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Members of the NY Women’s Chamber of Commerce Stand Strong at MWBE Advocacy Day in Albany By Pat Stevenson
Members of the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce joined hundreds of entrepreneurs, advocates, and business leaders from across the state for MWBE Advocacy Day in Albany on April 27. This year’s theme, “Empowered, Expanded and Enforced,” set the tone for a day centered on strengthening opportunity, accountability, and equity for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Led by Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and Senator James Sanders, Jr., the annual gathering brought together NY city and state leaders and business owners with a shared mission: ensuring MWBEs have a fair and growing place in New York’s economic landscape.
I traveled with a busload of energized business owners from Harlem, proudly sponsored by the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce. The excitement was palpable from the moment we boarded. For many, this day represents more than an annual event, it is a chance to be seen, heard, and counted in the rooms where decisions are made.
The morning began in the Legislative Office Building with a breakfast presentation featuring representatives from various New York City and New York State agencies. These officials outlined current initiatives, procurement opportunities, and ongoing efforts to expand MWBE participation. They also emphasized the importance of continued engagement, reminding attendees that policy shifts and budget decisions are shaped by the voices of those most affected.
Throughout the day, legislators addressed the crowd, reaffirming their commitment to increasing MWBE inclusion in both city and state contracts. They highlighted historic spending levels achieved in recent years and discussed the work still ahead, particularly around strengthening enforcement mechanisms and ensuring agencies meet their participation goals. Legislators also underscored a key message: despite uncertainty at the federal level, New York remains one of the most inclusive states for MWBEs.
The afternoon press conference, held on the iconic Million Dollar Staircase inside the Capitol, brought the day’s themes into sharp focus. Surrounded by advocates and business owners, lawmakers spoke passionately about the need to protect and expand MWBE programs, especially in the face of shifting national policies. Their message was clear: New York will continue to lead.
A long list of influential leaders participated throughout the day, including: Michael Garner, Chief Business Diversity Officer, City of New York, Jason Clark, Executive Director, NYS Division of MWBE, Senator James Sanders, Jr, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, NY State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Many additional legislators joined as the day progressed, each reinforcing the same commitment: MWBEs are essential to New York’s economic strength, and lawmakers are fighting to ensure they receive the access, resources, and opportunities they deserve.
Lunch was served back in the Legislative Office Building, where the program continued with open dialogue between MWBEs and lawmakers. Business owners came prepared with questions, about certification, contracting barriers, payment delays, and upcoming opportunities. Legislators responded directly, offering clarity and acknowledging the challenges that persist.
The final discussion of the day centered on Article 15-A, the state law that governs MWBE participation in public contracting. Speakers stressed that enforcement is just as important as policy creation. Without accountability, they noted, equity cannot be achieved. Attendees received legislative updates, resource lists, and information on upcoming events designed to help MWBEs stay engaged and informed.
MWBE Advocacy Day was more than a series of speeches and presentations, it was a demonstration of unity. From Harlem to Buffalo, from Brooklyn to Syracuse, business owners showed up to advocate not only for themselves but for the future of equitable contracting in New York.
As we boarded the bus back to Harlem, the message from legislators echoed in our minds: “We are working for you.” But the day also made something else clear, MWBEs are working for themselves, their communities, and the generations that will follow. Empowered, expanded, and enforced is not just a theme; it is a call to action.
