Columbia University Facilities and Operations Supports Pioneering Collaborations in Economic Empowerment at Ascend National Conference
Innovating for Inclusivity: Columbia University and Ascend NYC Lead the Way at the 2023 Ascend Conference
Columbia University's Department of Facility and Operation's (CUFO) Construction Business Initiatives (CBI) unit took a leading role in promoting positive change for businesses of color through its participation in the 2023 Ascend National Conference. The conference was held at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, from July 10th to July 13th, 2023.
L-R: John Rooney, Tanya Pope, Ugochi Onyeukwu, and Kevin V.G. Wells, with John Frias, Ascend NYC Program Manager at BOC Network.
Ascend NYC, led by small business development organization Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network, is a highly impactful program operating in 13 cities across the nation, aimed at empowering businesses of color by providing them with quality technical assistance, management education, market opportunities and capital through a network of partners including CUFO and BOC Capital Corp (BCC), CDFI. Ascend NYC follows a 3M Model: Management, Markets & Money. BOC Network’s Business Peer Exchange provides innovative management training by building on each business’ management capacity. Increased marketing opportunities is provided through partner institutions like CUFO to share best practices and lessons learned, ensuring local businesses are well connected with contracts. Access to capital is provided through BCC by connecting local businesses with capital to manage contracts and achieve sustainable growth. The ultimate goal of the program is to create contract opportunities and a thriving business environment for entrepreneurs of color.
The Ascend NYC delegation with all mentioned above and Nancy Carin, Executive Director, BOC Network/BOC Capital Corp, Ryan Widenhouse, Manager of Lending Services, BOC Capital Corp, Scharlene de la Cruz, Manager, University Supplier Diversity, Columbia University, Melania Perez, Supplier Diversity Manager, Wildlife Conservation Society, Deborah Romain of Deb Romain Consulting Ascend NYC/CU Grow graduate firm, and Michelle McClymont, Equitable Development Programs Manager, BOC Network.
One of Ascend NYC's standout achievements is the establishment of the Private Anchor Exchange, a significant initiative co-chaired by CBI. This exchange consists of prominent institutions based in New York City, all committed to integrating businesses of color into their supply chain. It is worth noting that the Ascend NYC anchor model is widely regarded as the leading anchor program among all 13 Ascend cities, and was pleased to have anchor leaders from Gilbane Construction, The NY Philharmonic and the Wildlife Conservation Society travel to Los Angeles and participate in the conference. The companies making up Ascend NYC's Private Anchor Exchange include esteemed organizations such as CBRE, Columbia University, Fordham University, Gilbane Building Company, Hunts Point Produce Market, JP Morgan Chase, LaGuardia Community College, Lincoln Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York Philharmonic, Riverspring Hebrew Home, The Metropolitan Opera, Tischman Speyer, Turner & Townsend, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
L-R: Tanya Pope, AVP, University Supplier Diversity, Columbia University, John Rooney, Area Director, Economic Inclusion at Gilbane Building Company, Ugochi Onyeukwu, Director, Diversity Equity Inclusion, NY Philharmonic and Kevin V.G. Wells, Esq. Chief Diversity Officer at Wildlife Conservation Society.
During the conference, CBI took part in two enlightening panels that garnered significant attention:
● "Turning Program & Ecosystem Evaluation into Improved Business Outcomes: How to Utilize Data for Enhanced Performance" - This panel, moderated by Kim Zeuli, Founder and Managing Director of Equitable Evaluation Practice, delved into the transformative potential of data-driven decision-making to boost business performance.
● "Ascend NYC Market Access Case Study" - A highly insightful panel, moderated by Tanya Pope, AVP, University Supplier Diversity at Columbia University, showcased the impressive success of Ascend NYC's market access efforts, highlighting the positive impact on businesses of color.
The conference provided a unique platform for over 50 attendees from prestigious universities, corporations, and business development institutions across the nation to come together. This collaborative environment led to the exchange of invaluable information and fostered new partnerships among like-minded organizations.
About Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network, Inc.
BOC Network is a small business development organization dedicated to helping historically underserved communities achieve economic stability and growth. To advance economic justice, the organization delivers customized business support and connects businesses led by entrepreneurs of color and women with economic opportunities, thus fostering growth and job creation where they are most needed. Founded in 1997, BOC is recognized for its collaborative model bringing diverse communities and public and private stakeholders together to overcome barriers and advance equity in support of a brighter future for all.
About Columbia University’s Operations & Facilities
Columbia University Facilities and Operations supports the core educational and research mission of the University by maintaining a safe, beautiful, and functional campus environment, and providing services and spaces for campus life and activity outside the classroom. Facilities and Operations is responsible for the safety, preservation, and maintenance of Columbia's real estate portfolio. It provides space planning; oversight of new building design and construction; renovation, repair, and restoration of existing spaces; operations and maintenance of buildings and grounds; and management of the University apartment housing inventory and campus public safety. Within campus, Facilities and Operations also serves the community through the operation of its residential and retail dining program, event catering and venue management, undergraduate residence halls, student center and bookstore, and sustainability engagement.
ABOUT BOC CAPITAL CORP.
BOC Capital Corp., founded in 2001, is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to providing financing to small business owners, with a special focus on entrepreneurs of color. BOC Capital provides flexible, customized loans – along with ongoing business development assistance - to help with everything from supporting a new business, to taking an existing local business to the next level. To advance economic opportunities for entrepreneurs of color and their communities, BOC Capital provides low-cost financing for start-up and growth, including contract-based loans for businesses with government and private sector procurement opportunities. For more information, visit: www.boccapital.org.