2025 HMSDC Annual Meeting Recap

The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Meeting on February 19th, welcoming over 170+ attendees from across the region—including Corporate Members, Certified MBEs, Board of Directors, Community Partners, Government Agencies, and Elected Officials. This annual gathering serves as a cornerstone event to reflect on the previous year’s achievements, unveil the strategic plan for the year ahead, and set the tone for collaboration, growth, and progress. (Access All Photos Here)

About HMSDC

Mission: To actively involve its members in efforts that will increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and to drive excellence in supplier diversity and supplier development.

Vision: To be recognized as a model council, setting the highest standards of excellence by bringing together Corporate Members and MBEs to create mutual value.

At the 2025 Annual Meeting, HMSDC reaffirmed this mission and vision, emphasizing our collective responsibility to elevate MBEs, advocate for equity in procurement, and expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses to scale and thrive.

Setting the Stage

The event began with the premiere of the Official HMSDC Commercial, offering a powerful visual representation of the council’s impact and purpose. Immediately following, President & CEO Ingrid Robinson welcomed attendees and shared a compelling message around HMSDC’s continued commitment to being the leading driver of economic development through inclusion, access, and results.

Focus on Business Imperatives – Empowering Over 1,015+ Certified MBEs Across Industries and Communities

Brandon Davis, Director of MBE Services, led the charge with a presentation titled “HMSDC Focus on Business Imperatives”, which provided key updates in the areas of certification, program participation, and economic impact: HMSDC is proud to support a growing network of 1,015+ Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)—each representing not just a business, but a story, a vision, and a vital part of our region’s economic engine. This diverse and dynamic group spans a wide range of industries,

Our MBEs are as diverse in background as they are in expertise, representing African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and other ethnic communities. This vibrant mix of entrepreneurs reflects the multi-generational, multicultural makeup of Houston and the surrounding region, and is one of the greatest strengths of HMSDC’s network.

By certifying and supporting these businesses, HMSDC helps:

• Strengthen supply chains with reliable, innovative, and high-performing vendors
• Fuel job creation and community reinvestment—many of our MBEs hire from and give back to underserved communities
• Drive inclusive economic development that ensures underrepresented businesses are not just at the table but thriving
• Build generational wealth through access to contracts, capital, and development opportunities

These 1,015+ MBEs are not just participants—they are leaders, changemakers, and contributors to Houston’s position as one of the most diverse and economically vibrant regions in the nation. HMSDC’s role is to certify, connect, and cultivate—ensuring every certified MBE has the tools, relationships, and visibility they need to grow from local vendors to national and global suppliers.

This expanding base of certified MBEs is evidence of a strong, growing ecosystem committed to inclusion, innovation, and mutual value creation. As we continue into 2025, HMSDC remains dedicated to serving as a catalyst for their continued success.

• A special shoutout was given to Edna Gonzalez, MBE Certification Specialist, for her dedication to ensuring timely certifications and smooth onboarding for new MBEs.

In 2024, HMSDC delivered over 221 development touchpoints through programs such as:

• MBE Accelerator
• Total Business Development (TBD)
• MBE Leadership Academy
• Supplier Development initiatives

These programs are essential in preparing MBEs to compete in today’s marketplace. Visit the Programs tab on www.hmsdc.org to explore current offerings or sign up for upcoming informational sessions.

We also celebrated the achievements of the MBE Leadership Academy Cohort II graduates—a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and community investment.

Making Connections, Measuring Outcomes

Angela Freeman, Senior Director of Corporate Services, presented a detailed overview of how HMSDC is fulfilling its commitment to creating measurable value for both MBEs and corporate members.

Key takeaways included:

• 72 Local Corporate Members
• 660+ National Corporate Members
• 100+ Community Partners
• Over 1,500 Procurement Opportunities posted in the HMSDC eXchange portal
• 72 Targeted Sourced Opportunities, where MBEs were hand-matched with corporate needs, led by Angela Freeman and Bessy Banegas (Corporate Services Specialist)
• 1,078 Direct Targeted MBEs supported through this sourcing effort

Corporate engagement was also amplified through Industry Forums focused on:

• Energy Transformation
• Access to Capital
• Integrating ESG Strategies

HMSDC also hosted a series of “How to Do Business” sessions with companies such as:

• METRO
• NASA
• Vizient
• Baylor College of Medicine
• J.E. Dunn
• Layton Construction
• McCarthy
• Tellepsen
• Turner Construction

These sessions offered invaluable guidance to MBEs on how to approach, pitch, and partner effectively with corporations.

Matchmaking: A Critical Bridge to Procurement, Partnerships & Profitability

Matchmaking remains one of the most transformative tools in HMSDC’s approach to advancing MBE success. In 2024, over 325 curated connections were made between Certified MBEs and Corporate Members—each representing a potential gateway to real business opportunities, strategic relationships, and long-term revenue growth.

Unlike general networking, HMSDC’s matchmaking process is highly intentional and strategic. Each match is carefully crafted based on:

• The MBE’s industry and capabilities
• Their readiness for procurement engagement
• The corporate buyer’s specific sourcing needs
• Future pipeline opportunities that align with the MBE’s growth trajectory

These curated introductions allow MBEs to present targeted capability statements and have focused conversations with key decision-makers who are actively seeking diverse suppliers. It’s a high-touch, high-impact approach that removes barriers and accelerates access.

For MBEs, these sessions often lead to:

• Requests for proposals (RFPs)
• Invitations to bid
• Onboarding as a supplier
• Strategic partnerships or joint ventures
• Referrals to other buying entities

For Corporate Members, the matchmaking process streamlines diverse supplier discovery and supports their internal supplier diversity goals with qualified, capable vendors.

Matchmaking doesn’t just create an introduction—it creates momentum. It’s often the beginning of a business relationship that grows over time, resulting in contract wins, increased visibility, and new levels of confidence for MBEs.

In many cases, just one successful match has led to life-changing deals for minority-owned businesses, helping them scale faster, hire more employees, and reinvest into their communities.

As HMSDC continues to evolve its programs, matchmaking will remain a cornerstone of how we connect opportunity with readiness—and drive equitable outcomes for all.

Using Data to Drive Decisions

Lyric Smith, Manager of Data Analytics & External Projects, showcased how HMSDC’s data strategy is directly fueling opportunities and revenue growth for Certified MBEs. One of the most impactful milestones in 2024 was securing $591,000 in grant funding—a 69% increase over the previous year.

This funding was not just a number—it was an investment in the capacity-building infrastructure that supports the growth of minority businesses. With these funds, HMSDC was able to launch new programs, tools, and initiatives aimed at improving business readiness, access to capital, and procurement competitiveness. MBEs directly benefited from expanded training opportunities, enhanced coaching sessions, and resources tailored to their specific stage of business.

These grants also enabled HMSDC to expand partnerships with workforce development agencies, universities, governmental agencies, and corporate foundations—creating even more touchpoints for MBEs to gain visibility, funding, and clients. In essence, this growth in grant funding helped accelerate the business development journey for MBEs, opening doors to contracts and long-term scalability.

Expanding Revenue Through the Spot Bid Fair

Another shining example of HMSDC’s ability to create immediate revenue-generating opportunities was the 2024 Spot Bid Fair, hosted during the HMSDC Business Opportunity EXPO at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Through a strategic partnership with state agencies, HMSDC coordinated this live procurement opportunity, where certified HUB vendors could submit bids on-the-spot for real contracts. The result? 73 contracts awarded, totaling over $240,000 in direct business to participating MBEs.

This initiative created real-time revenue, but more importantly, it opened the door to long-term vendor relationships. Many of the awarded contracts were with government agencies that value continued supplier relationships—meaning these awards often become repeat business opportunities for MBEs.

For many businesses, especially Class 1 and 2 MBEs, this type of contract is a critical cash flow generator and a gateway to more complex and higher-value contracts in the future. The Spot Bid Fair proves that when MBEs are placed in front of the right opportunities, with the right support, they deliver—and grow.

Save the date for EXPO 2025—October 15-16 at the UHL Event Center!

Operational Enhancements & Community Building

Antoine Ferguson, Manager of Operations, shared the ways HMSDC is modernizing systems and strengthening infrastructure:

As HMSDC continues to streamline operations and enhance the member experience, one of the most impactful tools has been the HMSDC eXchange portal—a secure, centralized digital platform designed to serve as your go-to resource for engagement, opportunity, and growth.

Through the eXchange, Certified MBEs and Corporate Members can:
✅ Access procurement opportunities in real-time
✅ Post and respond to targeted sourcing needs
✅ Register for events and programs (Check Out Our Calendar of Events)
✅ View upcoming committee meetings and subcommittees
✅ Track submissions and communicate directly with HMSDC staff
✅ Submit MBE Success Stories and testimonials

The eXchange portal simplifies communication, streamlines processes, and empowers members to take full advantage of what HMSDC offers. It’s not just a tool—it’s your virtual command center for supplier diversity engagement.

HMSDC also unveiled a newly redesigned website, aimed at improving the user experience and centralizing access to resources, event registration, and news. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and check out the new Success Story Submission Portal to share and celebrate your wins.

The HMSDC Ambassador Program: Building Bridges Between MBEs

Launched as part of our commitment to peer-to-peer empowerment, the HMSDC Ambassador Program pairs newly certified MBEs with seasoned, experienced MBEs who have been active within the Council. These Ambassadors serve as trusted advisors to help newcomers:

• Navigate HMSDC’s ecosystem
• Connect with the right programs and contacts
• Prepare for corporate engagement
• Receive insight and strategies to grow their business

The value of this program is immeasurable—it not only builds confidence and connection but creates a community of support among business owners who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the supplier diversity space.

For new MBEs, the Ambassador Program accelerates their learning curve. For experienced MBEs, it’s a chance to give back, expand their network, and strengthen the overall success of the Council’s ecosystem.

Standing Committees: Engage, Lead, and Make a Difference

In 2024, HMSDC streamlined its Standing Committees to ensure focus, sustainability, and maximum impact. We now operate with three core committees that align with our strategic goals and deliver targeted outcomes:

1. MBE Input Committee (MBEIC) – Representing the voice of the MBEs, this committee offers insights, shares challenges, and recommends ways HMSDC can better support and advocate for minority-owned businesses.
2. Supplier Diversity Advisory Committee (SDAC) – Composed of corporate representatives, this committee works to strengthen supplier diversity programs, share best practices, and influence corporate policy.
3. Signature Event Committee – This newly formed committee combines the previous EXPO and Scholarship Fundraiser Committees to plan and execute HMSDC’s largest and most impactful events of the year.

Each committee has its own subcommittees and leadership structure, allowing members to get involved based on their strengths and interests—whether that’s marketing, procurement planning, volunteer coordination, or fundraising.

👉 Want to get involved?
Visit the eXchange Portal to learn more about each committee and enroll in one that aligns with your passion and expertise. Committee service is one of the best ways to deepen your relationship with HMSDC, grow your network, and shape the future of our work.

Public Policy: Driving Legislative Advocacy with Data and Purpose

In 2024, Public Policy remained a core pillar of HMSDC’s mission as we worked to ensure that the voices of minority-owned businesses were heard and represented at every level of government. Recognizing that economic inclusion doesn’t just happen in boardrooms—it must also be protected and advanced in legislative chambers—HMSDC strategically aligned its efforts to advocate for policies that support access, equity, and opportunity for MBEs.

To do this effectively, HMSDC mapped member impact data to state and local legislative districts, creating a powerful tool to help HMSDC leadership and our President & CEO, Ingrid Robinson, engage with elected officials using real numbers and real stories. This data not only demonstrates the economic contributions of MBEs but also highlights the ripple effect these businesses have on job creation, tax revenue, and community investment throughout Texas.

This strategic approach has empowered HMSDC to participate in meaningful discussions about proposed legislation that could impact state HUB programs, access to capital, and the future of minority participation in public contracting. These efforts ensure that our public policy engagement is not reactive—but proactive and evidence-based.

As we move through the 2025 legislative session, your voice as a Certified MBE or Corporate Member is essential. HMSDC will continue to provide tools and opportunities for members to participate in advocacy efforts—whether through Public Policy Day at the Texas Capitol, local city council engagements, or strategic calls to action.

Our goal is simple: Protect and expand access for minority-owned businesses to thrive in public and private sectors alike. By equipping our members with information and creating direct channels to lawmakers, HMSDC ensures that our collective economic impact translates into political influence and sustainable policy change.

Charting the Path Ahead: HMSDC’s 2025 Strategic Vision

As the 2025 HMSDC Annual Meeting drew to a close, President & CEO Ingrid Robinson, alongside the HMSDC Leadership Team, delivered a compelling message to attendees—uniting the Council around a bold and purpose-driven vision for the year ahead.

The 2025 Strategic Goal is ambitious yet intentional:

To be the leading driver of billion-dollar businesses and economic development by harnessing the potential of multi-generational diverse entrepreneurs, advocating for procurement equity, and building a financially sound organization that leverages the next generation of diverse talent.

This goal reaffirms HMSDC’s commitment to not only certifying and connecting MBEs, but developing them into high-growth, scalable enterprises that serve as anchors of economic prosperity in their communities and beyond. It also reflects the Council’s understanding that meaningful economic impact comes from supporting businesses across generations, across industries, and across stages of development.

To bring this vision to life, each department within HMSDC has established clear, measurable objectives that align with the overarching strategy:

Corporate Services (Led by Angela Freeman): Bridging Opportunity with Action

Corporate Services is tasked with strengthening the supplier diversity infrastructure within our member corporations. By conducting detailed gap analyses, the team will work alongside corporate members to assess their current supplier diversity practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to increase the engagement and utilization of diverse suppliers.

This effort ensures that our corporate partners are not only supporting supplier diversity in principle but embedding it as a core business strategy—a move that increases competitiveness, drives innovation, and delivers measurable value.

MBE Services (Led by Brandon Davis): Empowering Business Readiness and Growth

MBE Services will focus on elevating MBEs’ ability to win contracts and scale effectively by enhancing their overall contract-readiness. The goal is to increase MBE preparedness by 20% year-over-year, measured through participation in development programs, engagement in business reviews, mentorship outcomes, and successful corporate introductions.

This department is laser-focused on providing the right tools, resources, and training to help MBEs evolve from emerging entrepreneurs to established prime suppliers, ready to compete at the highest levels.

Operations (Led by Antoine Ferguson): Strengthening the Brand and Member Experience

The Operations team will play a critical role in enhancing HMSDC’s infrastructure, brand presence, and member engagement. Key goals include:

• Boosting visibility of HMSDC’s work and success stories
• Modernizing communication strategies across platforms
• Driving increased participation in programs, events, and committees

Through process improvements and strategic outreach, Operations will ensure that every touchpoint with HMSDC—whether in-person or digital—is efficient, impactful, and memorable.

Data Analytics & External Projects (Led by Lyric Smith): Driving Resources and Results

This department is at the forefront of leveraging data to tell our story, secure funding, and strengthen outcomes. With a goal to increase grant revenue by 30% in 2025, the team will continue to analyze trends, monitor impact, and forge partnerships with foundations, government agencies, and industry leaders.

These resources will directly fund new programs, expanded support services, and innovative tools for MBE development—ensuring that HMSDC has the capacity to serve its growing network and remain a leader in supplier diversity advancement.

Together, these focused strategies form a cohesive plan to elevate HMSDC’s impact and deepen its value to members. From amplifying procurement equity to cultivating billion-dollar MBEs, the path forward is rooted in vision, strategy, and collaboration.

As Ingrid Robinson shared in closing:

“2025 is not just another year—it’s our runway. It’s time to take off, to scale, and to lead. And we’re doing it—together.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Your support made this day possible:
🏅 Gold Sponsor: Golden Pass LNG
🏛️ Hosting Sponsor: Amegy Bank
🥈 Silver Sponsors: DWG.CPA Accountants and Advisors, World Wide Technology
🥤 Refreshment Sponsor: Guardian Engineering
📸 Media Coverage: TWICE Media Productions

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