Celebrating the New York State MWBE Business Growth Accelerator and Ascend Long Island Class of 2025 Graduation! 🎓

We gathered at Hofstra University to honor the dedication, hard work, and remarkable growth of our graduates.

Throughout the program, this ambitious cohort leveraged the 3M Framework—Management, Markets, and Money—to strengthen their businesses and contribute to Long Island’s economic landscape. Together, they earned 62 contract awards and generated $20 million in contracts—an incredible testament to their determination and success.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on reaching this important milestone! Ascend Long Island leaders Dean Bennet and Wanda-Almonte Williams are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing where your entrepreneurial journeys take you next.

In partnership with The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, The IdeaHUb, Frank G. Zarb School of Business, JPMorgan Chase, BOC Capital, and BOC Network.

Special thanks to Jason Clark of NYS ESD MWBE, Derek Price of New York Plumbing Supply, Johnathen Powell, Kene Erike, Doningnon “Doni” Soro, Marlon Watson, Stefano Modugno, Jeffrey Daniels, Deputy Mayor of Hempstead, Omarro Benjamin of Crescent Consultants, Dr. Richard Hayes, Michael Verchot, Nelson Tavares, Nancy Carin, Lawrence Levy, Krystal Peartree-McLean, ConEd, and our keynote speaker for being part of this celebration.