2009 NGLCC Out for Business Speakers

Thursday, May 28th

Rogers Weed - Director, Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development - State of Washington 

Rogers Weed was appointed by Governor Chris Gregoire as Director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development in March 2009. In appointing him to this agency cabinet position, Gov. Gregoire said Rogers is a proven leader and innovator. As director, Rogers will fulfill the governor's clear mission to retain the jobs and companies that we have in our state today and attract new ones. His focus will be on forging effective partnerships with the business community, with other agencies in the public sector and with the legislature. Rogers attended Duke University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Computer Science. After college he worked for the management consulting firm, Bain and Company in Boston, focusing on strategy and planning for companies in the pharmaceutical, manufacturing and high tech industries. Rogers received his MBA in Marketing from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He came to Seattle in 1990 to work at Microsoft and managed teams in the Windows, Mobile Devices, On-line Content and Consumer Software Divisions over his 15 years with the company. He was promoted to Vice President in 2001. Rogers has been a board member and volunteer for regional organizations focused on climate change and social services. He lives in Seattle with his wife and three sons.

Chance Mitchell - Co-Founder & CEO - NGLCC

Chance Mitchell has dedicated his efforts to fighting for equality for the LGBT community. Mitchell, along with co-founder Justin Nelson, launched the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in November 2002. "It is a concept that is long overdue. Our community is at the forefront of economic growth and innovation and the time has come for us to leverage the economics of equality. Having a national group advocating for LGBT businesses, employees and benefits will give our community a united voice with the financial strength to support it," noted Mr. Mitchell at a recent gathering of community leaders in Washington, DC. Mr. Mitchell is dedicated to increasing access to capital, resources and economic opportunity for the LGBT community. Mr. Mitchell believes that the creation of the NGLCC was the next logical step in the quest for equal rights. For his work in doing so, he, along with Mr. Nelson, was named in December 2002 to the "Top 100 Greatest Gay Success Stories of 2002" by OUT Magazine. Mr. Mitchell holds a BBA in Finance from Texas Christian University and a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunications Systems for Business from the Johns Hopkins University.

Justin Nelson - Co-Founder & President - NGLCC

Justin Nelson co-founded the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce with Chance Mitchell in November 2002. He has used his background in small business and issues advocacy to build a national organization that gives a much-needed economic identity to the LGBT community. Since its inception, the organization has grown to be the largest LGBT economic advocacy and business development organization in the world. In 2002, Justin was named to the Gay & Lesbian Majority Council, an advisory group on LGBT issues to then United States Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. For their efforts in establishing the NGLCC, Justin and his co-founder were named in December 2002 to OUT Magazine's "Top 100 Greatest Gay Success Stories." Justin was named one of the 25 Leading Men of 2006 by Instinct Magazine. Justin has served as a past volunteer coordinator for the Wyoming Special Olympics, a Capitol Hill Chair for the March of Dimes Walk America and he served on the advisory board for the First Wyoming Race for the Cure. Justin continues to be involved in his community through his work with HRC, Out & Equal, the Mautner Project, and various other civic and trade organizations. Justin holds a BA in political science from the University of Wyoming. 

10:45AM- 12:00PM

Sesson 1 -Building Your Relationship With Corporate Contacts

Diana Domenech - Vice President, Corporate Supplier Diversity - JP Morgan Chase

Diana Domenech, Vice President, is the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Supplier Diversity Operations Manager. In this role Diana is responsible for supporting the firm wide diversity initiative by growing both Tier 1 and Tier 2 opportunities for diverse business (minority, women, LGBT, and veteran-owned) in the Real Estate, Technology, and Corporate Service categories. Prior to her current role, Diana worked as a Project Manager and MIS Analyst in the operations areas of the bank. She started her career at JPMorgan Chase as an Associate in one of the bank's management development programs. Before joining JPMorgan Chase, Diana spent 4 years as an INROADS Intern with Chubb & Son Group of Insurance Companies in the Executive Protection Practice. Diana sits on the board of the Women Presidents' Educational Organization (WPEO) and is an active member of the New York/ New Jersey Minority Business Development Council and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Diana has a certificate from the University of Granada, Spain; a B.S. from Cornell University, College of Human Ecology; and an M.B.A. from New York University, Stern School of Business. Diana resides in New Jersey and enjoys traveling, cooking, and running.

Kristen Hickey - National Supplier Diversity Manager - Aetna

As the National Supplier Diversity Manager for Aetna, Kristen Hickey is responsible for providing leadership to the Supplier Diversity program and delivering results for company-wide performance.  Through her role, Ms. Hickey builds capacity by guiding, directing, and supporting Aetna staff and management in understanding and integrating supplier diversity principles and strategies into business operations.  In 2008, Aetna expanded their program to include small businesses categories and Gay and Lesbian owned companies. Prior to joining Aetna, Ms. Hickey spent 12 years in a variety of positions related to diversity and community relations including positions at the Levi Strauss Foundation, Levi Strauss & Co., Stanford University and the Institute for Arts and Civic Dialogue at Harvard University.  Ms. Hickey holds a BA in Communications from Central Connecticut State University. Ms. Hickey currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council and participates on several industry benchmarking groups.  In addition she remains an active corporate member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, and the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Kathy Homeyer - Director, Supplier Diversity & Corporate Procurement Services - UPS

Kathryn "Kathy" Homeyer is Director for the UPS Supplier Diversity Program. She manages internal and external programs designed to increase representation of small, minority- and women-owned businesses in UPS's supplier network. In addition to her Supplier Diversity responsibilities, Homeyer is also involved with Corporate Procurement Commodities purchasing opportunities. She was appointed to the Corporate Supplier Diversity team in August 2002. In this position, Homeyer works with UPS managers nationwide to implement initiatives that identify potential suppliers and provide them with critical information and access to UPS's purchasing process. She also is responsible for the establishment of new and the development of existing UPS relationships with small, women, and minority business organizations. Homeyer currently involved with the Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC). She sits on the board of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Kathy is currently an Enterprising Women magazine advisory board member. In its May/June 2006 issue, Women's Enterprise magazine honored Homeyer by naming her one of the "100 Women Impacting Supplier Diversity" and then in May/June issue, she was named among the "First Ladies of Supplier Diversity". In 2009, she was named "Top Women of Power Impacting Diversity" by Diversity Plus Magazine. Kathy is a native of Washington, Missouri, and received her degree in business administration from Regis University, Denver, Colorado.

Cathy Muldoon - President - Top Talent Inc.

Joanna Dees - Manager, Supplier Diversity Initiatve - NGLCC

Joanna Dees joined the NGLCC in May 2008 as the first Supplier Diversity Initiative Fellow.  In March of 2009 was promoted from Supplier Diversity Fellow to Supplier Specialist Manager. While Jo acts as a supplier diversity specialist for the NGLCC, she is also pursuing a Master's degree in Public Sociology at American University. Prior to joining the NGLCC, Jo was Interim Director with the Noisette Foundation from 2005-2007, working with AmeriCorps VISTA on an ex-offender reentry initiative. Making strides within her position, Jo supervised a full-time staff, established and directed a service-learning pilot program for state inmates called Lowcountry Civic Justice Corps, and impressively coached 29 ex-offenders into successful long-term employment. Jo has additional experience as a researcher at DC VOICE and represented American University at the 2008 CoRAL Network Conference panel. Jo is originally from Virginia and received her BA in Sociology and Psychology at the College of William & Mary in 2005.

Session 2 - Supplier Diversity 101: Why Get Certified and How it Can Help Grow Your Business

Brent Friedman - Sourcing Manager - Merck & Co.

Brent Friedman works in the Global Procurement organization of Merck &Co. as a sourcing manager for the North America region. He joined Merck in 1997, working various staff positions within the quality operations unit of Merck Manufacturing division. Since moving to the procurement organization in 2005, he has sourced a number of direct and indirect goods and services.Brent previously spent 13 years as a volunteer paramedic and board member for a non-profit ambulance service in suburban Philadelphia, where he held the positions of president, secretary, and assistant operations chief. Currently, he is a board member for the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region's affiliate chamber of the NGLCC. Brent holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Gwynedd-Mercy College and an MBA/Finance degree from LaSalle University. 

Sherri Macko - Manager, Supplier Diversity - American Airlines

Sherri Macko serves as Manager of Supplier Diversity and Business Strategies at American Airlines.  In this position, she works to facilitate relationships with qualified minority/women-owned, diverse and small businesses to give them the opportunity to participate as potential suppliers of products and services for the airline. Sherri began her career at American Airlines twenty-eight years ago in Reservations and Marketing.  Prior to this most recent assignment, she had been a Senior Account Manager in AAdvantage® Partner Development, responsible for marketing strategies and program development.  Throughout her career, she has held various positions in Human Resources, IT Vendor Management and Sales/Marketing. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council, the Advisory Council for the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Southwest, the NGLCC Procurement Council and the National Advisory Board for Enterprising Women. She is also involved in the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Business Council, serving as a member of the Supplier Diversity Professionals, Membership and Certification committees. Sherri lives in Southlake, Texas, has two college students and is an avid skier.

Sheila Merritt - Vice President of Business Development - Q&A Entertainment, Inc.

Sheila Merritt is the Vice President of Business Development for Q&A Entertainment.  She also serves as the 2009 President of the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. As the Vice President of Business Development for Q&A Entertainment, an event management and production company, Sheila works with clients ranging from AirTran Airways and Chevrolet, to the Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Pride on a variety of public and private events, programs, meetings, conferences and entertainment initiatives. In her position as President of the AGLCC, Sheila is responsible for the administration of the organization's activities.  Additionally, she represents the organization throughout the community. She serves to educate those unfamiliar with the AGLCC with their mission of ‘Advocacy Through Economics' and as such, she serves the AGLCC membership by working to strengthen relationships within businesses in Metro Atlanta and beyond. She lives in East Point, GA with her partner of almost 12 years, Andria Towne (AT), who is the Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the Georgia International Convention Center, and serves on the Board of the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative. They have 2 dogs, and they share their life with a large group of family and friends.

Sean Montgomery - COO and Owner - Integrity Staffing Solutions

Sean Montgomery is co-owner of Integrity Staffing Solutions.  His primary role is that of CFO, although he is very active in operations as well.  Sean has been in the staffing industry for 13 years, following 13 years in various roles at Advanta Corp. and 3 years with KPMG Peat Marwick as a CPA.  While at Advanta Sean's responsibilities ranged from running a card center operations center, developing new financial services products and directing Advanta's mergers and acquisitions activities.  Over the past 13 years Sean and his partner Todd Bavol have grown Integrity Staffing Solutions into a $90 million dollar staffing company with offices across the United States.  Integrity has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as the 2^nd fastest growing privately held company in the U.S. and was also recently inducted into the Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame; an organization that recognizes the top 100 fastest growing companies in the Philadelphia region.  The Hall of Fame is awarded to those companies that rank in the top 100 for 5 or more years.  Recently, Sean and his partner were awarded the 2008 Business Owners of the Year Award by the NGLCC. 

Jeremy Fegley - Associate, Supplier Diversity Initiative - NGLCC

Jeremy Fegley joined the NGLCC team in August 2008 as the Chief of Staff's and Programs Intern. He was then promoted to Associate of Supplier Diversity & Corporate Relations in January 2009. Jeremy works closely with the Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) LGBT Business Enterprise Certification Committees located in Washington and New York and with LGBT companies pursuing certification by the NGLCC as LGBT Business Enterprises. He is also one of many coordinators for the NGLCC/Wells Fargo LGBT Business Owner of the Year Award . Jeremy is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at American University. When Jeremy is not in the office he likes to go out and meet new people in the vibrant LGBT Community of Washington but he also enjoys relaxing at home and spending time with friends over dinner and drinks. Jeremy is originally from the Seattle Metro area and moved to Washington in the summer of 2008.

Session 3- HRC's CEI & LGBT Supplier Diversity

Theresa Harrison - Supplier Diversity Lead, Strategic Sourcing - Ernst & Young

Theresa Harrison is the Director of Supplier Diversity for Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y), global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential. Ms. Harrison joined E&Y in June of 2004.Working collaboratively with the cross-functional supplier diversity team; she is responsible for the development and implementation of the E&Y supplier diversity initiative as well as the internal and external promotion of this initiative. Her responsibilities include identifying qualified minority and women-owned suppliers, ensuring that they are given an opportunity to compete for E&Y business, and periodically reporting on progress. Ms. Harrison serves on the Board of Directors for the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, New York/ New Jersey Supplier Development Council and Diversity Information Resources.  In 2008 she was named the Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year by the NGLCC. Ms. Harrison obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Emmanuel College and a Masters of Business Administration from Bentley College.

Dionne Stewart-Monsanto joined Morgan Stanley in 1994 as a member of the Controllers Department. Although her roles have varied she has always had a great deal of interaction with the Firm's vendors. In 1998, she began assisting Morgan Stanley's Supplier Diversity Team with their annual reporting. In 2000, it was a natural transition to join the Diversity Team to manage the Supplier Diversity reporting and numerical data for the team. Outside of the office, Dionne enjoys teaching and performing West African dance. She is the proud mother of three children and resides in New York City.

As the Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity and Corporate Relations for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Victoria works with current and future NGLCC Corporate Partners to ensure that they are maximizing their relationships with the NGLCC through participation in a wide variety of partnership opportunities including the LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative, corporate membership benefit programs, and signature event sponsorship. Victoria is a point of contact for corporations interested in initiating, renewing, and expanding their partnerships with the NGLCC. She also leads the LGBT Supplier Diversity Initative which offers certification for LGBT Business Enterprises. Victoria joined the NGLCC staff in November 2007.  Prior to joining the NGLCC, Victoria studied at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Music Technology and Sound Recording with a certificate in Business Administration. While attending university, Victoria worked with her county's economic development department, managed a music education program and retail store, and established herself as a professional musician and bass guitar player.

2:00PM-3:15PM

Plenary Session - Out & Allied Business Leaders

Glenn Johnson is responsible for Finance, Information Technology, Corporate Real Estate, Strategic Planning and Fuel Administration organizations at Alaska Air Group and Alaska Airlines. Johnson has served as executive vice president of airport services, maintenance and engineering and senior vice president of customer service - airports. Admittedly a "numbers guy," having joined the company in finance, Johnson also found great passion in directing Alaska Airlines' multi-faceted operations teams, promoting increased teamwork and streamlining operations to ensure schedule reliability for the airline's customers. Johnson graduated from the University of Washington and achieved his CPA designation before joining Alaska Airlines in 1982. Johnson resides in Seattle with his husband, Mike.

Chip Wheeler - Vice President - ING Foundation

Chip Wheeler is vice president of the ING Foundation.  ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 75 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 120,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand. The ING Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities where ING operates and its employees and customers live. Through charitable giving and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on sustainable programs in the areas of financial literacy, children's education and diversity. Prior to joining ING in January, 2008, Chip was vice president, private sector initiatives at the America's Promise Alliance.  Founded by General Colin Powell, the organization is the nation's largest alliance working to improve the lives of America's young people. Working with national corporations to fulfill the mission, Chip worked closely with many Fortune 500 companies to strengthen GLBT youth across America. Chip was born in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Texas Christian University. He and his partner of 16 years live in Washington, DC.

CCBO - Chamber Sustainability - Part I

Barbara Grant - Principal Consultant - MGS Consulting Services

Barbara Grant, MA A.B.S., has been involved in leading, building and developing communities and organizations in Washington State since 1986.  She is the co-founder of MGS Consulting Inc, and since 2000, she has helped to build capacity and provided strategy and leadership consulting for hundreds of non-profit organizations, small businesses, foundations, public institutions and leaders of corporations. MGS consultants work primarily throughout the state of Washington, with some national and international clients.  Barbara is a dynamic presenter and speaker and skilled facilitator and strategic consultant.  Prior to starting her own firm, Barbara served as Microsoft's Director for worldwide Leadership and Management Development.  Before she joined the high-tech industry, she built a statewide program of community-based awareness and advocacy for children in prisons and jails.  She has a BA in International Relations from Notre Dame and a Masters in Organizational Leadership.  She has traveled and taught internationally and has a deep interest and appreciation for diverse cultures and peoples.  Barbara is the Editor of the book Voices For Change:  Women's Words to Politicians, released July 4^th , 2008, and is working as a co-author on an upcoming book about leadership and challenges in the non-profit sector. Barbara lives with her partner Maureen and their two children, two dogs and two cats in Seattle.

Kate Karasmeighan - Chief of Staff & Director of Affiliate Relations - NGLCC

As the Chief of Staff & Director of Affiliate Relations at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Kate is responsible for coordinating and leading across NGLCC departments. Kate is a key player in strategizing with NGLCC Leadership on key initiatives and the overall direction of the organization. In addition, Kate facilitates the NGLCC's Council of Chambers and Business Organizations (CCBO) and as the point of contact and internal advocate for the NGLCC's 47 state and local LGBT chamber and business organization affiliates. Kate has spearheaded the creation of the NGLCC Women's Business Initiative (WBI) which serves as an additional networking tool for the lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied women's business community and is a catalyst for increased discussion on issues affecting LBT business women.  Kate served on Candidate Obama's 2008 Small Business Policy Committee, and continues to work with the Obama Administration, particularly on issues of importance to the LGBT business community.  Kate has been with the NGLCC since 2004 and has held various leadership positions. Kate received her Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University and has completed graduate coursework at the George Washington University in Washington, DC.

3:30PM- 4:45PM

Session 1 - Fortifying Your LGBT Business Case

Colleen Dermody - Vice President - Witeck-Combs Communications

Colleen Dermody is Vice President of Witeck-Combs Communications where she provides strategic communications and marketing counsel for current and past clients such as Aetna, the National Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, Mautner Project, The National Lesbian Health Organization, the Michael D. Palm Center, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the National Gay Newspaper Guild, The Wellness Community, the District of Columbia Department of Health and Sunrise Senior Living. Her 24 years of public relations and marketing experience includes serving as Communications Director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the nation's highest profile health and nutrition advocacy organization. Dermody is also well known and respected for work in women's issues and progressive advocacy communications. She has held senior communications posts with the Feminist Majority Foundation, the National Organization for Women and the Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International. In addition to her work for Witeck-Combs Communications, Colleen is on the Board of CenterLink, The Community of LGBT Centers, she is also Chair of the Mid-Atlantic and North Eastern Region of the Council on Chambers and Business Organizations for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), she serves on the Board of Directors Emeritus of the PEN, Metro DC's LGBT Chamber of Commerce and is an Emeritus Board Member of The Center, Home for GLBT in Metro DC. Colleen is also an adjunct professor of communications. She holds an M.A. in Public Communication from The American University in Washington, D.C., where she won the Myra E. Barrer Award for Excellence in Journalism and she holds a B.A. in English from the University of South Florida. 

Betty Young - Director, Diverse Segment Marketing - American Airlines

A native of Dallas Texas, Betty Young, is a seasoned employee at American Airlines, where she began her career in 1989. Betty was promoted throughout the company, where she now serves in her most recent appointment as Director of Diverse Segment Marketing for American Airlines. In her newest role, she oversees the company's Diverse Segment Marketing strategies, focusing on enhancing services, support and outreach to American's loyal LGBT, African-American, Hispanic, and women customers, as well as other diverse populations. For the previous five years, Betty Young served as National Sales and Marketing Manager for the Rainbow TeAAm - the first-ever LGBT sales and marketing group created in a Fortune 500 company. Through her leadership and others at American Airlines, the company has maintained a perfect 100% ranking on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index (CEI) since its inception - a record for citizenship unmatched by any other airline in the nation. Betty resides in Fort Worth, Texas with her partner of 9 years and their two children - a 15 year old son, and 16 year old daughter. Four Italian Greyhounds complete their family

Session 2 - B2B Workshop

Janice Mahlmann - President & CEO - August eTech Solutions

Janice Mahlmann is President of August eTech, an Information Technology consulting firm started in 2001 and designed to meet the IT hardware and systems needs for small and medium size businesses through customized service. Janice has an extensive history in the IT field - her 15 years of experience includes specializing in network and system administration and management, database administration and internet technologies. Additionally, Janice has vast experience in business management, working previously for Nesbit Systems, McAfee, MetLife, Guy Carpenter, and as IT Department Head at Root3 Systems. She holds a Masters Degree in Business for Profit & Non-Profit from Rider University and several technical certificates.

Jason C. Miller - President & CEO - The Accomplished Traveler

Jason Miller is President and CEO of The Accomplished Traveler.  He spent an award winning decade in sales and marketing in the corporate world, including 8 years with Pfizer Inc.  Jason used his business knowledge, marketing experience, and sales savvy to create a premier, VIP, custom, and personalized travel planning and travel concierge company. Led by Jason's efforts, The Accomplished Traveler is a Corporate Member of the International Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.  Jason speaks on bringing together LGBT Business Enterprises and advocates for strong alliances between these small and medium size businesses. Jason holds a BS BA in Marketing from the University of Delaware and is based in New York City.

David Schellenberg - LinguiSearch, Inc.

A resident of Philadelphia for the last 15 years, David Schellenberg relocated to Philadelphia from Iowa in 1993. David is founder and president of LinguiSearch, Inc., a market research firm specializing in semiotic and linguistic analysis of language as data. Founded in 1999, LinguiSearch utilizes sophisticated language analysis tools in addressing the marketing objectives of its clients. Clients include key fortune 500 companies as well as small and mid-size businesses. In addition to its headquarters in Philadelphia, LinguiSearch also boasts offices in Des Moines and Minneapolis. David holds degrees from Central College in Iowa and from the Sorbonne in Paris. David serves as treasurer of the Sapphire Fund, a Philadelphia LGBT non-profit organization, and is a founding member of the Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia's LGBT chamber of commerce, and also serves on its Board of Directors.

Chamber Awards Breakfast

Senator Patty Murray - Washington State 

Senator Patty Murray never planned to enter politics, but today she is serving her third term in the U.S. Senate as a member of the Democratic Leadership. From the classroom to the Congress, she has been an effective and tireless advocate for Washington's working families. Originally known for her work on education and children's issues, Patty Murray has become a leading figure on transportation, border and port security, healthcare, economic development and veteran's issues. Senator Murray ran for the United States Senate in 1992 as a voice for Washington families who were not being heard in the Senate. Dramatically outspent, she ran a grassroots campaign of family, friends, supporters, and public interest groups to beat a 10-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives and become the first woman to represent Washington state in the U.S. Senate. In 1998 and 2004, she was re-elected by a wide margin and is currently Washington's senior Senator. Senator Murray is a unique voice in the United States Senate, where she is known for her down-to-earth, determined style, and her ability to articulate how complex issues affect everyday American families.

Steven Schmitt - Associate Vice President - Wachovia Securities

Steven W. Schmitt, CFP®, MBA, is a certified financial planner professional serving the LGBT community throughout the country.  Within the structure of his team, Steven focuses primarily on money management services and the critical decision making that impacts the client portfolios.  Steven's extensive background in finance affords him to teach the importance of proper asset allocation, diversification and active management.  His interest and passion for meteorology provides a different perspective about how environmental conditions generated by climate and weather trends may potentially highlight opportunities in the marketplace. Steven is also the Regional Coordinator Chairperson for GALEA (Wachovia's LGBT Employee Resource Network) and completed his MBA with a concentration in Finance in May 2008.  He lives with his partner, Paul, in New York City.

Kyle Young - Financial Advisor - Wachovia Securities

Steven W. Schmitt, CFP®, MBA & Kyle D. Young, focus on financial planning and asset management services for the LGBT Community.  They have built a fully integrated practice centered around providing advice specific to those within the community.  Kyle and Steven have made it a priority to recruit the advice of other professionals such as estate planning attorneys, CPAs and insurance consultants who are knowledgeable about the unique needs of the community.  More than 90 percent of their current client base consists of LGBT couples and individuals from throughout the United States, and also includes several international clients.  Steven and Kyle have presented across the United States for a number of LGBT organizations and events, ranging from employee resource groups and corporate trainings to nonprofit community and religious groups.  Their team practices in Short Hills, NJ.  

Lynn Parker - Principal - Parker LePla

Lynn has 25 years' experience in marketing consulting, and is one of the early contributors to branding theory. She co-founded Parker LePla, an integrated brand consultancy, with Joe LePla in 1994 and has since grown it into a multi-million dollar agency serving national and international clients in a variety of industries including healthcare, high technology, and not-for-profit. Clients have included AIG Investments, Group Health, Mayo Clinic, Philips Medical, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Microsoft. She co-authored the best selling Integrated Branding: Becoming Brand Driven Through Companywide Action, and Brand Driven: The Route to Integrated Branding Through Great Leadership). Lynn recently published The Reluctant Entrepreneur, a series of essays about running a small business. Lynn is a frequent speaker at universities, conferences and seminars on how companies and organizations can create, strengthen and live their brands. Prior to Parker LePla, Lynn worked as a strategist at advertising agencies, and was a business reporter at three newspapers, including the San Jose Mercury News. She is currently a columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal. Lynn has held positions on the boards of Pomegranate Center, Simple Measures, and Entrepreneurs Organization, and is a mentor to students in the University of Washington MBA program.

3:00PM-4:15PM

Session 1 - WBI Roundtable

Grethe Cammermeyer - PhD, RN, Colonel, USA, ret

Grethe Cammermeyer  is nurse, soldier, mother and vocal activist for repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of the military and society. She served 31 years in the military and had a concurrent career in the VA Health Care System.  She currently runs an Adult Family Home and is Hospital Commissioner. In 1989, having  disclosed she was a lesbian during a top secret security clearance she was discharged from the military. The made for television movie Serving in Silence with Glenn Close, is the story of Grethe's coming out and  successful court challenge of her discharge. Grethe and her partner of 20 years, Diane Divelbess live on Whidbey Island.

Trish Millines Dziko - Executive Director - Tech Access Foundation

After a successful 15 year career in the high tech industry, Trish left Microsoft in 1996 to develop a model for success for children of color, which would help them become not only users but creators of technology. With the support and help of friends and family, she co-founded Technology Access Foundation (TAF) with her partner Jill Dziko.  TAF's mission is to prepare underserved children of color for higher education and professional success by providing a rigorous and relevant K-12 curriculum.  TAF has a vision of getting 20,000 Washington State public school students of color college-ready for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related careers by 2020. To date, 100% of TAF seniors have gone on to college-over 60 have graduated and are off to great careers. In September 2008, TAF partnered with Federal Way Public School District to launch the first TAF Academy, a 6th - 12th grade public school that prepares students for college and life. The TAF Academy model is rooted in a standards-based, project-based STEM curriculum.  TAF will open four more academies in Washington State. Trish is a committed, proactive leader for students of color. Trish and her partner are the proud parents of 4 children.

Sweet helps Shannon combine her passion for the environment with her love of travel. Shannon sharpened her lesbian and gay marketing skills as vice president of marketing at Olivia and director of marketing at PlanetOut, Inc., and deepened her desire to make a difference in the world while working as director of promotions and editor in chief at Care2. Shannon recently completed her fifth AIDS Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. and is an enthusiastic supporter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California, the Galapagos Conservancy, and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

Karen Bryant - CEO - Seattle Storm

Karen Bryant has been involved with women's professional basketball for the past 13 years. She started her career in sports in 1996 as the Director of Operations for the American Basketball League's Seattle Reign. She then served as General Manager of the Reign before being recruited in June 1999 by the Seattle Sonics to lead the organization's effort to secure a WNBA expansion franchise. Under Bryant's leadership the past nine seasons, the Storm has been recognized as one of the top franchises in the WNBA. Named the Storm's Chief Executive Officer last year, Bryant is responsible for overseeing business and basketball operations for the franchise. Bryant was recognized as one of the Puget Sound Business Journal's Women of Influence in 2005. She is involved with several non-profit organizations and currently serves on the board of the Seattle Sports Commission. Bryant was a standout athlete at Woodway High School in Edmonds before continuing her basketball career at Green River Community College, Seattle University and the University of Washington. She graduated from U.W. with a degree in Communications. Bryant and her partner Merrily Wyman have a daughter, Lindsay.

Matt Skallerud - President - Pink Banana Media

Matthew Skallerud, President of Pink Banana Media, began his career in the gay & lesbian marketplace when he founded GayWired.com in May of 1995. He successfully led GayWired.com into becoming one of the premiere gay websites worldwide, translating that success to LesbiaNation.com and QTMagazine.com (gay travel site). In 2001, he expanded this online reach by launching a company focused on both developing niche-oriented websites for the gay & lesbian community and helping companies large and small reach these gay & lesbian consumers through this expanded network of websites, which included GayMonkey.com, GaySports.com, Navigaytion.com, PrideParenting.com and GayBusinessWorld.com, just to name a few. Having sold these sites, his focus is now on the latest in advertising and marketing utilizing social networks and tailoring their opportunities to the GLBT community. Skallerud starts with the basics of banner ads and e-mail, but expands into the more advanced world of blogs, social networking and online video, and how those components can tie into an overall online marketing campaign including banner ads for some of the best performance for his clients.

10:00AM-11:15AM

Session 1- Maximizing Your Certification

Carol Attak - Supplier Diversity Coordinator - Accenture

Carol joined Accenture in March, 2001, and is the US Supplier Diversity Program coordinator responsible for planning and facilitating the day-to-day initiatives, deliverables and processes related to the program goals of Accenture's US Supplier Diversity Program, in order to build a solid infrastructure and to take the program to the next level. In this role, Carol manages the online supplier diversity management tool (Supplier Portal), interfaces with clients/client teams to assist in meeting client diversity requirements, works with procurement sourcing managers to integrate supplier diversity into the procurement process, is responsible for diverse spend reporting, liaises with diverse suppliers interested in doing business with Accenture, and coordinates Accenture's attendance/sponsorship at supplier diversity conferences, and is an active part of the mentoring program. She has served in this role since 2002. Prior to this role, Carol was a procurement specialist working closely with procurement sourcing leads, the legal & commercial group and Accenture executives to oversee the US Procurement contract approval/signature process, streamlining processes to increase operational effectiveness. Prior to Accenture, Carol worked for 12 years as a paralegal, reporting to the General Counsel, for an equipment leasing company in the Chicago area.

Neil Cerbone - President - Neil Cerbone Associates, Inc.

Neil Cerbone is founder and president of Neil Cerbone Associates, a consulting firm that helps organizations achieve results by improving business practices and employee performance. Clients include Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies across a variety of industries.  They recently were named a "most valued partner" by Johnson & Johnson, a "quality outsourced provider" for PNC Bank and the first NGLCC certified diverse company invited to join Accenture's Diverse Supplier Development Program. Neil has been published in Fast Company Magazine, T&D Magazine, Training Magazine and American Banker and has authored several case studies for American Society of Training & Development.

A 'creative type', Chip has been producing corporate media since 1986; matching people and capability on a global basis to media projects. He has successfully sold to a wide range of corporate leaders. Green Ink has been NGLCC Certified since 2004; selected by IBM to be its first gay-owned 'mentored' supplier; the first gay business to attend Dartmouth-Tuck MBE program; contributing video services to the NGLCC's DC and NYSE events. Chip and Gary Schaefer, solidified their LLC in January of this year. Chip and his 16 year Life Partner, Tom, were united in Holy Union in 2006, and will become 'legally married' in Connecticut in May of this year.

Gail Snow -  Strategic Development Director - Hanlon Brown Design

Gail Snow is Strategic Development Director for Hanlon Brown Design (HBD), Portland Oregon. HBD provides marketing communications and design services for print, Web and interactive to leading Fortune 100 companies. Gail has a very extensive background in strategic planning and public relations that was fine-tuned as a public relations counselor with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and as a private practitioner before joining HBD. Her life partner, Noma Hanlon, was the recipient of the NGLCC/Wells Fargo Business Owner of the year in 2007.

Session 2 - EXTRA! EXTRA! Learn All About It: How to Navigate the Media Minefield

Session 3 - Out & Healthy - Out & Aging: The MetLife Study of Lesbian and Gay Baby Boomers

Barbara Howard - Director, Gerontology - MetLife Mature Market Institute

Barbara Howard, Director, Gerontology at MetLife Mature Market Institute^® in Westport, CT, is responsible for the department that oversees education, training and consultation services. Prior to joining MetLife in 2002, Barbara was employed as a Human Resources Generalist.  She holds a BS in Accounting from Mercy College, an MBA in Finance from Pace University, a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Fairfield University, and a Certificate in Gerontology from Norwalk Community College. Barbara is an active member of the American Society on Aging, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Norwalk Senior Center. 

Paul Frene - Financial Advisor - MetLife

Paul L. Frene is a Financial Services Representative, in MetLife's Bay Park Financial Group in Short Hills, NJ. He joined MetLife in 1999. He is a three time MetLife Leader's Conference qualifier. He founded the MetLife GLBT employee resource group: GLAM (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies at MetLife) Paul provides wealth management and estate planning solutions for the GLBT community. Paul is a also MetDESK Specialist (Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids). Prior to joining MetLife, he was a Director of Currency Services for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  Paul received a Masters Degree in Administrative Science, Management and Finance concentration, from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Md. He is a graduate of Loyola College in Baltimore Md., where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Business Administration and Political Science. He resides in Nutley, NJ with Gene Cavazos his partner of 18 years. Paul and Gene also have a home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Paul is active in numerous GLBT organizations including Out and Equal (O&E) a national workplace advocacy organization. He is a founder of the Metro New York regional Council for Out and Equal. Paul was honored in the Advocate Magazine, Gay Corporate Leader issue in March of 2005. Paul and Gene also received press coverage in February 2007 as the first New Jersey couple to be "civil unioned".  

Greg Serum - Owner - Your Man Friday

Greg Serum is the owner of Your Man Friday, which he founded 19 years ago. He has been a member of the Greater Seattle Business Association for over twenty years and in 2001 was named Business of the Year. Your Man Friday is a Full-Charge Bookkeeping, Payroll, Consultation and Tax Preparation Firm located in Seattle, Washington. The client base includes almost all types and kinds of businesses from dog walkers and painters to restaurateurs and retailers including many non-profits that serve the LGBT community. In addition, Greg sits on the Finance Committee of several organizations working with both volunteers and Chief Financial Officers to distill the mysteries of nonrprofit finances.

Kathy Wehle CPA - Finance Director - Seattle Men's Chorus, Seattle Women's Chorus

Ms. Wehle earned her CPA in California, with her early professional career focused on audits of small to mid-sized not for profit organizations.  However, her heart was in the Pacific Northwest, where she moved in 1996 to become Finance Director for one of the nation's premier children's summer camps. Upon joining the administrative staff of Flying House Productions in November 2004, Ms Wehle set to work enhancing existing financial controls, improving audit trails, and taking a leadership role in strengthening the long term future of the Choruses and their service to the community. Having previously served as Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Orcas Theater and Community Center and Treasurer for the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Ms. Wehle currently is Chair of the Audit Committee on the Board of Directors of the Kaiser Family Foundation. She lives in Seattle and on Orcas Island with her partner of 24 year, 3 cats and an energetic Corgi.

11:30AM-12:45PM

Session 1 - Business Etiquette & Relationship Building: Keys to Success

Jodi Blackwood - Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist -Speaker & Seminar Leader

Jodi Blackwood is a Certified Business Etiquette & Protocol Specialist, Customer Service Professional, Speaker & Seminar Leader who believes that etiquette is about polishing your approach, not changing who you are! Trained and certified by The Protocol School of Washington, Jodi feels that adding polish to your image and increasing your self-confidence will help you to put aside the anxiety of fumbling in business and social situations and allow you to focus on the matters at hand. Feeling comfortable, confident and prepared in every situation will help to enhance your knowledge, skills and self-assuredness when it comes to interacting with others, providing tremendous benefit to you in your professional - and personal - life. In today's global economy, customers have a multitude of choices. Jodi works with individuals, businesses, organizations and groups that are interested in taking their professionalism and customer service to the next level. She offers customized training on a variety of topics, including: The Impact of a Positive First & Lasting Impression, Closing the Loop in Business Communication, Relating to the Public --Customer Service Matters! and The Art of the Business Meal. Jodi resides in Vancouver, Washington with her family.

Neil Cerbone, Neil Cerbone Associates, Inc.

(See above)

JJ Gufreda - President - GEI, Inc.

JJ Gufreda has been a management consultant since 1987 and has over thirty years of decision-making and executive experience. She has advised a wide variety of clients that include Citizens Energy Group, Lucent Technologies, Ford Motor Company, AlliedSignal, Federal Express, Northwest Airlines, Electrolux, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Walker Information, Illinois Power, United Technologies, Maytag, Nestle Foods, Federal Express, the State of Maryland and many small to midsized companies.  JJ's proficiency in business process improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, operations improvement, and total quality management services have resulted in clients realizing significant cost improvements and increased profits. JJ Gufreda is the President and CEO of GEI, Inc. with its principal offices in Greenwood, Indiana, outside of Indianapolis.  GEI was the first transgender owned company certified as a LGBTBE by the NGLCC.  Previously, JJ was a Senior Manager with Kaizen Institute of America and Ernst & Young.  In addition, she has held manufacturing management and engineering positions at a major automotive supplier and was a Lecturer in Production Management at Wheeling College. She holds a BBA degree in Economics and Management & Labor Relations from Cleveland State University and an MBA from John Carroll University.

Donna Rose - Author, Speaker, & Transgender Advocate; Board of Directors - NGLCC

Donna Rose is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and advocate for transgender and transsexual issues. Donna speaks around the country at schools, businesses, conferences, and elsewhere about the unique issues faced by transgender people in America, and to put a face to an issue that too often remains steeped in misconception and prejudice. Donna's leadership role in GLBT advocacy is impressive. She is the first and only openly transgender member of the Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors, where she also serves as National Co-Chair for Diversity. Donna is a member of the HRC Business Council where she plays a significant role in the annual Corporate Equality Index, and in ongoing educational efforts. She is on the Out and Equal Transgender Advisory Committee, and is on the Board of Advisors for the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). She was highlighted as a "Gay Corporate Leader" in the March 2006 edition of "The Advocate", and in a June 2005 article in USA Today about Transgender Issues in the Workplace. Donna's award-winning memoir, "Wrapped In Blue: A Journey of Discovery" remains one of the most personal accounts of the mental and physical issues involved in a gender transition yet written. Donna lives and works in Scottsdale, AZ.

Kate Lehmann - MA, LADC - Lehmann Consulting, Inc.

Kate is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in private practice.  She specializes in helping diverse families and businesses address substance abuse and it's far reaching effects.  In addition to receiving a Masters degree at Hazelden, the world renowned treatment facility, Kate brings longtime experience working with small businesses and non-profit organizations.  Her academic credentials also include a BA from Smith College, an MA in Organizational Leadership from the College of St. Catherine.  She teams up with her registered therapy dog, Spuddy the labradoodle, in her practice as well as for volunteer visits to hospital patients.  In addition her work with Lehmann Consulting, Kate also does on-call counseling work for Hazelden and Pride Institute.

1:00PM-2:30PM

Plenary Session - Politics & the Pro's: A Discussion of the Future of the LGBT Movement and Business

Jason Mida - Vice President, Development - The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

Jason Mida is the Vice President of Development at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute, the nation's leading organization that identifies, trains and supports openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates, campaign staff and officials. Since 2005, Jason has served in several roles for Victory as a Cabinet Officer, Director of the Victory Cabinet, Director of Leadership Giving & Strategic Partnerships, and, most recently, Vice President of Major Gifts. In his current role, Jason oversees all of Victory's development efforts, including relationships with corporate and union sponsors. In addition to personally working with Cabinet Members and Leadership Donors, Jason manages a dedicated team working to increase resources for Victory and openly LGBT candidates across the country.

Daryl Herrschaft - Director, Workplace Project - Human Rights Campaign

Since 1998, Daryl Herrschaft has overseen the Workplace Project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In this capacity, he monitors and evaluates corporate policies surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. He is the editor of the HRC Foundation's annual Corporate Equality Index and The State of the Workplace for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans. Herrschaft has consulted with dozens of major corporations on the full range of LGBT-related workplace policies. He has presented HRC findings to diverse audiences, including the Conference Board, the Society for Human Resource Management and the New York City Council. He is frequently called upon by national and local media, including Time and The Wall Street Journal as well as on CNN, National Public Radio and Voice of America. Before joining HRC, Herrschaft was a research associate at the Urban Institute. He holds a bachelor's degree from the George Washington University. 

State Senator Edward B Murray - (D), 43rd District - State of Washington

Senator Ed Murray has been a member of the Washington State Legislature for the last fourteen years, representing the 43^rd District which includes the Seattle neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District, Greenlake, Eastlake, Madison Park, Roosevelt and Ravenna. As a House member, then Representative Murray led the successful effort to pass civil rights legislation to protect gay and lesbian Washingtonians from discrimination in employment, housing, and financial transactions. The passage of this bill ended an almost 30 year effort.  He also led the passage of both Safe Schools anti-bullying and state employee domestic partnership benefit measures in Washington State. In 2007, Senator Murray introduced and successfully led the effort to pass Washington State's historic domestic partnership law that extends rights and protections to same sex and senior couples.  The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law.  In 2008, passage of the second domestic partnership bill added to these rights and protections.  This year, a third bill that completes these rights successfully passed and was signed into law by the Governor on May 18^th.  This final bill now makes all state-wide domestic partnerships equal to married couples under the law. Senator Murray currently serves as Caucus Chair for the Senate Democrats.  In addition to his leadership role, he also serves on the Ways & Means, Health Care, and Rules committees.   Senator Murray has received numerous accolades and awards for his work in a number of areas including transportation, civil rights, education, health care, and the environment.  Senator Murray looks forward to continuing collaborative, progressive, and effective work on these and other areas.  He resides in Seattle with his partner of seventeen years, Michael Shiosaki.

Irwin Drucker - Director of GLBT Supplier Diversity - IBM

Irwin joined IBM in 1983. In 1999, after sixteen years in software procurement, Irwin was appointed Program Director of Gay and Lesbian Supplier Diversity. This role, a first for Corporate America, continued IBM's long tradition of leadership in the area of supplier diversity. In 2006, Irwin assumed his current role as Program Director of GLBT and International Programs in the Global Supplier Diversity organization. In this role, Irwin has overall responsibility for the coordination of all of IBM's supplier diversity programs outside the US, as well as continued global responsibility for the GLBT program. Irwin is Chairman of the Procurement Council of the NGLCC, and was the recipient of the first Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year Award in 2007. In addition, Irwin is a member of the Board of Directors of the IGLCC. Irwin is also a member of the IBM GLBT Executive Taskforce. And, Irwin is a member of the International Committee of the NMSDC and WBENC. Irwin received an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University in 1983. Irwin resides in Boca Raton, Florida, with Dan, his Domestic Partner, and their five dogs, Troy, Jake, Debbie, Dorothy and Duke.

Stephanie Blackwood - Co-Founder/Account Director - Double Platinum

In September 2001, Stephanie co-founded with Arthur Korant, Double Platinum, a full-service marketing communications agency that is affiliated with the Publicis Groupe, a global network of nearly 1000 marketing agencies.  Long a champion of the gay and lesbian segment, Double Platinum's award-winning work has supported many Fortune 500 clients, including IBM, ING, Lexus, Procter & Gamble, Pernod Ricard USA, and PricewaterhouseCoopers and numerous LGBT nonprofits. In 2009, Double Platinum launched an innovative platform to support nonprofit organizations:  Mission-ing is a disciplined, integrated approach to organizational communication that has the potential to help nonprofits raise public awareness, attract new supporters and use available resources more efficiently. Since 1990, Stephanie has focused on LGBT marketing, public relations and publishing, having started three agencies and also been associate publisher of The Advocate. A frequent speaker on GLBT marketing universities and conferences in the US and Europe, Stephanie also serves on the boards of directors of the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, Commercial Closet Association and Streb SLAM.