Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) celebrates the success of the inaugural Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Symposium. The symposium invited small and minority businesses to learn more about doing business with City Schools.
More than 80 attendees participated in breakout sessions, asked questions related to Minority Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification, and connected with procurement agents and departmental representatives. Professionals from a range of industries were represented, including construction, facilities maintenance, educational services, transportation, and other sectors.
“We were intentional about bringing the right people into the room and creating space for honest conversation,” remarked Chanel Franze, City Schools’ Manager of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises in the Office of Legal. “A lot of planning went into making sure attendees could ask direct questions, make meaningful connections, and walk away feeling like their time was valued.”
Breakout sessions were led by City Schools staff and external organizations. Topics included procurement policies and procedures, leveraging surety bonds, operations and construction, as well as Baltimore City and Maryland State MWBE certification processes.
The half-day event featured insightful remarks from keynote speakers. Special Secretary of Public Engagement and Community Initiatives of the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives, Maria Martinez, presented the City Schools MWBE Team with a Governor’s Citation recognizing their work to increase procurement accessibility for small businesses across the state. 
Baltimore City Board of School Commissioner Muhammad delivered opening remarks focused on supporting business owners in fulfilling a higher calling to uplift communities. He noted that these partnerships are instrumental in “helping build a legacy of equity and opportunity.” Dr. Lynette Washington, Chief Operating Officer, also delivered opening remarks, reinforcing the importance of networking horizontally and building community within and across business sectors.
The Board has long supported MWBE owners and creating opportunities for business partnerships that directly support student achievement at City Schools. Commissioner Muhammad and Commissioner Kenyatta-Bey were both in attendance to speak directly with business representatives, hear feedback on the process, and answer questions.
The event was catered by local MWBE vendor Nourish Organics. This was their first large-scale catering event, and it has already helped generate additional business opportunities, reflecting City Schools’ 
continued support for local vendors. Additionally, the event was held in the 4MLK building in the heart of Baltimore City—further establishing a commitment to our city's economy and the understanding of how our work with MWBE vendors impacts our local community
In a powerful closing address, Commissioner Muhammad 
reiterated W. E. B. Du Bois’ age-old question: “Can we lead not only in business, but in justice?” Our answer is: we can and we must. Visit our webpage for more information on MWBE partnerships at City Schools.