As someone who has dedicated my career to helping small businesses grow and thrive, I know the difference the right knowledge and connections can make. Through these SBS Contract Management Workshops, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs gain the skills and confidence to win contracts, strengthen operations, and open new doors for their businesses. Teaching and sharing practical, real-world strategies is my passion, and I’m excited to bring these tools to you. I look forward to seeing you at the workshops and helping you take the next step toward your success.

With over 30 years of experience in construction, affordable housing, and government relations, she has worked extensively with federal, state, and city agencies to improve living conditions in low- and middle-income communities. From 1991-1997, Celeste collaborated with elected officials and community organizations to enhance quality of life for South Bronx residents, with her recommendations being implemented by NYCHA to significantly improve service delivery. She has coordinated property acquisitions across all five NYC boroughs for new educational facilities and worked closely with construction teams during school design and construction projects as a representative of NYC SCA.

Rogina Coar-Smith serves as Executive Director of the NYC Vendor Services and Procurement Technical Assistance Center within the NYC Department of Small Business Services. Through her leadership role in the Division of Economic & Financial Opportunity (DEFO), she champions competitive and diverse business environments by promoting the growth of minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses seeking government contracting opportunities. Rogina oversees New York City's M/WBE program and manages a federally-funded Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), creating pathways for underrepresented entrepreneurs to access and succeed in government contracting opportunities throughout New York City.

Marcello Rios, MPP, serves as NYC SBS Assistant Commissioner for Capacity Building and Corporate Partnerships at the NYC Department of Small Business Services. A skilled administrator and supervisor, he specializes in business capacity building, policy development, and strategic planning to achieve organizational goals. Marcello's expertise spans program compliance and oversight, prevailing wages, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), and government administration. With a strong background in policy analysis, contract compliance, and labor relations, he focuses on maximizing operational efficiency while building strategic partnerships that support small business growth throughout New York City.