Architectural Practice Panel: Navigating the MWBE Process

*This event is taking place as planned at the Center for Architecture*

Puzzled by the process of applying for M/WBE certification? Wondering what you need to qualify? Don’t know where to start? Join the AIANY Women in Architecture and Diversity and Inclusion Committees for a panel discussion with experts from NYC agencies to answer these questions and clarify the certification process.

Panelists:
Dynishal Gross, Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business
Patricia Harris, Esq. LEED AP, CEO and Founder, LicenseSure LLC
Abner Larrieux, President, A.L. Consulting

Moderator:
Nancy Goshow, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner, Goshow Architects 

About the speakers:
Nancy Aber Goshow, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is the founding partner of Goshow Architects, one of the largest woman owned architectural firm in New York City. With her knowledge of architecture, design, and small business, she is a leader in numerous professional, civic and small business organizations.

Dynishal Gross is the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity (DEFO) at the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). DEFO certifies minority & women-owned, emerging, & local businesses, and delivers programming to help these firms grow through government contracting. In addition, Dynishal oversees the work of the City’s Division of Labor Services, which monitors vendor compliance with equal employment opportunity, labor standards, & other regulatory mandates.

Abner Larrieux is a seasoned business consultant and professional urban planner with over 17 years of experience in providing diversity compliance consulting services to public and private clients, including Government Agencies, Fortune 500 Corporations, higher education institutions, construction managers and general contractors.

Patricia A. Harris, J.D., M.B.A., LEED AP, Founder and CEO, LicenseSure LLC, spent 13 years as the Managing Partner of a New York City-based construction law firm; she advises clients on licensing and business issues, including MWBE certification and ongoing compliance issues. Patti is very active in design industry organizations including the Beverly WIllis Architecture Foundation and the Global Design Alliance and quite attuned to business issues and challenges faced by design professionals.