NEW ORLEANS – The Urban League of Louisiana’s Women’s Business Resource Center (WBRC) will host its inaugural Women in Construction Convening: The Art and Science of Collaboration(WICC) on Thursday, July 20, at the New Orleans Jazz Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
During the convening, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from four WBRC clients about the value of partnering relationships and how these should be leveraged in scaling the business. Through client stories, participants will hear first-hand what considerations to take in seeking out a partner and what they should be doing to add value to the relationship.
Organizers said participants will leave this session with a better understanding of the "ropes to skip and the ropes to know" about collaborative relationships.
Panelists for “Client Insights: How Collaborative Agreements Can Yield Profitable and Sustainable Businesses” include:
• Danah Malone – Malone Electrical Services president and CEO
Malone is the president and CEO of Malone Electrical Services, an electrical contractor servicing both residential and commercial clients. Over the years, Malone Electrical Services has increased its commercial operation to 70 percent of its total business, and has grown to employ 27 skilled workers. In addition, MES has recently formed a major business partnership with All Star Electric of Metairie, LA.
• Kristi Mirambell, P.E. – K-Belle Consultants founder and president
Mirambell, P.E. is the founder and president of K-Belle Consultants, an engineering, construction and management services firm serving industrial and commercial clients in the Gulf South. A licensed engineer, Mirambell has worked on a variety of projects, including helping to design and manage inspections for more than 100 offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, and serving as a key subcontractor for the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
• Iam Tucker, Integrated Logistical Solutions, Inc. president and CEO
Tucker serves as the president and CEO of ILSI Engineering, a 100 percent female, minority owned, 8(a) Certified civil engineering firm that provides competent, cost effective services. The company specializes in sewer, water, streets and drainage design projects, as well as Program and Construction Management. Tucker has generated a commendable record of achievements for herself and the company, with 62 contract awards across various state, local and federal agencies.
• Shakita Billups, Billups & Bayou Builders co-owner
Billups is a partner in the firm Billups and Bayou Builders, which provides new construction, remodeling and home demolition services in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. The company takes pride in residential and commercial community impact and has worked on various projects from flooded homes to grocery stores. In addition, the company is currently working on two teaming agreements with other minority-owned firms.
The panel will be moderated by Sombra Williams, DBE director for the Louisiana Recovery School District.
Williams is the director of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for the Louisiana Recovery School District. Since 2012, Williams has developed and implemented RSD's first and only DBE Program for Capital Projects, resulting in more than 27 percent DBE participation in RSD's school construction projects to date. Prior to assuming this role, Williams developed and implemented the Section 3 Compliance Program for Phase I of the Lafitte Redevelopment Project in New Orleans (Faubourg Lafitte).
The event will conclude with ‘Women In Networking’ (WIN) Happy Hour from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
During this convening, participants will have the opportunity to connect with industry influencers, and be inspired by intimate conversations about stories of collaboration and growth. The day will wrap up with a comprehensive discussion on partnering agreements, contractual obligations, and risk mitigation – the science of collaboration.
