Suzie Myers and Valorie Piper Featured in Department of Defense APEX Accelerator Newsletter
05/20/2025
The Inland Empire APEX Accelerator, proudly hosted by the Riverside Community College District, celebrates the national recognition of two of its leading professionals—Suzie Myers and Valorie Piper—in the Department of Defense’s Wisdom Within APEX Accelerator newsletter series.
The Wisdom Within spotlight series offers exclusive insights into the individuals shaping the success of the APEX Accelerator network across the nation. This month, the series highlighted the exceptional leadership and expertise of Inland Empire APEX Accelerator Director Valorie Piper and Procurement Specialist, Suzie Myers.
Valorie Piper, who has led the Inland Empire APEX Accelerator since March 2023, shared her passion for people-centered leadership and her commitment to driving economic development in her home region.
“As a leader, I embrace a people-centered approach, focusing on developing individuals, fostering collaboration, and encouraging long-term growth,” Piper said. “Throughout my career, I have benefited from great mentors, and I strive to do the same for those around me, including the staff at IE APEX.”
Piper also emphasized the Accelerator’s success in helping local businesses pursue Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. In 2024 alone, seven businesses submitted proposals—many for the first time—with support from the IE APEX team.
Suzie Myers, who has served as a procurement specialist with the program for nearly six years, shared her professional journey and deep experience in wholesale sales, operations, and procurement. Her diverse background and expertise in navigating federal and state contracting processes have made her an invaluable resource for local businesses.
“What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to offer unique and specific government contracting services—at no cost—to local businesses,” Myers said. “From fire cleanup contracts to federal procurements, our clients are making a tangible impact.”
Together, Myers and Piper lead a dedicated two-person team that supports more than 1,600 clients across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Since 2020, their efforts have helped regional businesses secure over 30,000 government contracts valued at more than $5 billion—resulting in the creation of more than 4,000 new jobs.
The Inland Empire APEX Accelerator remains a vital hub for government contracting support, offering free, expert assistance to businesses seeking to enter and succeed in the Defense and Government Industrial Base.
To read the full Wisdom Within feature, visit the APEX Accelerators newsletter.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications