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How BlackHawk Data is driving MWBE growth

A Q&A with co-Founders Maryann Pagano and Jason Caparoso.

Maryann Pagano and Jason Caparoso

Maryann Pagano and Jason Caparoso EY

Why is supporting minority- and women-owned businesses important?

As a proud MWBE, we champion diversity as the catalyst for innovation and growth. Partnering with diverse suppliers and talent unlocks new opportunities, drives competitive advantage and builds a future rooted in equity, inclusion and lasting impact.

What role do you play in the MWBE space in New York?

Our mission is to help the city we live, work and thrive in become smarter, safer and more efficient through the innovative power of technology. We achieve this by combining cutting-edge solutions, data-driven insights and strong partnerships to improve safety, streamline operations and enhance everyday experiences while driving greater equity, representation and opportunity in the communities we serve.

What's on your agenda in 2025?

We are committed to supporting our MWBE community while delivering technology solutions that reduce city costs, improve operations and strengthen the communities we serve. Through our quarterly Women in Tech Roundtables, we foster mentorship, connection and growth. We are also launching a platform for MWBE businesses to help them navigate city requirements, find opportunities and compete for contracts with confidence.

How does BlackHawk Data plan to support the MWBE community?

We were born from a bold vision in 2018 – an idea with limitless potential. In just over six years, our leadership team transformed that vision into a thriving IT firm, growing the company from $0 to more than $96 million in revenue.

Today, we’re on a mission to help other businesses achieve similar exponential growth. We provide free resources to guide diverse businesses in New York – from finding projects and writing winning proposals to requesting funding and pricing competitively.

We’ve also created an open discussion forum to foster a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs and businesses, encouraging collaboration, shared learning and mutual success. By connecting people, ideas, and opportunities, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem for diverse businesses across the city. Join our group here.