I will never the forget the excitement I felt when offered the presidential appointment to serve as the national director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. With nearly three decades of public service, in some of the most fulfilling positions across local, state, and federal government; my arrival at MBDA was a true full circle moment for my career and my personal endeavor to affect change in the minority business community.
A little-known fact is that MBDA was home to several of my career mentors who were instrumental in shaping the mission of the Agency since its founding in 1969. I am humbled by the opportunity that allowed me to follow in their footsteps and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Agency in helping MBEs grow today, while preparing them to meet the industry needs of tomorrow.
Looking back over the past year – the work that was done to reimagine our programs and services, the partnerships that were forged, and the meaningful ways we continued to advance the mission of the Agency – I am overcome with pride. Together, we launched several Agency “firsts” from virtual events, to new grant initiatives expanding our reach within the minority business community, and the inaugural nationwide Buy MBE Day. We also faced enormous challenges together. The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the minority business community will not soon be forgotten but each day I am encouraged by how efforts big and small continue to generate positive solutions and resources to help MBEs recover.
As I move forward to the next phase of my journey, I do so with a grateful heart for allowing me to serve. Thank you for entrusting me with the tremendous vision of helping the nation’s nearly 11 million minority business enterprises Win the Future NOW!
All my best,
MBDA National Director
U.S. Department of Commerce
May 2020 – January 2021