Certified Superstar Gets Prize

We successfully closed out our 2017 Supplier Diversity programming with the help of our gracious host and corporate partner EY and Supplier Diversity Champion, Theresa Harrison, EY's Director of Diversity & Inclusive Procurement.

The event occurred on November 30, where EY supplier diversity, procurement and line of business executives participated as judges and our certified LGBTBE suppliers as mock-pitch participants. The excitement of being at EY's Time Square offices motivated our suppliers and the guest aspiring mock-pitch suppliers who observed the event kick-off from the background.

Our LGBTBEs consisted of the following suppliers.  See through their lens what they experienced...

“Certified Superstar rocks! We went in unsure what to expect. The judges, other presenters, and attendees created a warm, supportive environment. We left with feedback that we quickly incorporated into our pitch—and confidence bolstered by the positive reception. Anyone considering a pitch: Give it a go! You have nothing to lose.”

- Matthew Wilson and Kevin Schiesz, 
Bib and Tucker / eParel

“Pitching our company was an exhilarating experience. It pushed us out of our comfort zone and motivated us to articulate exactly what we do and how our clients have benefitted from our services. It was an honor to present at one of the most prestigious companies in the world before judges who gave us extremely valuable feedback that will make our future pitches better. We’re used to elevating other people’s work. This gave us the chance to bolster our own in a safe and supportive environment. We’re extremely grateful to nglccNY and EY for making it possible.”

- Cindi Creager and Rainie ColeCo-Founders, 
CreagerCole Communications

"Pitching as an nglccNY Superstar was an invaluable experience that put Spiire in front of influential business owners and community members. It also gave us a rare opportunity to solicit feedback and interest from Corporate Partners which helped to accelerate our business development efforts. It’s truly unforgettable."  

- Talonya Geary, Co-founder & CEO, 
Spiire

"The EY Superstar Experience has yielded unexpected benefits. In addition to getting great experience pitching along with feedback from the pros at EY, IM Creative got a chance to meet with other suppliers and explore relationships... even partnerships... that can help us move our business forward. We truly are stronger together, and the EY Certified Superstar was a chance to meet partners who can help us take that next step in the evolution of our business."

- Shanon Morrison, Chief Creative Officer, 
IM Creative

Each supplier had 10 minutes to pitch followed by 10 minutes of judges' critiques. The judges critique style, content, presentation skills and communication which is valuable advice for you to gain additional experience in pitching your businesses. At this particular Certified Superstar, EY surprised us all by wanting to recognize and celebrate a winner with a prize. After a few minutes of out of conference room deliberation, the winner was selected and awarded prize tickets to the 2018 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference in Philadelphia. EY's generous surprise prize as we ended 2017 was just a prelude to EY's sponsorship of the 2018 nglccNY Biz Pitch competition for LGBTBEs.

Congratulations to Bib & Tucker / eParel for their successful win at EY!

Written by 
Gonzo Araya,
Executive Chair, Media Communications Committee, nglccNY
Chief Creative Officer, Socio

What's your story? 
Please contact me at gonzo@nglccNY.org.


Socio is a creative, communications and customer experience agency shaping how companies do business. A certified LGBT Business Enterprise.