Capital and Business Development Resources for Supplier Growth

Presenters: Emnet Addo, George Jacobson, Annette Kataraia & Alex Masika

Room 1

Session Overview:

This panel discussion is designed to help underserved small business owners seeking procurement opportunities learn more about the business development and financing resources available at MEDA that can help scale their capabilities as suppliers. Attendees will learn how MEDA's business consulting, mergers and acquisition assistance, Ascend Twin Cities management education program, and lending resources can play a vital role in strengthening their business capacity to compete and maintain contracting opportunities.

Biography(s):

• Emnet Addo serves as the Supplier Development Manager at MEDA, where she champions small business growth through management education. Since joining MEDA, Emnet has supported a range of key initiatives, including business consulting services, the MBDA Business Center, and now leads the Ascend Twin Cities Program. In her current role, Emnet fosters connections between cohort members and alumni with Ascend’s corporate partners to create pathways for contracting opportunities and long-term growth.

• George Jacobson is the Director of the award-winning Minneapolis MBDA Business Center, operated by MEDA. With over 35 years of experience, he has an extensive background in mergers and acquisitions across manufacturing, assisted living and healthcare, engineering, and professional services. George has a long track record of helping B2B and B2G companies secure resources for growth—through M&A, financing, and procurement opportunities.

• Annette is an experienced Risk Analyst and Underwriter with over 20 years in financial credit risk analysis, specializing in business cash flow evaluation, liquidity risk management, and asset-based lending. Currently, Annette is a Commercial Loan Officer at MEDA for over two years, supporting small businesses through strategic lending solutions. Annette holds a master’s degree in project management and is SBA-certified, bringing a strong foundation in structured finance and federal loan programs. Annette has extensive experience in compliance, auditing, and portfolio oversight with demonstrated success in corporate banking, commercial lending, and CDFIs.

• Alex is an experienced business development professional with an MBA and over 15 years of global experience in energy, financial services, technology, digital transformation, social enterprises, and startups. He has worked for major multinational companies including Chevron and Google, as well as startups like Atlas AI and Digital Divide Data, where he played a crucial role in expanding their services in emerging markets. Currently, Alex is a business consultant at MEDA, an organization focused on breaking down wealth barriers by providing lending and business advisory services. He also serves as a board member at the African Career Education and Resource Inc. (ACER).

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The Power of Video Storytelling to Transform and Revolutionize Old Ways of Sharing Information

Presenter: Sandra Dempsey

Room 2 

Session Overview: 

In this session, we’ll uncover how video storytelling can transform how businesses including universities share information and engage audiences, from showcasing your story, business specialty, expertise, academic departments, and inspiring community and alumni. Learn how compelling visuals and narratives can drive results, foster connections, and help achieve business goals.

Biography:

Sandra Dempsey is a sought-after producer, influencer, and marketing advisor. Originally from Mexico, Sandra has worked for major media organizations such as ESPN and Telemundo before founding Source TEN, a successful business specializing in communications, Hispanic marketing consulting, storytelling, and cinematic video production. Source TEN, a national award winner for its cinematic video storytelling, has been recognized among the top 10 best video production agencies in Milwaukee. Sandra remains deeply committed to her community, consistently using her passion for storytelling to empower and uplift local organizations, foster connections, and drive positive change.

The Good Life in Business: Going Beyond Grit

Presenter: Jon Crappel

Room 3

Session Overview:

In the grind of daily operations, what does it mean to truly thrive—in life and in business? This interactive workshop introduces Lagniappe OS, a transformative framework that reconnects you with the good life by aligning your identity, expertise, and work with what genuinely matters most. In this session, digital strategist and storyteller Jon Crappel invites attendees to envision their business as a platform for human flourishing.

Biography:

Jon Crappel, a citizen of the United Houma Nation and CEO of NATIV3, is a change agent in business focused on digital transformation. He builds upon existing foundations to reshape systems and empower people, whether advocating for foster children, rethinking HR, or navigating digital landscapes.

NATIV3, his full-service digital agency, embodies human integrity and thoughtful excellence. Jon, a seasoned strategist, blends technical expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and cultural empathy to craft impactful digital experiences and foster a supportive workplace.

Guided by "Lagniappe," Jon emphasizes going beyond expectations, creating meaningful value for clients, teams, and communities.

Large Corporation Panel: The Inclusion Equation: Suppliers + Strategy = Success

“Understand Your Competitive Advantage and Break into the Supply Chains of Large Corporations” 

Presenters: Mercedes E. Jamie, Armetha Pihlstrom

Room 1

Session Overview: 

Join our panel of large corporation sourcing professionals (Allina Health, Target, Cargill, and Medtronic) and learn how to position your company. You will learn what corporations are looking for from suppliers, how sourcing professionals search for suppliers in their portal management systems, and how you can ensure your business aligns with the corporation’s business strategy. 

Whether you're just beginning to explore corporate partnerships or looking to refine your approach, the panel will offer practical advice, real-world examples, and valuable networking opportunities to help you take the next step with confidence.

Walk away from this session understanding your competitive advantage in today’s marketplace and learn ways to improve your business for success.
 

Biography(s): 

• Mercedes E. Jaime, an award-winning Business Development, Supplier Development, and Inclusion Professional, is a connector with over 30 years of experience in establishing and managing B2B and B2C relationships. Her passion and expertise have resulted in improved access by using successful business practices to ensure equitable opportunities and growth for organizations of all sizes. Mercedes has received multiple distinctions and awards in recognition of her significant achievements and exceptional commitment within the fields of Business Development and Supplier Development.
   

• Armetha Pihlstrom is the Founder and CEO of Pihlstrom Consulting Group, LLC (PCG), a Black-owned consulting firm based in Plymouth, Minnesota. With over 15 years of experience in business strategy, organizational development, and sustainable innovation, Armetha is a trusted advisor to startups, corporations, and mission-driven organizations. Her leadership in the plant-based sector is especially notable. Armetha helped launch and shape the Pioneer brand and proudly partnered with Impossible Foods as PCG’s first client. This is a relationship that continues today through her role as a shareholder. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing plant-based solutions for a healthier planet and more equitable food systems. Armetha holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Organizational Change Management, and a BSB in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

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Lead Your Business Without Burning Out

Presenters: Dr. Emiley Hedberg, Dr. Megan Brogger, Donny Hobbs

Room 2

Session Overview:

Launching and running a business requires more than a great idea and a solid plan; it demands clarity, resilience, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. What if the key to navigating stress, making better decisions, and building strong relationships isn’t just mindset, but your nervous system?

In this interactive session, The Lumin Group will introduce a powerful, often overlooked lens on business leadership: nervous system regulation. You'll discover how your ability to manage energy and emotion throughout the day directly impacts your focus, communication, and connection with others, and ultimately, your business success.

Biography(s): 

• As President & Founding Partner of The Lumin Group, Dr. Megan Brogger applies her background and experience in behavioral, social, and system sciences to strengthen organizations by developing their most valuable resource - people. Her approach to connecting with and facilitating growth in leaders and teams at all levels is anchored in positive psychology, biology, and neuroscience. Her commitment to creating more human-centered workplaces has inspired services that foster resilience and drive sustainable success for employees and organizations alike. Megan is proud to lead The Lumin Group as it brings the science of people to work.TM

• As Partner & Senior Consultant at The Lumin Group, Dr. Emiley Hedberg brings expertise in organizational development, leadership development, and adult learning. She applies behavioral and social sciences to build organizational cultures and cultivate leadership capabilities at all levels. Her approach combines science with practicality, emphasizing evidence-based solutions that drive sustainable results. She brings extensive experience in coaching, facilitation, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and change management. Her passion is to help leaders at all levels unlock their full potential and be their best selves inside and outside of work.

• Donny is a Partner & Senior Consultant at The Lumin Group and co-owner and Marriage and Family Therapist at the Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness. Donny is passionate about helping leaders deepen their ability to inspire employee engagement and team performance. As a coach and consultant, Donny works with leaders and teams to produce dynamic results through insight-based coaching. Using his leadership experience, systems training, and psychology background, Donny is excited to cultivate growth for those who are passionate about great leadership. His areas of expertise include energy management, emotional and somatic intelligence, neuroscience, and effective communication in the workplace.

Building a Resilient Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses

Presenter: Sophie Ringold

Room 3

Session Overview:

Social media is one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools small businesses have to stay connected, visible, and relevant. This session will guide entrepreneurs in shifting from reactive posting to resilient, strategic planning. We’ll explore how to build a social media strategy that grows with your business by covering essential tactics and fundamentals, the 4 C’s of social, community-building best practices, common dos and don’ts, and effective influencer partnerships to strengthen your brand.

Biography:

Sophie Ringold is a social media strategist with years of hands-on experience helping brands build real connection online. At KNOCK, she leads social strategy for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits. Sophie combines creativity and clarity to create social strategies that engage audiences and build loyal communities.

Trades Panel: Partnering for Success on U Construction Projects

Moderator: Barb Lau, Executive Director of the Association of Women Contractors (AWC)

Panelists: 
 - Mai Chang, Presidential Electric
 - Paul Edlund, J. Benson Construction (Carpentry)
 - Charlotte Nisleit, K.W. Specialty Services (Insulation and Scaffolding)

Room 1

Session Overview:

Are you a trade business owner looking to get on a major construction project at the University of Minnesota? Building a strong partnership with a prime contractor is just the beginning. What comes next?

Join us for this panel discussion where three trade business owners at different stages of their careers will share their firsthand stories, proven strategies, and valuable advice. They’ll reveal what worked, what didn't, and the lessons they’ve learned while navigating the unique landscape of University projects.

This is a must-attend event for any trade business owner looking to grow their business and for prime contractors seeking to strengthen their relationships with key partners in the trades.

Barb Lau is the Executive Director for the Association of Women Contractors (AWC), a trade association for women business owners in the construction industry. Barb’s background in organizational management and marketing led the AWC to a threefold growth over the past 15 years. Barb represents the interests of women, minority and small business owners in construction.

She is recognized as a leader in the construction industry focused on equity issues and solutions that work for the industry and the community. Her strong commitment to diversity and business growth is recognized throughout.

She sits on multiple local government councils and works closely with agencies advocating for small business, advising on diversity goals, and identifying best practices. She currently serves on the Advisory Council to the 9th District Federal Reserve Bank. Barb also served on the Community Advisory Council to the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve Bank in DC. In 2020, Barb was awarded Outstanding Service to the Profession by Finance & Commerce’s Top Women in Construction Honors. In 2012, she was recognized as the Small Business Administration’s Women’s Champion of the year for Minnesota and Region V.

Mai Chang is the majority owner and CEO of Presidential Electric, one of the first, and potentially the very first, Hmong woman-owned electrical contracting companies in Minnesota. Together with her husband, a licensed electrician, she leads the business with a balance of technical expertise and visionary leadership. Though newer to the construction industry, she leverages her accomplished career in leadership and grassroots advocacy to bring fresh vision, bold strategy, and strong partnerships to the trades.

J. Benson Construction is a self-performing commercial carpentry sub-contractor and MBE partner. In business since 1971; we specialize in rough and finish carpentry, mass timber, DIRTT, doors and hardware, and Division 10 specialties including laboratory casework and metal lockers.

Paul Edlund spent 12 years as a criminal defense attorney, where he witnessed first-hand the devastating impact that a lack of education, career opportunities, and hope can have on individuals and their families. Motivated to make a lasting difference, he redirected his career toward strengthening communities through the construction trades.

Today, Paul is committed to creating meaningful, well-paying careers for individuals who have historically been marginalized, firmly believing that access to opportunity is the most powerful way to change lives and positively shape future generations.

What makes our business unique is our unwavering commitment to excellence in the field. We prioritize safety on every job site and approach each project—large or small—with the same care and attention to detail, treating it as if it were our most important job; because it is.

Charlotte Nisleit served as President of the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) in Minnesota and is currently on the Board of TICA.  KW Specialty Services, 100% women owned and managed, is celebrating 16 years of business, 10 years under Charlotte’s leadership following her career as an insurance business owner and obtaining her degree in Business Management.  Her company offers the construction industry opportunities to partner with a SAFETY-FIRST qualified subcontractor who employs a diverse workforce of union- trained carpenters and laborers for assembly of safe and secure scaffolding, and a team of quality Local #34 Heat & Frost insulators for any commercial & light industrial mechanical needs.  KW was recently awarded a contract with Hennepin County for Maintenance Insulation of all buildings.  

As an active executive, Charlotte has OSHA 30 training, component Scaffold training, and Lift training.  She is graduate of JE Dunn's MCD program, member of Knutson's KAP program, and an avid networking member of Association of Women Contractors (AWC), NAWIC, NIA, MICA, TICA, MBEX, MSA, MCA, and SAIA. KW Specialty Services is certified with Met Council as a MCUB contractor, City of St. Paul - CERT contractor and the University of MN as a Targeted Supplier Diversity Contractor.

From Prep to Plate: Interactive Dessert Experience

Presenter: Lindsay Jacobs 

Room 2

Session Overview:

We are excited to offer a unique breakout interactive session where guests can customize fun desserts, along with new knowledge to take back home for the family and kiddos. 
 

Biography: 

Lindsay is an intuitive chef who learned by doing. Hands-on and exploring in the kitchen is her favorite way of exploring this craft! In addition to over fifteen years in the food and beverage industry, she has had a lot of inspiring people in her life showing her the way in the kitchen. One of her most rewarding experiences has been leading a non-profit, teaching youth the basics of cooking and healthy eating. Now, combined with her love of food and restaurant experience, she loves helping her clients live and eat better.