September 2024 | Page 5 of 8 | Diversity Business Exhibit

Doris De Los Santos

Director - Supplier Diversity & Sustainability, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Doris is a Solutions-focused, results oriented and accomplished leader with a proven record of successful implementation of high-stakes, demanding programs, and initiatives. She has a broad expertise in an organization’s core business practices and developing actionable plans to optimize performance. She has been recognized for cultivating long-term professional relationships and as a thought leader with an extensive history of community outreach, public policy, and public service and a vast network in the non-profit sector and of community outreach, public policy, and public service and a vast network in the non-profit sector and community faith-based sectors.

Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Supplier Diversity Segment

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Keith Stokes

Associate Director, State of Rhode Island - Division of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Keith W. Stokes of Newport, Rhode Island, presently leads the State of Rhode Island Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, serving as Associate Director. Previously, he served as the Director for Business and Development for the City of Providence, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, and Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Stokes also serves as the Historian for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, Vice Chair of Touro Synagogue Foundation, and a former Advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell University and the University of Chicago.

Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Supplier Diversity Segment

by folowookere

Victor Regino

Programming Services Officer, State of RI - Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Victor Regino, of Latin descent, is a Programming Services Officer focused on advancing equity in Rhode Island. Outside of his work in contract compliance and MBE certification assistance, he runs and owns the state's first minority-owned liquor distribution company

Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Supplier Diversity Segment

by folowookere

Olinda Urizar Mendez

Minority Business Support Director, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

As Minority Business Support Director, Olinda acts as the Liaison between Commerce and local organizations providing access to capital and technical assistance to minority business (MBEs), developing and managing a pilot grant program dedicated to MBE businesses, and ensure Rhode Island’s MBEs have access to the right and best-fit physical space to conduct operations.

Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Supplier Diversity Segment

by folowookere

Kayleigh Hill

SupplyRI Program Manager, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Supplier Diversity Segment

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Giovanni Prestipino

Visionary, Epitome

Giovanni Prestipino is the visionary behind Epitome, a streetwear brand founded in 2020, and 1919, a fitness brand launched in 2024. Known for his innovative approach and keen eye for trends, Giovanni has successfully blended fashion and functionality, creating brands that resonate with contemporary lifestyles.

Friday, September 6th, 9AM - 2:00PM | Lt. Governor's "Back to School, Back to Business!" Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

by folowookere

Rose Albert

Executive Director, Rhode Island for Community & Justice

Rose Albert (she, her) is the Executive Director of Rhode Island for Community and Justice (RICJ), a non-profit organization based in Providence, RI. With over 15 years of dedicated service to RICJ, she was appointed Executive Director in May 2024. Rose is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and justice within her community. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in her work and has extensive experience collaborating with other organizations.In addition to her professional achievements, Rose values family, community, and mindfulness. She has been recognized for her contributions and was honored as one of the Leading Women by Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. The Diversity and Inclusion Professionals (DAIP) awarded her the Catalyst for Change award. Rose’s commitment to her community and her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and just society make her a respected leader in her field.

Friday, September 6th, 9AM - 2:00PM | Lt. Governor's "Back to School, Back to Business!" Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

by folowookere

Khamry Varfley

Founder & Entrepreneur Specialist, MBKBeauty LLC & Community Libraries of Providence

Khamry Varfley is a passionate community member and entrepreneur which can be shown in her work as Entrepreneur Specialist for the Community Libraries of Providence and as the Founder of MBKBeauty, a vegan cosmetics brand, respectively. She holds an MBA from Johnson and Wales University and is a Certified Entrepreneur Librarian Specialist. Khamry is dedicated to fostering economic growth and educational opportunities, particularly for underrepresented communities. Her expertise includes leading programs that bridge technology gaps and empower aspiring entrepreneurs. She continues to inspire positive change in the communities she serves, aiming to build a future where everyone has the tools and support to succeed.