Sandra Redway, executive director of auxiliary services with her protégé, John Wyche, president of Trashco.

The University of Miami’s Business Development Program hosted a group of women and minority business owners for the first annual Mentor/Protégé graduation at the Newman Alumni Center Library on May 31. Nerissa Morris, vice president of human resources, kicked off the event with opening remarks, while Larry Marbert, vice president of Real Estate and Facilities, gave the keynote address.

The Mentor/Protégé Program was launched in 2011 to assist women and minority-owned businesses based in South Florida with business development opportunities. The program, in partnership with the Southern Florida Minority Business Council, connects UM’s subject-matter experts with local vendors based on their business needs and the expertise of mentors.

Focused on enhancing the skills of female and minority vendors, the program was launched with seven protégés representing a diversity of industries and commodities ranging from health care to marketing and construction.

“I am so grateful to UM for giving me this experience,” said protégé Susana Robledo, president of Cube Care. “My mentors have helped me with tough decision. After a year in the program, I am now able to offer my team health insurance and a 401K plan.”

Mentor Sandra Redway, executive director of auxiliary services, said that she found the experience fulfilling and would strongly encourage others to participate.

Mentors for the first cycle of the program included: Ron Bogue, assistant vice president for facilities and services at the Miller School of Medicine; Richard Jones, associate vice president for facilities design and construction; Amy Lopez, director of purchasing; Susan Montes, chief purchasing officer; Sandra Redway, executive director of auxiliary services; Marc Royster, director of human resources and advisor for community outreach for genetic diseases and disorders at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics; Jill Tincher, director of medical research administration; and Maria Valero-Martinez, manager of research training.

The application and selection process for the second cycle of the program begins in the fall.

For more information, visit www.miami.edu/bdp or contact the Office of Workforce Engagement and Development at 305-243-3090.