WTS SC is hosting an interactive DBE panel where attendees will learn about the process of obtaining and maintaining DBE certification in South Carolina, along with the resources that are available to support this effort. Panelists will also discuss lessons learned and personal experiences. Join us to learn more about how we can support our DBE partners and hear some success stories!
PANELISTS
Delicia Wingard - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Program Manager at South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). She has over twenty-seven years of experience coordinating, developing and monitoring various programs and operating systems. She has provided management, technical support, training, organization and structure to businesses in the private and public sector. Delicia has been employed with SCDOT for over eighteen years where the majority of her contributions have been in the Office of Minority and Small Business Affairs.
She worked in the Office of Civil Rights Programs area for several years monitoring External Equal Opportunity compliance on federal projects. Prior to her current position, she served as the Lead Program Coordinator in the DBE Reporting & Data Management unit monitoring state and federal contract project activities. She is a native of Lane, South Carolina, has been married for thirty years and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Heather Robbins - Ms. Robbins has more than 23 years of experience in technical and project management for environmental projects. She has served as the Principal Author for major controversial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects. Heather is known for her attention to detail, organization, and knowledge of the NEPA process. She has exceptional experience with SCDOT/FHWA policies and procedures. Heather is the owner of Robbins & DeWitt with her friend & business partner Matt DeWitt. R&D is a woman-owned environmental consulting company primarily focused on the transportation/infrastructure market. R&D is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Richard Waring - Vice President and Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Richard has the opportunity to address key regional issues challenging the minority population and further enhance the Chamber’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts.
Richard has demonstrated a passion for improving and developing the relationship between the minority community and the Chamber. As Vice President for DE&I, he will lead the newly launched Minority Business Accelerator program, designed specifically to educate and grow minority businesses through a comprehensive curriculum addressing topics and challenges they’re facing, paired with financial advisors to assist them in creating a strategic growth action plan.
As a native Charlestonian, Richard has seen the hardships that his neighbors have endured and intentionally finds ways to be of service to his community. Previously, Richard served as the Student Services Chief of Staff for Trident Technical College where he sought equitable outcomes for all students and assisted with providing holistic services for students with non-traditional challenges.
Richard’s top regional concerns are economic development, creating equitable outcomes for all people and generating a new level of awareness for minority resources offered by the Chamber.