SPEAKERS
Katrina Thompson
Mayor of Broadview, Illinois
Mayor Katrina Thompson has been a transformative leader in Broadview, Illinois, since her historic election as the village’s first African American female mayor in 2017. Winning re-election in 2021 with 71% of the vote, she has driven progress in economic development, public safety, education, and environmental justice.
She has strengthened Broadview’s financial health, attracted businesses, improved infrastructure, and championed green initiatives. Her leadership during COVID-19 ensured effective testing, vaccination, and small business support.
Beyond Broadview, she has held key positions in municipal organizations and co-founded the C4 initiative for climate action. With a background in community development and a Master’s from Roosevelt University, Mayor Thompson remains a dedicated advocate for progress and sustainability.
Towanda Livingston
Director of Business Diversity/Supplier Diversity, Constellation Energy
Towanda is an award-winning Economic Inclusion and DEI Executive with nearly 30 years of experience across government, public, and private sectors. She specializes in empowering diverse, women-owned, and small businesses through strategic growth solutions that foster profitable industry partnerships.
As Director of Business Diversity at Constellation Energy, Towanda drives economic inclusion strategies, integrating supplier diversity into business operations. In 2023, Constellation spent $521.8 million (21.1%) with certified and small businesses.
A Philadelphia native and SCORE Delaware mentor since 2017, Towanda champions diversity as a business imperative, guided by her philosophy: “Diversity… just the way we do business!”
Andre Wallace
Vice President of Business Diversity, Constellation Energy
André Wallace is a transformational leader with over 30 years of experience in building and optimizing organizations worldwide. He excels in connecting people, processes, and technologies to drive efficiency and strategic growth. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing, organizational design, and large-scale system implementations. He has also led high-performing teams and served as a managing director for an IT consulting firm specializing in offshore financial services software development.
As Vice President of Business Supplier Diversity at Constellation, André focuses on maximizing business value, strengthening the supply chain, and promoting economic inclusion in the communities Constellation serves. Before this, he spent five years as a Vice President in Exelon's Chief Information Officer division, leading complex IT transformations across industries. His background includes leadership roles in "Big 6" consulting, launching startups, and owning businesses, all of which shape his impact at Constellation.
André holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications with a minor in Philosophy, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. He serves on the boards of Infrastructure Engineering, Inc., and the Chessmen Club.
Tracey Woods
Manager, Business/Supplier Diversity, Constellation Energy
Tracey Woods is an experienced leader in the energy sector. He is passionate about energy equity issues and the development and implementation of clean energy technologies to address the global climate crisis. He is blessed to have had a career over four decades in operational, management, and leadership positions in major investor-owned utilities and energy policy non-profit work.
Currently, Woods leads Business Development for Bravo-Charlie Executive Services, a certified MBE and veteran-owned Engineering firm. Equally important, Woods mentors young men and women interested in energy careers and those actively scaling energy businesses. To that end, he serves as a Board Director on several non-profits in the clean energy and customer advocacy areas. When not at work, Tracey’s hobbies include enjoying R&B and Jazz music, travel, reading, and spending time with his 4 grandchildren.
Dennis Garrett
CEO, Blue Lake Clean Energy Group
Dennis Garrett is a seasoned energy executive with over 30 years of experience leading projects in power, renewables, and infrastructure. As an entrepreneur, he has founded and managed multi-million-dollar businesses specializing in clean energy and heavy equipment services. He has advised on a 3 MW microgrid resiliency hub for a major university and supports microgrid initiatives in the Southeast.
A recognized industry leader, Dennis has been featured in Operations Management by Columbia University’s Martin K. Starr, quoted in Microgrid Knowledge, and spoken at GRID FWD and Microgrid Think Policy Summits. He has managed over $400 million in energy infrastructure projects and held leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, bringing expertise in clean energy and utility development.
An advocate for clean energy and minority business development, Dennis serves on the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council Board and AHARI, supporting homeless veterans. He holds a computer science degree, studied International Business at George Washington University, and completed executive programs at Northwestern Kellogg, MIT, and Arizona State University.
Adrian Schaffer
Vice President of Business Development, LHP Engineering Services
Adrian Schaffer graduated from Triton College in 1984, later earning a basketball scholarship to Oberlin College, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1987. He continued his education with an Executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2003 and attended executive management programs at the Center for Creative Leadership and Motorola. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into Triton College’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
With over 30 years of experience, Adrian is Vice President of Business Development at LHP Engineering Services, specializing in engineering solutions for automotive, industrial, and aerospace markets. He previously served as President of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit at Ricardo plc and held leadership roles at Danfoss/UQM, Linamar, and Motorola, gaining expertise in electrification, fuel cells, telematics, and mobility engineering.
Adrian remains active in his community, having served on boards for the Oak Park YMCA and Maywood’s Little League and as a Maywood Board of Trustee member. He is involved with the ABC (A Better Chance) program and the Society of Automotive Engineers. A longtime member of Rock of Ages Baptist Church, he resides in Aurora, IL, with his wife Marilyn, and their two sons are pursuing careers in Chicago and Dallas.
Christopher Williams
CEO, Millennium Solar Electric Inc.
Christopher Williams is a third-generation electrician and one of the few Photovoltaic Technicians serving the far South Suburbs and Chicagoland. Trained early by his father, he contributed to a successful family-owned electrical business and later led major projects—including retrofitting Chicago Public Schools for the digital age. In 2000, he founded Millennium Electric and, in 2010, established Millennium Solar Electric Inc.
After extensive solar training at the Midwest Renewable Energy Educational Institute, Christopher founded the South Suburban Renewable Energy Association (SSREA) in 2009 to promote renewable energy education. Since 2010, he has shared his expertise through courses at Governors State University and various public training programs. In 2017, he launched the Millennium Solar Electric Training Academy to empower newcomers with the skills needed to advance in the solar industry.
Cy Kennedy
CEO, Value Innovation Technologies
Cy Kennedy is the co-founder and CEO of VIT, bringing over 20 years of C-suite experience. Before leading VIT, he served as President of American Product Distributors, Inc. and worked in corporate and investment banking at Bank of America. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Morehouse College and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Wake Forest University.
Under Cy’s leadership, VIT has developed marketplaces for major organizations, including the US Air Force, USPS, Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and Walmart. The company’s technology, designed to integrate small businesses into large enterprise e-commerce systems, has earned a US patent and a Global Innovation Award from Red Hat/IBM.
David Boulay
President, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center
David Boulay, President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), has over 30 years of leadership experience in small businesses, manufacturing, academia, and non-profits. Raised in a family business, he developed expertise in operational efficiency, team development, and innovation. With a Ph.D. in Workforce Development from The Ohio State University, his research focused on creating career pathways and high-performance practices for small and mid-sized companies.
At IMEC, David drives initiatives to modernize manufacturing, strengthen workforce development, and ensure long-term growth, as well as building partnerships to keep Illinois manufacturers globally competitive. Whether fostering innovation, advancing technology, or preparing the workforce for the future, David’s mission is clear: to ensure Illinois manufacturing remains a pillar of economic strength and opportunity.
Christopher Edwards
Founder, Evolve Strategies
Christopher Edwards is a dynamic leader with over 14 years of experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership, specializing in renewable energy, compliance management, and community impact. As the founder of Evolve Strategies, he helps solar companies navigate policy requirements while driving workforce development and community engagement. A recognized thought leader in climate justice, Christopher serves on the Illinois Power Agency Advisory Committee and advocates for equitable energy solutions. His expertise in strategic marketing and stakeholder engagement has positioned him as a trusted partner for organizations committed to sustainability and lasting social impact.
Deborah Whitaker
Director of Business Development, HIRE360
As Director of Business Development for HIRE360, Deborah Whitaker is a strategic problem solver dedicated to scaling small businesses, particularly minority- and women-owned enterprises. With a hands-on approach, she and her team provide technical assistance, access to capital, back-office support, and inclusion in contracting opportunities. Under her leadership, HIRE360 has helped over 225 diverse businesses grow, securing over 100 loans totaling $19 million. Her passion lies in fostering economic equity and generational wealth by eliminating obstacles that hinder business growth.
An entrepreneur herself, Deborah understands the importance of proper documentation and financial literacy. She prioritizes training in estimating, contract compliance, and business fundamentals to prepare companies for billion-dollar mega projects. With a background as a degreed accountant, real estate investor, and financial analyst, she has held roles in Fortune 500 companies and worked as a business consultant for the Illinois Tollway. Her expertise spans budgeting, financial analysis, tax preparation, international trade, and banking, making her a key advocate for small business success.
Doug Scott
Chair of Illinois Commerce Commission
Doug Scott was appointed Chair of the Illinois Commerce Commission by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 17, 2023. This is Scott’s second stint as Chair, having served in that position from 2011-2015. Between engagements with the ICC, Scott was Vice President of the Great Plains Institute, where he worked on decarbonization efforts with States, utilities and other interested parties. His team at GPI focused on utility business models, transmission and clean energy/climate plans. As part of that work, Scott served as an advisor to the Illinois Governor’s Office on energy and environmental issues, including development of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
Before his first session with the ICC, Scott served in a variety of public sector positions for over twenty-five years, including Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Mayor of the City of Rockford, State Representative and City Attorney for Rockford. A native of Rockford, Scott received his Bachelor of Arts with honors from the University of Tulsa, and a Juris Doctorate with honors from Marquette University. Doug and his wife Tammy have been married since 1985 and reside in South Beloit, Illinois.
Frank Castro
Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, JPI Group
Frank DeCastro, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation at The JPI Group, has spent over two decades bridging the opportunity divide through innovation and strategic leadership. With expertise in technology, workforce development, inclusive recruiting, and supplier diversity consulting, he has become a trusted advisor across industries. His work in forming enterprise partnerships and implementing innovative service strategies has consistently driven operational efficiency and organizational sustainability.
Fluent in multiple languages, Frank brings a global perspective to talent development, particularly in emerging markets like Brazil. He trains recruitment teams, collaborates with stakeholders to bridge skill gaps, and develops succession plans that foster long-term success. A visionary leader, he is committed to transforming challenges into opportunities, driving innovation, and shaping sustainable growth in today’s evolving business landscape.
Keely Hughs
Director of Market Development, JPI Group
Keely Hughes is a business development leader with over a decade of experience in clean energy workforce development. As Director of Market Development and Strategic Partnerships at The JPI Group, she connects businesses, workforce agencies, and educational institutions to create inclusive career pathways and support small business participation in energy efficiency markets. She leverages her expertise in market strategy and cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable economic growth.
Keely is committed to education, workforce development, and STEM engagement. She serves on the boards of the Sankofa School of Success and The STEM Connection, advocating for underrepresented communities in STEM. A recognized leader, Keely will be honored by the Illinois Minority Business Development Agency Center in 2025 for her contributions to entrepreneurship and economic equity. She has also served as President of the American Association of Blacks in Energy’s Indiana Chapter and has been a panelist at the EUCI Women in Energy conference.
Justin Clayborne
Vice President, RockCreek
Justin A. Clayborne is Vice President at RockCreek, where he oversees the credit portfolio of the $36M Community Impact Capital Fund, managing all aspects of loan origination, structuring, documentation, and monitoring. Before RockCreek, he was an Associate at Brevet Capital, focusing on government sector financing and customizing solutions to achieve successful outcomes, while also serving as the firm's relationship manager.
Previously, Justin worked as an investment banking analyst at J.P. Morgan, where he specialized in M&A, capital raises, and investments in the IT and fintech sectors. He also gained experience at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, structuring and executing leveraged finance transactions. Justin graduated cum laude from Hampton University with a B.S. in Economics and a minor in Leadership Studies, and is a graduate of Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business Program for Building a Successful Diverse Business.
Karen A. Watson
Owner & CEO, International Filter Manufacturing Corporation
Karen Watson is the owner and CEO of International Filter Manufacturing Corporation, a company specializing in heavy-duty air engine filters and HVAC, automotive, and industrial supplies. Since acquiring the business in 2019, she has led efforts to enhance energy efficiency, equipment longevity, and sustainability through high-quality filtration solutions for automotive, industrial, and power generation sectors.
With over 30 years of executive experience across healthcare, transportation, defense, and consumer industries, Karen is a graduate of the Northwestern Kellogg Executive Leadership Development Program and the NMSDC-Rutgers University Executive Leadership Program. She holds an MBA in Corporate Finance and is a Certified Scrum Master, bringing her expertise in business strategy, financial management, and operational leadership to drive sustainable industrial performance.
Kim Rosier Jean-Louis
Owner & CEO, 3D Strategic Management
Kimberly Rosier Jean-Louis, MBA, is the owner and CEO of 3D Strategic Management, Inc., a business development and community relations firm. She has led initiatives for organizations like the Hispanic and African-American Chambers of Commerce, Duke Energy, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, and provides strategic services through programs such as the 3D Strategic Management Business Incubator and the M.Y.O.B. Women’s Conference. Jean-Louis also serves as President of 3DSM Property Management, Inc. and Entrepreneur Development Institute, impacting over 600 entrepreneurs globally.
With over 25 years of experience, Jean-Louis has worked for the Florida Executive Office of Governor, PepsiCo, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. She is recognized for her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, receiving accolades such as Power Player (2023) and Champion of Diversity (2021) by the Orlando Business Journal. As a program operator for federal contracts with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Jean-Louis led her team to national awards for outstanding performance, creating the most jobs in the nation. She is a proud mother, grandmother, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Maria Moran
Member Engagement, Illinois Manufacturer's Association
Maria Moran joined the IMA in 2022 with over 20 years of manufacturing partnerships. She has been a trusted advisor to small and medium business, mid-level and enterprise organizations throughout Illinois, connecting business leaders to the experts and solutions needed to grow. Always curious and eager to learn, Maria enjoys building long lasting relationships that provide value to all stakeholders. Maria is based in Oak Brook and works primarily in Chicago, its suburbs, and the Rockford area.
Mark Newsome
Managing Partner, Greenview Taylor
Mr. Newsome currently serves as the managing partner for Greenview Taylor, a firm that specializes in providing strategic direction, visionary leadership, and executive business development for companies looking to sell to government clients. As a successful entrepreneur for more than thirty (30) years, Mr. Newsome has founded and scaled a handful of small businesses that, collectively, earned over $300M in revenues. His expertise is achieving business objectives with limited capital, quickly pivoting business strategy, and avoiding existential threats.
Mr. Newsome holds a BA in Accounting from North Carolina Central University and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. He also completed executive education programs at the University of Texas at El Paso and the Tuck School of Business at Darthmouth College.
Melissa Washington
Senior Vice President, ComEd
Melissa is the Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd, a unit of Exelon Corporation, where she oversees customer operations, including business and residential account management, billing, energy efficiency, and electrification. She is also responsible for ComEd's economic development, workforce strategies, and civic and philanthropic partnerships. Since joining Exelon in 2003, Melissa has held several key roles, including senior vice president of governmental and external affairs, and played a pivotal role in the successful Exelon-Pepco merger between 2014 and 2016.
Melissa is deeply involved in civic and professional organizations, serving on boards such as the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, and is a fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago. She is also the board secretary of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and an active member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy and the Northern Illinois University Presidential Advisory Council. Melissa holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in finance from Lewis University.
Terri Zhu
Assistant Comissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation
Terri oversees contractor compliance with the Chicago Department of Aviation’s supplier diversity and local and diverse hiring requirements and develops initiatives to help small businesses work at Chicago’s airports. Considering her largely impractical educational background, she remains astonished that today her office backs onto an airfield. Prior to her work at O’Hare, Terri implemented workforce training programs at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership; conducted applied policy research at the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab; opened a non-profit grocery store; and taught German to undergraduate and graduate students. She holds a Ph.D. in Germanic Studies and Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in German Literature and Cultural History from Columbia University.
Nisha Floyd
Vice President, Associate Director of Community Development, Woodforest National Bank
As Vice President and Associate Director of Community Development at Woodforest National Bank®, Nisha leads the Community Development Team across 17 states, fostering partnerships with organizations that serve low- and moderate-income communities. She generates lending, investment, and service opportunities in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, contributing to the Bank's Outstanding rating in its 2015-2019 Community Reinvestment Act Exam. Nisha also oversees the Community Reinvestment loan portfolio, managing regulatory, credit risk, profitability, and impact.
Nisha has served as Treasurer of the Aurora Public Library Foundation since 2019 and co-founded the Molly Malone Chottepanda Foundation, which provides educational STEM scholarships for females in Southwest Minneapolis, distributing over $100,000 in grants. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Rebecca Estrada
Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Rebecca Estrada, a Southside Chicago native, has over 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and government sectors. As Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), she works to create an inclusive business ecosystem by providing minority-, women-, disability-, and veteran-owned small businesses with equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Previously, Rebecca served as Deputy Commissioner of Youth Services at the Chicago Department of Family Support Services, focusing on juvenile justice, youth with complex needs, and employment. She has also worked in the nonprofit sector addressing issues in education, immigration reform, fair housing, violence reduction, and workforce development. Rebecca holds an MBA from National Louis University and a BS from Loyola University Chicago.
Darnell Johnson
CEO & President, Urban Efficiency Group
Darnell Johnson is the CEO and President of Urban Efficiency Group (UEG), Illinois’ first minority-owned utility implementation and sustainability design firm. A former U.S. Army service member, Darnell holds a Bachelor's in Theology from Moody Bible Institute and a background in Urban Planning from Central Texas College. His credentials include certifications in energy auditing, building analysis, and sustainability, along with a DEI certification from Cornell University.
With over 20 years of experience, Darnell is committed to advancing energy equity and sustainability for BIPOC communities. Under his leadership, UEG has helped thousands of underserved residents across Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and Milwaukee reduce energy burdens and work toward carbon neutrality. He advocates for diversity, inclusion, and equity as essential elements of growth and systemic change.
Michele Clark
Director, Equity Diversity & Inclusion, City of Aurora
Michele holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Prior to working for City of Aurora she spent 20 years with John Deere in a variety of global HR roles, including an expatriate assignment in South Africa. Since 2021, she has served as the Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the City of Aurora, where she continues to champion Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. A former Girl Scout leader, she enjoys quilting, reading, spending time with family, and learning the latest line dances.
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