Podcast 6.7

Curating Economic Success in the San Fernando Valley

Episode 8 features an interview with Sonya Kay Blake, President and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance. The Alliance serves businesses, educational institutions and community organizations of all sizes to achieve economic vitality and prosperity in the greater San Fernando Valley region and has worked with Metro on engagement for projects such as the G Line (Orange Line) and now the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit (ESFV LRT). Blake shares her journey from the east coast to the west coast, and how she weaved her art gallery dreams into guiding California entrepreneurs at the local and state levels to now leading the charge at The Alliance. #DBE #entrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #emprendimiento

Leading DBEs to Longterm Success

Episode 7 features interviews with Abbigail Brown, Owner and President of CPM Logistics, and Teresa Maxwell, DBE Compliance Officer at Skanska. Abbigail is a dynamic leader who works tirelessly with communities to promote increased education, awareness and project expectations for federally funded transportation projects to assist DBEs, especially marginalized groups at federal, state and local levels. She leads Caltrans Alternative Delivery, is a member of the Caltrans Construction Innovative Task Group and facilitates the Caltrans District 4 Mentor-Protégé Program. With over 20 years of experience in the heavy/civil construction industry, Teresa is a strong advocate for diversity. She oversees Subcontractor Economic Inclusion programs and leads training on workshops and events to engage DBEs. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and creating opportunities for diverse subcontractors to contribute to projects in communities in which they live and work.  #DBE #entrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #emprendimiento

Conversaciones Sobre Cumplimiento (Compliance Conversations)

En honor al Mes de la Herencia Hispana, el Podcast 6.7 presenta un episodio que destaca a dos invitados, Diana Layseca, Gerente Senior de Desarrollo de Negocios de Bess Utility Solutions, y Ernesto Trías, Director y CEO de Parthenon Corporation. El episodio, en español, muestra la visión de cada invitado sobre su experiencia laboral en el programa DBE y cómo las pequeñas empresas, que pueden ser operadas por hispanohablantes o principalmente en español, pueden participar en el programa DBE y encontrar éxito. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Podcast 6.7 features an episode spotlighting two top guests, Diana Layseca, the Senior Business Development Manager for Bess Utility Solutions, and Ernesto Trias, Principal and CEO of Parthenon Corporation. The all-Spanish episode showcases each guest’s insight about their DBE work experience and how small businesses, which may be operated by Spanish-only or primarily Spanish speakers, can participate in the DBE program and find success. #DBE #entrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #emprendimiento

"From Toilet Paper to Locomotives and Everything in Between."

Episode 5 features an interview with Ramon Ortiz, Director of Certification and Economic Development at Metro. Ramon focuses on creating opportunities for small businesses to provide goods and services on the numerous agency projects, and works to ensure Metro remains in compliance with regulations governing the DBE, SBE, and LSBE programs. With 20 years of experience working with small businesses, Ramon shares how he discovered the industry and provides valuable advice on how to get started with contracting, some success stories, and an in-depth look into the continuing evolution of the certification process. #DBE #entrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #emprendimiento

Thriving in the Wonderful World of Construction

Episode 4 features an interview with Sharon Coleman, founder of Coleman Construction. Coleman’s background includes commercial, governmental and institutional projects, as well as design build, housing restorations and more. Sharon currently serves as the President of the National Association of Minority Contractors, Southern California Chapter (NAMCSC) and Vice Chair for Metro’s Transportation Business Advisory Council (TBAC). Sharon details her entry into the world of construction, shares the experiences that helped her grow her company into the thriving business it is today, including tips for success for prospective entrepreneurs, and explains the importance of giving back to the community.  #DBE #entrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #emprendimiento