7.13.20

Series Launches to Help Diversify Wichita’s Supplier Network

Program seeks to bring more local firms and talent to community projects

Entrepreneurship Series Press Packet Download

WICHITA, Kansas – All too often, the opportunities that come with large infrastructure projects are out of reach to everyone who could benefit from them. The upcoming Wichita Entrepreneurship & Innovation Series seeks to correct that.

Corporate sponsorships enable the series to be offered free of charge. Wichita Water Partners, led by Alberici and Burns & McDonnell, has joined with Evergy to underwrite the series. It is led by renowned leader, Fred McKinney, Ph.D., who serves as Carlton Highsmith Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and director of the People’s United Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Quinnipiac University School of Business, Hamden, Connecticut; and owner of BJM Solutions consulting, Trumbull, Connecticut. Other instructors of note include:

Gail Ayala Taylor, Ph.D.; clinical professor, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
Anthony Price, founder, Loot Scout; author, entrepreneur, Hartford, Connecticut.
Gerald Jaynes, Ph.D., professor of Economics and African American Studies, Yale University; BJM Solutions; New Haven, Connecticut.

Evergy and Burns & McDonnell sponsored a similar series in Kansas City in 2017, also led by Dr. McKinney. Valerie Coyazo, manager of supplier diversity for Evergy in Kansas City, Missouri, speaks enthusiastically of the series and the outcomes. The connections made between larger, established companies and smaller, newer companies, she says, reaped lifechanging benefits.

“Dr. Fred offers real-world, tangible advice and tools for success,” says Coyazo. “He generates such optimism and enthusiasm. Suppliers were so appreciative, and feedback has shown that their participation did help advance their businesses. It was a game-changing event for many attendees. We expect no less in Wichita.”

Opportunity Awaits Emerging and Disadvantaged Business Owners

“We hope that local area businesses will participate so everyone has a seat at the table,” says Brandon Johnson, Wichita City Council member, District 1.

While all are welcome, Johnson especially encourages minority and women-owned businesses to take part in the series. Johnson recently lent his voice to an outreach video that shares his enthusiasm and belief in the project. You can view it here.

Investing in Wichita’s Small Businesses and Workforce

“Education programs such as Dr. Fred’s help diversify the supplier network for Wichita’s new state-of-the-art water treatment facility, but also build expertise and skills that can transfer to work on other projects now and in the future,” says Ron Coker, senior vice president, Burns & McDonnell and project sponsor of Wichita Water Partners.

Initially, the series was to take place in person. Coronavirus precautions have led it to become virtual. Two-hour monthly Zoom sessions will take place August 3, September 1 and October 5. Session topics and times will be announced soon. Participants can also tap into instructors’ virtual office hours.

Wichita Entrepreneurship & Innovation Series

Hear from many Experts invitation graphic. Includes Gail Ayala Taylor, PhD, Anthony Price, and Gerald Jaynes PhD

Virtual Sessions

August 3, September 1 and October 5

Led by Fred McKinney, Ph.D

To learn more or to enroll, visit WichitaSupplierDiversity.com.

Wichita Water Partners

Wichita Water Partners is built around the national design capability and construction leadership of Burns & McDonnell, Alberici and HDR – supported by strong local design and construction partners. Team members with Wichita Water Partners employ approximately 1,000 people who call Wichita home. Our team is rooted in the Wichita community and is committed to the successful delivery of the Northwest Water Facility and associated economic growth in Wichita. To learn more about the project and the team, visit WichitaWaterWorks.com.