In-Person Workshop
Building A Strong Foundation: Business Strategies For Success
Meet The Presenters
February 22, 2025
Patricia V. Click
Facilitator
Ventress Click Ventures, LLC
As the Principal Manager of Accounts Payable at a major utility company, Patricia retired after overseeing billions of dollars in annual financial transactions. Over a 41-year career, she advanced from entry-level roles to senior management positions within Customer Service and Controllers at two major organizations. Her extensive professional journey included diverse responsibilities spanning public relations, community outreach, safety, business resiliency, and comprehensive business and community planning.
Currently, Patricia channels her experience and passion into VCV LLC (vcvllc.com), a company she founded to help small business owners grow and thrive. At VCV LLC, she provides technical assistance, business advice, and strategic support to empower small businesses to reach their full potential.
Beyond her business endeavors, Patricia is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the board of the Western Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy and The Olive Tree Initiative’s “Feed Somebody Program.” Additionally, she advises the Stop the Violence Increase the Peace Foundation and mentors youth through the Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development program. Her leadership is further demonstrated through two terms as president of the Networkers, an SCE affinity group.
Through both her distinguished career and ongoing work with VCV LLC, Patricia remains dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and upholding core values of trust and respect.
Asia Powell
Facilitator
California Public Utilities Commission Supplier Diversity Program
Asia Powell is a supplier diversity liaison at the California Public Utilities Commission where she is responsible for working with businesses, utilities, and telecommunications companies to improve access to opportunities for small and diverse business enterprises.
Prior to joining the CPUC, Asia managed regulatory affairs at Frontier Communications, where she had responsibility for issues including broadband access and public safety.
At Verizon, Asia managed the corporate giving program for the West Region.
Asia enjoys serving the community as a board member and volunteer for several local organizations.
Sandra Vasquez
Facilitator
U.S. Small Business Administration
Sandra Vasquez, Business Opportunity Specialist, with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office. Our office is responsible for serving the small business community within Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
SBA’s participation does not constitute an endorsement.
Kathy McClure
Facilitator
The Write Proposal
Kathy is a seasoned Procurement Professional with nearly 20 years of experience in supply chain management across the education, energy, government, transit, and gaming sectors. Her expertise spans both industry roles and consulting engagements.
Kathy has a proven track record of analyzing, optimizing, and transforming supply chain processes while delivering sustainable cost savings across Professional Services, Transportation, Fuel, Logistics, Information Technology (IT), Public Works, and Construction market segments.
A strategic thinker, Kathy brings an innovative approach to sourcing, supplier performance, and risk management in regulated industries. She consistently seeks to integrate procurement strategies with technology and sustainability. Her motivational and mentoring leadership style fosters collaboration and consensus within cross-functional teams, driving the successful execution of procurement initiatives.
Known for her passion, innovation, and ethical approach, Kathy is a dedicated professional who relentlessly pursues excellence, thrives on challenges, and overcomes obstacles.
Kathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Business Education from West Virginia State University and a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management with concentrations in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of La Verne.
Dr. Jorge Chavarin
Facilitator
JOChavarin Consulting Group, LLC.
Dr. Jorge Chavarin is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with over 24 years of distinguished experience in Leadership, Program Management, Operations, Financial Oversight and Analysis, and Training. He is skilled at leading teams of up to 25 members in dynamic, fast-paced environments and has a comprehensive background in leadership development, budget forecasting, and management, as well as program audits and compliance.
Renowned for exceeding customer expectations and building effective relationships across all organizational levels, Dr. Chavarin is a proven leader in developing individuals and teams. He has successfully overseen nine departments, managing budgets, equipment, and assets valued at over $200 million. His expertise encompasses project management, financial analysis, and leadership development.
Dr. Chavarin holds a Doctor of Education, an MBA, a bachelor’s degree, and multiple leadership certifications. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he achieved the esteemed rank of E-8, the second-highest enlisted rank, earned by only 2% of enlisted personnel.
LaCresha R. Grayson
Facilitator
The Good Part Consulting
LaCresha Grayson has over 15 years of experience in the utility industry, holding roles ranging from entry-level positions to management across multiple business units, including Customer Service, Transmission Distribution, Business Process and Integration (BPI), Corporate Communications, and Corporate Safety.
In her final role at Southern California Edison (SCE), LaCresha served as the Public Safety Communications & Outreach Manager. She was responsible for developing and executing safety communication strategies to support the company’s top priority: preventing third-party injuries and fatalities from electrical contact. Her responsibilities included designing communication strategies for all public safety programs, aligning with recommendations from regulatory bodies such as Law, Claims, CPUC, Cal/OSHA, and leading utilities. She also implemented and managed public safety initiatives, monitoring their effectiveness through platforms such as J.D. Power and Associates. As the spokesperson for SCE’s public safety efforts, she represented the company at media events and various community outreach forums.
La Cresha has an extensive background in training, including evaluating training analytics, developing technical courses using instructional design models like ADDIE, and delivering training informed by certifications from organizations such as the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
In recent years, she has provided comprehensive training to startup businesses, equipping them with strategic components for business planning, safety, and mission development. Her best-in-class classroom series has supported business resiliency and growth.
Emma Maxey
Facilitator
Ventress Click Ventures, LLC
Emma Maxey previously served as the Outreach and Marketing Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in the Los Angeles District Office, which encompasses Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. In this role, Ms. Maxey focused on helping entrepreneurs access SBA tools and resources through community engagement, training, outreach, and initiatives promoting equity and inclusion. Her efforts aimed to empower small businesses to thrive through participation in SBA programs and services.
Before her tenure with the SBA, Emma retired from Golden State Water Company, where she dedicated 40 years as the Supplier Diversity Manager. In this role, she championed equitable contracting opportunities for Women, Minority, Service-Disabled Veterans, and LGBTQIA Small Business Enterprises.
Emma Maxey holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Redlands.
