Board of Directors

Sesley Brown

Accenture

Sesley Brown is the North America Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability Lead and Liaison to the US Contractor Exchange (Cx) for Accenture.

She is responsible for promoting Accenture’s mentoring program in the US, the Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP) as well as building relationships with small and medium diverse suppliers to maximize growth opportunities with Accenture’s internal and external clients.

Sesley currently holds a board seat with the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC).  She is also the 2014 Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) Spirit of Alliance “Buyer of the Year” award recipient. She has a multitude of experience in the areas of Supply Chain Management, Strategic Sourcing, Acquisitions Management and Sourcing and Category Management.

Sesley is a native Georgian and holds an MPA from Clark Atlanta University and a BS degree from Savannah State University.

William “Bill” Haley

AFLAC

William Haley is responsible developing and managing Aflac’s supplier diversity program. This initiative also supports mentoring suppliers with other affinity organizations in developing business structures and management processes that help enhance their potential to be successful suppliers to major corporations like Aflac. In addition to the GWBC board affiliation, he currently serves on the board of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC). He is Aflac’s corporate representative with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), the National Veteran-owned Business Association (NaVoBA), and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce (LACC). He has contributed as a corporate advisor to the Premier Development Program conducted by the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Nancy Williams

ASAP Solutions Group, LLC & WeFresh, LLC

Nancy is a Technology Industry Executive with progressive experience in business development and large-scale account management. She has recently been named in the Staffing Industry Analysts 2018 Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing. She also holds the WBENC Women of Distinction title.

Louise Connell

BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

Beginning her BMW career in 1996, Ms. Connell’s primary role has been within the purchasing department responsible for the procurement of body shop equipment.  Throughout her tenure as a buyer, Connell has been responsible for purchasing fuel systems, axle assemblies and, most recently, interior components.  

In 2011, Ms. Connell added responsibility for the plant’s supplier diversity platform. In that time, Ms. Connell helped launch the company’s successful Tier 1 Supplier Diversity Matchmaker Conference. In this new role, Connell has helped BMW achieve their objectives to increase their year-to-date minority spend with both Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, increase outside awareness of BMW’s  commitment to supplier diversity and increase the company’s community service outreach.

Patrick Dierberger

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Patrick Dierberger is an assistant vice president in the Financial Management and Planning (FM&P) Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is responsible for FM&P’s financial management, accounting, procurement, travel, and discretionary functions as well as other duties associated with the Bank’s financial reporting.  Patrick, who has worked at the Atlanta Fed for 20 years, held positions of increasing responsibility in the Payor Bank Services, Treasury Check Processing, Check Administration, and Unisys Information Security departments before joining FM&P. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Auburn University, and has completed executive development programs with Harvard University and The Wharton School.  He currently serves on the board of directors for the Center for Pan Asian Community Services, a nonprofit provider of self-sufficiency and equity programs for immigrant, refugee and underprivileged families.  

Kayla Dang

GMI Group, Inc.

Kayla Dang is the CEO of GMI Group, Inc., a female and minority commercial janitorial company. Based in Atlanta, Georgia since 2005, GMI has been serving the Southeastern region of the United States. GMI specializes in green cleaning for commercial buildings, corporate facilities, government agencies, manufacturing plants, medical facilities, schools, and universities.

GMI Group has been certified as Women’s Business Enterprise and Woman Owned Small Business with the Women’s Business Enterprises National Council. Minority Business Enterprise with the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Kayla is currently serving on the executive board as vice president of US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce-Southeast (USPAACC-SE). Kayla is a graduate of Tuck-WBENC Executive Program, Greater Women’s Business Council Protégé, SBA Emerging Leaders, and Commercial Real Estate Women Atlanta Leadership.

Kayla continually strives to develop her business, herself, and the community as well. Currently serving on the Laotian American Society (LAS) Board of Advisors, Kayla contributes much of her entrepreneurial skills with the nonprofit 501(c) organization to assist in shaping, guiding, directing, and leading for the sole purpose of enriching the community with Lao culture and diversity. 

Sheila Jordan

Knowledge Architects, LLC

Sheila Jordan is Managing Partner at Knowledge Architects, LLC, a professional services firm that provides innovative digital training solutions and cloud-based mobile applications that support business process improvement initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience helping organizations increase their flexibility, responsiveness and overall organizational performance, Sheila’s mission has always been to maximize growth, resources, and sustainability for the clients she works with.

She began her career in management consulting leading large scale training and change initiatives, delivering practical solutions to complex engagements across the U.S. for companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Pacific, State of Georgia, City of Atlanta, IBM and MARTA.

Today, Sheila leads a team of experienced learning technologists, engineering experts and application developers, who work with companies across the U.S. to design and develop innovative solutions using emerging technologies like 3D animation, AR and mobile apps. Her team at Knowledge Architects provides an exceptional client experience that delivers focused, relevant content to users when and where they need it.
Sheila is a graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Human Resource Management, and a Masters in Instructional Technology.

Anne Marsden

Marsden Marketing

Anne Marsden is the founder and principal of Marsden Marketing, an Atlanta-based marketing agency. A Georgia Tech grad, Anne has walked both sides of the marketing aisle as a client and agency owner. Having led marketing and sales organizations from Fortune 100s to technology start-ups, she launched Marsden Marketing in 2012 to bring a new brand of sales-driven marketing services to B2B companies. Recognizing the extraordinary impact of the new digital world on buyer behaviors, Marsden Marketing helps clients reach – and connect with – their ideal prospects with the right mix of marketing and sales touchpoints. 

Anne is the author of the successful eGuide, How to Jump Start Your Inbound Marketing Program: 10 Steps to Get More Leads, and an impassioned speaker on how B2B companies can leverage marketing to accelerate sales.

Anne is active in the community, helping others make the most of the digital world to better serve and support. Marsden Marketing is a national sponsor of 48in48, a non-profit that each year provides 48 websites to 48 deserving nonprofits in cities around the country. Anne also serves as co-chair of the national marketing committee for 48in48.

Tina Stevens

Secondary Solutions, Inc.

In 1997, Secondary Solutions CEO Tina Stevens saw solutions where others might have only seen problems. After carefully examining the processes and problems of modern manufacturing, Tina envisioned a company comprised of skilled, dedicated problem solvers that could step in and save the day—solving the many day to day challenges that manufacturers must face. Tina saw her company as one that offered “Secondary Solutions”, solutions that others could rely on when they faced errors and failures in product design, assembly and delivery. 

Since then, Secondary Solutions, Inc. has become one of the most successful oversight and problem-solving teams assembled, making SSI the first choice response team for some of the worlds most successful companies. Tina is proud that Secondary Solutions is not only a Certified ISO Company but one that is also a nationally-recognized Women’s Business Enterprise Network.  And to this day, Tina is happy to solve your problem too.

Sushumna Roy Jalajam

Softpath System

Sushumna Roy Jalajam began her career in Talent Acquisition Management with over 20 years in IT management and a background in education. With a passion for excellence, coupled with a desire to deliver innovative workforce solutions to clients, Roy co-founded Softpath System LLC, an award-winning firm IT and non-IT solutions provider to Fortune 1000 corporations across the nation.  Softpath, now in existence for over 17 years, is a certified Women and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise headquartered in Norcross, Georgia. 

Sushumna Roy Jalajam is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and sets the vision for the staffing and technology strategy, while leading a team of over 800 employees committed to unparalleled service and value.  Her firm is the recipient of numerous awards including 2014 Investment Partner of the Year by Informatica for outstanding contributions to Informatica and MDM Technology and the acclaimed 2016 Georgia Women Business Council (GWBC) LACE Trailblazer Award, honoring Softpath for inspiring and empowering women-owned businesses. She recently received USPAACC Fast100 Award, 2017 Women’s Presidents Award, 2017 Enterprising Women Award, and 2017 Minority Business of Year Award by The Atlanta Tribune.

Sushumna is very active within the business community and civic organizations with a passion for enhancing the potential of small and diverse businesses. She actively mentors women business organizations and provides volunteer committee support to GWBC where she also serves as a Member of the Board.  She is Chair of the GMSDC IT Industry Group and has served as Board Member to U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce – Southeast Chapter (USPAACC-SE) and as Trustee to multiple non-profits and community organizations.  Sushumna holds a Master’s Degree in Literature with honors from Osmania University, India.  She has earned a Master’s in Business Management from the prestigious IMS, India.  She is married to Ravi Chander, co-founder of Softpath System and has three daughters.

Debra White

SONOCO

Debra White is native of Louisiana and holds a degree in Business Management and a Masters in Procurement.  

She’s a proven leader/innovator with extensive experience in all areas of procurement, including the design, build, and operation of a global, center-led strategic sourcing groups. During her 15 years of consistent advancement in the procurement field, Debra has produced a strong record of generating excellent results by calling upon her technical and functional expertise and her ability to work closely with internal customers and suppliers.  Throughout her career, Debra has sourced more than $1B of goods and services across a number of industries including: Manufacturing, Electronics, and Packaging etc. 

Additionally, Debra’s also been a leader in promoting diversity among the supply base and has participated in national/ regional conferences as well as serving on boards in CVMSDC and GWBC.

Tameka Harper

The Coca-Cola Company

Tameka Harper is the Director of Global Indirect Procurement for The Coca-Cola Company.  In this role she is responsible for over $1.4B of Indirect spend, leading a team of category and sourcing managers responsible for delivering game-changing solutions that deliver break-through value while optimizing the bottom-line.  She is a talented communicator skilled in partnering with cross-functional teams, senior management and in building relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.  Tameka is a business strategist with an IT background and began her career at Coca-Cola over 18 years ago.  She is a graduate of Georgia Tech and holds a MBA from Mercer University.

Evelyn Ashley

Trusted Counsel

Evelyn Ashley is the founder and Managing Partner of Trusted Counsel.   Evelyn advises private company and family office clients on matters such as mergers and acquisitions, financing and investments, intellectual property protection, licensing, manufacturing, distribution, entity structure and related issues, corporate spinouts and international transactions. She has wide ranging legal and business experience and brings a results focused, pragmatic approach to the practice of law. She serves on the Board of the nsoro Foundation, which provides college scholarships for foster children who have aged out of the foster care system (www.thenf.org), as well as Women in Technology and the Greater Women’s Business Enterprise Council which oversees the process of certifying woman owned businesses in the Southeast.

Kathleen Marran

UPS

Kathleen Marran wants to live in a world where people push themselves to experience life’s many diverse possibilities, expect more from each other, and help others reach their highest heights.

As a VP of Marketing at UPS, she draws upon her 25-plus years of experience in Marketing and Logistics to oversee a multi-billion dollar revenue plan and a 300 person marketing team across the United States. 

Her career has been fostered by the exposure to a myriad of business challenges and solutions and has benefited by living and working in cities in Asia, Europe and the US. She delights in supporting customers’ growth objectives in new and unique ways.  Reward for her comes from the team members she has helped promote and develop, the charitable groups she has sponsored and confidence in her ability to adapt to changing situations and environments.

When she is not overseeing UPS Marketing for the for US market, you can find her with her high school-sweetheart husband traveling, cooking, volunteering or supporting her alma maters, the University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina.

Her passions are in creating new experiences for herself and her teams wherever that may be while continuing to work on ways to advance the position of women in business, politics and society as whole.

Tai A. Roberson

Wells Fargo

Tai Roberson is Vice President and Senior Community Development Officer for Wells Fargo, with responsibility for the 29 county footprint in Metropolitan Atlanta. She is responsible for delivering the company’s community development strategic initiatives, including affordable housing, neighborhood stabilization and revitalization, community lending, service and investments. She works closely with Wells Fargo line of business executives, market leaders, community stakeholders and government officials to stimulate positive outcomes and solutions for the social, community and economic development issues impacting the region.

Tai has more than 15 years of banking experience in affordable lending and retail banking working for Wells Fargo and its predecessor companies and SunTrust Bank. Prior to rejoining Wells Fargo in 2017, Tai spent 10 years as a development executive with Clearpoint, one of the largest consumer credit counseling agencies in the country focused on financial capability counseling and education. For years, she has worked tirelessly to gain millions in philanthropic and sponsorship support for community programs focused on homeownership, default prevention, small business/entrepreneur support, managing credit, saving and asset building, financial literacy for youth and young adults and programs targeted to veterans, the homeless, minority populations and the underserved. She has received several distinguished awards and leadership recognition for her work in the community. She has presented and served on various industry panels and focus groups dedicated to financial capability and empowerment.

Tai currently serves on the Wells Fargo Atlanta Foundation and Sponsorship Committee, Atlanta Market Reputation Council, Atlanta Volunteer Board, the Atlanta Green Team and Women’s and African American Team Member Networks. She is a graduate of Leadership Cobb and active with many non-profits focused on education, youth development, affordable and sustainable housing, job readiness and economic development.

Tai is a graduate of Spelman College and during her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, volunteering and going to sporting event to watch her sons. She is married and has three sons.

Susie Galyardt

XIOSS

XIOSS Founder, President & CEO Susie Galyardt launched her data storage solution provider business in 2008. Under her leadership, XIOSS has grown exponentially, landing at No. 1 on CRN’s Fast Growth, 100 list in 2012, as well as in the top 50 on CRN’s Next Generation list of solution providers. She was also named in the Power 100 of CRN’s annual Women of the Channel, awarded to the highest ranking women holding the most prominent channel-focused positions in vendor or solution provider organizations. Galyardt currently serves on the GWBC Voice Committee, Chairs Woman 2 Woman and serves as a Mentor in the Mentor Protégé program.