes that everyone has a role in making Chevron a more inclusive organization and everyone can have a role in helping to support Chevron’s expanding supplier diversity efforts.

“Leading companies are embracing sustainability and ESG not just to put a brake on harmful practices but also to accelerate business and societal transformation and to protect and create value. By focusing on benefits and embedding sustainability in all business functions, companies can discover new sources of competitive advantage. As Co-Chair of the WBENC 2024 National Conference, I’m proud of EY’s efforts to elevate and educate women-owned businesses on ESG strategies to support their business growth and build innovative solutions for EY, our clients, and communities around us. We look forward to connecting at the conference and building a better working world.”

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.

“As Co-Chair, I’m thrilled to help bring this incredible conference to life! This event is where inspiration meets action – a place to connect with forward-thinking leaders, dive into cutting-edge insights, and walk away ready to make big moves in your industry. If you’re looking to be energized, empowered, and engaged with the best minds in the field, don’t miss this experience. Join us and be part of the momentum driving your industry forward!”

ABOUT DELTA PERSONNEL

Delta Personnel connects businesses across the Gulf South with top-tier talent by offering comprehensive staffing and workforce solutions. We specialize in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct placement services across diverse industries, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Our team leverages local market expertise and innovative recruitment strategies to identify candidates who match both the skills and culture of your organization. Whether you’re looking to scale operations, manage seasonal demand, or fill crucial roles, Delta Personnel ensures you have access to reliable, skilled personnel to keep your business running smoothly. With a commitment to quality, safety, and community, we’re more than a staffing provider – we’re your partner in growth.

“As a Greek female in a male-dominated field, I am committed to uplifting other female-owned businesses and empowering them to engage in opportunities from this conference that will lead to their growth and development.”

ABOUT KERAMIDA INC.

KERAMIDA Inc. is a WBENC-Certified Woman-Owned environmental engineering and consulting firm that serves industries, businesses, cities, and governments worldwide. We provide strategy and implementation services in: Sustainability/ESG, Climate/Greenhouse Gases, Energy, Environmental Compliance, EHS Audits, Remediation, Environmental Due Diligence, Brownfield Redevelopment, Plant Decommissioning, Health & Safety, Training, Risk Management, and ISO Management Systems.

KERAMIDA’s many principals have worked for 30+ years in the sustainability, environmental, health & safety, and remediation arenas, and are recognized leaders in their fields. Our engineers, scientists, and planners are renowned for delivering creative, integrated EHS solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and abroad.

“Attending the WBENC Conference is a powerful step toward fostering diversity and inclusion in business. It provides a unique platform for connecting with women-owned enterprises, gaining insights from leaders in diversity, and accessing valuable resources to drive innovation and growth. By attending, you not only demonstrate your commitment to empowering diverse voices but also open doors to new partnerships, ideas, and opportunities that can transform your business and community.”

ABOUT SYNKRIOM

Synkriom is a leading technology consulting firm focused on advanced solutions. Our unique methodology has established us as vital collaborators in digital advancement. As a proud woman-owned enterprise, we advocate for innovation through inclusivity and maintain unwavering integrity standards. Our expertise encompasses contingent workforce solutions, professional services, digital transformation, market research, generative AI, and data analytics with a global footprint spanning North America, Canada, Europe, and India. Our commitment to sustainability, aiming toward zero carbon footprint and supporting Veterans and Women, sets us apart, giving us a distinct competitive advantage.

“Supporting women owned businesses is critically important to the health and vitality of the US economy. With the uncertainty that lies ahead, we need to be even more vigilant in our quest for equity, fairness, and justice.”

ABOUT TCGI

TCGi is a mission-centric firm that believes in the principle and practice of being in service. We are actively working to correct the underrepresentation of women in Technology. Our solutions include:

• Procurement Solutions – Robust spend assessments, Autonomous sourcing, Tail Spend Management, Managed Procurement and Renewals Management
• Digital Transformation Services – cloud strategy and migration, asset optimization, program and project management, automation, consulting, etc.
• Technology Solutions – Full-service reseller of computer hardware, software and technical services. We provide full lifecycle support including deployment, imaging and provisioning services, as well as asset management and robust reporting.

“Accelerate your business success by attending the 2025 WBENC National Conference.  Meet your next new client, service provider, or mentor, and then follow up to get all of the benefits of this fantastic event.”

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 to 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 ACCELERATE your business? Let’s start a conversation. We would love to meet you.

ABOUT LOUISE 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 and AI matters, Louise particularly loves working with innovative women and their entrepreneurial businesses.

West Hill is a truly unique business and technology law firm. It has spent the past 15+ years redefining the culture of sophisticated legal practice. 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.

“Surround yourself with the right people—those who challenge you, support your vision, and live your values. And above all, do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Integrity builds trust, and trust accelerates everything: relationships, growth, and long-term success. Stay grounded, stay intentional, and move forward with purpose.”

ABOUT FEDERATED SERVICE SOLUTIONS

Federated Service Solutions (FSS) is a nationwide leader in technology deployment, field service solutions, and managed services. We help businesses scale fast, adapt to change, and stay connected by delivering high-performance infrastructure—from network upgrades and structured cabling to full-service rollouts and proactive maintenance. With boots on the ground across the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories, FSS combines speed, scalability, and long-term partnership to solve for the customer at every stage. We don’t just get the job done—we own it every day, anticipate what’s next, and keep our word, no matter what.

ABOUT JENNIFER FERRIS

Jennifer Ferris is the President and CEO of Federated Service Solutions, where she leads with a focus on strategy, authentic leadership, and a relentless dedication to customer success. With over two decades of experience in technology services and operations, Jennifer has been instrumental in transforming FSS into a trusted partner for enterprise-level field service, infrastructure deployment, and managed solutions across the United States, Canada, and the US Territories.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Jennifer began her career at Ford Motor Company, gaining a strong foundation in large-scale operations and systems development. She then joined Federated Service Solutions, where she worked her way up through the organization, earning respect at every level and helping shape FSS into the agile, customer-centric powerhouse it is today. In addition to her leadership at FSS, she contributes her operational expertise to Great Lakes Central Railroad and oversees The Good Shepherds, a nonprofit dedicated to leadership development and community impact.

She champions a culture of accountability, empowerment, and positivity, ensuring FSS remains a place where great people do great work. Jennifer’s leadership is fueled by a clear mission: to help businesses scale smarter, move faster, and adapt confidently in a world that never stops changing.

“At the WBENC Conference, ACCELERATE means collaborating, innovating, and pushing boundaries to create a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape for all.”

ABOUT VENDORSHIP INC.

Vendorship Inc. is a trusted partner in government and corporate contracting, helping businesses navigate complex procurement processes with a 100% success rate in proposal submissions. As a certified minority- and woman-owned business, Vendorship empowers organizations by providing expert guidance on RFPs, certifications, and supplier diversity strategies. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and strategic growth, Vendorship transforms contracting challenges into opportunities. As a proud sponsor of the WBENC Conference, we are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving ecosystem of diverse businesses.

ABOUT NAZEERA DAWOOD

Dr. Nazeera Dawood is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in business. As the Founder and CEO of Vendorship Inc., she has built a trusted firm that simplifies government and corporate contracting for businesses, ensuring a 100% success rate in proposal submissions. Under her leadership, Vendorship has become a strategic partner for organizations navigating procurement, certifications, and supplier diversity.

With a background in public health, business strategy, and government relations, Nazeera has successfully bridged gaps between businesses and contracting opportunities. Her dedication to empowering minority- and women-owned businesses has earned her multiple awards and recognitions, including proclamations from the State of Georgia and the City of Atlanta.

Beyond business, Nazeera is passionate about community engagement and advocacy. She leads ‘Chai and Just Chat,’ a platform for meaningful conversations on societal issues, and serves as a board member of Revved Up Kids, a nonprofit focused on child safety. She also champions initiatives such as the EmpowerHER Startup Fund to support women entrepreneurs.

A former physician turned entrepreneur, Nazeera blends resilience, strategy, and impact in everything she does. Her journey reflects a commitment to growth, mentorship, and creating pathways for others to succeed in government and corporate contracting.

“When the world tries to hold us back, leadership is our answer, action is our accelerator — and resilience is how we break through. Keep building. Keep rising. Keep accelerating.”

ABOUT VIVA USA, INC.

VIVA USA INC (VIVA-IT.com), IL is an MWBE-certified IT staffing/solutions provider partnering with Fortune 500 clients and state, local, and federal government agencies since 1996.

Services:

• Contingent staffing (VMS/MSP)
• Permanent fulltime employment
• Healthcare staffing
• SOW Payroll services/EOR: -USA/India
• RPO: recruitment process outsourcing
• Talent On Demand
• Government – state, local, federal (8a graduate, GSA)

Products:

• VIVA STARS: A supplier diversity SaaS/subscription platform, featuring a supplier registration portal, Tier 1/Tier 2 spend analytics, data enrichment, sustainability tracking, economic impact surveys, cloud hosting, business card scanner app, etc.
• Certification, compliance and custom workflow portals

Solutions:

• Global Capability Center-GCC: Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore in India.

ABOUT VASANTHI ILANGOVAN

Vasanthi Ilangovan is CEO of VIVA USA Inc. She was born and raised in India, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Madras University. She immigrated to the United States in 1991. In 1996, she established VIVA USA as a full-service staff augmentation firm. Over the last 29 years, VIVA has grown from 1 employee to over 500.

Vasanthi is involved in several local and national programs, such as WBENC, NMSDC, USPAACC, and Feeding America, and she sits on the board of CMSDC. She is an ambitious entrepreneur and a risk-taker. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are core values, along with self-respect and treating others with respect. To her, leadership is not about being bossy but being passionate, friendly, caring, helpful, empathetic, humble, very focused on the target, hardworking, and life-long learning. She loves working every day.

“This year’s theme of ACCELERATE implies action and rapid growth. It suggests what we all desire-namely, to speed up and increase the growth and success of the companies we lead.”

ABOUT BIRKMAN INTERNATIONAL

Birkman International, based in Houston, Texas, is a renowned organization specializing in psychometric assessments and organizational consulting. Founded by Dr. Roger W. Birkman in 1951, the company focuses on understanding individual behavior, motivation, interests and needs to enhance workplace dynamics and personal development. The Birkman Method, its flagship assessment tool, provides insights into individuals’ strengths, stress behaviors, and interpersonal styles, helping organizations improve communication, teamwork, and leadership. With a commitment to fostering healthier workplace cultures, Birkman International continues to be a leader in the field of behavioral assessments and organizational effectiveness.

ABOUT SHARON BIRKMAN

Sharon Birkman served as Birkman International’s President and CEO from 2002-2022 and has recently stepped back in as the CEO and Owner. As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.

Owing to the remarkable insights of her psychologist father, Birkman has grown to include 24 languages with clients that span the globe. Her second book, Creature of Contact: Why You Need More than a Personality Test” addresses the non-negotiable human need we all share for social human connection and healthy relationships. As the company transitions to the third generation, in addition to being CEO, Sharon is also serving as Ambassador and Chair of the Board.

“To me, ACCELERATE means driving forward with purpose, innovation, and collaboration. At Prelude Solutions, we accelerate success for our clients by optimizing their communication technology, delivering significant cost savings, and reinvesting in the community. It’s about pushing boundaries, embracing change, and seizing opportunities to grow, not just for us, but for those we support. As a WBENC-Certified WBE, acceleration also means amplifying the impact of women-owned businesses, fostering partnerships, and propelling each other toward greater success. When we accelerate together, we create lasting momentum for progress.”

ABOUT PRELUDE SOLUTIONS

Prelude Solutions is a technology consulting firm specializing in optimizing communication services and reducing operational costs. Using a data-driven approach, the company uncovers an average of 33% savings for clients by streamlining telecom expenses, contract negotiations, and vendor management. With a focus on efficiency and innovation, Prelude Solutions helps organizations enhance their technology strategies while maximizing cost savings. Their expertise ensures businesses operate smarter, reduce waste, and reinvest resources where they matter most.

ABOUT CATE HEAMAN

Cate Heaman is the CEO and founder of Prelude Solutions, a technology consulting firm specializing in optimizing communication services and reducing costs. With a background in industrial psychology and business, she combines strategic thinking with a people-first approach to drive innovation and efficiency. Under her leadership, Prelude Solutions has helped organizations achieve an average of 33% savings, while enhancing technology management.

Cate is known for her compassionate leadership and commitment to creating meaningful impact in both business and the broader community. She has received numerous accolades, including the WBE Star Award, Titan 100 CEO Award, and Philly100 Fastest Growing Companies Award for five consecutive years, earning Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing her contributions to business growth and leadership.

Beyond her professional success, Cate actively mentors and advocates for diversity and inclusion, fostering opportunities for women in technology and leadership. She has served on boards and committees for organizations such as Little Smiles, Health Works Academies and Help Hope Live, along with several WBEC- East Committees such as co-chairing the Awards Committee and serving on the Marketing Committee for The Forum and other related committees as well to further demonstrating her dedication to education, community impact, and social responsibility.

Cate’s leadership philosophy is rooted in compassion, integrity, and accountability. She believes that business success and social impact go hand in hand, driving Prelude Solutions’ mission to help organizations optimize costs while making a difference. Whether speaking at industry events, leading her team, or engaging with partners, Cate remains committed to innovation, efficiency, and the power of business to create positive change.

“ACCELERATE means embracing bold action and seizing opportunities with urgency and purpose. It’s about driving not just our success, but the success of others, empowering our teams and partners to reach their full potential. ACCELERATE is the energy behind the resilience that has fueled our journey and the relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do.”

ABOUT WINDSOR GROUP LLC

Windsor Group LLC, founded by Diedre Windsor, is a distinguished professional services firm headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Specializing in staff augmentation, project and program management, IT support, marketing, outreach and technical assistance, Windsor Group serves clients with agility and excellence. With over $93 million in federal prime contracts secured and recognition on prestigious lists like the Inc. 5000 and VET100, Windsor Group exemplifies growth and impact. Dedicated to community and economic empowerment, Windsor Group actively supports veterans, women-owned businesses, and diverse small enterprises through strategic subcontracting and philanthropy, making significant contributions to both its industry and society.

ABOUT DIEDRE WINDSOR

Diedre Windsor is the Founder and CEO of Windsor Group LLC, a Maryland-based woman and veteran-owned small business specializing in Program Management, Staff Augmentation, Management Consulting, and IT Support services. With over 30 years of experience in leadership and public service, Diedre has built Windsor Group into an award-winning enterprise recognized for its excellence in delivering innovative solutions to federal and commercial clients.

A retired U.S. Army Officer and former Senior Executive in the federal government, Diedre’s career spans both military and civilian sectors. She holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Webster University and is the author of Leadership Begins with Hello!, a practical guide on leadership principles. Diedre’s commitment to empowering others is reflected in her mentorship of small business owners and her ongoing contributions to various nonprofit initiatives, particularly those supporting veterans and women entrepreneurs.

Under her leadership, Windsor Group has achieved remarkable growth, securing over $93 million in federal prime contracts. The company has earned recognition on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years, ranking in the top 500, and was named to the Vet100 list, honoring the top veteran-owned businesses in America. In 2024, Diedre received the Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Award and was ranked #1 on the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and JPMorgan Chase’s Women2Watch list. Windsor Group is also ranked #5 on WPO’s 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Companies, underscoring the company’s rapid growth and impact in the industry.

Diedre is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and strategic collaboration, leveraging her broad network to foster opportunities for small businesses and communities in need.

“To me, ACCELERATE means helping business owners move forward with clarity, purpose, and momentum. It’s not just speed—it’s about having the right tools, strategy, and support to grow the right way. At Grow Profit Scale, we focus on three key outcomes: Amplify Profit, Accelerate Value, and create Enduring Success. So when I hear this year’s theme, it feels right at home in our mission. Just like last year’s theme, Amplify, ACCELERATE is baked into how we help women build stronger, more profitable businesses that last.”

ABOUT GROW PROFIT SCALE

Grow Profit Scale™ is the strategic consulting and coaching division of Linda A. Hamilton CPA LLC. Founded by CPA and Certified Exit Planning Advisor Linda Hamilton, GPS equips women entrepreneurs with the tools, insight, and support to build profitable, resilient businesses. Through its signature GPS™ Framework, the company delivers a pathway to financial fluency and long-term growth by helping business owners amplify profit, accelerate value, and achieve enduring success. With over three decades of financial and business expertise behind it, Grow Profit Scale empowers trailblazing founders to own their future—on their terms.

ABOUT LINDA HAMILTON

Linda Hamilton is a CPA, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and SYSTEMologist® with over 30 years of experience helping business owners build profitable, resilient, and scalable businesses. She began her career in public accounting in 1990, co-founding a regional firm before launching Linda A. Hamilton CPA LLC in 2004. Her CPA firm delivers tax strategy, accounting, and advisory services with a holistic focus—one that integrates financial fluency, business structure, and personal wellness.

As the founder of Grow Profit Scale™, Linda brings a unique blend of financial expertise and coaching to support women entrepreneurs in reaching their next level of growth. Through her signature GPS Framework and companion “Money Map” accelerator, she helps clients interpret the story behind their numbers, identify blind spots, and confidently make decisions that align with their vision.
Linda is known for her dynamic, approachable coaching style and her superpower: diagnosing what’s working, what’s not, and what’s restricting growth. She helps clients avoid costly missteps by offering clarity, not just answers. Whether she’s guiding CEOs through exit planning or helping clients shift from overwhelmed operators to confident visionaries, Linda empowers business owners to write a new chapter—one grounded in strategy, purpose, and enduring value.

Her motto: Insight leads to action. Action leads to momentum. Momentum leads to results.

Her mission: Trailblazing female founders deserve to own their future.

“For business owners and leaders looking to ACCELERATE your success, get clear on your vision! Make sure you know exactly where you want to go and what you want to achieve—everything else should fall in line with that.”

ABOUT NEXT GENERATION FUEL

Next Generation Fuel is a certified Women-Owned Small Business and ISO-certified Tier 1 wholesale motor fuel distributor, providing dependable and adaptable fuel solutions across the nation. Our extensive product offerings include renewable diesel, bulk fuel, mobile fleet fueling, generator refills, DEF, lubricants, and emergency response services. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

For over-the-road commercial fleets, we offer a Mastercard Fleet Card National Retail Discount Program, designed to function as a P-Card, Universal Card, and Fleet Card—enhancing convenience, control, and cost-efficiency.

At Next Generation Fuel, we’re more than a fuel supplier—we’re a trusted partner, dedicated to driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and delivering long-term value to our customers.

ABOUT BERNITA MCCANN HIGHTOWER

Bernita McCann Hightower is the President and CEO of Next Generation Fuel, a leading wholesale distributor of renewable fuels and petroleum-refined products with operations across the United States and South Africa. Under her leadership, the company has secured strategic partnerships with Fortune 100 and 500 corporations. In 2016, Next Generation Fuel was recognized by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) as the Top Female- and Minority-Owned Energy Firm. Recently, the company was also named one of the Top 55 Fastest-Growing Companies, further cementing its place as an industry leader.

Bernita has completed several prestigious executive leadership programs, including at the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, Procter & Gamble Business Development Program, Shell Oil & Gas Energy Executive Program, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

From humble beginnings in Mississippi, Bernita’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success have fueled her remarkable journey. Raised with the core value of “hard work” as the universal language, she ventured into various industries, such as real estate and theater production investments, before finding her passion in the energy sector. After entering the field as a Business Developer, Bernita quickly advanced to ownership, demonstrating her relentless commitment and strategic insight.

Passionate about empowering the next generation of women in business, Bernita is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to develop essential skills and thrive in the energy industry. She continues to champion the vision of fostering leadership, innovation, and business development, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders to make a lasting impact.

“ACCELERATE means creating momentum and amplifying growth. As part of the WBENC network, we do this by fostering collaboration and mutual support. Like the concept of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, acceleration happens when individuals and organizations come together, pooling their strengths, resources, and expertise to achieve more than they could alone. By relying on and uplifting others—especially other women entrepreneurs—you create a ripple effect of shared opportunities, innovation, and success. This collective effort not only speeds up progress but also builds a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.”

ABOUT COMPUTERCARE

For over two decades, ComputerCare has been the premier choice for organizations seeking to optimize their IT infrastructure. From procurement and IT asset management, to expert repair solutions certified by the leading manufacturers, we ensure you get the most out of your technology investments. Leveraging our client-centric approach and commitment to lasting value, our solutions are designed so that every aspect of our customer’s IT needs are covered. Let us show you how it feels to experience IT asset management that goes beyond the ordinary, driving your business forward today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

ABOUT GEORGIA RITTENBERG

Georgia Rittenberg is the CEO and Owner of ComputerCare, a global IT service provider and certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) company. Joining ComputerCare in 2012, she became CEO in 2016, leading the company through geographical expansion and significant growth. With operations in the U.S., Ireland, Singapore, and India, ComputerCare specializes in IT infrastructure optimization, with a commitment to driving lasting value through their procurement, IT asset management, and certified repair solutions.

With a B.A. in Community Studies from UC Santa Cruz and a background in women’s health, Georgia brings a vision of balancing short-term financial goals with long-term benefits. This focus has strengthened ComputerCare’s reputation as a conscientious and innovative partner, represented by relationships with customers like Google and Meta that have spanned well over a decade. Georgia’s leadership style emphasizes empathy, accountability, and curiosity, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered. She is passionate about empowering women in tech and encourages embracing non-linear career paths. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an active member of YPO and C200, enjoys travel, and tries to complete a 1,000-piece puzzle weekly.

“If you want to accelerate your success, start by building the right team around you. And that doesn’t just mean employees—it means mentors, advisors, peers, and a trusted network of people who will not only challenge and support you, but also be there in the low moments to pull you up, cheer you on, and remind you of what you’re capable of. The right people make the pace sustainable—and the wins even sweeter.”

ABOUT KENNEDY RICE MILL

Founded in 2012, Kennedy Rice Mill is a state-of-the-art facility located in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, serving rice producers across northern Louisiana and southern Arkansas. With more than 50,000 acres of rice flowing through its system, the mill specializes in meeting the exacting variety and quality standards of national name-brand customers. As part of a vertically integrated operation, Kennedy Rice Mill plays a vital role in connecting local growers to markets across the country while upholding the values of sustainability, innovation, and Southern-grown quality.

ABOUT MERYL KENNEDY FARR

Born and raised in the small village of Mer Rouge, Louisiana, Meryl is the youngest of four daughters in a multi-generational farming family. After earning a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia, Meryl turned down an offer to study at Oxford and returned home to join the family business.

At just 21, she led the startup and development of Kennedy Rice Mill—a state-of-the-art facility and one of the few new rice mills built in the U.S. in the last 25 years. Under her leadership, the Kennedy family agribusiness has grown to include rice farming, drying, milling, grain marketing, land management, and real estate. Kennedy Rice Mill has been recognized with several awards, including LABI’s “Manufacturer of the Year” and the Bastrop-Morehouse Chamber’s “Business Innovative Leadership Award.”

Meryl later launched 4Sisters Rice, a women-owned, sustainable brand inspired by her family’s legacy. Now available in over 10,000 stores nationwide, 4Sisters has been featured by Kroger, Sam’s Club, NBC News, Southern Living, and Kellogg’s.

She lives in Mer Rouge with her husband, Peyton, and their three young children. Meryl is passionate about mentoring young women in agriculture and regularly speaks to civic organizations. She serves on several nonprofit and industry boards and values time spent traveling with her family and connecting with close friends.