New York, NY | January 27, 2026 – Ariel Partners is proud to announce that we have been officially certified as a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).
PANYNJ is the bi-state operator responsible for some of the most complex, high-risk, and high-visibility infrastructure in the United States. It runs the region’s major international airports, including JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia. It operates the PATH rail system beneath the Hudson River. It owns and manages the busiest bridge in the world, the George Washington Bridge, along with the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels that move hundreds of thousands of people into and out of Manhattan every day. It oversees one of the largest ports in North America and even manages major commercial real estate and sports infrastructure.
The Authority is currently undertaking several major construction initiatives, including the multi-billiondollar redevelopment of the region’s three primary airports: JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia. The $10 billion Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project began construction in late 2025 and is intended to replace the aging Port Authority terminal with a modern facility by 2032. In addition, while the $16 billion Gateway Hudson Tunnel project is temporarily on hold due to federal funding discussions, it remains a critical safety priority, as the existing 116-year-old tunnel tubes were severely damaged during Hurricane Sandy and will ultimately require replacement.
Adding this certification to Ariel Partners’ existing M/WBE certifications at both the city and state levels expands the firm’s eligibility to bid on a broad range of contracts with New York City, New York State, and the Port Authority. Many of these opportunities are set aside, either fully or partially, for minority- and women-owned businesses. In addition, authority granted under the NYC M/WBE program enables city agencies to directly award contracts of up to $1.5 million without formal competition, providing agencies with an expedited path to engage qualified partners.
“This certification reflects our continued commitment to operational excellence, transparency, and long-term partnership with public-sector organizations,” said Shilpa Strong, CEO of Ariel Partners. “We are pleased to have received the PANYNJ M/WBE certification, which further expands our qualifications and enhances our ability to pursue new business opportunities. We are proud to be recognized by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and look forward to supporting its mission through high-quality delivery and trusted collaboration.”