This session will provide an overview of the City of Indianapolis’ Minority, Women, Veteran, and/or Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise program, including benefits and requirements of certification, the application process, and recertification.
Debbie Rincones Chàvez is a dedicated public service professional with extensive experience in civil rights, certification management, community engagement, and multilingual support. She currently serves the City of Indianapolis in the Office of Minority & Women Business Development (OMWBD), where she has been a valued team member since 2016. In her current role, as Program Manager for Certification & Training, Debbie provides critical support to the certification team and agency leadership. She also serves as OMWBD’s Spanish interpreter and translator, ensuring equitable access to services for diverse business owners. Before joining OMWBD, Debbie served with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) from 2012 to 2016, where she was recognized for her contributions as an Administrative Assistant supporting the agency’s legal and commission proceedings. When she is not working, Debbie enjoys unique and memorable experiences with her family. Her first job in Indianapolis was with the NFL security team S.A.F.E. during Super Bowl XLVI in February 2012. She and her family were guests at the Indiana Governor’s Mansion for Halloween in 2016 and later attended an Indianapolis Colts game as her and her family, were special guests in August 2017. In 2021, Debbie fulfilled a dream by visiting Morocco and riding a camel through the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, Morocco.
Esabella Slagel is a committed professional serving as a Certification Officer with the City of Indianapolis Office of Minority & Women Business Development (OMWBD). She has held this role for the past three years, where she is responsible for supporting the certification of Minority, Women, Veteran, and Disabled-Owned Business Enterprises. Prior to becoming a Certification Officer, Esabella served as a Business Data Analyst within OMWBD, where she worked closely on Public-Private Partnership (P3) initiatives. Esabella graduated from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in 2023. Before joining OMWBD full-time, she served as a legislative intern for Mayor Joe Hogsett, gaining valuable experience in municipal government and public policy.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Job/Career | Financial Literacy | Class/Workshop |
TAGS: | Small Business |
As the hub of the Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.
