JP Morgan Chase Presents: Windows of Opportunity
Windows of Opportunity: Unlocking Supplier Diversity & Certification Pathways
About the Event
Windows of Opportunity is the fourth workshop in the CreateHER Fest × JPMorgan Chase Coaching for Impact series, designed for business owners ready to expand into new markets by positioning their business for supplier diversity opportunities.
During #75HER, participants are building projects, refining ideas, and exploring pathways to scale and sustainability. For many, growth requires access to larger markets, repeatable revenue streams, and relationships with government agencies or corporate partners. This workshop focuses on what comes next: how to approach supplier diversity and certification strategically, understand what these pathways actually offer, and prepare responsibly rather than reactively.
Rather than treating certification as a checkbox or quick fix, this session provides a clear, practical framework for understanding how supplier diversity functions across government and corporate environments, what readiness actually looks like, and how to decide whether certification aligns with your business's long-term strategy. You'll learn how to navigate government contracting, evaluate your operational maturity, and position your business to compete effectively when the time is right.
Grounded in real-world business scenarios and supported by the Windows of Opportunity workbook, this workshop helps builders move from "I've heard about certification" to "I know if it's right for me, and I'm prepared." It's designed for anyone who wants to understand supplier diversity pathways without guesswork or overwhelm.
This session is especially valuable for participants currently in the Idea-thon or preparing for the Hackathon, as well as anyone exploring structured growth opportunities and long-term market expansion.
What You'll Walk Away With
A clear understanding of what supplier diversity is and how it functions across government and corporate environments
Insight into how to navigate government contracting, including eligibility requirements and small business qualifications
An overview of government and corporate supplier diversity programs and how businesses access them
Clarity on working toward certification, including preparation, timelines, and common readiness gaps
Practical guidance on how to make the most of certification once achieved—beyond simply holding the credential
A stronger sense of whether certification is the right next step for your business and how to prepare responsibly
Who This Is For
Women-owned and diverse-owned businesses exploring certification opportunities
Entrepreneurs interested in government or corporate contracting
Small business owners preparing for growth into larger markets
Founders seeking structured, repeatable revenue opportunities
Businesses evaluating whether supplier diversity aligns with their long-term strategy
Not for:
Participants expecting immediate contract awards or guaranteed access to opportunities
Businesses in the pre-revenue or conceptual stage without operational history
Anyone seeking certification shortcuts or workarounds rather than readiness-focused preparation
What You Need to Participate
An existing business or active venture
Willingness to assess your business honestly for readiness and capacity
The Windows of Opportunity workbook (provided)
A notebook or digital notes tool
No prior certification or contracting experience required
About the Facilitators
LaTrese Steplight
Vice President & Senior Business Consultant, JPMorgan Chase
LaTrese Steplight brings over 29 years of banking experience and currently leads JPMorgan Chase's Coaching for Impact Program for Cleveland and surrounding areas. She supports entrepreneurs through one-on-one coaching, financial and credit solutions, community partnerships, and year-round business education.
With firsthand experience as a business owner, LaTrese brings a grounded, practical understanding of preparing businesses for sustainable growth, capital readiness, and supplier diversity pathways. Her work is driven by a commitment to bridging knowledge and wealth gaps and expanding access to opportunity. She also serves as the Women on the Move Field Site Lead for Ohio and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Teresa Morales-Bargar
Vice President & Community Manager, Community & Business Development, JPMorgan Chase
Teresa Morales-Bargar serves as a trusted local ambassador for JPMorgan Chase in Cleveland, with over 18 years of experience across Retail, Consumer, and Business Banking. She specializes in building partnerships with nonprofits, small businesses, and community leaders to drive lasting economic impact.
Her work includes financial health workshops, nonprofit collaborations, and community programming focused on expanding access to supplier diversity pathways and competitive positioning. Teresa serves on multiple advisory councils and has been recognized as one of Crain's 2025 Women of Influence and 100+ Latinos to Know in Cleveland (2025).
Part of a Larger Series
This workshop is part of a CreateHER Fest × JPMorgan Chase series continuing through Women's History Month and the March 2026 BuildHER Parade, covering:
Marketing and digital visibility
Business foundations and readiness
Access to capital and financial pathways
Each session is designed to meet builders where they are—whether you're exploring an idea, preparing for a hackathon, or laying the groundwork for a sustainable business.