As some of you may know, this January I was honored to be named Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) here at the Convention Center. In this new role, I have been tasked with supporting organization’s policies and directives that mitigate bias, increase equitable outcomes, and foster respect and inclusion, and ensure that our departments reflect the organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals.

According to the International Association of Venue Managers, this is the first convention center in the nation to establish the position of CDO. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.

My successor as the Convention Center’s Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program Director is LaToya Martin. Like me, LaToya came to the Convention Center from the City of New Orleans. To know her is to admire her. Read her full bio here.

During the time I served as director of the SEB program, over $40 million in contracts have been awarded to small and emerging businesses. I’m proud of the work we did together and know the program will continue to thrive under LaToya’s leadership.

In other news, I want to thank everyone who attended the WIN event on April 19th. It was a great turnout, and much was accomplished. It was fantastic to see everyone and to get a chance to remind you to keep May 25th on your calendars for the Morial Awards. It’s going to be a big night. You won’t want to miss it.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find an article on STUN Design, an SEB that has won, among other things, the contract to update the Convention Center website. We hope you’ll find it both interesting and inspiring.

In closing, let me say again how proud I am to have served as your SEB director. While I won’t be leaving the building, together I know we will go far.

See you at the Morial Awards!
Rocsean Spencer  Chief Diversity Officer