Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and James Sanders Jr., alongside their legislative colleagues, are calling on communities, business leaders, and stakeholders across New York to come together in Albany for the 2026 MWBE Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. on the third floor terrace of the Legislative Office Building, with a press conference scheduled for noon. Lawmakers say the gathering will serve as a critical moment to advocate for the extension and expansion of Minority and Women owned Business Enterprise programs across the state.
Hosted by a coalition of state leaders including Senator Robert Jackson, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Assemblymembers Clyde Vanel, Amanda Septimo, Kwani O’Pharrow, Jenifer Rajkumar, Rebecca Seawright, Jodi Giglio, and Chantel Jackson, Chair of the New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus, the advocacy day will bring together key voices from government, industry, and the MWBE community.
Organizers emphasize that the event is designed to foster direct engagement between lawmakers and the people most impacted by MWBE policies, including small business owners, entrepreneurs, and advocacy groups.
“This is a valuable and vital opportunity for business leaders, industry groups, and stakeholders to meet directly with legislators and key decision makers,” Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said in her interview with Caribbean Life Newspaper.
“We must continue to strengthen and improve MWBE programs to ensure equitable economic growth for all New Yorkers,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.
Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, has been a leading voice in advancing MWBE initiatives. As Assembly Majority Whip and Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises, she has championed policies that promote economic opportunity, equity, and access for underserved communities.
Her district, which includes Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush, and Midwood, reflects the diversity of New York, and her advocacy has focused on issues such as economic development, housing, education, and healthcare access.
James Sanders Jr., who represents Southeast Queens, also continues to prioritize economic equity through his leadership as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks and his work supporting minority and women owned businesses. A Marine veteran and longtime public servant, Sanders has consistently pushed for policies that address disparities in access to capital and economic opportunity.
The April 28 advocacy day will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on how MWBE programs can be expanded and improved, ensuring that minority and women owned businesses are better positioned to grow and thrive.
Organizers are encouraging all interested participants to register in advance and take part in what they describe as a critical day of advocacy, collaboration, and action in Albany.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to register using the link provided.
