DyNAMC "Summit" November 2014 Issue 6 | Page 3

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF DIVERSITY IN ACTION If unity is strength, then unity within diversity is strength multiplied many times over. I would also add that unity in practice is an impactful and beautiful thing to behold. “Change requires a united effort. This is the bedrock upon which the National Association of Minority Companies was founded.” NAMCO’s First Annual National Leadership Diversity Summit & Awards Ceremony took place in Las Vegas on November 6 and 7, 2014. It was a glorious demonstration of both the power and the beauty of unity within diversity. If you were there, you know exactly what I mean. If you weren’t, we’ve done our best to showcase the key points of the conference in this issue of DyNAMC Leaders for a Changing World Magazine. We heard from panelists who spanned generations, cultures, and geographical locations. They encompassed the breadth of our organization’s ethnicity and included the voices of government, education, industry, and nonprofits. We came away both challenged and inspired. From the younger generation we heard expressions of gratitude, both for the foundations already laid and the reminder to not become complacent, understanding that the fight for our place in the American marketplace is still going on. From veteran business leaders we were reminded that success does not get handed to you on a silver platter. It requires hard work, tenacity, and the development of strategic partnerships to move beyond the hurdles and barriers in our paths. From our leaders and award winners, there was a rising theme: Change requires a united effort. This is the bedrock upon which the National Association of Minority Companies was founded. Working together, united in our purpose to bring diversity into the marketplace, we can open the doors of opportunity wide enough for everyone to access. If you haven’t yet become a member of NAMCO, now is a great time to join for the New Year. We’re already looking ahead to the 2015 National Leadership Diversity Summit & Awards Ceremony! Watch for details in future issues of DyNAMC – Leaders for a Changing World Magazine. And THANK YOU, once again, to all who participated and worked so hard to make the event the great success that it was! Derriko Stuckey, Aldrica Latimore (Founder) Stephen Smith DyNAMC • ISSUE 6 Attendees made valuable connections with other members, creating new opportunities and alliances, as well as new friendships. Even with our full agenda, people still came away energized with a smile on their face, because they actually had FUN! (Check out all the smiling faces in photos from the event!) Red Rock Resort & Casino provided a grand setting for the event, including passed service catering for Thursday evening hors d’oeuvres. This, in addition to pastries on Friday morning, as well as the Award Luncheon, provided attendees with their fill of sumptuous delights. 3