BIOS
Anna Hakobyan
Anna Hakobyan is a global leader in inclusive and sustainable procurement, social value, and U.S. government contract compliance. With over 25 years of experience, more than 16 with AstraZeneca, Anna has built and expanded the company’s award-winning Supplier Inclusion program across 21 countries.
She has been instrumental in launching the Positive Sourcing program, embedding sustainability and social value throughout global procurement, and most recently establishing AstraZeneca’s global human rights program in supply chains.
Under her leadership, AstraZeneca has received significant industry recognition for its work in inclusive procurement, supplier development, and sustainability. Anna also serves as President of the Board of Directors of DA4S – The Alliance for Science, where she works with leaders across the life sciences industry to expand supplier access, strengthen small business participation, and promote more resilient and responsible supply chains.
Dee Knopp
Dee Knopp is the Executive Director of DA4S, a non-profit 501c3 organization focused on the training, development, and advancing economic inclusion for small and/or diverse businesses in the Life Sciences. Dee partners with the board of directors and key stakeholders to execute strategies for programming and events, that are aligned with the mission and vision of the organization, as well as driving the strategic planning behind the organization.
Dee is a member of Meeting Professionals Institute and has over 30 years’ experience and dedication in successfully organizing and executing national conference events anywhere from 10 – 2,500 attendees and takes immense pride in the partnerships and long-standing relationships she has built throughout her journey. Creative cost-savings and operational financial growth is key to leading the advancement of DA4S. Her leadership, foresight and passion for the mission and vision of DA4S is what drives her in her leadership role.
Prior to joining DA4S in 2009, Dee worked for a Contract Research Organization as their Business Director, was an Executive Business and Financial Budget Manager for several high-profile individuals and worked as a Marketing Director in a large corporate dental company. She enjoys volunteering, served as the President of her Parent Teacher Association for four years and on the Board of Directors as the Assistant Regional Commissioner for her regions AYSO.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, minoring in Marketing and Public Relations, and also holds her California Real Estate License.
ADRIENNE NICOLE
Adrienne Nicole is an Emmy nominated and award-winning Producer who founded Adrienne Nicole Productions (ANP), a patient-led video production & photography firm that specializes in healthcare, pharmaceutical and multicultural content. She has been thriving with Lupus since 2009 and advocacy and awareness are at the forefront of her personal and professional goals. A delicate balance between messaging and the patient journey must be maintained in video and she’s mastered that.
The proud Brooklyn native founded ANP in 2010. The company produces commercials, patient testimonials & photography for A-list clients including Ford, H&M, the City of New York, Merck, Regeneron and more. In addition to her Emmy nomination, Adrienne received an Achievement Award from the New York Association of Black Journalists, a Communicator Award, and (4) Telly Awards. She also received The Network Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award honor, is the face of NYC’s MWBE campaign, and is featured on platforms around New York City.
Adrienne has been actively engaged in lupus advocacy after receiving her own diagnosis. She recently founded The Lupie Fam, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Additionally, she consults with life sciences companies to ensure they incorporate the patient perspective from consent to their external marketing. For 10+ years, she has volunteered with the Lupus Research Alliance and the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. Adrienne has used her platform on BET’s The Glam Gap series, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, ABC News, and various publications to raise awareness about Lupus and highlighting the racial
disparities in treatment and diagnosis.
Adrienne Nicole is a dynamic and energetic individual who embodies the spirit of authenticity and truthfulness in everything she does. She believes in the power of representation, where the creators behind the camera reflect those in front of it. Through her multifaceted career and patient journey, Adrienne is building an inclusive platform for untold stories, including her own, leaving an indelible mark on the world of media and healthcare advocacy.
ANDREA ARCE
Andrea Arce is a Senior Specialist, Global Economic Inclusion & Business Diversity at Merck. Joining the company in 2019, as part of the Global Economic Inclusion & Supplier Diversity Team, Andrea has been responsible for supporting Research Development Sourcing & Procurement category when it pertains to sourcing diverse suppliers. Andrea also leads the Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Diverse Suppliers, along with external and internal communications as well as Tier II Program.
Prior to joining Merck, Andrea was the Site Manager at Express Employment Professionals, where she was responsible for large clients and their staffing needs. Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts from William Paterson University.
VANESSA BEST
Vanessa Best is the Founder & CEO of Precision Healthcare Consultants (PHC), a clinical research organization built on a single conviction: science is only complete when everyone is in it.
PHC operationalizes patient access, community anchored enrollment, new investigator site development, and the trust infrastructure that brings hard-to-reach populations into clinical research across 39 U.S. states, 14 countries, and three continents, with offices from New York to Nairobi.
A two-time Inc. 5000 honoree and EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ awardee, Vanessa has kept the patient at the center of her work from day one. She is a proud member of the DA4S community and is honored to host its first ever patient voices on stage.
JOSE BRAVO
Jose Bravo is an accomplished indirect procurement professional with extensive experience in metals and packaging, and more than seven years of progressive leadership in marketing sourcing. As a Senior Marketing Sourcing Manager, Jose has been a key driver of category efficiency, supplier diversification, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Most importantly, he has served as a trusted business partner, helping enable successful innovation programs, marketing campaigns, and product launches across the organization.
Jose is recognized for his collaborative approach, strong business acumen, and ability to build effective partnerships that deliver value and support organizational objectives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.
FITZROY BROWN
Fitzroy Brown is a seasoned procurement and supply chain leader with extensive experience spanning the aerospace, naval and marine defense, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries. Throughout his career, he has successfully led strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier relationship management programs, category strategy development, and complex procurement transformations that have delivered measurable business value, operational efficiencies, and sustainable cost savings.
Currently serving as a Senior Procurement Business Partner for Takeda’s Global Medical Organization, Fitzroy partners closely with business leaders, operational teams, and strategic suppliers to develop and execute category strategies that align with organizational objectives while maximizing value, innovation, quality, and risk management. His expertise includes supplier portfolio optimization, contract negotiation, category management, stakeholder engagement, process improvement, and driving procurement excellence within highly regulated global environments.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic mindset, Fitzroy excels at translating business requirements into actionable procurement strategies that support growth, enhance supplier performance, and improve organizational effectiveness. He has a proven track record of building strong cross-functional partnerships, leading complex sourcing initiatives, and delivering results through data-driven decision-making and market intelligence.
WADE COLCLOUGH
Wade Colclough is the Global Senior Director, Supplier Empowerment for VWR. Before joining VWR, Wade served as the President and CEO of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) for PA, southern NJ, and DE. During his tenure, he has been recognized by many national and global supplier diversity and business development organizations and magazines – Diversity Plus Top 25 Professionals in Supplier Diversity, a co-host talk-radio show on WWDB in Philadelphia, PA.
Prior to the NMSDC, Wade served 20 years in the utility industry for PECO, An Exelon Corporation, in various positions of increasing responsibility – community relations, government affairs, media and public relations, advertising, and corporate social contributions. Wade received his BA from Eastern University; Executive Education in Strategic Alliances and in ESG for Executive Leaders from University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School -Aresty Institute of Executive Education; an advance certification in Corporate Community Relations from Boston College; certification in Non-Profit Management from LaSalle University; and certification in Management Accelerator program, part of the Black Leadership Academy from McKinsey & Company.
Wade is a proud native of Philadelphia, Pa and has supported and served on many Philadelphia and surrounding counties’ non-profit boards and volunteer organizations.
Heather Crider
Celebrity NeuroPerformance Coach & Empowerment Specialist
Grounded and mentored in the most advanced research from the most recognized thought leaders in neuroscience at the world’s top institutions (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, Wharton, Brown, etc.) Heather J. Crider is one of our nation’s few certified coaches in both neuroscience and the emerging fields of neuro-performance and neuro-leadership.
With a discerning bias toward a practical, evidence-based approach, industry-leading companies worldwide tap Heather’s uniquely honed, highly engaging, neuroscience-based ability to empower overwhelmed professionals to beat burnout, equip leaders with exceptional resilience, unleash brain-powered breakthroughs, deepen human connections, as well as unlock both boundless energy and superlative performance.
On behalf of her global clients, Heather is currently pioneering new research and methodology, serving up the uniquely potent interface of music and neuroscience for optimal (measurable gains in) engagement, performance, and results.
As Co-Creator of The Everyday Rockstar Performance Leadership Academy, Heather and her global research team have developed a distinctively interactive, AI-enabled, and practical brain-based approach that measurably reduces stress, while enhancing emotional intelligence, performance, and focus at individual, group, and organizational levels.
Heather has been a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader at conferences and associations for over 15 years, is the author of Believe In Yourself More Than Your Grandma | Unleash Your Superpower Through Simple Neuroscience, released in 2024, and hosts the Go Reflect Yourself Podcast. As a neuroscience coach and neuro-practice pioneer, Heather has appeared on numerous podcasts and webinars and has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Brainz Magazine, and Thrive Global.
HAIK DECIE
Haik Decie is the Founder & CEO of Open Swarm, an AI startup pioneering next-generation Multi-Agent AI Systems. A recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Haik has spent the past four years at the forefront of AI innovation, designing advanced models, researching large language models (LLMs), and developing intelligent AI agents.
His expertise spans cutting-edge AI technologies and their transformative applications across industries, from enterprise solutions to real-world problem solving. As a young thought leader and innovator, Haik brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping the future of business and technology.
CHALA DINCOY
Chala, a certified WBE, has gained significant recognition for her practical insights and real-world examples, having hosted Executive Roundtables at major conferences including the Capital One Envision Summit, WBENC, NMSDC, Unity Week, and NGLCC.
This Executive Roundtable offers a unique opportunity to learn from both an 18-year industry veteran from Pepsi, Pizza Hut, Frito Lay, and Smirnoff, as well as the collective wisdom of 15 other participating CEOs. The session will focus on strategies to use AI in your sales and marketing so your business stays relevant, memorable, and impossible to replace in front of corporate buyers.
Chala will leverage her extensive experience on both sides of the buying table to help your business engage corporate decision-makers more effectively in an AI-driven world. She will moderate a facilitated discussion where each participant will share their experiences landing a big contract with a Fortune 1000 company — and what it actually took to get there.
MAUREEN DRIESSEN
Maureen Driessen is a Regional Sales Director for Avantor and a UCLA MBA with 29 years of leadership experience in the medical, diagnostic, biotech, and life sciences industries. She is recognized for building high-performing teams, driving commercial growth, and developing future leaders.
Maureen believes the strongest partnerships are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping customers succeed. She is passionate about connecting people, fostering innovation, and creating strategies that accelerate growth while delivering meaningful value to customers. Her leadership philosophy is simple: invest in people, build lasting relationships, and success will follow.
JOYCE EGGERS
Joyce Eggers, Lead of Supplier Diversity, Supplier ESG, Takeda Global Procurement
Joyce is responsible for providing the leadership for Takeda to grow and develop a sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion program for suppliers.
Supported by and aligned with Takeda’s overall DE&I and sustainability strategies, her expertise and passion for fostering an inclusive and innovative supply chain drive positive impact in the global communities in which our patients, employees, and customers live and work, guided by Takeda’s commitment to patients, our people, and the planet.
In her role, Joyce also serves as an advocate, mentor, and coach for small and diverse suppliers and is actively involved with numerous NGOs and advocacy groups focusing on supplier mentoring, development, and inclusion.
EMMI ENSIGN
Emmi Ensign is the Owner, Broker and President of Golden Benchmark Insurance Services, the independent, woman-owned commercial insurance brokerage she founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. Thirty-eight years later the firm is still owner-operated, has never been sold to a national broker, and Emmi is still the named broker of record on every policy it places.
Golden Benchmark builds industry-specific insurance programs for small and mid-sized businesses, from sole proprietors to multi-location operations, across more than a dozen industries including biotech and life sciences, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, staffing, and professional services. As an independent broker with access to more than 40 admitted and specialty carriers, Emmi places over ten commercial lines, including general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial property, professional liability, cyber, commercial auto, umbrella, and employee benefits.
A large part of her practice is helping smaller companies win and keep contracts with much larger customers. That means reading the insurance requirements written into enterprise and government contracts, structuring coverage and limits to meet them, and issuing the certificates and endorsements that keep suppliers qualified in corporate procurement and vendor management systems. For life sciences companies, that can mean anything from technology E&O and cyber coverage for a research software platform to clinical trial and product liability for a company moving from seed stage toward commercialization.
Emmi is licensed as a Property and Casualty Broker-Agent by the California Department of Insurance (License #0D06566). Her view of the work hasn’t changed since 1988: “Insurance isn’t a commodity. A policy that looks identical on the declaration page can have entirely different exclusions buried in the endorsements. Our job is to know the difference before there’s a claim.”
RYAN HAZELTON
Ryan Hazelton is a Sr. Manager of Direct Procurement at Dexcom. He leads global procurement categories of Capital Equipment, Sterilization, and Chemicals globally. Ryan has over 20 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, supplier management, and new product development.
Ryan’s team is responsible for delivering exceptional value by sourcing quality products to enhance patient outcomes while driving innovation and sustainability within Dexcom’s supply chain.
Throughout his career Ryan has driven growth and global expansion within medtech, defense, and retail industries. Ryan holds a B.S. in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a M.B.A. from Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma
HEATHER HEILMAN
Heather Heilman has over 13 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She has worked at GSK since 2014 with roles in Manufacturing, Warehouse, Raw Material Planning & Purchasing, and Procurement. She is currently an R&D Labs Procurement Manager at GSK, supporting the Americas sites. In parallel of her role, she also takes part in Culture & Inclusion teams, as well as being a Small Business Champion this year. She holds a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Product Development from West Chester University and a CPIM certification through the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
CHARLYN HO
Charlyn Ho is the CEO and Managing Member of Rikka Law Group, a firm built for the companies developing what’s next: AI platforms, tech startups, and technology teams shipping faster than their contracts and governance practices can keep up. Charlyn’s practice spans technology transactions, data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance.
Before founding Rikka Law Group, Charlyn was a partner at Perkins Coie’s Technology Transactions and Privacy Group and an associate at ArentFox Schiff and Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Before becoming a lawyer, she served six years as a U.S. Navy Supply Corps officer, planning and executing billions of dollars of federal contracts for nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and submarine refueling and overhaul projects.
Charlyn is the author of the forthcoming book The AI Savvy Lawyer, a Forbes.com contributor, and has been quoted in Legaltech News, The Verge, Cointelegraph, and other trade publications on AI, data privacy, and emerging technology law.
Cheryl Hofmeister
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Cheryl brings a global perspective and a deep appreciation for the power of inclusion, collaboration, and opportunity. She is an advocate for inclusive leadership and meaningful engagement, believing that the best outcomes are achieved when people feel heard, valued, and empowered. She is passionate about creating opportunities that drive positive change for individuals and communities. Her top five strengths are Belief, Developer, Futuristic, Maximizer, and Positivity.
Cheryl’s procurement career spans more than 15 years. She currently leads Global Supplier Partnerships at Organon, where she develops and strengthens supplier relationships, advances strategic collaboration, and identifies opportunities that create business value and mutual growth. She cultivates relationships with emerging suppliers, helping prepare them to engage successfully with Organon as opportunities arise. Prior to joining Organon, Cheryl built a strong foundation in sourcing and procurement through a series of progressively responsible roles across the healthcare, aviation, and food service industries.
“My role is to inspire others, build meaningful partnerships, cultivate opportunities, and drive lasting positive change.”
WILLIAM HOLMES
William B. Holmes, Jr. serves as Director, US Supplier Innovation and Development at Novartis.
Prior to joining Novartis in November 2021, William held leadership roles for award-winning global supplier development and economic inclusion programs at Merck and GSK. William’s earlier experience at Merck also included Global Procurement Sourcing Manager roles for both R&D Lab Supplies and IT Services.
William previously served on the Board of Directors for both The Alliance for Science (DA4S) and Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC). He is a past recipient of the Minority Supplier Development Council UK Corporate SD Excellence Award, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Corporation of the Year Award, and DA4S Corporation of the Year Award. He also received the 2024 DA4S SD Program Leader of the Year Award.
William is a graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. and resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and four children.
AMANDA HONSAKER
Amanda Honsaker is the Manager of Global Sourcing Governance & Supplier Inclusion at Viatris, where she leads strategic initiatives that advance supplier diversity and sustainable sourcing practices across the organization.
With over 12 years at Viatris and a strong background in supply chain and procurement, Amanda brings deep expertise in building inclusive, efficient, and compliant sourcing strategies. She has spent the past four years focused specifically in the Supplier Inclusion space, driving meaningful impact across the organization’s global supply chain.
In her role, Amanda partners cross-functionally to drive inclusive procurement practices, ensure regulatory alignment, and expand opportunities for diverse and small businesses. She has been instrumental in strengthening Viatris’ U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Supplier Inclusion program, enhancing reporting frameworks, and positioning the organization as a leader in responsible sourcing.
She holds a degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a Division I softball athlete. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and golfing.
TRACY IDE
Tracy Ide is Associate Director, Strategic Programs at Novo Nordisk, responsible for procurement strategy, supplier programs, and business operations. She leads initiatives relating to supplier diversity, supplier risk management, procurement department communications and engagement, and organizational effectiveness. She also supports category management for patient support solutions
SHANNON JACKSON
Mr. Shannon Jackson is the Executive Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a position he has held since November 2021. In this role, he oversees the Department’s small business procurement programs, a dedicated team of Small Business Professionals while managing a portfolio of contracts valued at $10 billion annually. Mr. Jackson is responsible for promoting opportunities and fostering the success of small businesses across HHS’s diverse procurement landscape.
Before joining HHS, Mr. Jackson brought over 25 years of experience in federal procurement and small business management, including leadership roles at the Department of Defense (DoD). He served as the Director, Acting Director, Deputy Director, and Associate Director for the DoD’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), as well as Senior Advisor to the OSBP Director. During his tenure at DoD OSBP, Mr. Jackson led a network of 700 small business professionals and was instrumental in driving more than $50 billion in prime contract spending and over $40 billion in subcontract spending to small businesses each year.
A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Jackson’s distinguished military career also provided him with the leadership experience that has shaped his work in public service. His extensive acquisition expertise includes holding both Level III Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Manager and Level II Contracting certifications.
Throughout his career, Mr. Jackson has completed several executive leadership programs, including certifications from the University of Chicago and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT). He holds an undergraduate degree in History from Virginia State University, an MBA from Nichols College, and a Master’s in Procurement and Acquisition from Webster University. With nearly three decades of federal experience, Mr. Jackson is a recognized expert in small business federal contracting, acquisition strategy, and leadership development.
LOUISE LEDUC KENNEDY
Louise Leduc Kennedy is the founding attorney of West Hill Technology Counsel, a women-owned law firm that helps innovative companies navigate complex technology, intellectual property, and business issues. A trusted advisor to tech companies of all sizes and at all stages of growth, Louise is known for addressing sophisticated legal challenges with practical business strategies.
With deep expertise in all legal aspects of software development and licensing, including open-source matters, generative and agentic AI technologies, and regulatory compliance in the global tech marketplace, Louise helps organizations harness innovation while managing risk. She works closely with leadership teams to develop legal frameworks that support long term value creation.
An enthusiastic advocate for women in tech, Louise frequently speaks on the intersection of law, technology, and innovation. Through her leadership, West Hill is redefining what a modern law firm can be by delivering flexible, business-focused legal solutions while staying true to their unique mission and vision.
CHERYL McCANTS, MS, MA, MBA
Cheryl McCants makes the invisible visible®. For more than 35 years, she has uncovered untold stories, elevated unheard voices, and built platforms that spark action and drive change. As founder and CEO of Impact Consulting Enterprises, Cheryl didn’t wait for permission — she built her own table and continues to pull up chairs for others.
A patient engagement strategist and communications, advertising, marketing and digital expert, Cheryl helps organizations build trust, reach diverse audiences and communicate more effectively in complex environments. Her work spans pharmaceutical, healthcare, public health, corporate and government environments, with a particular focus on health equity, cultural fluency and communications that move people to action.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheryl and Team Impact trained communicators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on strategies for communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Impact also led communications for one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies during a major global transformation and was later re-engaged to help the company’s Procurement organization tell its story.
Cheryl brings her unique combination of straight, no-chaser insight and a talent for developing creative, innovative programs to everything she does. Her leadership pairs bold thinking with disciplined execution and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer experience, consistently delivering high-quality work on time and on budget. She has led campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations. Her work crosses industries and borders, but her focus never wavers: elevate people, build equity, and deliver results.
Fluent in Spanish, Cheryl brings a deep understanding of culture and context to every engagement.
Cheryl doesn’t simply lead with Impact—she embodies it. She mentors, she builds, she delivers. And she never stops pushing for what’s next.
ALICE PRZYWARCZAK
Alice Przywarczak is Director, Global Procurement at Regeneron, where for the past nine years she has led sourcing initiatives and category strategies supporting Research and Preclinical Development. Alice has 30+ years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having begun her career at Ciba-Geigy before holding procurement leadership roles at Purdue Pharma prior to joining Regeneron. Over the course of her career, she has managed a broad range of direct and indirect categories, driven by a passion for enabling scientific innovation and advancing research.
In her current role, Alice partners closely with scientific, operational, and business stakeholders to connect researchers with capabilities, technologies, and services needed to accelerate science. She is a champion of supplier inclusion – that fosters innovation, strengthens supplier partnerships, and delivers sustainable value across the research ecosystem. Her areas of expertise include research services, preclinical contract research organizations (CROs), and outsourced laboratory and CDMO partnerships, with experience spanning supplier relationship management, category strategy, contract negotiation, risk mitigation, and the development of collaborative partnerships that drive operational excellence.
Alice is passionate about building high-performing teams, cultivating strong stakeholder and supplier relationships, and advancing sourcing strategies that support scientific discovery, accelerating innovation, and ultimately improving outcomes for patients.
Mark Shulman
Celebrity Drummer & Peak Performance Expert
Mark’s journey from a classically trained cellist to the first-call drummer for the world’s top artists like P!NK, Billy Idol, Stevie Nicks, Foreigner, Sheryl Crow, Cher, and a host of other world-class artists showcases the immense power of attitude, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“I’ve learned about the importance of attitude as part of the touring family with these great performers,” Mark says as he unpacks the secrets of rockstar performance. His presentations translate lessons learned during his remarkable career into valuable tips for organizations, teams, leaders, and those who want to be their absolute best.
With over 32 years of electrifying stages worldwide, he not only brings unparalleled energy to music but also translates this dynamism into motivational speaking, where he becomes the bridge between the pulsating heart of rock ‘n’ roll and transformative business and corporate leadership. As a cancer survivor, Mark’s resilience and vitality infuse his keynotes, where he shares the secrets of rockstar performance, emphasizing attitude’s role in driving extraordinary outcomes.
His published works, including Conquering Life’s Stage Fright and The Attitude Equation, extend his philosophy to all, laying out a blueprint for harnessing fear into confidence and transforming attitude into action.
As a passionate educator and advocate, Mark’s dedication extends off-stage through his work with Create Now! and the Teenage Cancer Trust, showcasing his commitment to using art for change. His unique approach to speaking combines these elements into a message that resonates deeply with corporate audiences, offering not just inspiration but practical tools for personal and professional development.
MANOJ SHINDE
Manoj Shinde is the Founder and CEO of tCognition, where he leads the company’s global strategy, operations, and technology innovation. With more than two decades of experience in enterprise technology, IT consulting, and contingent workforce solutions, he has successfully led large-scale Oracle Siebel, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM implementations for organizations worldwide. Today, he also advises organizations on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Agentic AI consulting services, helping clients accelerate digital transformation and enterprise innovation.
Before founding tCognition, Manoj held senior technical positions at Siebel Systems and Sybase, where he played a key role in delivering enterprise technology initiatives. He combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of staffing, workforce management, and business transformation, enabling organizations to align technology with strategic talent solutions.
Under his leadership, tCognition has grown into a global technology consulting and staffing company headquartered in Boston, with delivery centers in India, Singapore, and Dubai. The company is an SBA HUBZone-certified, DOBE®-certified, GSA-approved, and E-Verified organization, serving commercial enterprises as well as healthcare, life sciences, federal, state, and local government clients.
Manoj earned his bachelor’s degree with high honors from Osmania University, India, and an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston. Beyond technology and entrepreneurship, he is passionate about the art and science of distillation and is developing Old Lewis Hunter, a premium bourbon brand and commercial distillery.
JASMIN SIDHU
Jasmin is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Masters of Management (MBA). She joined AstraZeneca in 2024 and currently serves as the Associate Director of Sustainable Procurement. Jasmin is dedicated to promoting equal procurement practices that foster sustainability throughout the supply chain.
Her commitment to inclusion and diversity goes beyond mere policy; it’s about cultivating meaningful connections that integrate these suppliers into AstraZeneca’s value chain. In her role, Jasmin champions the inclusion of small businesses, ensuring they not only participate, but also play crucial roles in strategic sourcing initiatives. By connecting suppliers with the relevant AstraZeneca teams, she creates opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Driven by the belief that equal opportunity and sustainability are vital to effective procurement, Jasmin supports initiatives aligned with AstraZeneca’s corporate responsibility goals. Her efforts enhance the company’s reputation as a leader in supplier inclusion and drive innovation across procurement processes. Passionate about forging a sustainable future, Jasmin is committed to leading the way in these critical endeavors.
BRAD SIBBALD
Brad is a workforce solutions leader with 19 years of experience partnering with life sciences and biopharma organizations to design and deliver talent strategies that drive strategic outcomes. As Vice President of Enterprise Solutions within Kelly’s Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom (SETT) division, he supports some of the industry’s most recognized Life Science organizations — including AstraZeneca, Genentech, Novo Nordisk, and AbbVie — across complex, high-impact workforce programs spanning clinical research, biopharma manufacturing, and engineering operations.
Brad’s work is rooted in the belief that diverse talent is essential to scientific innovation. He partners closely with enterprise clients to ensure workforce solutions are built with equity and inclusion at the core — connecting underrepresented talent to meaningful roles and helping organizations build the diverse teams their most critical programs demand.
BEN SKYLES JR.
With more than 20 years of experience combining his passion for service with his entrepreneurial prowess, Ben has developed a reputation for delivering transformational process and resource management for a growing list of nationally known clients. In his current role as founder and CEO of ProSource360, Ben is leading his company as a successful graduate of the SBA 8(a) program and continuing to grow as an SBA certified Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), HUBZone, and NMSDC certified MBE firm that offers innovative technology, healthcare and professional services to federal agencies and commercial markets.
Ben actively guides the company in developing and delivering technology-first solutions and services in areas such as information governance and records management, solutions architecture and systems integration, AL/ML and generative AI and search, data visualization and analytics, and financial management and acquisition.
Prior to founding ProSource360, Ben provided management consulting services for large businesses and excelled in organizations focused on medical device resource management, software and services. This experience has been a catalyst for the business’s success in rendering healthcare services that include clinical operations, research and lab support; medical device lifecycle management; and clinical and medical staffing.
Using a people-first leadership approach, Ben works to consistently enhance company culture and provide employees with the resources and support they need to be their best in the workplace and in life. A giver in the truest sense, he is an active Morehouse College alumnus and a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., using the fraternity’s service focus to remain involved in various community-based initiatives. As a board advisor to the Morehouse College Entrepreneurship Center, he enjoys seeing scholarships presented to hardworking, deserving students dedicated to innovating the future. Outside of work, Ben can be found spending time with his family, playing golf and tennis, skiing, and living the motto from which his fraternity’s name is derived: “Friendship is essential to the soul.”
ANGEL SOKOLNICKI
Angel Sokolnicki is an experienced executive leader with a background in enterprise client environments, operational transformation, and global service delivery. Throughout her career, she has focused on building scalable client engagement models and leading teams through periods of growth, complexity, and organizational change.
Prior to joining AMI, Angel worked extensively with U.S.- based enterprise clients to design and manage global service programs, leading multi-region portfolios and supporting organizations as they evolved from domestic to international operating structures.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported organizations navigating workforce globalization and compliance through Employer of Record (EOR) and international employment solutions, strengthening her expertise in regulated environments and cross-border operations.
Since joining AMI in 2025, Angel has led teams through organization-wide transformation and operating model change. She is known for translating strategy into execution, strengthening governance, and building systems that enable consistency, accountability, and adaptability.
In her current role, Angel oversees revenue performance, margin management, client portfolio strategy, and cross-functional alignment across sales, operations, finance, and shared services. Her leadership approach emphasizes clarity, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation.
Angel holds a bachelor’s degree in management and business from Benedictine University. She lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband and three sons.
HALEY THOMA
Haley Thoma is the Senior Director of Global Research Procurement at Eli Lilly and Company, covering Discovery and Pre-Clinical sourcing needs behind Lilly’s early research engine. With nearly a decade at Lilly, she has owned global categories across clinical development, manufacturing, and IT, focused on novel sourcing solutions that remove barriers to access and speed medicines to patients.
A consistent advocate for small and diverse suppliers, she regularly finds new and innovative ways to help them communicate and drive value for Lilly. Haley holds an MBA from Chicago Booth and a BS from Purdue.
CINDY TOWERS
Cynthia “Cindy” Towers, Esq. is Co-Founder, President, & CEO of JURISolutions Legal (JSL), an award-winning legal services innovator specializing in the development and strategic use of flexible legal talent. JSL is one of the largest Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified legal services and recruitment firms, offering superior on demand legal resources, including secondments and project attorneys, contract management solutions, and legal executive search. JSL’s consulting arm, jurisADVANCE, specifically designed for the legal industry, offers services to enhance operational efficiency and implement strategies that improve the retention and utilization of highly qualified legal professionals and law firms from a wide range of backgrounds.
TAYLOR TEDESCO
Taylor Tedesco is the Associate Director of Sustainable Procurement for Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, where she drives responsible sourcing strategies that align supplier partnerships with Alexion’s mission to transform the lives of people affected by rare diseases. Since joining Alexion in 2019, Taylor has advanced cross-functional initiatives that integrate sustainability, risk management, and value creation across the procurement lifecycle.
Before assuming her current role, Taylor led programs for IT Compliance and the Contracts Center of Excellence, building robust governance frameworks and scalable operational processes. This foundation in compliance and contracting informs her approach to sustainable procurement, emphasizing transparency, ethical standards, and measurable impact.
In recognition of her contributions, Taylor received the Alexion Shining Star Award in 2022. Beyond her core role, she serves on the New Haven Site Engagement Board, where she helped instate the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program and continues to partner with Peace Love Accessibility to advance inclusion and accessibility across the state of Connecticut.
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Southern Connecticut State University.
Jarreau A. Vieira
Jarreau A. Vieira who affectionately goes by “Jāv” is a disabled Air Force veteran and senior federal acquisition professional with over 20 years of progressive contracting, procurement policy, small business, and acquisition rulemaking experience spanning several federal agencies such the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, Small Business Administration, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services and others. He currently serves as a Supervisory Procurement Analyst and Acquisition Regulations Branch Chief within HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, Acquisition Policy Division, where he leads federal rulemaking, HHS Acquisition Regulation policy modernization, and small business compliance functions at the enterprise level. Vieira’s career spans the full acquisition lifecycle — from cradle-to-grave contract administration and source selection to agency-wide policy development, FAR rulemaking, interagency governance, and supplier diversity program management. He has served as a subject matter expert before multiple agency procurement executive forums and his breadth of expertise positions him as a recognized authority across the federal acquisition community.
HEATHER VONO
Heather has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific since 2004 and is currently the Director, Supplier Diversity for the channel. Her areas of responsibility include outreach, building Tier I programs for customers, expanding small & diverse suppliers within the company’s portfolio and expanding offerings for value added services. She has responsibility for the channel’s mentor protégé agreements. She also serves as the company’s Small Business Liaison Officer. In addition, she has previously co-chaired the Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) and the Possibilities BRG. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, she was a buyer & facility manager for a small clinical trials company in the Pittsburgh area. In addition, she was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1989-1998 where she was an E-5 in the 911th Civil Engineer Squadron. She also served as her team’s NCOIC.