Some entrepreneurs are driven by an idea. Others are driven by the people they serve. For BDI member Renee Conlee of EventBuilder, passion for people, meaningful solutions, and helping others succeed has been at the heart of her entrepreneurial journey. Renee’s path into the virtual event industry began through a referral from a former colleague and now business partner, Lauren Meyer. What started as a flexible, part-time opportunity quickly grew into a leadership role managing event teams and supporting clients.

When the company she worked for decided to sell its services division, Renee and her business partners, Lauren Meyer and Robin Houser, saw an opportunity. With strong client relationships and a deep understanding of their needs, they purchased the division and, six months later, acquired the company’s virtual event software platform. That decision became the foundation of EventBuilder, which proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

Over the past two decades, the virtual event industry has changed dramatically. Staying ahead has meant remaining curious, flexible, and willing to evolve. EventBuilder shifted its focus toward complex, large-scale, and confidential events that require specialized expertise, security, scalability, and strategic planning. Its long-standing relationship with Microsoft is one example of that evolution, adapting alongside the company’s platforms and technologies over the years.

But what inspires Renee most is people. She is passionate about creating opportunities for her team to learn, grow, and thrive. Some of the company’s best innovations have come from employees who saw a need, shared an idea, and helped turn it into reality. Looking ahead, Renee’s passion extends to helping traditionally disadvantaged businesses grow through tools, opportunities, and support. She is equally committed to mentoring and developing people, creating meaningful career paths in an industry they may never have imagined for themselves. For Renee, passion isn’t just about loving what you do. It’s about using that energy to create opportunities for others.

Some entrepreneurs are natural problem-solvers. Others are natural planners. For BDI Member, Ozzie González of P3 Consulting, success comes from being both. A lifelong entrepreneur and occasional performing artist, Ozzie has built a career by thinking strategically and helping others do the same. His professional journey began as an environmental scientist conducting environmental impact assessments before transitioning into architecture during the rise of sustainable design. As environmental and social responsibility became increasingly important, his work evolved, leading equity and inclusion initiatives on construction projects.

In 2019, Ozzie launched a consulting practice with a clear mission: helping businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies tackle complex environmental and social challenges through thoughtful planning and practical solutions. He has partnered with organizations across the region on initiatives ranging from revitalizing downtown economies and developing workforce training and hiring programs for construction projects to creating roadmaps to Zero Water and implementing respectful workplace programs. Every project is different, but each requires thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a strategic approach.

Like many solo business owners, one of the biggest hurdles hasn’t been the work itself—it’s helping people understand exactly how that expertise can benefit them. By learning about each client’s long-term goals and sharing real examples of how he helped others succeed, he’s able to build relationships rooted in trust and strategy. For Ozzie, being strategic means looking beyond today’s challenges to create a path toward lasting impact.

Ozzie is inspired every day by the hardworking entrepreneurs across our region and believe the future belongs to businesses that lead with both purpose and profitability. His vision is to see more organizations become industry leaders by demonstrating that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. It’s a reminder that strategy isn’t just about planning for what’s next—it’s about building a future that’s better for everyone.

Meet BDI Member Jessica Milican of Momentum Procurement Group (MPG). Jessica’s career is a clear example of what being driven really looks like. From day one, she’s pushed herself to learn, grow, and exceed expectations—even when others didn’t see the potential right away. She began her customer service journey at RadioShack in 2001, starting in an entry-level role and quickly rising through the ranks. Within three years, she helped turn one of the lowest-performing stores in the district into the #1 location. In a largely male-dominated environment, where expectations for a young woman were often low, Jessica stayed focused. She learned every product, every service, and leaned into every opportunity to lead. Her drive wasn’t just about proving others wrong—it was about proving to herself what was possible.

That mindset carried forward. After investing in her growth through leadership training with Dale Carnegie, Jessica joined MPG in 2010 in a support role. Within two years, she stepped into managing key accounts and began building her own book of business. Today, she thrives on building relationships and working with a team and company she truly believes in. Like many small business leaders, Jessica wears a lot of hats. Recently, MPG has taken on major operational changes, including a new backend system, website, and expanded services. The challenge has been real—but so has her response. By getting organized, embracing new project management tools, and learning to delegate and ask for help sooner, she’s kept the business moving forward.

MPG is a woman-owned, minority-owned, family-run business, and that foundation is what drives Jessica most. Built alongside her mother-in-law and now joined by other family members, the vision is clear: grow sustainably, expand services, and create something that lasts for generations. Jessica is driven not just by success but by building something meaningful, together.

Meet BDI member Barb Anderson, Managing Principal at Convergence Architecture. Entrepreneurship wasn’t part of her grand plan—it’s something she grew into by staying open, adaptable, and resourceful. Early in her architecture career, Barb focused on understanding what was needed and finding a way to get it done. That approach continues to guide her work today. When opportunities came up, she leaned in and made the most of them, and ultimately built something she’s genuinely proud of: a firm with strong clients, a collaborative team, and trusted partners in Joe Purkey and Eli Elder.

Like many small business owners, Barb didn’t start with a background in running a company. Learning the business side—development, operations, leadership—was a challenge. But figuring it out along the way became a strength. It allowed the firm to shape its own approach, making decisions based on who they are and how they work best, rather than following a standard playbook.

That’s where resourcefulness shows up most. It’s not just about solving design challenges—it’s about building a business with intention. Adapting. Learning in real time. Creating systems that reflect your values. What matters most to Barb isn’t just growth on paper—it’s growth in people. She finds the most reward in seeing her team gain confidence, step into new responsibilities, and evolve in their roles. It’s a long game, she says. Progress happens in small steps, but those steps add up—strengthening both individuals and the firm as a whole. Now, as they invest in developing the next generation of leadership, Barb continues to lead the same way she always has: by staying curious, grounded, and resourceful— turning opportunities into something lasting. Her leadership has been recognized through honors including DJC Women of Vision and Oregon250 in Architecture. Thank you Barb for supporting and being a part of our awesome community.

Loyalty isn’t just about how long you stay somewhere. It’s about how you show up— consistently, thoughtfully, and with care for the people around you. For the past 28 years, that’s exactly how BDI member Karen Egner has shown up. Before joining Hoffman Construction Company, Karen built a strong foundation in banking, starting as a teller and moving into customer service. That early experience shaped the way she works today: organized, people-focused, and steady. She brought those skills to Hoffman as a billing clerk at the equipment yard, then moved into the field as a field office manager—handling invoices, payroll, and making sure teams had what they needed to do their best work.

Over the years, Karen’s loyalty has shown itself through growth and adaptability. Most recently, during the past six years on the Port of Portland’s T-CORE project with the Hoffman Skanska JV, her role shifted into outreach and compliance—work that pushed her outside her comfort zone. She leaned in, embraced something new, and discovered a role she truly loves: meeting new people, strengthening relationships, and supporting small businesses, project teams, and partners along the way. Karen is inspired by growth—both her own and others’. Helping people succeed is at the heart of what she does. Whether supporting coworkers, partners, or community members, she brings patience, care, and commitment to every interaction.

Karen is also BDI’s board treasurer and we thank her for her steady leadership, generosity of spirit, and the care she brings to keeping our books—and our community—strong and thriving.

Meet BDI member Orlando Williams, a visionary in the truest sense. He is someone who sees what’s possible before it’s practical and builds the structure to make it real. As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Equity Officer of Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc., Orlando has spent more than 25 years transforming a once single-purpose staffing firm into a multifaceted talent and consulting organization. Today, Motus delivers contingency staffing, fractional executive leadership, executive search, coaching, and organizational development.

Orlando’s path to leadership began long before business. A former All-Conference men’s basketball player at the University of Oregon, he later became a player and Community Outreach Ambassador for the Harlem Globetrotters, where he learned the power of connection, purpose, and global perspective. That foundation carried into corporate recruiting at Nike, and eventually into entrepreneurship. Under Orlando’s leadership, Motus has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading recruiting firms, earning national recognition including Oregon’s Most Admired, Best of Staffing, Minority Business Firm of the Year, Executive of the Year, and Forbes “Top Recruiting Firms.” Motus is one of the few MBE-certified recruiting firms in Oregon, advancing inclusive leadership and belonging across organizations.

Vision, for Orlando, is paired with discipline. Building without outside capital required resilience, clarity, and care. He believes sustainability is leadership and that long-term impact only comes when growth aligns with values. That belief led him to found The Harvest Academy for Talent, a leadership accelerator developing high-potential professionals into confident, connected leaders. It also shapes Motus’s future: building a global talent and consulting company where excellence and equity coexist. Orlando’s inspiration is rooted in faith, collaboration, and shared prosperity. His vision is simple and ambitious—lead with empathy, build with purpose, and create opportunity that multiplies far beyond the business itself.

Creatives often lead with instinct—reading trends, clients, and audiences beyond what’s obvious. As entrepreneurs, that intuition becomes their compass. They sense what resonates visually and emotionally, often before data confirms it. Meet Twirl Advertising & Design’s Jennie & Victor, partners in life and in craft. With an intuitive mindset, they seamlessly blend strategy and creativity, guiding design choices and business decisions that feel both fresh and right. It’s this sixth sense that gives their creative entrepreneurship its edge.

Originally from Chicago, Jennie and Vic bring years of experience from agencies and corporate settings to their Portland-based creative agency, Twirl. Their purpose has always been clear—build brands that inspire confidence and help others grow. From branding and marketing strategy to design, photography, web, and social media, they approach every project with curiosity, collaboration, and humor. Their success, they say, comes from the trusted relationships and partnerships built over the years. In fact, last year, Twirl celebrated 26 years in business, serving businesses, public agencies, and mission-driven nonprofits with creative solutions that make an impact. Their award-winning website redesigns and rebrands for local organizations like Prosper Portland’s We Build Green Cities, Constructing Hope, Viking Engineering + Construction, St. Johns Center for Opportunity, Pacific Community Design (PCD), and Northwest Ski Club Council have earned recognition from the Summit International Creative Awards. Beyond their project-based work, Twirl has been a marketing consultant for the Port of Portland’s Mentor-Protégé Program for a decade and has worked with the City of Portland, Energy Trust of Oregon, ODOT, and local chambers around town. Jennie also serves on the BDI Board and LatinoBuilt Board.

We’re excited to spotlight Jennie and Vic for their generosity and dedication to empowering others through their creative efforts—and grateful to have Twirl’s expertise in guiding the BDI brand forward. Join us as we celebrate them as part of our BDI community.

Meet Lillian Stevenson, CEO of Berrien Concrete — a leader fueled by grit, vision, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity.

Raised around construction, Lillian learned early from her father: “build it right, treat people right, and leave something behind that lasts.” That lesson guides how she and her three brothers run Berrien Concrete, building more than structures — they’re building a legacy.

Breaking into public work as a minority-owned firm meant facing closed doors on capital, bonding, and credit. Lillian mastered every part of the business, showed up relentlessly, and invested in systems, mentors, and her team to turn obstacles into growth.

For her, tenacity isn’t just persistence; it’s transformation. Her vision is clear: a company that outlives her, opens doors for minority contractors, invests in workforce development, and proves excellence and inclusion go hand in hand. At Berrien Concrete, the impact isn’t just in the work poured — it’s in the people developed and the opportunities created along the way. This year, Lillian contributed to BDI as a Board member and we’re thrilled she was also appointed board secretary, with her term starting in 2026.

Meet Brenda Keomany— a small business owner who lives and breathes collaboration in her warm, quiet way. As President of Status Accounting, LLC, she not only leads a team that includes her daughter, Alissa, but also partners closely with clients, peers, and her wider network to help small business owners reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Brenda believes that great things happen when people work together — and she brings that belief to life every day.

With over 30 years experience in the accounting industry, Brenda got her start in Washington and moved to Oregon 15 years ago. She blends her financial expertise with a big-picture mindset, compassion, and a thoughtful approach to every relationship. Whether she’s guiding clients through complex decisions, partnering with peers, or volunteering her time, Brenda leads by example — proving that quiet leadership can make a powerful impact. While her expertise lies in Construction Accounting, Brenda’s clients span a wide range of industries—including nonprofits like BDI, property management, IT, and more.

At BDI, being collaborative means building authentic partnerships with small businesses like Status Accounting, grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and collective impact. We listen closely, co-create solutions, and ensure that every voice—especially those historically underrepresented—is heard and valued. 

Risk-taking is in your DNA! BDI member, Mpaleng “MK” Khothule knows it firsthand. As the owner of Agape Community Insurance, he embraces challenges head-on, turning uncertainty into opportunity. Born and raised in South Africa, MK earned a Division I tennis scholarship, learning discipline, focus, and the courage to pursue big goals. His academic path—Mathematics degree and Master’s in Information Economics—led him to insurance, where he’s thrived in actuarial, strategy, and product leadership roles.

In 2021, MK took a huge leap: purchasing an independent agency that had been serving clients for nearly two decades. Today, he empowers business owners—especially minority-owned companies—by simplifying insurance and bonding, helping them pursue growth confidently.

MK’s perspective as a risk taker drives innovation. From exploring alternative staffing models to offering creative bonding solutions, he helps entrepreneurs scale faster, secure bigger projects, and strengthen their businesses.

Looking ahead, MK’s vision is clear: Agape Community Insurance will be the trusted one-stop resource for small and medium-sized businesses—giving them the guidance, protection, and confidence to grow, take bold steps, and leave a lasting legacy.

As the founder of Rowe Labs, a YouTuber with over 1 million views, and a full-time Project Controls Tool Architect at Intel, Liz Rowe blends her technical background with a passion for storytelling, education, and digital media. What began as a creative outlet outside her software engineering role has grown into a thriving business that distills complex concepts from books into engaging video content. Her videos cover everything from productivity and finance to tutorials on business software—with a special emphasis on creative education drawn from the 250+ business books she’s read since college. Liz launched her business at just 24 years old, expanding into consulting, workflow automation, and training services for small construction businesses.

Despite being one of the youngest members of BDI, Liz has carved out a space for herself through determination, creativity, and community. She credits BDI’s mixers, workshops, and the Leadership Recharge Conference (where she was invited to speak!) as key stepping stones in her business journey. Today, she pays it forward by partnering with the University of Portland Shiley School of Engineering, serving on their Mechanical Industry Advisory Council, and speaking at student networking events—showing students that you don’t have to wait to make an impact.

Whether she’s filming a video, leading a training, or collaborating with friends, Liz’s creative spirit is the thread that ties it all together. At BDI, we celebrate creativity as a powerful force for growth, connection, and change. Liz embodies that spirit—and we’re proud to spotlight her journey.

As a proud family-owned business, RJ Ramos is led by Randy Ramos, and his three sons, Antonio, Estevan and Ivan, started in 2006, they bring more than just expertise to the table—they bring a legacy of trust, accountability, and personal pride in every job they do. “Working side by side as a family means our values aren’t just words on a wall—they’re lived out in our day-to-day work,” said Randy, who started out cleaning and repairing his parents’ investment properties and becoming a jack of all trades. For their customers, that means for almost 20 years they have delivered consistent service, honest communication, and a level of care that’s hard to find. They’ve contributed to iconic projects in Portland, Oregon including the Portland Building, the terminal core redevelopment at Portland International Airport, and the Portland Water Bureau Filtration Plant.

Randy’s strong family values and work ethic are rooted in the love and perseverance of his parents from Guadalajara, Mexico, and shaped by his American upbringing. When you choose RJ Ramos, you’re not just supporting a business—you’re supporting a family that’s dedicated to doing right by every client, every sub, every partner, every time.

With Hispanic Heritage Month just around the corner, we’re celebrating the people and cultures that bring so much strength, joy, and heart to our community.

Supportive entrepreneurs foster a positive environment by encouraging others, offering help, and building strong relationships. They value teamwork and actively contribute to the success of partners, employees, and collaborators. This entrepreneurial trait wholeheartedly describes BDI member, Alan Beane of Geograde Constructors, LLC with offices in Portland, Oregon and Columbus, Ohio. Alan has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and in the last 10 years has supported the small business community as a technical services consultant. He currently engages with BDI as their “Go Program” trainer, conducting classes on ITB opportunities.

Alan excels at creating a culture of trust, motivation, and cooperation, which is essential for long-term business growth and resilience. His personal journey was shaped by people who were inspired to offer him hand-ups—not just handouts—and that same spirit of support inspired him to do the same. In his own words, “Over time, I came to realize that our greatest opportunities often come through creating opportunities for others, especially when done in the spirit of justice”.  Thank you Alan for being a pillar of support in our business community.

Meet Amy Winterowd, BDI board member and VP of Client Solutions at JE Dunn Construction. Originally from Kansas, Amy has called the Pacific Northwest home for the past 32 years. With over 20 years of experience in the built environment, she’s a seasoned relationship builder and connector. But where Amy truly shines is in creating inclusive spaces—where everyone feels respected, valued, and welcome, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs.

Generous with her time and always ready to listen, Amy encourages others to speak up and share their perspectives. She leads by example—whether she’s fostering connection at work or rolling up her sleeves to volunteer with nonprofits across the community. Wherever she is, Amy brings people together and truly makes a difference. And, when she’s not out and about in the community, you can most likely find her baking up something delicious in her kitchen or wandering her neighborhood with her rescue pup, Juneteenth.

At BDI, we believe that actively creating equity and belonging is what true inclusivity is all about. It takes emotional intelligence, leadership, and deep respect for others—all qualities that Amy embodies every day. As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re especially proud to recognize Amy’s contributions, leadership, and the perspective she brings to our team. We’re lucky to have her on board, representing these values to a T.

There are so many incredible traits that define an entrepreneur, but resilience has always stood at the top of that list. Meet Trinh Tran — owner of Transportation Engineering Inc. and a BDI member. Trinh’s entrepreneurial journey has been anything but linear, shaped by financial pressures, industry competition, and moments of doubt. But through it all, she remained adaptable, bounced back from setbacks, and stayed focused on her long-term goals.

Trinh’s resilience was forged early in life. As a first-generation immigrant, she witnessed her parents rebuild their lives from Vietnam to Oregon, learning a new language and culture in pursuit of better opportunities for their children. Their unwavering determination laid the foundation for Trinh’s own drive and work ethic. Trinh went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Norwich University. With over 18 years of experience, Trinh has led a wide range of civil engineering projects — from airports, roadway and transit systems to stormwater management and ADA-compliant infrastructure. Her primary focus is on public works and federal projects, while also contributing to commercial and residential developments. Trinh’s success story is a true testament to the power of resilience — a quality that continues to fuel her success. BDI is proud to support her journey every step of the way.

BDI Member, Mazarine Treyz, is an artist, trainer, writer, speaker, human design reader, consultant, and facilitator of spaces for radical learning (mazarinetreyz.com). Her diverse interests and boundless creativity have led her to embrace countless experiences, like working in a baby orphanage in Jakarta, living in South Korea, getting involved in the startup scene in Austin, Texas, and more inspiring stories. These experiences—at the core of her storytelling—are often used to guide her work with government agencies serving small businesses, nonprofits and dynamic keynote engagements.

Mazarine is originally from New York and has lived in Portland for many years. She has over 15 years of business consulting experience and has published several non-fiction books on marketing, fundraising and careers, as well as 10 courses and 1000+ blog posts. She is COBID-certified WBE, and some of her clients include Oregon Metro, Multnomah County, State of Washington, and the State of Oregon. We are greatly inspired by Mazarine’s perspective and the valuable feedback she provides on our workshops and events. At BDI, we embrace diversity and enjoy hearing member stories and their inspiring business journeys.

Determination indeed paves the way for success!  Meet Melinda Sandifer, the heart and soul behind Miss’ipi Chefs and a proud BDI member and vendor. Melinda specializes in home-style cooking that brings a taste of comfort to every meal. Whether it’s a special event or just a treat to brighten your day, Melinda offers a wide variety of customizable catering options designed to fit your needs.

With over 35 years of experience in professional cooking, Melinda has done it all – from working in hotels and institutions to running family-owned businesses, catering events, and even serving as a personal chef across Seattle, Houston, Mississippi, and Atlanta. Now, as a COBID-certified vendor in Oregon, she’s here to keep the community smiling and their bellies happily satisfied.

Melinda’s passion is evident in every dish she prepares. Her commitment and determination is the secret ingredient to her success, and we’re so lucky to have her as a BDI member!