5/21/2025 | MWBE Advocacy Day

On May 21st, WBC participated in the 2025 MWBE Advocacy Day in Albany, NY. This pivotal event brought together legislators, community leaders, and business advocates to champion the expansion and enhancement of the MWBE Program, aiming to increase contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses across the state.

Special thanks to Chris Boccia, JD Traditional Industries, Tanya Pope, Columbia University Facilities and Operations, and Kim Hardy, McKissack & McKissack, for representing WBC in our meetings with New York State Assembly Members and Senators. Their advocacy underscores our collective commitment to fostering an equitable business environment.

WBC Brought Forth the Following Recommendations:

• Strengthen Program Integrity
  We support strict penalties for false MWBE certification applications to protect the program's integrity and benefit the right businesses.

• Enhance Transparency and Compliance Monitoring

  We recommend real-time subcontractor payment reporting through the state’s e-procurement system to ensure MWBEs are paid fairly.

• Support the AAPI Enterprise Empowerment Initiative

  WBC fully backs this initiative, helping AAPI-owned MWBEs with certification, backlog issues, and fair procurement access.

• Collaborate on Program Improvement

  We look forward to collaborating with the MWBE program's Executive Director on a policy study to enhance outcomes and boost participation.

WBC remains committed to advancing opportunities for MWBEs and fostering a fair, inclusive business landscape. The discussions and recommendations shared during MWBE Advocacy Day are crucial steps toward meaningful change. Thank you to all who contributed to this important effort—we look forward to continuing this work and driving progress together!