Written Testimony of Mrs. Ronnette Myers, JLAN Solutions — Promoting Opportunity: The Need for Targeted Federal Business Programs

Summary

Written testimony of Ronnette Meyers, President and CEO of JLAN Solutions, dated Monday, May 6, 2024, for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing "Promoting Opportunity: The Need for Targeted Federal Business Programs to Address Ongoing Racial Discrimination." The testimony describes her experiences in federal government roles and as an entrepreneur in government contracting under the 8(a) program. She states that she founded JLAN Solutions in 2010 and recounts partnerships with Majority-Owned businesses, a protest of a contract bid her company won, and a networking meeting in Virginia, which she describes as marked by racial and gender discrimination. She describes the 8(a) program as both a lifeline for access to opportunities and a reminder of continuing disparities.

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              U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship:
              Promoting Opportunity: The Need for Targeted Federal Business Programs
                           to Address Ongoing Racial Discrimination


                          Written Testimony of Mrs. Ronnette Myers
                                       JLAN Solutions
                                     Monday, May 6, 2024



My name is Ronnette Meyers, and I am the President and CEO of JLAN Solutions. My journey
as an entrepreneur in government contracting, particularly within the 8(a) program, has been
profoundly shaped by confronting and overcoming both overt and subtle discrimination and
adversity. This narrative is not just about my professional growth but also an exposé of the
persistent barriers that minority and women entrepreneurs frequently encounter, as well as how
these barriers directly affect my business operations.

Before launching my own business, my career with the Federal Government took a
transformative turn from administrative to technical roles. This shift was catalyzed by the
support of a center director who sponsored my college education in technical fields, validating
my potential and fueling my determination. However, my journey as a technical specialist was
marred by discrimination from the outset. On my first day in a new position, I faced unsettling
questions from my boss that seemed to challenge not just my professional presence but also my
racial and gender identity. “Why are you here?” Why did they send you?” he asked. Throughout
my tenure, I endured a consistent undercurrent of bias, which left me feeling isolated and
marginalized. Despite my dedication and achievements, the toxic environment became
unsustainable, prompting me to seek new opportunities and embark on a journey of
self-empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Transitioning to a government contractor role in Washington, D.C., I found a workplace that
valued my skills and where I felt a genuine sense of belonging. This positive change was
significant, but the scars from my previous experiences were indelible. They served as a stark
reminder of the challenges that lay ahead as I ventured into establishing my own company,
JLAN Solutions.

Founding JLAN Solutions in 2010 under the 8(a) program was a dream fueled by ambition and
the legacy of resilience passed down by my mother, a retired Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S.
Air Force. Yet, this new beginning was quickly tempered by the harsh realities of
entrepreneurship in a space where resources were unevenly distributed, and support for
minority-owned small businesses like mine was minimal.

My initial forays into partnerships with Majority-Owned businesses were promising but
ultimately disappointing. These collaborations, which I had hoped would bolster my businesses
standing and visibility, instead often left me feeling exploited and sidelined. The first
partnership I formed to secure an opportunity within a federal agency disintegrated when the
company's leadership unexpectedly withdrew the partnership due to my company being a
minority small business, a professional rejection that felt personal and left me devastated. It
wasn’t just a setback; it was a deeply personal blow that left me questioning my worth and place
in the industry.

The subsequent challenge came when another Majority-Owned business protested our
successful contract bid, a move that jeopardized not just a significant financial opportunity but
also the stability and future growth of JLAN. An employee from this company explicitly warned
me about racial issues he observed, prompting all minority-owned businesses to unite and
address the situation through a collective letter. This protest underscored the systemic obstacles
faced by minority businesses, including financial, structural, and discriminatory barriers that
can hinder our progress. This protest was not just a professional setback; it was emblematic of
the larger systemic obstacles that minority businesses often face—obstacles that include not only
financial and structural barriers but also discriminatory practices that can derail even the most
promising ventures.

During a recent meeting in Virginia, I found myself among a group predominantly comprised of
White males, with only two other black women, including myself, and another woman of lighter
complexion. As the networking session commenced, it became painfully evident that we were
being overlooked and dismissed by our peers. The palpable sense of isolation and exclusion
weighed heavily on me, stirring up feelings of frustration, anger, and disbelief. Glancing at the
other black woman, we shared a knowing look, silently acknowledging the shared experience of
being marginalized. With a mutual understanding, we gravitated towards each other, seeking
solace and solidarity in our shared identity. As we exchanged glances, we conveyed the
unspoken question: "Do you feel the same sense of disregard and discrimination that I do?"
With a heavy heart, she confirmed my suspicions, affirming that the dismissive treatment was
indeed rooted in our race and gender. In that moment, I couldn't help but question: "Is it me, or
is it us?" Yet, the answer was painfully clear – it was not a reflection of our worth or capabilities,
but rather a stark reminder of the systemic biases and prejudices that continue to pervade our
society.

Throughout these experiences, the role of the 8(a) program has been twofold: it has been a
crucial lifeline, providing access to opportunities otherwise out of reach; and it has also been a
constant reminder of the disparities that still exist in the business world. This dual reality drives
my commitment to not only navigate these challenges but also to advocate for and support other
minority and women entrepreneurs facing similar battles.

As I reflect on my journey, the lessons are clear. Each instance of discrimination, while painful,
has left an indelible mark on my resilience and determination. While these experiences have
undoubtedly strengthened my resolve, I cannot overlook the tangible losses they have inflicted
upon me and my family. They've taken away real opportunities, translating to dollars out of my
pocket and food off my family's table. It's a harsh reality that when individuals engage in
discriminatory practices, they directly impact the bottom line of my company, resulting in
significant losses and setbacks.
They have also deepened my commitment to breaking down the barriers that minority and
women entrepreneurs face, ensuring a more equitable and inclusive industry for the generations
to come. Racial discrimination, and the barriers it has imposed, has at times hindered my
business operations and ability to receive contracting opportunities. However, I believe that my
story, marked by both setbacks and successes, is a testament to the enduring strength and
potential of those who continue to fight for their rightful place in the business world.


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