Gala November 4, 2023
HYATT REGENCY HOUSTON 7 - 9:30 PM - Dinner & Awards 9:30 - Midnight - HMSDC LIVE!
Welcome
We are thrilled to have you with us tonight as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. Half a century of commitment to advancing supplier diversity and empowering businesses is a momentous achievement. As we gather here, we reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future filled with endless possibilities. Throughout the evening, we will honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in supplier diversity. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. Enjoy a delicious meal, captivating entertainment, and, of course, our signature HMSDC Live! celebration. It's a night to connect, engage, and revel in each other's company. Thank you for being a part of this special occasion. Your presence makes this celebration even more meaningful. Let's toast to the last 50 years and look ahead to the bright future we are creating together. Cheers to 50 years!
James Brownrigg HMSDC Board Chair & Vice President/General Manager Turner Construction Company
Ingrid Robinson President/CEO HMSDC
Mistress of Ceremony Embracing her true personality has given Sky Houston the confidence needed to flourish in her role as a radio personality, speaker and influencer. Whether she’s heard over the airwaves by millions of listeners, or gracing the stage in front of a live audience, her kinetic confidence allows her to defy cultural, religious, gender, and socioeconomic boundaries. “She really brings this energy and natural relatability when she’s before an audience, that’s a super power”. As a working mom and social entrepreneur, Sky is really the perfect representation of the busy, modern woman. It only takes a few minutes of connecting with her to understand why she becomes an instant favorite. Sky has a unique way of reaching people and enjoys doing just that through entertainment, education and social engagement. As a lover of all things family, business, beauty, fashion, and faith, her passion is shared through her alignment with the strategic brand partnerships and media platforms. Sky received a Bachelor of Science from The University of Houston-Downtown and is pursuing a MBA while building her “She’s A Masterpiece” Network. The She’s A Masterpiece is a platform which curates signature content and live events where minority women gather for resources, connection and fellowship. Sky Houston is heard weekdays 7pm-9pm and Sundays 11am – 5pm on KMJQ-FM / Majic 102.1.
Program Welcome....................Ingrid Robinson HMSDC President/CEO Gala Purpose...................Sky Houston On-Air Personality/Speaker Sponsor Introductions........................ Platinum CenterPoint Energy Gold ExxonMobil Shell Sponsor Recognition................................Video Special Acknowledgements.........Sky Houston
INVOCATION Shurronda Murray METRO
DINNER & MUSIC Featuring Constance Howard Celebrating 50 Years...........................Ingrid Robinson
Menu SALAD Autumn Salad with Acorn Squash, Broccoli, Walnuts, Cranberries and Baby Arugula with Citrus Cinnamon Vinaigrette
ENTREE Maple Brined Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breast with Sweet Potato Hash, Roasted Tomatoes, and Spiced Red Wine Pan Sauce
DESSERT Lemon Yuzu White Chocolate Tart
AWARDS Chairman and Hall of Fame Awards .................James Brownrigg HMSDC Board Chair Supplier of the Year Awards.....................................Sky Houston (Class 1, 2, 3 and 4) EXPO Recap........................................................................Video Spoken Word Poetry...........................................................Se7en Video Testimonials..............................................Evelyn Fletcher Electronic Assembly Services Tanaz Choudhury TanChes Global Management Corporation of the Year Awards...............................Sky Houston Local and National Final Recognitions and Thank You....................Ingrid Robinson Closing Remarks......................................................Sky Houston
JOIN US AT HMSDC LIVE! FOLLOWING THE PROGRAM
Entertainment Constance Victoria Howard is a diamond in the rough who has been preparing for the right opportunity to shine with her undeniable gift and vocal range. She is known for her whistle tones and powerful vocal ability. Her repertoire consists of a variety including R&B, pop, country, and more. Constance started singing at the bright young age of four. She was not vocally trained but had a natural gift and talent to touch people with her voice. She has competed in several talent competitions. After walking away with a first-place prize in a gospel competition at the age of 12, she was then known as the little girl with the big voice. As an adult, Constance joined a band that allowed her to perform and sing for many different crowds at festivals, private parties, listening rooms, and restaurants in the local area. In 2022, Constance became a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Competing on The Voice opened many doors for her musical career, and she is now ready to share her experiences and allow her voice to touch the world. Shortly after The Voice, her first single “Winter Dreaming” was released in 2022. This is just the beginning for ConstanceVictoria Howard!
Hall of Fame Mayor Sylvester Turner
Sylvester Turner, Houston's 62nd mayor, is currently in his second and final term, focused on executing major initiatives and addressing the city's significant challenges. Throughout his tenure, he has adeptly managed budget deficits, homelessness, and natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He's also played a vital role in improving community-police relations. Mayor Turner's achievements include passing seven balanced budgets, leading Hurricane Harvey recovery, and launching Houston's Climate Action Plan, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. Notably, he initiated the One Safe Houston plan to combat rising violence and One Clean Houston to address illegal dumping. His signature priorities comprise the Complete Communities program, designed to revitalize under-served neighborhoods, and the Hire Houston Youth initiative, providing job opportunities for thousands of young people. Additionally, he has fostered public-private partnerships to enhance neighborhood parks and expand Houston's technology and innovation landscape. As Houston's leader, Mayor Turner emphasizes performance-driven governance and efficient city service delivery, significantly reducing the city's pension liability. Nationally recognized, he holds various leadership roles, including trustee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Chair of the Resilient Cities Network. Mayor Turner has received numerous accolades, including the Ohtli Award and the 2022 Local Arts Leadership Award. In 2023, he was honored with the President’s Award at the National Urban League Conference Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala. Before his mayoral tenure, Turner served for 27 years as the Representative for Texas House District 139, where he was actively involved in budgeting and legislative matters.
Hall of Fame Commissioner Rodney Ellis
The proud son of a yardman and a maid, Ellis attended Texas public schools from grade school through law school. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University, a master's degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and a law degree from the University Of Texas School Of Law. As Commissioner of Harris County Precinct One, Ellis has played a critical role on the Court by securing misdemeanor bail reform, flood equity guidelines, stronger worker protections and economic opportunity provisions, funding for indigent defense and COVID-19 recovery funding, including direct relief for residents, small businesses, emergency rental assistance, shelters for those experiencing homelessness, as well as other innovative programs, including providing computers to low-income students, among other achievements. Before serving as a County Commissioner, Ellis was elected to Houston City Council and served three terms before being elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. For 26 years, he represented Texas' 13th state senate district and he passed over 700 pieces of legislation. On November 8, 2016, Ellis was elected county commissioner and sworn into office on January 1, 2017. As County Commissioner, Ellis prioritizes inclusive economic growth that uplifts low income communities, ensures access to parks and green-space in under-served neighborhoods, advances criminal justice reform that protects the rights of all people, and provides safe, affordable transportation options. Following Hurricane Harvey, Ellis successfully advocated for equitable investment in flood control infrastructure and disaster recovery in vulnerable communities through a $2.5B bond approved by voters in 2018. He is an avid art collector and cycling enthusiast. Commissioner Ellis is married to Licia Green-Ellis and has four children.
Award Winners SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Class One EA One Enterprises Class Two At Work Personnel Class Three Today’s Business Solutions Class Four Iapetus Holdings CORPORATION OF THE YEAR Local UT MD Anderson Cancer Center National ExxonMobil
Sponsors PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
MBE SAPPHIRE
MBE RUBY