David R. Cayemitte | Founder and CEO

Founder and CEO — MBDI Inc. 
President — The Cayemitte Group, Inc. (TCG)

David is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in the corporate insurance sector. Since 2005, he has been a prominent figure in the Minority, Women and Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE, SDVOB) market, consistently delivering innovative solutions that foster opportunities for diversely owned businesses, corporations, and public entities seeking to hire them.

In 2021, David founded Embrace Partners, Inc. (Embrace) with a clear business objective: align corporate America’s insurance distribution channels with supplier diversity goals for spending with MWBEs. Notably, Embrace stands as the first and only certified MBE wholesale insurance brokerage firm, boasting an E&S license to transact business in all 50 states, and open with most prominent E&S carriers in the US, London, and Bermuda. Simply by placing layers of their insurance programs through Embrace, clients and retail brokers capture diversity spending credits for their premium dollars. Embrace is uniquely positioned to assist corporations, public entities, developers, and prime contractors to meet diversity spending goals. Beyond its focus on wholesale brokering, Embrace operates as a tech-driven managing general underwriter (MGU) specializing in professional lines and surety bonding and runs capacity building education programs to cultivate project ready, bonded MWBE and veteran owned businesses in construction.

Prior to launching Embrace, David successfully led management and underwriting teams with Fortune 100 insurers, founded a retail brokerage firm and a 501(c) 3 nonprofit that creates wealth building opportunities for marginalized community members. David’s career began at the industry giant, American International Group (AIG), and continued at Travelers, where he honed credit and financial analysis skills over a 21-year underwriting and executive leadership tenure. His wealth of experience and commitment to diversity make David a trusted partner in navigating the intricate landscapes of corporate insurance, and diversity contracting, ensuring tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each valued client.

Michael M. Clay | Chief Procurement Officer

Michael oversees all procurement strategy and execution for Embrace Partners utilizing his experience to optimize processes, cultivate strategic partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. A prominent figure in the insurance and construction diversity sector, Michael brings over three decades of transformative leadership and public policy expertise. With a distinguished career, notably at DASNY, Michael has shown unwavering commitment to driving diverse economic growth in public and private sectors, as well as business communities across New York. His innovative initiatives, including New York’s inaugural statewide Surety Training program and the pioneering of New York’s first minority discretionary General Liability procurement, highlight his dedication to diversity and inclusivity.

Throughout his remarkable career, Michael has demonstrated a relentless commitment to fostering economic development and driving growth within the public and private sectors, particularly in the small business community across New York State. As a visionary senior executive, Michael has led pioneering initiatives that have reshaped economic landscapes and empowered small businesses while effectively managing risks.

Michael’s impact extends beyond procurement innovation. He has successfully managed the development and implementation of New York State’s inaugural Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) technical assistance program, providing vital support to MWBEs involved in DASNY projects. His expertise in technology procurement has enhanced DASNY’s website, improving prime bidder and MWBE sub/supplier interaction to enhance agency-wide purchasing efficiency.

Most recently, Michael played a key role in the development of the innovative DASNY Capital Management Plan (CMP) in collaboration with partners Local Initiative Service Corporation (LISC) and the Cayemitte Capital Management team. This program offers MWBE/SDVOB subcontractors’ opportunities to qualify for bonding and project-specific capital access, setting a standard for inclusive procurement practices nationwide.

Shashi Galabya | Chief Financial Officer

Shashi Galabya acts as Chief Financial Officer of Embrace Partners Inc., while also providing management oversight of Compliance and Human Resources. In managing the financial department of Embrace, Shashi oversees corporate financials and creates forecasts and budgets for the company, while maintaining data integrity.

Shashi has over 35 years of experience working at major Property & Casualty and Life & Health insurance carriers. In his most recent role, he was the CFO and Head of Compliance at a major carrier, helping them through a difficult financial and market regulatory examination period. He has also worked at PWC Advisory and Fitch ratings servicing insurers to respond to regulations and bring efficiency in their workplace.

Jose De La Cruz | National Program Administrator

Jose De La Cruz is the National Program Administrator at MBDI. Jose supports assists members of diverse and underrepresented communities to develop socio-economic parity by helping them overcome barriers to success.

Jose helps diverse business owners to achieve sustainable, and profitable growth in the public and commercial sectors by positioning them to access affordable capital and bonding and completes financial analyses on firms looking to get bonded.

Jose is always looking forward to supporting the betterment of the MBE, WBE and SDVOB communities. Mr. De La Cruz majored in Economics, with a concentration in Finance, at the Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

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Faustino Vidro, Jr. | Director of Construction

Faustino Vidro Jr., commonly known as “JR” in the industry brings to MBDI 36 years of experience as a high-performing experienced executive in the construction industry with expertise in project and property management.

Faustino’s resume includes projects in twenty-six states with expertise in diverse types of construction. Faustino has a strong background in managing regional and national construction projects with budgets up to $100 million. In addition, Faustino has a great history of working in the M/B/SBE Community.

As Director of Construction at MBDI, Faustino serves as the perfect liaison between our clients, contractors, subcontractors, students, and the construction industry. Faustino can assist with all phases of construction, from pre- construction to post-construction, to include construction accounting and general administration.

Faustino is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico with an Associates of Science in Surveying and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He holds certifications for Underground Storage Tanks, OSHA 30-Hr, Outreach Training for True Construction Industry, 8 Hr. Lead-Safe Renovator, New York City’s Department of Buildings 8 Hr. Site Safety Certification, MTA Track Training and Procore Project Manager.