Founded In: 2018 By: Tawana Bain

Number of Employees: DDBS is 100% volunteer led, has a very influential board of advisors, inspirational Diverse Owned Business Liasions, and a hard working team that makes the Summit a success!

What does your organization do? The mission of the Derby Diversity & Business Summit (DDBS) is to intersect Diverse Owned Businesses and to promote Diversity within the Executive Workforce and Supply Chain.

Who do you serve? DDBS has an international draw and exists to bring together the world’s top diverse suppliers and executives – inclusive of ALL diverse groups (Minority, Women, LGBTQ, Veteran & Disabled) on a national scale to network, develop and enjoy the Derby.

One fact you may not know about my organization is…Each year DDBS selects one organization to donate a percentage of our proceeds to. We identify projects in which we can provide funding that supports education, business development and training initiatives for organizations committed to the advancement of Diverse Business Owners & Executives. The organizations we select to provide this funding to are nonprofits or are in the process of gaining their nonprofit status. A portion of the 2019 summit proceeds will be donated to kickstart the formation of an NGLCC LGBTBE affiliate Chamber of Commerce Chapter in Louisville, KY. The 2018 Recipient of these funds was NAWBO KY.

What sets your business apart from others in the way you attract and retain talent? DDBS is the only diversity summit that doesn’t just talk about the importance of diversity- but actually brings together all diverse business areas- women, veteran, LGBTQ, disabled & minorities at the Kentucky Derby.

What do you like about being an investor in Greater Louisville Inc.? We enjoy being an investor in GLI because of the exposure our initiative receives from other investors and businesses. Our partnership with GLI has opened doors and established credibility with organizations who were not familiar with DDBS. In addition it’s allowed us to keep our ear to the ground with key initiatives that matter to our committee and attendees.

How does your organization engage in the community? Throughout the year we host intimate events to drive Business Intersectionality across the country. Currently most of these events center around sports and entertainment. We are looking to focus our efforts on bringing our groups together around the arts in 2020. Arts are a vital part of our community and they are the future of true cultural equity. These events also serve to keep the excitement going year-round, leading into the Annual Summit at Derby.

How can people engage with your organization? By attending or sponsoring the Summit or requesting access to our Business Intersectionality events, which are by invite only.

During the Summit: Attendees will have the ability to attend development seminars, panel discussions, and even hear from highly sought after speakers to share their experiences in the business world of Supplier Diversity & Diversity and Inclusion.

Along with networking opportunities that will be available at the business sessions, guests will also have the chance to attend A-List celebrity events and the Derby festivities with peers! And network with us in our suite at the track on Oaks and Derby Day