Staff
The Northwest Mountain MSDC is led by a team of dedicated staff committed to advancing supplier diversity across the regions we serve. Contact us to ask questions or for support with certification, membership, and events. We look forward to connecting with you!
Karla Malacon
President & CEO
Karla Malacon is the President and CEO of the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC), overseeing operations across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. As the leader of the Council, Karla’s role entails advancing the organization’s mission to support and empower minority businesses through programs and services that foster economic growth, corporate partnerships, and certification initiatives. She is deeply committed to expanding the reach and impact of the Council, ensuring that minority business enterprises (MBEs) receive the resources and opportunities necessary for success.
Karla began her journey with the Council as Manager of Certification and MBE Services, where she helped minority businesses navigate the certification process. Over time, she took on a variety of leadership roles, including overseeing Marketing and Communications, Member Services, Operations, and serving as Vice President.
Karla has been an active participant in shaping the Council’s events, marketing, and certification strategies, and has been instrumental in leading several Council-led projects in collaboration with the State of Washington, the Port of Seattle, the City of Seattle, and the University of Washington Consulting and Business Development Center.
In addition to her work with the Council, Karla is actively involved in local business development efforts. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Sound Transit Diversity Oversight Committee. Fluent in Spanish, Karla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in International Business and Marketing from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.
What Karla enjoys most about her job is the ability to make a tangible difference in the growth of minority-owned businesses, connecting them to vital resources and opportunities that help them thrive in competitive markets. Her role offers the chance to work with dynamic corporate leaders, government entities, and diverse businesses, which fuels her passion for driving economic equity and fostering innovation within the business community.
Huda Al-Musawi
Manager of Operations
Huda Al-Musawi serves as the Manager of Operations at the Northwest Mountain MSDC, where she oversees key functions to advance the Council’s mission of fostering business growth and economic inclusion.
A graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelors in Global Studies, specializing in Law, Policy, and Politics, Huda brings a strong academic foundation and practical expertise to her role. Fluent in Arabic, she is passionate about connecting with diverse communities and championing equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Outside of work, Huda enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and actively engaging with her community. She thrives in fostering collaboration and driving meaningful impact that empowers businesses and strengthens connections across the region.
Chiara Brinkmann
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Chiara Brinkmann is the Manager of Marketing and Communications for the NWMMSDC, where she leads the Council’s strategic messaging and communications, driving its mission forward with impactful messaging and innovative marketing strategies.
With a background in Communications from the University of Washington and extensive experience in the Marketing industry, Chiara brings a variety of experience to her role. Having grown up across three different countries, she has cultivated a global perspective and a deep passion for championing creativity, inspiring ideas, and amplifying meaningful connections.
Kahdijah Lozada
Project Coordinator
Kahdijah Lozada is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Project Coordinator. Her commitment to excellence makes her a results-driven team leader, honing her skills and knowledge in project management, strategic planning, and effective communication. In her role, Kahdijah plays a pivotal part in connecting the Council’s corporate partners and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) by curating major events that foster meaningful relationships and create opportunities for growth and collaboration. She thrives on bringing people together and driving impactful initiatives that support economic development.
Kahdijah graduated from the Pamplin School of Business at the University of Portland and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active and volunteering in her community, reflecting her dedication to teamwork and community building.
Grayson Martin
Manager of Strategic Partnerships
Grayson Martin is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Manager of Strategic Partnerships, responsible for maintaining external relationships with corporations, public agencies, and other non-profits. Grayson acts as the point of contact for inquiries about membership, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to get involved with the NWMMSDC’s robust network of sponsored Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and supplier diversity experts.
Grayson has been with the NWMMSDC for around three years and formerly acted as a Program Manager overseeing public sector projects and contracting. Grayson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University and previously spent time working in political organizing and international importation/exportation.