WBEC-West Announces and Welcomes Distinguished Leaders to its 2023-2025 Board of Directors

WBEC-West is pleased to announce the appointment of 6 New Board Members to its esteemed Board of Directors:

1. Kate Kleyman, Social Impact Program Manager with McKinstry

2. Quentin O’Neal, Supplier Diversity Manager with Layton Construction

3. Deborah Mackins, Sr. Manager, Vendor Diversity with Arrow

4. Danielle Van Vleet, Sustainability and Diversity Program Manager with ASU

5. Catherine (Cat) Chang, Director, Office of the CFO with The Walt Disney Company

6. Kathleen Jones, Supplier Diversity Manager, BlueCross BlueShield – Arizona

"We are thrilled to welcome each of them to our Board of Directors," said WBEC-West CEO Dr. Pamela Williamson.

"Their collective expertise and passion for empowering women-owned businesses align seamlessly with our organization's goals. We are confident that their contributions will play a pivotal role in advancing the impact of WBEC-West in the coming years."

The new board members join a distinguished group of leaders committed to fostering economic growth, innovation, and equality for women entrepreneurs. Their induction reflects WBEC-West's ongoing dedication to assembling a diverse and dynamic board that mirrors the rich tapestry of the communities it serves.

These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and commitment to furthering WBEC-West's mission of advancing women-owned businesses.

WBEC-West is honored to announce the 2023-2025 Board of Directors as follows:

Board Chair – Tanya Nixon, Director, Supplier Diversity Strategic Sourcing & Procurement l Corporate Services with AFLAC

Board Vice Chair – Lance Dorsey, Director, Supplier Diversity with Sony Pictures

Board Treasurer – Jennifer Trotter, Community Relations & DEI Manager with Plenary Group

Board Secretary – Ken Ashford, Business Outreach Representative for MWD

Board member + National Forum Rep

Lorelei Carobolante, President, and CEO of G2nd Systems

Rashmi Chaturvedi, President of Kaygen Information Excellence

Board Members

Katie Pendergrass, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing with Caesars Entertainment

Todd “TJ” Jackson, Manager, Supplier Diversity with Republic Services

Kristin Bentsen, Manager, Risk Management with AMGEN

Priscilla Chavez, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion with PCL Construction

Vaughn Williams III, Principal Supplier Diversity Advisor with SoCalGas

Joanne M. Florez, Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager with Intel

Stephen Kane, Vice President with Burns McDonnell

Lisa Stevens, Vice President, Minority Entrepreneurs, SR. Business Consultant with Chase for Business

Erika Castro, Supplier Diversity Program Manager with SRP

Brittney Parkinson, Community & Citizenship Director with Turner Construction

Kate Kleyman, Social Impact Program Manager with McKinstry

Quentin O’Neal, Supplier Diversity Manager with Layton Construction

Deborah Mackins, Sr. Manager, Vendor Diversity with Arrow

Danielle Van Vleet, Sustainability and Diversity Program Manager with ASU

Catherine (Cat) Chang, Director, Office of the CFO with The Walt Disney Company

Kathleen Jones, Supplier Diversity Manager, BlueCross BlueShield – Arizona

For more information about WBEC-West and its mission, please visit www.wbec-west.com.

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. They also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.

Media Contact: office@wbec-west.org