New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

#MBESpotlight: Ellie Reda Ellie Reda is the CEO of Stratford Solutions Inc., an IT staffing firm she founded in 2015. With over two decades of experience in tech staffing, Ellie is dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusivity in the industry by connecting highly skilled professionals with meaningful opportunities. Under her leadership, Stratford Solutions has grown into a certified WMBE, DBE, and SBE provider, specializing in database management, business intelligence, and application development talent. Stratford Solutions is committed to supporting underrepresented communities in tech, and through its NMSDC certification, continues to foster impactful partnerships that drive diversity in the workforce. ?? Ellie’s Advice: "Intentional networking is key—relationships open doors in ways skills alone can't." ?? https://loom.ly/NbElIHg

#ICYMI: Pfizer will be joining us for a virtual workshop on Thursday, December 5 where you can learn more about their commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. They will also be discussing how minority-owned businesses can become suppliers. This session is for NY & NJ MSDC-certified businesses looking to partner with one of the world’s leading companies. ?? Date: December 5 ?? https://loom.ly/jQ6e42I

Registration is NOW OPEN for our Sustainability Symposium! ?? Join us on December 3 for a virtual webinar exploring Transforming Supply Chains: Shaping the Vision Toward a Sustainable Future. Be part of the conversation with industry leaders and innovators driving change toward a greener, more equitable economy. ?? https://loom.ly/Kl2Bsdo #SustainabilitySymposium #SupplyChainInnovation #SustainableFuture #NYNJMSDC #GreenEconomy #SustainabilityLeadership #VirtualEvent

#MBESpotlight: Evelyn Kirkland Evelyn Kirkland is the Founder and CEO of The Ultimate Side Dish, inspired by a cherished family recipe and a passion for bringing fresh, preservative-free flavors to the table. Since 2020, Evelyn has crafted her signature potato salad with real ingredients, honoring tradition while delivering a taste that keeps customers coming back—because “One Spoonful Is Simply Not Enough.” The Ultimate Side Dish embodies the values of community and heritage, creating opportunities for brand visibility as an NMSDC-certified business. Evelyn is now set to expand in the food service and retail sectors, bringing a unique, flavorful experience to new audiences. ?? Evelyn’s Advice: “Trust your journey. Remember, even those who are supposed to have all the answers sometimes don’t.” ?? https://loom.ly/671e7W8

Transparency Matters: Understanding the Affiliate Negotiations As champions of supplier diversity and the shared mission of the NMSDC network, transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. Recent communications from the National Office have painted an incomplete picture of the affiliate agreement negotiations, leaving out critical details about the sacrifices and challenges faced by affiliates to preserve the network’s integrity. Here's our statement. #ThePowerOfTheAffiliates #NMSDC #NYNJCouncil

Join us on December 5 for a virtual workshop where you’ll learn about Pfizer's commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and how minority-owned businesses can become suppliers. Discover the products Pfizer purchases and the steps to qualify as a supplier. This session is for NY & NJ MSDC-certified businesses looking to partner with one of the world’s leading companies. ?? Date: December 5 ?? https://loom.ly/jQ6e42I

Join us for the next installment in the NY & NJ MSDC and Tompkins Ventures webinar series! This time, we’re diving into Working Capital & Cash Flow, two critical areas for businesses navigating growth in large supply chains. On November 19, from 1–2 pm, learn how KLEAR’s innovative solutions can help you manage financial resources and meet the demands of major orders and new clients. ?? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights into capital management and cash flow strategies for growth! ?? November 19 | ?? 1–2 pm #NYNJMSDC #TompkinsVentures

#MBESpotlight: Sanjeev Welling Sanjeev Welling is the Co-Founder and CEO of Avira Digital, where he leads with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation and AI-driven solutions. Known for his expertise in data-driven initiatives and strategic growth, Sanjeev has guided Avira Digital to become a leader in technology innovation, helping clients achieve new levels of operational efficiency. Avira Digital offers a full range of services, from AI-powered analytics to cloud-native development, tailored to navigate today’s digital landscape. With a purpose-driven platform and client-centric approach, Avira Digital empowers organizations to make better decisions and achieve sustainable growth. ?? Sanjeev’s Advice: “Balance innovation with scalability. Forward-thinking solutions are only impactful if they’re sustainable.” ?? https://loom.ly/c6LmZns

Honoring Veterans Today and Every Day ???? This #VeteransDay, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Your courage, dedication, and resilience inspire us to build a future where opportunity and success are within everyone’s reach. Please take a moment to read a special message from our President & CEO, Terrence Clark, as he reflects on the importance of service, leadership, and creating pathways for veteran-owned businesses: https://loom.ly/cinuHPo Thank you for your service and commitment. #VeteransDay #NYNJMSDC #VeteranOwnedBusiness

?? Why Certify? Certification with NYNJMSDC connects your business to corporate partners actively seeking minority suppliers. Build relationships, unlock contracts, and access the tools you need to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Your network could be the key to your next opportunity! #NYNJMSDC #WhyCertify #MBECertification #SupplierDiversity