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Dear BDI Buzz Readers...
The BDI board of directors is working on the final details for this year’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference on September 13th, 14th & 16th. Among the impressive line-up of speakers, we are welcoming keynote speaker, Franklin Lee of Tydings & Rosenberg LLP from Baltimore, Maryland. Franklin Lee is one of the country’s leading authorities on socio-economic policies that promote the use of small, minority-owned, and woman-owned businesses in government contracting. We are also thrilled to have dynamic speaker Collette Holt, a nationally recognized expert in designing, implementing and defending affirmative action programs, joining us again this year!
Please take a moment to nominate a deserving small business or diversity practitioner for our 2016 MED Week Awards. We’ve streamlined this process to make it easier than ever to nominate!
In addition to our regular sponsorship opportunities, we have added a small business sponsorship category that includes recognition in our MED Week program and tickets to all MED Week events. Please consider supporting BDI and join our current committed sponsors!
Thank you for your support!
Charissa Rotramel
Business Diversity Institute | Chair
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 Name: Steven Nakana
Occupation: Social Equity Program Manager
Contact Email: Steven.nakana@portofportland.com
Phone: 503-415-6855
Website: www.portofportland.com
5 things BDI Buzz readers want to know...
Describe a bit about your history and how you arrived at The Port?
I have a somewhat interesting personal history. I am from Cape Town, South Africa. However, I was born in Lusaka, Zambia, where my family and I were exiled for a period of 27 years when South Africa was under apartheid rule. This experience influenced my academic and professional career goals in international development, particularly in the social justice field.
I have worked as policy researcher, peace building advisor, an interest-based negotiation and mediation trainer, curriculum development advisor, program and project management trainer, and an instructor in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, history and politics.
Tell us more about your role and how you support small businesses?
My role is to design and implement the Port’s social equity program. One aspect of my role is to help dismantle barriers that impact small businesses that work or wish to work with the Port.
Describe a career adversity you have overcome, and how you overcame it?
I have overcome many challenges in my career. Working with people from multiple backgrounds was a major challenge. However, my cross-country and global experiences have given me the tools to function well in any environment.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer small business to succeed?
Small business owners need to develop the capacity to plan and working the designed plan
What is your favorite quote?
Hakhuna matata (No worries!)
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Problem solver. Communicator. Financial whiz. Running a small business involves wearing a lot of hats. If you’re looking to increase productivity and organization — or just make your life as an entrepreneur a little easier — a good app might be just what you need. Read more
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Our Mission
To support the growth and success of regional minority-owned and woman-owned businesses through sustainable business:
• Education and training
• Outreach, tools and resources
• Promoting collaboration of public/private organizations
in these efforts
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