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Co-Chairs

Incubator

Elite

Innovator

Sessions

Join us for substantive discussions and meaningful business connections with industry leaders and top-caliber Pan Asian American enterprises.

CDO-CIO-CTO Forum

Join the CDO-CIO-CTO Forum—a hub for tech and data leaders. Dive into cutting-edge discussions, share insights, and forge connections shaping the future of digital excellence.

InnovASIAN Luncheon

Step into the future of business innovation at our exclusive InnovASIAN Luncheon, where our keynote speaker will unravel the transformative power of Generative AI. Discover how this cutting-edge technology is reshaping industries, driving creativity, and revolutionizing business processes.
*KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Dennis Ong

Doing Business with Corporations & Government Agencies Roundtables

Our Doing Business with Roundtables Program immerses suppliers in the intricacies of corporate and government contracts. Participants will engage in 10-minute sessions with Senior Diversity leaders or Government agency representatives at multiple roundtable discussions, ensuring a focused exchange of insights.

Surviving, Thriving & Innovating Across Industries

This panel encourages candid discussions on industry challenges in the current global climate. Our goal is to offer attendees a realistic view of expert hurdles, inspiring thoughtful planning and adaptability to industry uncertainties. Through authentic conversations, we aim to motivate attendees to join the next wave of innovation, navigate their paths with resilience, and exhibit strategic foresight. 

WISE (Women Initiative for Strategic Empowerment) Forum

Part 1: Women of Influence
Part 2: How Women Leaders Are Using AI To Elevate and Grow Their Businesses
Empowerment meets Innovation! In Part 1, delve into the inspiring stories of Women of Influence, and in Part 2, discover the transformative ways women leaders leverage AI to elevate and expand their businesses. Join us for a dynamic exploration of leadership, technology, and the future of female entrepreneurship.

*Agenda is subject to change.

Agenda

February 15

8am – 6:30pm
Registration
10am – 12pm
Doing Business with Corporations & Government Agencies Roundtables
12:15 – 1:30pm
InnovASIAN Luncheon
1:45 – 3:15pm
WISE (Women Initiative for Strategic Empowerment) Forum
3:30 – 4:30pm
BE+ The InnovASIAN Pitch Session
4:45 – 6:15pm
Surviving, Thriving, & Innovating Across Industries
6:15 – 7:15pm
Business Reception
7:15pm
Dine Arounds

February 16

7am – 11am
Registration
7:45 – 9:15am
CDO-CIO-CTO Breakfast (Private)
8:15 – 9:45am
Supplier Diversity and Procurement Leadership Caucus (Corp Only)
8:30 – 10am
Grow Your Business with USPAACC Certification
10:15 - 11:45am
CDO-CIO-CTO Forum
11:45am
CDO-CIO-CTO Reception
11:45am
Special Announcements & Closing
12:30 - 3:15pm
Women of WISE Event! Data Center Tour, Photo & Video Session! (Invitation Only)

Pricing

• USPAACC-Certified Asian American or Minority-Owned Business

Conference Pass
$550 - Early Bird (by EoD 12/22)
$600

• Small Business Owner (Not USPAACC Certified)

Conference Pass
$650 - Early Bird (by EoD 12/22)
$700

• Large Corporation

Conference Pass
$800 - Early Bird (by EoD 12/22)
$850

• Government

Conference Pass
$650 - Early Bird (by EoD 12/22)
$700

Our 2024 Speakers

BE+ The InnovASIAN Pitch Session

Omer Hashmi

Chief Operating Officer of Technical Delivery | Agile Brains Consulting Inc.

Omer Hashmi is the Chief Operating Officer of Technical Delivery at Agile Brains Consulting Inc. An experienced and accomplished technology leader with extensive experience in lean-agile execution of engineering and software development projects, implementing process improvement initiatives, managing cross functional teams, and successfully delivering value based solutions for customers globally. Omer has been instrumental in enabling customers to build products and solutions iteratively and has helped Agile Brains reach INC 5000 four years in a row. A change agent at heart, a technical architect and high performing team builder, Omer believes in utilizing cutting edge technology to solve wicked problems for our customers.

Bala Sriraghavan

Founder & CEO | Datanetiix Solutions, Inc.

Bala Sriraghavan, the Founder and CEO of Datanetiix Solutions, Inc., boasts 23 years of extensive technology and management experience. His expertise spans various domains, including business intelligence, strategic technology advising, and early-stage investing. With a rich background in services, product development, product life cycle management, digital applications, and enterprise management, Bala's journey is marked by diverse roles and responsibilities.
Before establishing Datanetiix Solutions Inc., Sriraghavan served as the Director of Project Development at Apolis Inc. He was also a founding employee at Emantras, Inc. (GP Strategies Corporation), holding pivotal roles such as account manager, delivery head, and Vice President of Development.
Bala leverages his passion for managing global teams and embracing innovative technologies. His adeptness in navigating challenges and overseeing cross-functional projects has enabled him to deliver comprehensive solutions in business management, IT, and workforce management to clients.
In addition to his corporate endeavors, Bala is an active member of various boards and foundations. He serves as a Board member of the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University. He is also a technical advisory board member of The Joyful Child Foundation. Bala volunteers with organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), the US Chamber of Commerce & District Export Council, and the San Diego Blood Bank.

Sriraghavan is an engaged member of professional associations, including the International Marketing Association (IMA) and the International Executive Council (IEC). His commitment extends to mentoring early and mid-level professionals and providing support to startups and enterprises facing day-to-day challenges.
Bala Sriraghavan holds an MS in Computer Engineering and is a proud alumnus of Pepperdine University, where he earned an MBA from the Graziadio Business School.

Jennifer Kim

Associate Administrator | Office of Field Operations, SBA

Jennifer Kim serves as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations.

In this role, she oversees 68 District Offices and 10 Regional Offices throughout the country. SBA field offices provide small businesses access to programs and services in coordination with resource partners, lenders, and other local economic development organizations. This nationwide network oversees the delivery and management of SBA’s small business programs, including access to capital, contracting assistance, and business development initiatives.

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in History and received a Master’s in Public Administration in Urban and Social Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Srini Samudrala

SVP | System Soft Technologies

Srinivasa (Srini) Samudrala is the EVP responsible for Technology and Innovation at System Soft Technologies. Srini has more than two decades of experience in leading product strategy, technology innovation, delivery and customer growth across multiple verticals including telecom, travel, media & entertainment, logistics, construction, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare and hi-tech.

A hands-on technologist and Digital Transformation specialist; Srini has held leadership roles in technology and innovation at Motorola, Sabre, AT&T and Verizon in the past. Over the past 8 years, Srini has played a leadership role in the world of IoT, AI and Digitalization, having built platforms, products and end-to-end deployments for numerous Digital Transformation solutions both in the US and across the globe.

Mike Chop

Senior Designer | Apple

Mike Chop is a Conversational Interaction Designer at Apple. He is also the founder of a nonprofit organization focused on bringing Asian dance and sports to the San Francisco Bay Area. Mike believes that the most significant asset he brings is the cultural attribute to innovate. He believes that culture can change the world- to build products and develop ideas that improves and changes people’s lives.
Mike said, “This entrepreneurial spirit can enable us to develop a business environment to build a vibrant, energetic, self-sustaining business community”. Mike Chop is also a mentor to children and adults discovering their professional and personal journey and father to three children.

Mellissa Tong

Founder & CCO | DuckPunk Productions, Inc.

Ms. Tong is a three-time #1 Best Selling Author on Amazon and Founder/CCO of an award-winning Storytelling agency, DuckPunk.

Ms. Tong works with B2B organizations to solve the disconnection between them and their customers by creating authentic brand storylines that are relevant and relatable to their target audience across all demographics and delivery mediums. Her services include branding and
marketing, media and communication training, TV commercials and branded content. Some of her clients have seen sales increase up to 110%.

Some of her previous clients are Westin, Nissan, Verizon, Wells Fargo, CBS, California Department of Health, just to name a few. Awards she won include Clio, Addy, Telly, Best of Business in Video Production for ten consecutive years starting in 2012, and a dozen more from film festivals across the country. Celebrities she’s worked with include
Shaquille O’Neal, Bryan Cranston, Keke Palmer, Arsenial Hall, to name a few.
Ms. Tong has thirty years of both in-front-of and behind-the-camera experience on
storytelling. She started as a News Anchor/Reporter/Producer at the International Channe in Los Angeles, one of the first satellite TV stations in the US. Aside from anchoring the news, she was also responsible for producing a daily 5-min human interest segment, where she covered stories ranging from beauty, health, science, technology, to movie premieres, red carpet events, Star Trek Conventions, and more. During the four years at the station, she interviewed thousands of people from all walks of life, including Hollywood celebrities such as Anthony Hopkins, Russell Crowe, Julianne Moore, etc., and crafted
over 1,200 on-air stories.

Later, she took her storytelling skills to the fiction side and worked on a primetime CBS show, Martial Law, before founding DuckPunk in 2000. Aside from running DuckPunk, Ms. Tong is also an international speaker and trainer. She
was invited to speak at the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office in October 2019. She has held storytelling trainings and seminars for Westin, SoCalGas, San Diego Gas & Electric, WBENC, NAWBO, e-Women Network, various chambers of commerce, and many other professional organizations. She also trains entrepreneurs and executives on “How to be a RockStar on camera,” so they can deliver their messages in a powerful and authentic way. Ms. Tong is very passionate about women and social justice issues. In her leisure time, she sits on various non-profit boards, including CalArts and Wells Bring Hope, a non-profit that drills wells in Niger, West Africa, so women and girls don’t have to walk miles to bring water back to their villages. Previously she was on the board for Vision of Health, a non-profit mobile mammogram program for underprivileged women.

Amira Gonzalez

Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager | RTX

She has been with RTX for 16 years leveraging roles of increasing responsibility within Operations and Supply Chain including Material Program Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, and Senior Manager Supply Chain. In mid-2018, Amira moved to her current role in Corporate Supplier Diversity where she is responsible for executing strategic outreach initiatives for collaboration to drive utilization of small and diverse businesses in procurements across RTX. Prior to joining RTX, Amira spent 13 years in the telecom industry in various roles in supply chain, operations, project management, and new product marketing & introduction.

Amira has a Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. In the Dallas area where she lives, Amira serves on the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit, Helping Hands, Open Hearts, and actively serves the unhoused and elderly shut-ins in Dallas on her weekend time.

Manish Gorawala

CEO & Owner | Tri-Force Consulting Services Inc.

A serial entrepreneur, Technology Expert, Mr. Gorawala is the chief visionary and mentor of Tri-Force Consulting Services, Inc., headquartered in Lansdale (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania, USA. For last 23+ years under Manish’s leadership, Tri-Force has executed projects worldwide focusing on enterprise application development, business intelligence, mobile solutions for government and commercial clients. His extensive experience and creative abilities culminate in the development of SaaS cloud platforms “DiversityInsights” and MLeads™ He has achieved this mission through immense foresight, astute leadership and exceptional business acumen.

Manish has managed several private and US government IT projects over the last 18 years. His rich experience in the industry has fueled the rapid development of Tri-Force Consulting Services, Inc., a five-time winner among Philadelphia’s 100 fastest growing companies and winner of Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies. His deep personal and professional interest in technological trends and his excellent management skills have helped him bring quick success to the company.

Manish has around 25 years of experience in the technology sector, with in-depth expertise in Java, Mobile, Enterprise applications, CRM, and BI.
Manish’s leadership, guidance and encouragement have played a major part in taking the company to the next level. His ambition is to make Tri-Force a dominant player in the IT Consulting and Systems Integration industry by providing unique solutions and bringing the qualities of excellence and integrity to all aspects of the company.
Manish has degrees in Computer Science and Project Management.

Naeem Hussain

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer | CirrusLabs

Naeem Hussain, Co-Founder and COO of CirrusLabs, brings over two decades of leadership across technology, business development, marketing, and operations. He’s driven CirrusLabs from startup to industry leader, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States of America for four years and business growth accolades from the USPAACC (US Pan Asian American Chamber). Prior to founding CirrusLabs, Naeem has worked in leadership roles at Fortune 100 companies such as Capital One, ING DIRECT Bank, and Siemens Medical. His expertise spans sectors like telecom, logistics, banking, healthcare, and retail, with clients ranging from startups to government agencies.

Naeem’s academic journey includes studies at Bangalore University, The George Washington University, and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Beyond academia, he values relationships and collaborative problem-solving over accolades. As the 2024 InnovASIAN Symposium approaches, Naeem is looking forward to sharing ideas and learning from other experts - all to shape a bright digital future together.
from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Jess Liu

Partner | Nationwide

Jess Liu is a Partner at Nationwide Ventures, where she invests in early-stage companies in sectors such as fintech, insurtech and AI/ML. Prior to that, she invested in both early stage and growth stage companies as Senior Principal at Blue Ivy Ventures and Vice President at Cathay Capital. Jess started her career as an investment banker at JPMorgan in New York. She also worked in microfinance in Ghana, leading the strategy department at Women’s World Banking-Ghana. Jess has an MBA degree from Yale University and a B.A. in economics from Mount Holyoke College.

Kristine Al-Haris

Vice President of Business Development | Softpath System

Kristine Al-Haris, a leader in procurement, supplier diversity, and business development. With over two decades of experience, Kristine has held key roles at Sodexo and WEConnect International, driving impactful initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within supply chains globally. Now serving as Vice President of Business Development at Softpath System, Kristine continues to inspire through their commitment to excellence and innovation.

Jackie La Joie

USPAACC National Board

Jackie La Joie joined Ingersoll Rand in September 2012. She has overall leadership responsibility for Supplier Diversity and Supplier Sustainability at Ingersoll Rand. In this role, she is responsible for building world class programs and driving results around supplier diversity strategy throughout the enterprise as well as supplier sustainability in areas such as conflict minerals and environmental initiatives.

In her supplier diversity leadership role, Jackie created a strategic plan for Ingersoll Rand based on NMSDC Best Practices to ensure a successful and sustainable program that creates jobs for supplier partners, economic growth for local communities, and customers for life for Ingersoll Rand. Specifically, to ensure sustainability and future growth of the program, she created a robust program and various supplier development initiatives to equip 41 direct and indirect commodity teams to identify and document supplier requirements and opportunities.

Under Jackie’s leadership, Ingersoll Rand spend with minority-owned businesses has increased 228% over the past three years. Jackie’s work also resulted in a $50,000 grant from the Ingersoll Rand Foundation to support an NMSDC Center of Excellence with the TriState MSDC, which launched in August 2016. As a result, 10 corporations and 20+ minority-owned businesses are spending 18 months working together to improve the corporations’ supplier diversity programs, and build capacity and increase business opportunities for the MBEs.

Prior to joining Ingersoll Rand, she served as vice president of the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, director of Supplier Diversity at Merck and manager of Supplier Diversity at legacy AT&T.

Jackie is also the co-founder of Diversity Alliance for Science in 2007, a non-profit organization focused on supplier diversity in the life science and healthcare industries. Under the leadership of Jackie and Leah Brown, her co-founder, the organization unites healthcare, pharmaceutical, academic and government entities with industry diversity leaders, such as NMSDC, to promote economic growth of small and diverse companies.

Jackie has been recognized nationally for her leadership and service in the Supplier Diversity field with multiple awards and recognitions across her 28-year career, including:

· Co-founder and past president of Diversity Alliance for Science

· Best of the Decade and Women Who Mean Business – Minority Business News

· Top 25 Women of Power Impacting Diversity – Diversity Plus Magazine

· Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year – U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce

· Chairman’s Award – PA-NJ-DE Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC)

· YWCA Tribute to Women and Industry Award – YWCA of Central New Jersey

· First Ladies of Supplier Diversity – MBNUSA and Women Business Enterprise USA Magazine

· Champions of Supplier Diversity – Diversity Plus Magazine

· Women Who Mean Business – MBNUSA

· First Ladies of Supplier Diversity – MBNUSA / WEUSA

· Supplier Diversity Advocate – AT&T CEO

· El Paso Trade Conference – Keys to City of El Paso

· AT&T Creating Excellence Award

She has a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration and a B.S. in Economics from High Point University and an MBA from Wake Forest University. She and Ed, her husband, reside in Mooresville, N.C. Jackie enjoys spending time with her son and daughter and spoiling Franklin, her first grandchild and pride and joy.

CDO-CIO-CTO Forum

 

Opening Remarks

Sidd Ahmed

Founder and CEO | VDart Group

Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO of VDart Group, has redefined success through his unwavering commitment to the principles of people, purpose, planet. Under his leadership, VDart Group has emerged as a global leader in digital talent management, solutions, and products, with revenues of over $240M+.

Sidd envisions a world where success, wealth, and a high quality of life are accessible to all. With no prior experience in large organizations or corporate backgrounds, he has achieved exponential growth in the IT talent management industry, pioneering the transition to Industry 5.0. This commitment has propelled VDart Group to navigate a diverse workforce of over 4000+ professionals across twelve different countries.

Sidd's deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community has supported underprivileged children, individuals with disabilities, and victims of natural disasters through VDart CSR. Sidd embarked on a transformative initiative known as Project Sidd. With a global following of over 250,000+ students, leaders, and entrepreneurs, this educational social media movement imparts invaluable insights on business and career development. Sidd has personally engaged with over 16,000+ students in person across the globe, offering guidance on career planning, mindset building, business development, and more.

Under Sidd's leadership, VDart Group has ventured into distinctive avenues of growth and garnered numerous accolades, including the GMSDC 2023 Supplier of the Class IV Award, CAMSC 2023 Supplier of the Year Award, recognition as one of the top 10 Asian American businesses in the USPAACC Southeast region in 2023, DFW MSDC 2022 Supplier of the Year Class IV Award, Mega E-Award (nominated by its client, Toyota Motor North America Inc.), Toyota Diverse Supplier of the Year 2021 and 2022, Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company for 2021, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 2021 Pacesetter Award, among others.

Sidd has himself been a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the GMSDC Eagle Award in 2023, the CII-Yi Global Entrepreneur Award in 2021, MBE Advocate of the Year by GMSDC, Small Business Administration Entrepreneurial Success Award in 2018, Small Business Person of the Year in 2017, and the coveted Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award for 2017, as well as the Eagle Award for 2017 and 2018.

Sidd Ahmed's leadership extends beyond VDart, with his roles as CEO of Dimiour, Vouch, and Trustpeople. His expertise has propelled VDart Group into new territories, including Japan, Australia, Malaysia and the UAE. Sidd also serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Education Foundation, advocating for education and job creation.

VDart Group's commitment to societal betterment includes active engagement in various communities worldwide. Sidd's vision of People, Purpose, Planet is embedded in the company's DNA. VDart's dedication to sustainability, net-zero emissions goals, and adherence to the UN Sustainable Development goals exemplify its vision for a better world.

Sidd continues to shape a future where success knows no boundaries and communities thrive.

Speakers

Angela Baskerville

VP, Corporate Systems and Talent Enablement | AT&T

Charlie Myers

Chief Technology Officer | Monumental Sports & Entertainment

With over 20 years of experience in media and broadcast engineering, Charlie is a results-oriented technology leader and strategic thinker who drives organizational unity and reduces technical debt. As the current Chief Technology Officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Charlie delivers visionary solutions to pivot global business strategies in response to rapidly evolving.

Linda Tai

Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer | Fannie Mae

Linda Tai is Fannie Mae's Chief Technology Officer. In addition to spearheading the rapid evolution of technologies that support the housing finance ecosystem, she also leads the organization's technological response to market and regulatory demands.

With more than 25 years of experience building and leading Fortune 100 financial services’ technology organizations, Linda is not just an executive: she's an entrepreneurial change agent. Her reputation as a tech trailblazer and industry diversity champion precedes her. Linda has a knack for spotting and nurturing exceptional technical talent across various disciplines, making her a modern industry leader.

Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Linda served as a Managing Director at Bank of America for four years. She also spent two decades at Goldman Sachs, culminating in her role as a managing director.

Linda holds a Master of Science in mathematics and computer science from the University of Massachusetts and a Master of Arts in music from the New England Conservatory. She speaks at numerous industry events on topics such as fintech, digital transformation, and strategic innovation. She is passionate about sharing her experiences executing technology, process, and IT culture changes.

Chetan Kandhari

SVP, Chief Innovation and Digital Officer | Nationwide

Chetan Kandhari is the leader of Nationwide’s Enterprise Innovation and Digital organization. In this role, Chetan is accountable for maturing the company’s digital capabilities and expertise while creating new customer-centered digital products and services for members and partners.

During his 15-year tenure at Nationwide, Chetan has progressively held roles of increasing responsibility. In his most recent role as Chief Technology leader for P&C operations, Chetan oversaw the development and deployment of Nationwide’s Express platform and SmartMiles, as well as integrations with strategic partners such as Amazon, Toyota and Ford. He was also responsible for Personal Lines Transformation a 7-year, $500 Million-dollar effort to upgrade legacy systems to a more current platform.

In other roles at Nationwide, he has led the Customer Data and SOA SolutionOrganization, creating a single customer file. Earlier in his career, Chetan was a consultant with Diamond Technology Partners and Ernst & Young focusing on large scale program delivery and architecture.Chetan holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Ohio StateUniversity, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Miami University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Muskingum University. He is a member of World 50, a private community for CEOs and C-level executives at globally respected organizations.

Chetan was born in India, where he frequently returns to visit, and he moved to the U.S. in 1993. Married, with two children, he enjoys hiking, reading and vacationing with his family in his free time and encourages his associates to look for a balance between work and life.About Nationwide Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poors. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

Sachin Sinha

Director, Technology Strategy | Microsoft

Sachin Sinha works as a Director Technology Strategist at Microsoft. He is the virtual Chief Data & AI Officer for the Federal Health business in this role. He studied at the University of Maryland and then continued his information management research as a Data Engineering and Analytics leader. Sachin has always designed systems that helped his customers use data to make decisions.

He has helped healthcare startups grow from seed to series funding by building their business on data. He has also helped many public sector organizations achieve their mission by using data to enable decisions. Now, as a Technology Strategist at Microsoft, he helps customers transform their missions with Data & Artificial Intelligence. Sachin enjoys working with public sector customers every day to help them do more for their organization's mission. He lives in Fairfax, VA, with his wife and two sons, and is a loyal fan of Terps and Ravens.

Steve Hagood

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer | Trane Technologies

Steve Hagood is senior vice president and chief information officer of Trane Technologies. In this role, Steve leads the company’s global information technology (IT) organization and is responsible for the development and execution of the company’s information technology strategies that support sustainability, innovation and an uplifting culture.

Prior to joining the company, Steve spent 19 years with the Goodrich Corporation, most recently as the company’s vice president and chief information officer. With more than 30 years of experience, he has held multiple executive and financial leadership roles in the aerospace and defense, manufacturing and service industries.

Steve serves as executive sponsor of the Trane Technologies Intergenerational Employee Network. He regularly lends his leadership to industry and community organizations, including Project Scientist, Apparo, Inspire CIO and Charlotte CIO Executive Summit. Steve chairs the Board of Directors for Project Scientist, a nonprofit organization committed to providing underserved girls with STEM education. For over a decade as a former Board co-chair, he has supported Apparo, a non-profit that provides technology innovations to other nonprofits in Charlotte. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the NIBCO company, a private plumbing and pipe-fitting company, co-chair for the Charlotte CXO Executive Summit, and as a current member of E50 Advisory Board, a national CIO peer networking organization.

Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin and is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has been recognized as CIO of the Year in 2014 and 2019 by Inspire Charlotte CIO.

Most recently, Ray served as transformation office leader where he led efforts to transform Trane Technologies into an efficient, morecustomer focused company that unlocks value for customers and shareholders. Previously, Ray served as the president of our Transport Solutions business in North America and EMEA. He has held leadership positions in several other businesses, including a role in Europe leading the former Climate Control Technologies European businesses.Ray joined the company's Air Solutions Group in 1988 holding key roles in sales, engineering and product management before moving to the Climate Control Technologies sector in 2001. Most recently, Ray served as President of Transport Solutions for North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, leading all aspects of operations, strategy and performance for the strategic business Thermo King®.

Previously, Ray held leadership positions in a variety of functions including global products, engineering, program management, marketing and general management. Ray has been a member of the Climate Solutions leadership team since its creation in 2009. There he held various leadership roles in the U.S. and Europe, including president of the sector’s European-Served Area businesses.Ray serves as a board member for the Trane Technologies Foundation, which manages all charitable contributions and partnerships. He has also served on the board of the Ada Jenkins Center -a charitable organization in North Carolina.

He holds a BSME degree from Texas A&M University and has attended advanced programs from the University of Chicago, Wharton,and global leadership development programs through the company.

Doing Business with Corporations & Government Agencies Roundtables

Moderator

Sandhya Mukkamala

Partner & Co-Founder | Astute

Sandhya Mukkamala is a Partner and Co-Founder at ASTUTE and an accomplished CPA in the State of California. She advises clients on R&D tax incentives, technical accounting, forensic audits, as well as works closely with clients’ CFOs/Controllers to develop stronger processes and controls within business. She has more than 15 years of experience in audit and review engagements, and complex Merger & Acquisition due diligence audits for private and public accounting sectors.

Prior to founding Astute, Sandhya has served as M&A due diligence auditor for several years in a reputed public accounting firm in Silicon Valley. She has led the audit team in planning, structuring, and performed M&A due diligence activities across all functional areas such as financial, products, operations, and technology etc. She has also served as an external Auditor for various high-tech, automotive, retail, manufacturing, and service industries nationally and globally. As an acumen auditor, she helped companies uncover millions of dollars lost due to fraudulent activities or lack of control over processes, addressed complex accounting and financial reporting challenges.

Besides Auditing and Corporate finance, Sandhya has an extensive experience in R&D tax credit consulting projects, performed numerous financial and M&A due diligence audits, resolved complex Accounting for Income tax provisions, SEC Reporting, internal controls testing and fraud testing over financial reporting for multitude of industries from early startups to Pre-IPO to public companies nationally and globally.

Her unique understanding, problem-solving skills and providing reliable solutions has benefited clients in various industry sectors.

Corporations & Government Agencies

InnovASIAN Luncheon

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Dennis Ong

Technology Executive, Board Advisor, Amazon Web Services | TEDx Speaker

Dr. Dennis Ong serves as a Technology Leader at Amazon Web Services, where his primary role is to drive business and technology innovation for Fortune 100 companies, with particular emphasis on AI/GenAI and cloud transformation. He is also an Industry Advisory Board member of the University of Pennsylvania’s PRECISE Research Center. Prior to this, he spearheaded 5G AI applied research at Verizon, leading his team to develop the world's first 5G/AI autonomous vehicle, a collaborative project with the Honda Research Institute.

Dr. Ong has given two TEDx talks: one on "IoT Transformation through Machine Learning" and the other on " Securing the World with Blockchain". A frequent presenter at international conferences, his topics revolve around AI, 5G, IoT, and Blockchain. His research collaborations span various global technology companies like Cisco and Nissan, as well as major research universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on AI and 5G. His innovative 5G and AI designs have earned him three patent awards in 2022. Additionally, he co-founded “Leading AI”, a non-profit that delivers leadership and AI education to students and emerging professionals worldwide.

Dr. Ong earned an MBA, graduating with honors, from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also received a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University as a University Fellow. Furthermore, he served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Opening Remarks / Emcee

Ann Ramakumaran

Founder & Chief Exectutive Officer | Ampcus Inc.

Anjali Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO of Ampcus Inc. (Ampcus), is a technology savvy entrepreneur with more than 15 years of contribution towards the design, development and delivery of leading edge Technology Solutions and Human Capital Management across the globe. Under her leadership she has cultivated Ampcus into a fast growing Consulting and Professional Services firm. For eight consecutive years (2009-2016), she has been recognized as a top Asian American owned business by the USPAACC. In addition, for the past seven consecutive years (2010-2016), she has been honored as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned Businesses 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 for the past 7 years (2010-2016). Ann was also awarded Women in Technology Entrepreneur of the Year by WIT and most recently received the Chairman’s Award for Inspirational Leadership from
the CRMSDC. Ampcus has also received the Global Growth Award from Astra Women’s Business Alliance, Supplier of the Year Award from the GMSDC and the Top Asian American Business Award from the USPAACC-SE.

Ann works closely with her Advisory Board, whose advice/input on strategy and direction helps her drive the company to attain its vision of being one of the largest and most successful high performing Professional Services companies globally. She has been actively involved in executing a consultative methodology to define, qualify and quantify Ampcus’ target clients, determine their strategic IT and business objectives and from this developed solutions which proactively address their current and evolving demands and needs.

Ann serves on the CRMSDC Board of Directors, WPEO Leadership Committee and the USPAACC Scholarship Committee. She has been a speaker at numerous National and Local Procurement and Diversity 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 Advanced Management from the Kellogg School of
Management Northwestern University Illinois.

Trung Tieu

Manager, Supplier Diversity | Wells Fargo

In his role as a Supplier Diversity Manager at PepsiCo, Trung drives economic inclusion by increasing the development and utilization of diverse-owned business enterprises (DivBEs) within PepsiCo. Trung began his career at PepsiCo in the Quaker Foods & Snacks division where he monitored innovation launches and designed product development processes.

Trung currently serves as Chair of the NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) Procurement Council. He has previously served as Co-Chair of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Advisory Council and as the Co-Chair of the Chicago chapter of EQUAL (PepsiCo’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group) and on the boards of the LGBT Community Center of Milwaukee and as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Windy City Performing Arts.

Trung continues to be actively engaged with PepsiCo’s employee resource groups across all diverse populations with special attention to the LGBTQ and Asian groups. In 2021 he moderated panel focused on intersectional Asian American-LGBTQ owned businesses and “Courage Conversations” for PepsiCo associates around the #StopAsianHate.

He is a two-time recipient of PepsiCo’s prestigious Harvey C. Russell Inclusion Award (2008 and 2013) for his leadership within the LGBT community and collaborative and innovative work with other companies’ LGBT groups.

Trung holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where his research focused on “coming out” and identity construction. Trung is also a proud graduate of the UCLA Anderson School of Business LGBT Leadership Institute.

Grow Your Business with USPAACC Certification

Surekha Reddy Pailla

President & CEO | Arohak Inc.

Surekha Reddy Pailla, President and CEO of Arohak Inc., is a distinguished visionary leader in the field of Information Technology. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Surekha has traversed an impressive career path, ascending from a Design Engineer to a prestigious position as Business Analyst to a VP of Operations within the IT sector.

In 2016, Surekha embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by founding Arohak Inc., a company that stands at the forefront of Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and other advanced technologies. Under her dynamic leadership, Arohak has grown exponentially, boasting a workforce of over 150 employees, and achieving a remarkable valuation of $18 million in just six years.

Headquartered in New Jersey, Arohak Inc. has strategically expanded its presence with offices in Texas, Canada, and India, showcasing its commitment to global excellence. The company's phenomenal success has been acknowledged on various prestigious platforms, including being ranked 1012 on the Inc500 list across all US business verticals, securing the 31st position in the IT category. Arohak also earned a coveted spot on the FAST100 list by USPAAC in 2023 and was recognized as the Fastest Growing Medium Scale Company by IT Serve.

Beyond her professional achievements, Surekha is deeply committed to social responsibility. Arohak Inc. allocates a portion of its profits towards educating the underprivileged, reflecting Surekha's empathetic leadership and dedication to making a positive societal impact.

Surekha Reddy Pailla stands as a beacon of inspiration in the IT industry, combining technical acumen with a compassionate approach to leadership, and steering Arohak Inc. towards continued success and meaningful contributions to society.

Pratik Banala

Business Development Executive | Praxis Consultants

Pratik Banala, 24, is a Business Development Executive at Praxis Consultants, an IT staffing firm. With a B.S. in Economics/Statistics from Ohio State University, he strategically drives growth, leveraging his analytical skills. Pratik’s data-driven approach contributes significantly to Praxis’ success in the competitive business landscape, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the field.

Raza Manji

Director Sales & Marketing | VISUAL CITI

Raza Manji, a dedicated professional with an illustrious career spanning over 30 years, has left an indelible mark on the signage, printing, and fabrication industry. Currently serving as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Visual Citi Inc., a reputable fabrication manufacturing company, Raza has been instrumental in steering the company to new heights of success.

Raza's journey at Visual Citi Inc. began over three decades ago, and his enduring commitment to the company has been marked by innovation, strategic vision, and unparalleled leadership. As the Director of Sales and Marketing, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's trajectory, transforming it into a beacon of excellence in the highly competitive industry.

Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Raza Manji has been an active participant in industry events and networking activities that have further enriched his professional acumen. Notably, he has been a regular attendee at events organized by the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC). These engagements have not only expanded his network but have also positioned him as a key player in fostering collaboration and diversity within the industry.

In addition to his domestic engagements, Raza Manji has actively pursued networking opportunities both within the United States and overseas. His global perspective and cross-cultural understanding have played a pivotal role in shaping Visual Citi Inc.'s approach to international markets. Through strategic networking initiatives, Raza has successfully established fruitful connections, contributing to the company's global expansion and recognition.

Raza's leadership extends beyond the confines of Visual Citi Inc., as he remains committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of professionals in the signage, printing, and fabrication industry. His collaborative approach and emphasis on diversity have not only strengthened the fabric of Visual Citi Inc.'s corporate culture but have also resonated across the broader business community.

As Raza Manji celebrates more than three decades of dedication to Visual Citi Inc., his biography is a testament to the enduring impact of a visionary leader in a dynamic industry. His journey encapsulates a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the power of networking and collaboration to drive success in the world of fabrication manufacturing.

Ranjani Mohana

Owner & President | R Mo Global Diversity Solutions

Ranjani Mohana is an accomplished entrepreneur who, in 2011, identified a significant challenge faced by businesses in the arduous process of obtaining diverse business certifications. Motivated by this observation, she pioneered a visionary approach that earned her the title "The Certification Lady."
R Mo Diversity Solutions’ team of certification experts has made substantial contributions in the following areas:
⦁ Global Certification Assistance: The R Mo team assists businesses on a global scale in navigating the complexities of obtaining diversity certifications.

⦁ Corporate Partnerships: The team has forged valuable partnerships with numerous corporations, providing essential certification support to their suppliers.

⦁ Beyond Certification Mentorship Series (BCMS): Empowers clients to strategically leverage their certifications for business growth.
Through her innovative thinking, dedication, and commitment Ranjani Mohana has cemented her place as a trailblazer in the realm of diversity certifications and business solutions.

Supplier Diversity and Procurement Leadership Caucus (Corp Only)

Roger Cheng

Sr. Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager | AT&T

Roger Cheng is a dedicated Sr. Supplier Diversity Sourcing Manager at AT&T. With over 14 years of experience in the technology industry, Roger’s expertise lies in leading business development initiatives through Supplier Diversity, having previously excelled with M/WBEs. Roger is affectionately known as “The Voice” for his captivating emcee and VOG performances at various prestigious events nationwide. In acknowledgment of his unwavering support for gender equality, Roger was bestowed with the esteemed #Hes4Shes Champion title at the WBENC National Conference in 2017.

Hope Jacoway

Consultant, Supplier Diversity | Nationwide Insurance

Hope brings more than 25 years of diverse marketing, event planning, relationship management and administrative experience to Nationwide’s Supplier Diversity program to further it internally and externally. She taps into this experience to lead the strategic external partnerships and externally facing events, conference, speaking engagements and more. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Capital University

Elizabeth Zucker

Senior Procurement Advisor |The Hackett Group

Elizabeth Zucker has a career that spans almost 25 years in supply management. As both a consultant and a practitioner, she has supported operations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, for some of the most iconic brands including Cit Group, Met Life, Pepsi, KFC, Krispy Kreme, and Lexmark. As a senior advisor to Fortune 500 supply chain leaders, she provides counsel on a variety of topics to transform capabilities and increase the value contribution these teams are making to their organizations. She is author and faculty for multiple supply management professional certification programs, has published numerous trade articles, and frequent speaker at conferences and corporate training sessions. She is a native of Pennsylvania, and spends her time in both Harrisburg and Dallas Texas..

Surviving, Thriving & Innovating Across Industries

Eleanor Runde

Policy Advisor | Department of Commerce

Eleanor Runde is a policy advisor to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Her work covers artificial intelligence, aspects of the Department’s international efforts, and export controls.

Jude Soundar

US Government Affairs, Federal Health Director | Microsoft

Jude Soundar is the Microsoft US Government Affairs Federal Health Director. Previously, he worked as a Principal and Solutions Architect in Federal Health for Thoughtworks, a global consultancy.

Jude has served in a number of executive roles in Federal government. Jude served as the Executive Director, Health Information Technology, for the Social Security Administration where he was in charge of increasing the amount electronic health data used in the disability adjudications determining eligibility for disability benefits including Medicare and Medicaid. In this role, he worked closely with Federal partners, health systems, and technology and electronic health record companies.

He also served as an Associate Deputy General Counsel and ethics counselor for the Army Office of the General Counsel in the Pentagon where he focused on financial compliance and ethics. Before that Jude served as a senior policy advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

In addition to his civilian federal positions, Jude served as a Major in the Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps. In his military capacity, he regularly conducted missions to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to teach ethics and advise on conflict mineral issues.

Before entering public service, Jude was a Senior Compliance Officer at JPMorgan Chase, concentrating on banking compliance, internet and technology issues.

Before practicing law, Jude worked as a database administrator for ABN-AMRO and Grant Thornton with a concentration on Sybase, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server. Jude’s experience in traditional databases lead to his interest in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data.

Jude received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois, and a J.D. from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a Fellow in the Truman National Security Project, a former Board Member of the Filipino Veterans and Recognition and Education Project, and a 2020 MBA graduate of The Duke University, Fuqua School of Business.

Lam Nguyen

Chief Scientist | Department of Defense CyberCrime Center (DC3)

Lam Nguyen serves as the Chief Scientist at the Department of Defense CyberCrime Center (DC3); a federally designated Center of Excellence. Previously, he served as DC3's Cyber Forensic Laboratory Director. Prior to his tenure at DC3, Mr. Nguyen directed forensic labs in both the public and private sector including the Drug Enforcement Administration, FireEye, and Stroz Friedberg. He began his career in Digital Forensics over twenty years ago at the High Technology Investigative Unit at the Department of Justice. Mr. Nguyen has testified as an expert witness on digital evidence numerous times and in multiple jurisdictions. He is a recognized expert in the field of Digital Forensics and E-Discovery and has led large-scale international investigations in both criminal and civil cases.

Mr. Nguyen also served as an adjunct professor at both George Washington University's Masters of Digital Forensics program and at George Mason University. In 2015, Mr. Nguyen was appointed to the inaugural Organization of Scientific Area Committees for forensic sciences (OSAC) as a Vice Chair in Digital Multimedia and later served as the Chair of the Digital Evidence Subcommittee in 2021. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals and in 2023, was published in The Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences.

Priyanka Chowdhary

Senior Innovation Product Manager | Nationwide Insurance

An experienced Product Manager at Nationwide delivering digital products in Innovation, with a rich history of varied roles since joining the company in 2008. Originally from India, her career in United States began at Nationwide Insurance as a Business Analyst, evolving into a Digital Product Owner, and eventually leading to her current role in Innovation Product Delivery. Her journey has been driven by a firm belief in developing product visions and executing strategies that captivate markets and deliver significant customer and business value. This involves a deep involvement in strategic planning, team leadership, test design, data analysis, stakeholder communication, implementation, and continuous improvement. She is committed to facilitating data-driven decisions that propel organizational growth and innovation.

Priyanka’s expertise lies in seamlessly bridging the gap between technology and business needs, with a focus on customer-centric solutions. She has a passion for emerging technologies and making a conscious effort to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and advancements. Priyanka also sits on the board of initiatives like 'Seat at the Table' (a forum to discuss topics related to Diversity, Equity &Inclusion), reflecting her dedication to giving back to the community.

Terry Hsiao

Professor | George Washington University

Terry Hsiao is an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor with extensive experience in mobile messaging, payment, and fintech. He has founded multiple companies in mobile that got acquired by Sybase, Verifone, and Kaleyra where he helped its recent public listing on NYSE:KLR in November 2019.

Mr. Hsiao served on the board of Virginia’s Center of Innovation and Technology, a state-funded economic development and investment agency. Terry is a current adjunct professor at George Washington University. He also serves as the President of Monte Jade DC, representing Asian American business leaders and entrepreneurs for 25 years. He also founded and leads the DC MIT Alum Angel Group.

Terry received a BSEE Honors degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Management of Technology from MIT Sloan.

Saint Hung

CEO & Founder | Universal Processing

A native of New York, Saint Hung is committed to helping to grow the small and medium-sized businesses in his hometown. Before founding Universal Processing (“UP”), Mr. Hung was with JPMorgan Chase for four years, helping to develop their New York City client base and accumulated a portfolio of over $600 million in annual transaction revenues.

Mr. Hung continued his career with the founding of Universal Processing in 2003, aiming to serve minority businesses with the highest level of service and consultation. As Founder and CEO, Saint Hung has defined the culture at UP to put people before profits and deliver exceptional services to the underserved immigrant and minority small businesses, based on continuous technological innovation and providing said solutions in a timely and economical manner. Among Saint Hung's recent laurels are the ETA/Transact Inaugural Forty Under 40 – 2018, "Top 10 CEOs in Finance" Award by Finext, and the President's Award of Priority Payment Systems Presidents Club in 2017. Forbes featured UP on September 29, 2021, for their strategy in combating the COVID pandemic while empowering underserved small businesses. In December 2020, UP was granted The Excellence Award as a USPAACC Fast 100 Asian American Business, an award that was again revisited by Universal in 2023.

In addition to its client acquisition efforts, Universal Processing was recently recognized as a Community Navigator by the United Stated Small Business Administration in October of 2021. Of the 450+ entities selected by the Small Business Administration in the Community Navigator Pilot Program of the American Rescue Plan, UP is the sole Financial Technology organization to have been selected and continues to diligently serve these communitarian efforts.

Under Mr. Hung’s leadership, Universal Processing has grown to become a leader in the Financial Technology Industry while striving towards escalated service levels for the underserved small and medium-sized business community. An empowering force in the industry and the communities it serves, the company now helps over 25,000 merchant partners process over 3.0 billion dollars in transactions each year. With business owners across all 50 states and offices in California, Illinois, two offices in Texas, and its two Technology Offices and Headquarters in New York City, UP has grown to meet the demand for the growing immigrant and minority-owned business market throughout the United States.

WISE (Women Initiative for Strategic Empowerment) Forum

Nina Patnala

Director, Technology Amazon Operations | Amazon

Amy Geiger is the Director of Flex Talent Solutions, the contingent workforce program at Marriott International. A lifelong fan of luxury hotels and the hospitality industry, Amy began her career working in guest services for The Ritz-Carlton, one of Marriott’s 32 brands. Prior to rejoining Marriott in 2021, Amy spent 6 years in the staffing industry helping enterprise organizations navigate the complexities of independent contractor compliance, payrolling, VMS technology, and direct sourcing. In her current role Amy is focused on enhancing technology infrastructure, creating innovative temporary talent solutions for stakeholders, and expanding the program’s scope to reflect the organization’s global presence. Amy is a certified PMP and CCWP, and she was recognized as a Staffing Industry Game Changer in 2023.

Cassandra Faire

Director | Global Partnerships

Jenny Jing Zhu

Founder, Chief Vision Officer & Co-Chair of the Board | Lush Décor Home

Jenny Jing Zhu is an award-winning entrepreneur, business pioneer and motivator-in-chief. She inspires
a diverse, powerhouse team to create, produce, market and deliver unique home décor, allowing customers to design their dream spaces.

In 2008—driven by her love of design and passion to create affordable luxury home décor—Jenny founded Lush Décor Home determined to be a game-changer
in what was then a fledgling e-commerce market.

Armed with a degree in textile and surface design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and a few years’ experience in the home textile category,
she envisioned a better way of doing business. Jenny cultivated a company culture of leadership and innovation that not only originates impeccably
detailed, accessible home decor for every room, every lifestyle and every life stage, but one that also manages global production, comprehensive warehousing and a direct distribution network for
fast delivery.

Jenny’s inspiring journey from a rural Chinese village to leading a $100MM business is a testament to her resilience and determination. She attributes her success and the success of the company to the strength and shared vision of her team – or family as she calls them. The Lush Décor Home family is more than 60% female, hails from 8 different countries and collectively speaks 11 languages.

An innovator with a heart, Jenny not only wants to do good work but do good work that makes a difference. Her many giving-back initiatives notably include the 2023 launch -- in partnership with Gold House -- of the Jenny Jing Zhu Collective. The JJZ Collective shines a spotlight on AAPI women and immigrants to help inspire and amplify their entrepreneurial ambitions.
In 2019, Jenny’s hard work and focus earned her EY’s New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year Award and a
national nomination in the consumer category. Jenny was honored in 2021 as an Enterprising Woman by
Enterprising Women Media. The company was also named one of the Women Presidents Organization’s
50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Companies in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, Inc. Magazine
named Lush Décor Home a 2022 Top 500 Fastest Growing Company.
In late summer 2024, Jenny and Indigo River Press will release her memoir, “Overcoming: A Journey of
Defying the Odds, Redefining Obstacles, and Designing an Inspired Life.” Jenny was compelled to write
this autobiography, in part, as a love letter to her younger self and hopes to inspire and help others who
are navigating similar journeys. As Jenny always says, “If I can do it, so can you.” Proceeds from this book
will help fund women’s empowerment initiatives.

Carolynn Vogt

Sr. Director, Technology Sourcing | Cisco

Sheri Shipe

Head of Technical Content and Education, Google Search| Google

Sheri directs developer content creation and education for Google Search. She manages the Google Search documentation team focused on Search Generative Experience (SGE) and incorporating AI into Search’s internal content strategy. In her 12 years at Google, she’s driven efforts around inclusive content strategy, developed innovative ways to surface content to developers, and spearheaded the development of a cross-company technical writing community through TW@Google. She is a Google career coach and has coached and mentored hundreds of Googlers, illustrating her leadership and desire to help others succeed. Prior to Google, she spent 10 years at Adobe as a security program manager for Acrobat and Creative Cloud. She is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and has an MFA in Digital Design.

Amy Geiger

Director, Flex Talent Solutions | Marriott International

Amy Geiger is the Director of Flex Talent Solutions, the contingent workforce program at Marriott International. A lifelong fan of luxury hotels and the hospitality industry, Amy began her career working in guest services for The Ritz-Carlton, one of Marriott’s 32 brands. Prior to rejoining Marriott in 2021, Amy spent 6 years in the staffing industry helping enterprise organizations navigate the complexities of independent contractor compliance, payrolling, VMS technology, and direct sourcing. In her current role Amy is focused on enhancing technology infrastructure, creating innovative temporary talent solutions for stakeholders, and expanding the program’s scope to reflect the organization’s global presence. Amy is a certified PMP and CCWP, and she was recognized as a Staffing Industry Game Changer in 2023.

Carolyn Joshua

President & CEO | Trilyon Inc.

Carolyn Joshua, President & CEO @ Trilyon, Inc, Top 50 Women Leaders of San Francisco 2023, Enterprising Women of the Year Award 2023, Board Member @ USPAACC West, Co-Chair of USPAACC WISE ( Women Initiative for Strategic Empowerment)Carolyn Joshua is the President and CEO of Trilyon, Inc., a leading content management, documentation, and technology services provider for Fortune 500 companies. Under Carolyn's exceptional leadership, Trilyon has earned notable recognition, including the esteemed 2023 Fast 100 Asian American Business Award from USPAACC. Her outstanding achievements have also been acknowledged through the prestigious Enterprising Women of the Year Award in 2023. Furthermore, she has been honored as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of San Francisco for 2023 by Women We Admire, highlighting her significant contributions to the business community.In addition to her role at Trilyon, Carolyn holds a board position at the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC West), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and promoting diversity through leadership, education, and business networking. Carolyn also plays a pivotal role as the Co-Chair of USPAACC WISE (Women Initiative for Strategic Empowerment), spearheading initiatives that empower and advance women professionals in the business world.Carolyn serves as a General Partner at Early Equity Capital Advisors, specializing in late-stage technology startups. Additionally, she contributes to How Women Invest as an LP,a venture capital firm focused on promoting women-led companies and advancing women leaders within the venture capital ecosystem. Carolyn's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is further exemplified through her role as a global advisor for the Women Leaders for the World Fellowship Program. This transformative leadership training program empowers social change innovators and industry disruptions to create positive impacts on society.

Camellia Chan

CEO & Founder | Flexxon

Ms Camellia Chan is Flexxon’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms Chan oversees the company’s business development and growth, research and development, industry partnerships, and expansion to regional and global markets.

Since its inception in 2007, Ms Chan has grown Flexxon into an international business with a presence in over 50 cities. Headquartered in Singapore, the well-known innovation hub serves as the home base for Flexxon’s research and development lab, manufacturing centre and corporate headquarters. Flexxon continues to expand its reach through the establishment of satellite offices, while growing its network of commercial partners worldwide.

With a passion for innovation and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Ms Chan established the critical building blocks of Flexxon’s brand and business in its early years and continues to guide the company forward by constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. Ms Chan is driven by the desire to use technology for good, and strives to create a safer space for citizens of the digital economy. Through the company’s work in the cybersecurity space, Flexxon is charting a path forward that will not only help combat cybercrime more incisively, but deliver inclusive solutions. To achieve this, the company’s solutions are designed to be cost-effective, user-friendly and easily accessible.

Beyond just committing to Flexxon’s corporate growth and product innovation, Ms Chan is also a firm advocate of building a workplace culture anchored on three main pillars – integrity, transparency and innovation. She works closely with every member of her team to drive innovation and excellence in the products and services they bring to the market. As a testament to her strength as a leader, Flexxon’s team has grown from just three employees to more than 80 members within its Singapore office.

Highly passionate about the industry and mentoring the next generation of tech talent, Ms Chan is an active contributor and speaker at technology and entrepreneurship events. In recent years, she was a speaker at Singapore’s SheLeadsTech 2022 forum as well as a recipient of Singapore’s Top 100 Women in Tech award – a platform for tech leaders to give back and provide guidance to the country’s budding female tech sector.

In recognition of Ms Chan’s spirit of innovation and contributions to the cybersecurity industry, Flexxon has been the recipient of various industry awards and endorsements over the past few years.

Breana Chan

Vice President, Global Supplier Diversity | JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Breana Chan, Vice-President, Global Supplier Diversity Sourcing for JP Morgan Chase, isn't just a diversity champion; she's a proven business leader with a track record of turning passion into profit. As a Top 10 Supplier Diversity Leader (Procurement Magazine, 2024), she spearheaded initiatives at JP Morgan Chase that boosted diverse supplier spend resulting in these suppliers generating millions in new revenue.

Her journey began in the dotcom boom, navigating the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley startups. This entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her 30+ years of Procurement and Supplier Diversity experience across industries, fuels her approach to consulting and mentoring individuals and businesses. Breana believes diversity isn't just a box to tick; it's a strategic imperative for growth.

Featured in Winning Leadership by Two-Time Olympian Sherry Winn, Breana empowers businesses to unlock untapped talent pools, gain a competitive edge, and build cultures of inclusion and does so with a constant attitude of gratitude.

Ranked #78 in the Top 100 Women in Procurement in 2023 (Procurement Magazine, 2023), #11 in the Top 100 Women in Procurement in 2022 (EY & Procurement Magazine, 2022), and Corporate Buyers of the Year in 2022 (Minority Business News USA, 2022) she understands the challenges businesses face and brings practical, results-oriented solutions. Whether with a global giant or a nimble startup, Breana can craft a diversity strategy that delivers measurable impact.

Build a Business, Not a Hobby was authored and published by Breana in an effort to share her experiences and mentorship with more entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship-minded individuals like herself as they dream of and start businesses of their own.

Breana is married to her high school sweetheart, Isaac. They have four children and a granddaughter whom they adore. You can often find Breana cruising the seven seas in her quest to see the world.

Doris Li Yeh

CEO | Mirapath

Doris Li Yeh is the CEO and Founder of Mirapath, a Datacenter Critical Infrastructure Total Solution Provider. . In her role, Doris drives growth strategy for the company using Mirapath’s four core values: relationships matter, commitment to excellence, results driven, and strive for innovation and excellence –while having fun and enjoying the journey together. She is passionate about leadership development, women empowerment and cutting-edge technology related to platform development in the data center and IoT space paired with AI and Automation.Mirapath ‘s was #54 fastest-growing women-owned business. In 2017, the company was on the Fast 100 Asian American Business by USPAACC, the CRN Fast Growth 150, and the CRN Solution Provider 500, as well as the #6 Biggest Minority-Owned Business by Silicon Valley Business Journal.Doris holds a BSEE from the University of São Paulo and graduated in 2018 from the prestigious Harvard Business School Owner President Management (OPM52) program. She was nominated Silicon Valley Women of Influence in 2018 by Silicon Valley Business Journal, 2018 Enterprising Women Award, 100 Fast USPAAC Company and Infrastrastructure Mason IM100 2020 Recipient . She is a proud Platinum member of Women President Organization, Co-Chair USPAAC WISE ( Women Initiative for Strategic Empowerment) and advisory board of USPAAC-West. Doris is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Portuguese.

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The Washington Marriott Georgetown

We’re excited to have USPAACC’s second InnovASIAN Symposium in Washington, DC. Our InnovASIAN Symposium will take place at the first Marriott hotel built in the nation’s capital, Washington Marriott Georgetown. Set against the backdrop of this National Historic Landmark neighborhood, you can explore the rich history of the city.

Dress Code

Business Formal

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Make Your Reservation Now

*Room Block Ends on February 8th

Address

1221 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

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Self Parking Rates

Garage Parking is $40 overnight.

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