Meet the Team
Description:
Steven is responsible for the development, growth, implementation, management, coordination, and oversight of the city’s diversity and inclusion program. Steven also provides strategic direction and leadership citywide with responsibility for setting Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) contracting goals, and for the performance of all compliance functions on relevant city contracts. In addition, Steven is responsible for ensuring diversity strategies and initiatives are successfully implemented, consistent with the city’s objectives.
Description:
Venesia assists the Charlotte Business INClusion office with compliance, reporting, process improvement, budgeting, and Munis functions. As a Compliance Specialist, she ensures compliance with the CBI Program. Beyond these responsibilities, Venesia serves on the planning committees for Crowns of Enterprise and Charlotte MED Week and participates in outreach events as needed. Additionally, she serves as the records management custodian for CBI.
Description:
Julius Edwards serves as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Charlotte Business Inclusion, tasked with spearheading robust outreach and engagement initiatives that bolster Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs). His pivotal role includes crafting strategies, executing programs, and nurturing key relationships across internal and external stakeholders to drive the growth and support of MWSBEs.
Description:
Nyema assists in outreach opportunities, reporting, special projects, and deals with the day-to-day operations in making CBI successful.
Description:
Jorge is a Program Specialist for construction and compliance. He works directly with Michele Torres and Sonia Bows to establish goals for MWSBEs participation in city contracts.
Description:
Kimberly is responsible for performing the certification and verification process for diverse suppliers as outlined in the City Council adopted Charlotte Business INClusion Policy. Her work involves the exercise of initiative; reviewing, gathering, and analyzing data; and making sound business decisions based on the CBI Policy.
Description:
Jasmine supports the Charlotte Business INClusion office by managing office operations, driving process improvements, overseeing records management, and delivering comprehensive administrative assistance. She also serves as the primary Liaison for the Charlotte Business Inclusion Advisory Board Committee, facilitating communication and coordination. Additionally, Jasmine plays a key role in supporting the Outreach Coordinator with the development and execution of signature events and initiatives for CBI-certified vendors. She is also involved in a range of special projects, notably leading the City Innovation Ecosystem Grant initiative through the National League of Cities.
Description:
Kayla Witherspoon is the coordinator for Charlotte Business Inclusion University, an educational platform that supports certified MWSBE vendors by providing education that leads to city contracting opportunities, access to resources to help fund business growth, and networking opportunities to connect with other MWSBEs, city officials, and industry leaders to expand their network and explore additional potential collaborations.