Experience

WBEC South

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• President & CEO

  • Jan 2016 - Present

  Executive management of the southern regional partner organization (RPO) of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) providing WBE certification, development and business opportunities in Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle. Facilitation of business growth, job creation, and access to capital for women-owned business enterprises. Cultivation of private and public sector procurement relationships that further supplier diversity goals and initiatives. Development of relationships with key community partners and stakeholders across a five-state region. Thought leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the public and private sectors. Show less



Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council

• United States
• Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
• 1 - 100 Employee

• President & CEO

  • Jan 2014 - Jan 2016

  Executive management of regional affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) providing MBE certification and opportunities in Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi. Facilitation of business growth, job creation and access to capital for minority entrepreneurs. Cultivation of private and public sector procurement relationships that further supplier diversity goals and initiatives. Development of relationships with key community partners and stakeholders across four state region. Oversight of operations, professional staff and program implementation in New Orleans, Little Rock, Jackson and Birmingham offices. Show less



Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce

• United States
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Operator

  • Apr 2008 - Dec 2015

  Oversight and fiscal management of federal grant program targeted to minority business clients and public/private sector purchasing organizations. Promotion of business opportunities, business growth, job creation and access to capital for minority entrepreneurs. Compliance with federal grant requirements, policies and goals. Awarded one of seven select grant program operations in the country for Minority Business Development under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Show less



Louisiana Minority Supplier Development Council

• New Orleans, LA

• President

  • Mar 2003 - Dec 2013

  Establish and oversee organizational goals and strategic planning in cooperation with Board of Directors; report progress to all constituents. Management of daily operations of the organization; supervision of professional staff; and program implementation in accordance with established policies and procedures. Development, monitoring and management of $1.1 Million annual budget, oversee financial management system, supervise completion of all audits and ensure timely submission. Implementation of programs and special events to effectively meet NMSDC strategic objectives and to foster minority business growth. Sponsor development and recruitment of corporate members; facilitation of benefits and services to existing corporate members in support of minority procurement efforts. Develop and manage relationships with key community partners and stakeholders in Louisiana. Raised LAMSDC from 37th to 4th in the NMSDC National Ranking of Councils within first two years. Show less



Committee for a Better New Orleans

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations

• Vice President

  • Mar 2002 - Mar 2003

  Strategic Consulting in Education Reform, Leadership Development Sectors. Implementation of the Blue Print for a Better New Orleans program initiatives. Facilitation of community forums and citizen participation in Blue Print initiatives. Strategic Consulting in Education Reform, Leadership Development Sectors. Implementation of the Blue Print for a Better New Orleans program initiatives. Facilitation of community forums and citizen participation in Blue Print initiatives.



New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network

• New Orleans

• Executive Director

  • Apr 1990 - Dec 2001

  Manage daily operations of NOMTN to include planning and direction of activities; development and maintenance of operational and marketing budgets; hiring and evaluation of staff; implementation of short and long-term strategic plans; board management and reporting. Advocate for opportunities for and inclusion of minority businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry of Louisiana. Develop and maintain key partnerships and community relationships locally, regionally and nationally. Manage small business and corporate membership programs; oversee applicable benefits, recruitment and retention activity. Serve as the NOMTN liaison on industry boards and councils as needed. Show less