About the Northwest Mountain MSDC - Northwest Mountain MSDC

Founded in 1978, the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (Northwest Mountain MSDC) is a nonprofit organization certifying, developing, and connecting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with major corporations and public agencies. We are an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) providing certification, membership and subscription services to the Pacific Northwest Mountain region which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

What We Do

Leadership

Council Staff

Our Members

Resources

Our Mission

Foster an environment that develops equitable opportunities, creating economic value.

Our Vision

Be recognized as the leading supplier diversity organization.

Our Values

Deliver Value
Invent and Innovate
Champion Equity

Our Core Competencies

Certify
Through our rigorous certification process, the Northwest Mountain MSDC enables meaningful business engagements between minority-owned businesses and corporate/public agency members that wish to engage in business with diverse suppliers.

Develop
The Northwest Mountain MSDC develops its certified minority business enterprises’ capacity through educational programming, corporate and MBE-to-MBE development, and our partnership with Executive Education Institutions.

Connect
Our MBE network helps corporate/public agency members connect with diverse suppliers across industries. Additionally, we facilitate both formal and informal introductions between MBEs of all sizes that may benefit from one another.

Advocate
The Northwest Mountain MSDC, its board of directors, and MBE input committee advocate for diversity in supply chain practices. They actively support policies and legislation that promote greater diversity in the public and private sectors.

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. - John F. Kennedy

Board of Directors

We are extremely grateful to our Board of Directors and the organizations they represent for their dedication and commitment to Supplier Diversity.

The Board of Directors provide leadership and strategic direction for the Northwest Mountain MSDC. Composed of business leaders and executives from the leading companies in our region. As the Council’s governing body the Board of Directors is tasked participating in various committees as well as confirming the Certification’s Committee decision to approve or deny certification applications.

Josh Canady

Board Vice Chairperson

Sr. Diversity Program Manager, Microsoft

Rocky Fong

Board Treasurer

Vice President | Community Manager - Seattle Market, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Kate Kleyman

Board Secretary

Vendor Diversity Program Manager, McKinstry

Shahzad Q. Qadri

MBEIC Chairperson

Partner, Wong Fleming, P.C.

Carl Gipson

Board Member

Director, External Affairs, AT&T, Inc.

Karla Malacon

Board Member

President & CEO, Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council

Chi Pak

Board Member

Director, Supplier Diversity, T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Vladimir "Vlad" Poppel

Board Member

Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, Intel Corporation

Lesley Zavar

Board Member

Senior Director, Global Responsibility and Resiliency, Starbucks Coffee Company

Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee

The Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) represents interests of our Northwest Mountain MSDC Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) network to the Council and Board-of-Directors. MBEIC, composed of executives from certified MBE firms, advises the Council on programming which helps develop scale, capacity and capabilities of the MBEs they serve.

Shahzad Q. Qadri

MBEIC Chairperson

Partner, Wong Fleming. P.C.

Javier Chavez, Jr.

Founder & President, Cerveza Zólupez

Dan Puga

EVP, GM of Private Sector, In Time Tec

Carmen Nazario

President, CEO, Elyon International

Nelson Reyneri

Vice President, Sales and External Affairs, Point B

RC Sunkara

Chief Executive Officer, Mavensoft Technologies, LLC

Curtis Thornhill

President, Apt Marketing Solutions

	Karla Malacon - President & CEO Karla Malacon is the President and CEO for the Northwest Mountain MSDC serving Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Karla has been dedicated to the Council’s mission since she started as the Manager of Certification and MBE Services, supporting Minority Businesses through the certification process and beyond. Through her time with the Council, Karla has handled the Marketing and Communications, Member Services, Operations, and Vice President roles. Most recently appointed to the President and CEO position, Karla is not new to leading the organization’s mission forward through various stages of growth and development. During her time with the Council, Karla has participated in the Minority Business Executive Program with the University of Washington, and led the events, marketing, and certification committees. She has been intimately involved in the Council’s expansion to new markets across the region and helped increase the number of Corporate Members and MBEs supported by the Northwest Mountain MSDC. She currently serves as a member of both the Seattle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as the Sound Transit Diversity Oversight Committee. Karla has experience working on Council led projects in partnership with the State of Washington, the Port of Seattle, the City of Seattle, and the University of Washington Consulting and Business Development Center. Karla is fluent in Spanish and graduated from the Michael G. Foster School of Business from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration focused in International Business and Marketing. Email: kmalacon@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959 ext. 170
	Huda Al-Musawi - Manager of Operations Huda Al-Musawi is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Manager of Operations. Huda graduated from the University of Washington, Tacoma with a B.A. in Global Studies, Law and Policy, and Politics. She is fluent in Arabic and enjoys working with diverse communities. Email: halmusawi@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959 ext. 109
	Jeffery Bartley - Manager of Corporate Services, Marketing, and Communications Jeffery Bartley is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Manager of Corporate Services, Marketing and Communications. He is responsible for collaborating with corporate and public agency members to help meet their needs, as well as building and executing our branding strategy. Jeff received his Bachelor of Media and Language Arts from Fresno Pacific University. He has a steady history working with nonprofit organizations dating back to 2017. In his free time, Jeff enjoys working with local creative artists. Email: jbartley@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959 ext. 169
	Grayson Martin - Program Manager Grayson Martin is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Technical Assistance Services (TAS) Program Manager. He oversees all aspects of the TAS program, including outreach, enrollment, and training. Grayson received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University and previously worked in political organizing. In his free time, Grayson enjoys hiking, travel, and photography. Email: gmartin@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6964 ext. 164
	Armando Guerrero - Manager of Certification & MBE Services Armando Guerrero is the Northwest Mountain MSDC's Manager of Certification & MBE Services. Armando graduated from The College of Idaho. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and is the main contact for assistance with the Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certification. Contact Armando for inquiries regarding mandatory documents, an application walkthrough, or general information about OMWBE's State Certification. Email: aguerrero@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959
	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 that hones her skills and knowledge in project management, strategic planning, and effective communication. Kahdijah graduated from the Pamplin School of Business from the University of Portland and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In her spare time, Kahdijah enjoys staying active and volunteering in her community, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and community building. Email: klozada@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959

Network, engage, partner, contract, and deliver value to our economy.

The following corporations and public agencies are active members of the Northwest Mountain MSDC. They have demonstrated commitment to supplier diversity in our region and beyond. In addition to our member roster below, our certified MBEs and members have access to over 400 national members/12,000 Certified MBEs throughout the country through the National MSDC affiliate network.

Public Agency/Non-Profit Members

Public agency, nonprofit and educational institution members operating in our region.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Business Impact NW
City of Seattle
Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
City of Seattle Department of Transportation
City of Seattle Public Utilities
Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA)
King County Business Development
Tacoma Business Center Minority Business Development Agency
WA State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises
Oregon Health & Science University
Port of Seattle
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle City of Light
Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Snohomish County
Sound Transit
State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services
State of WA Department of Transportation
University of Washington

Regional Corporate Members

These corporations are members of the Northwest Mountain MSDC.

Alaska Air Group
AT&T, Inc.
Branch, Richards, & Co., PS.
Costco Wholesale
Enterprise Holdings
Howard S. Wright
Intel Corporation
M.A. Mortenson Company
McKinstry
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Northwest Natural Gas Company
Oki Golf
Pivotal Ventures
Puget Sound Energy
Sellen Construction
Standard Insurance
Zillow Group

National Corporate Members

In addition to their regional membership, these corporations are members of the National MSDC.

BGIS Global Integrated Solutions US, LLC
Costco
Daimler Truck North America
Microsoft Corporation
Nordstrom
Nike, Inc.
O.C. Tanner Company
Recreational Equipment, Inc.
Starbucks Corporation
The Boeing Company
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Wieden + Kennedy

Council brings together all partner resources under one roof throughout the year.

The Northwest Mountain MSDC, as a 40-year regional community member, has established numerous alliances and strategic partnerships throughout the region to support all ethnic minority businesses. Listed below are those organizations whom our Council endorses as key partners with our shared vision and values.

ACCPNW – African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest – A membership based, non-profit organization promoting an environment of direct trade and business prosperity between Africa and the Northwest United States.

DES – Department of Enterprise Services – Manages many business and operational services that state agencies and municipal governments need to deliver public services.

GSBA – Greater Seattle Business Association – LGBT and allied chamber of commerce known nationally for its effectiveness in marketing and providing business development for small businesses.

MBDA – Minority Business Development Agency – Works throughout the Nation to link minority-owned businesses with the capital, contracts, and markets they need to grow.

OAME – Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs – A non-profit, tax exempt membership organization with a mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon & SW Washington.

OMWBE – Office of Minority and Women ‘s Business Enterprises – Promotes equity and increase participation in public contracting and procurement for small businesses owned by minorities, women and disadvantaged persons through education and certification.

PTAC – Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center – Works to give businesses the opportunity to thrive in the government-contracting marketplace.

SBA – Small Business Association – Delivers millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.

SLMCC – Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce – Serves Latino business owners and independent professionals to develop progress for Latino businesses.

WBENC – The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council – Certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States.

	Karla Malacon - President & CEO Karla Malacon is the President and CEO for the Northwest Mountain MSDC serving Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Karla has been dedicated to the Council’s mission since she started as the Manager of Certification and MBE Services, supporting Minority Businesses through the certification process and beyond. Through her time with the Council, Karla has handled the Marketing and Communications, Member Services, Operations, and Vice President roles. Most recently appointed to the President and CEO position, Karla is not new to leading the organization’s mission forward through various stages of growth and development. During her time with the Council, Karla has participated in the Minority Business Executive Program with the University of Washington, and led the events, marketing, and certification committees. She has been intimately involved in the Council’s expansion to new markets across the region and helped increase the number of Corporate Members and MBEs supported by the Northwest Mountain MSDC. She currently serves as a member of both the Seattle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as the Sound Transit Diversity Oversight Committee. Karla has experience working on Council led projects in partnership with the State of Washington, the Port of Seattle, the City of Seattle, and the University of Washington Consulting and Business Development Center. Karla is fluent in Spanish and graduated from the Michael G. Foster School of Business from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration focused in International Business and Marketing. Email: kmalacon@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959 ext. 170
	Huda Al-Musawi - Manager of Operations Huda Al-Musawi is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Manager of Operations. Huda graduated from the University of Washington, Tacoma with a B.A. in Global Studies, Law and Policy, and Politics. She is fluent in Arabic and enjoys working with diverse communities. Email: halmusawi@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959 ext. 109
	Jeffery Bartley - Manager of Corporate Services, Marketing, and Communications Jeffery Bartley is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Manager of Corporate Services, Marketing and Communications. He is responsible for collaborating with corporate and public agency members to help meet their needs, as well as building and executing our branding strategy. Jeff received his Bachelor of Media and Language Arts from Fresno Pacific University. He has a steady history working with nonprofit organizations dating back to 2017. In his free time, Jeff enjoys working with local creative artists. Email: jbartley@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959 ext. 169
	Grayson Martin - Program Manager Grayson Martin is the Northwest Mountain MSDC’s Technical Assistance Services (TAS) Program Manager. He oversees all aspects of the TAS program, including outreach, enrollment, and training. Grayson received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University and previously worked in political organizing. In his free time, Grayson enjoys hiking, travel, and photography. Email: gmartin@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6964 ext. 164
	Armando Guerrero - Manager of Certification & MBE Services Armando Guerrero is the Northwest Mountain MSDC's Manager of Certification & MBE Services. Armando graduated from The College of Idaho. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and is the main contact for assistance with the Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certification. Contact Armando for inquiries regarding mandatory documents, an application walkthrough, or general information about OMWBE's State Certification. Email: aguerrero@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959
	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 that hones her skills and knowledge in project management, strategic planning, and effective communication. Kahdijah graduated from the Pamplin School of Business from the University of Portland and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In her spare time, Kahdijah enjoys staying active and volunteering in her community, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and community building. Email: klozada@nwmmsdc.org \| Phone: 253-243-6959