Stay Connected in 2024
Message from the CDO

Happy New Year! We look forward to new opportunities in 2024.

In my capacity as the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), I am spearheading our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative. Rest assured, our commitment to enhancing awareness among our internal staff remains unwavering, with our recent focus on Unconscious Bias, Self-Identity, and Common Denominator sessions. Currently, we have joined forces with Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) to develop an implementation plan. TDM will provide access, resources, and strategies to enhance our Diversity and Inclusion efforts which will foster engagement and retention of our workforce.

That said, as I transition into my role, I wish to commend the Convention Center for its ongoing support of our local small businesses through the continuation of an inclusivity-focused program. The Small and Emerging Business program is under the exceptional leadership of a prominent figure in the realm of diversity, LaToya Martin, to whom I am privileged to pass the torch. LaToya is a trailblazer in the supplier diversity landscape, embodying the quintessence of leadership, self-awareness, and innovation. It is an honor to join forces with her.

Together with your support, there’s no end to what we can accomplish this year.

Best Regards,

Rocsean Spencer, MCA
Chief Diversity Officer

 

The SEB program achieved great success in 2023, and we continue to set the bar high for 2024. The program boasts a substantial achievement with SEB/DBE payments totaling an impressive $15.5 million, accounting for a significant 33% of the overall spend. Additionally, the SEB/DBE contract value stands at a commendable $12.6 million, totaling 50% of the overall value. A testament to SEB’s commitment to growth and innovation is the addition of 59 new vendors to our network. This expansion not only reflects the program’s proactive approach to fostering new business relationships but also shows a dedication to diversification and adaptability in the ever-evolving business landscape. I look forward to serving you all as Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program Manager this year and leading the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s charge and commitment to build a stronger SEB community.

LaToya Martin, CCA
SEB Program Manager