President's Message - Minority Enterprise Executive Council

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Maria A. Thompson President A123Systems’ Government Solutions Group Maria A. Thompson is President the Government Solutions Group of A123Systems, Inc (formerly T/J Technologies, Inc.). A123Systems is known internationally for its Nanophosphate lithium ion battery technology. Ms. Thompson was co founder, President and CEO of T/J Technologies, Inc., a nationally recognized Michigan company for alternative energy technologies, which was acquired by A123Systems Inc. in 2006. Combined, the organizations represent the largest lithium-ion R&D team in North America, with world-class expertise and management, and global manufacturing operations. A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium-ion batteries. Applications include power tools, electric vehicles, hybrid electric and plug in hybrid vehicles, defense and aerospace. Under Ms. Thompson’s leadership, T/J Technologies attracted national and regional recognition. She was chosen as one of Crain’s Detroit Business Most Influential Women for 2007. NASA Headquarters honored T/J Technologies with a “Special Recognition Award” presented by NASA Administrator, Dr. Michael Griffin. T/J Technologies was also named one of “50 Companies to Watch in Michigan” and Crain’s Detroit Business chose the company as one of the “20 Largest Technology-Based Companies”. Ms. Thompson was invited to speak to the U.S. House Committee on Small Business as part of the Small Business Administration’s 50th Anniversary. T/J Technologies received the Nunn/Perry Award from the Department of Defense for its ultracapacitor development with Lockheed Martin. In 2000, Ms. Thompson was named one of Metro Detroit’s Innovators by Crain’s Detroit Business. Additional recognition includes awards from NASA Glenn Research Center, the Small Business Foundation of Michigan, and The Small Business Association of Michigan. Ms. Thompson is a member of Ann Arbor SPARK’s Board of Directors, the Zell Lurie Institute Advisory Board, and The Michigan Small Business Foundation. She also served for 6 years on the Advanced Technology Advisory Board for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and is a former member of several non-profit organization boards. Ms. Thompson earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan Business School. Prior to starting T/J Technologies, Ms. Thompson worked at Steelcase and IBM, where she earned numerous company awards. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a member of Jack and Jill of America. She and her husband, Dr. Levi Thompson, have 2 daughters.
Yolanda Maria Welch Founder & CEO Respira Medical, Inc. Yolanda Maria Welch, known to all as Maria, is the founder and CEO of Respira Medical, a respiratory and durable medical equipment company started in 2001. In recognition of her Hispanic heritage, the company was named Respira Medical, respira means to breathe in Spanish. Ms. Welch founded the Better Breathing Foundation in honor of her father, Miguel A. Better, to raise awareness of deadly respiratory illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). His deadly battle with COPD through asbestos exposure as an ironworker and OSA are what inspired Ms. Welch to start her company. Ms. Welch’s life experiences have had a strong influence on her personal and professional activities. She was appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley to serve as Chair for the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Regulatory Oversight Commission Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Maryland Auto Insurance Fund. She is the Immediate Past President ex-officio of the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Legislative Affairs for Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, University of Maryland Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellow, Chair of Centro de la Comunidad, Baltimore Workforce Investment Board, Baltimore County Minority and Women Business Commission, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute State and Commissions Steering Committee, National Advisory Chair of United States Youth Entrepreneur Education, Founding Member of Women Impacting Public Policy, Baltimore Medical Systems, and President’s Round Table. Ms. Welch is host of award winning bilingual television program Baltimore City “Celebremos lo Latino” and executive producer of United States premier, Six Dead Queens. Ms. Welch was awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration Outstanding Entrepreneur National Award, Girls Scouts of Central Maryland Distinguished Women’s Award, American Lung Association Distinguished Service Award, Hispanic Magazine Hispanic Entrepreneur Award, Maryland Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award, Baltimore Chapter NAACP Living Legacy Award, Colombia al Exterior Premio de la Excelencia International Award, Maryland Hispanic Bar Association Outstanding Achievement Award, Inc Magazine Fortune 5000 Company, Fast Magazine 50th Fastest Growing U.S.Company, Baltimore Business Journal Fastest Growing Company and Largest Women Owned Company. Ms. Welch is sincerely grateful to her mentors and friends for their guidance and honesty. She credits most to her business partner and husband John, her children Michael 27, Demitra 12 and her caring mother Yolanda for their support, unconditional love and encouragement to believe in her dreams that are now coming true. Maria says that the memory of her father is the beacon of light that guides her each and every day as she walks life’s exciting and sometimes challenging paths.
Page 1: President’s Message Dear Guests,
Page 7 and 8: Mistress of Ceremonies Maureen Buny
Page 12 and 13: Gina Ferguson Adams Senior Vice Pre
Page 14 and 15: Cynthia Dinkins Executive Consultan
Page 16 and 17: Oluyemisi O. Adesanya Famuyiwa, M.D
Page 18 and 19: Dr. Rochelle E. Hackley CEO/DDS Roc
Page 20 and 21: Dr. Gloria Herndon President & CEO
Page 22 and 23: Michelle S. Lee President & CEO STG
Page 24 and 25: Deepti Malhotra CEO VMD Systems Int
Page 26 and 27: Charlotte VM Ottley C. Ottley New D
Page 28 and 29: Jacqueline Rosa Executive Director
Page 30 and 31: Ola Sage President & CEO e-Manageme
Page 32 and 33: Rohini A. Solos President Net2Net S
Page 36 and 37: Mary Wu, Ph.D. President Wu Consult
Page 39: Morgan Stanley is proud to support

President's Message - Minority Enterprise Executive Council

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