User:Igmartinez04

'''Clara Carter, Founder and CEO Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network, Inc Bio Statement'''

A lifetime resident of San Diego and nationally recognized meeting planner, Ms. Carter founded the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network Inc. (MCCSN) in 2004. MCCSN specializes in promoting destination management - linking ethnically diverse meeting/convention planners to the hospitality and tourism industry in San Diego. Since its founding MCCSN has provided services to more than 20 diverse associations and corporations including, the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Planners, The National Bar Association, the California Black Chamber of Commerce, American Tennis Association, Jack and Jill Association, Blacks in Government (BIG) and Black Enterprise Pepsi Golf and Tennis Challenge.

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ms. Carter has produced and hosted a variety of social, business and national events including, the 1st Annual Multicultural FAM Tour in San Diego (2007), the Holiday Extravaganza of Arts, Les Brown Youth Conference and Workshop, Worker-Trainee Workshops and the Super bowl sanctioned event - Cultural Arts Bowl and Festival. Ms. Carter is a dynamic, humorous and spirited speaker whose down-to-earth approach inspires and connects with people from all walks of life. Additionally, Ms. Carter was an instructor for the Hospitality Program for Mira Costa College, Southeastern Development Corporation’s Entrepreneur Academy and President of the Urban League of San Diego County Guild.

She has actively participated in several meeting industry associations and boards including, Advisory Committee Member of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, Board of Trustees of the San Diego Repertory Theatre and Board of Advisory member to Mt. Miguel High School’s Hospitality Academy and Board member to San Diego Hospitality Institute, past 1st Chair of the Multi-Cultural Initiative for the San Diego Meeting Professionals International (SDMPI). Ms. Carter is an active member of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (CONVIS), The San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a past member of the Super Bowl XXXVII Host Committee.

Ms. Carter has received several awards and has been recognized by local leaders, national organizations and the media for her contributions to the San Diego community and the hospitality industry. 2010, Ms. Carter was selected as one of the “Top 50 People to Watch in San Diego”, by San Diego Magazine, 2010, Ms. Carter received the “Special Star” award, by Ira Aldridge Repertory Players; 2009, Ms. Carter received the “Women Who Mean Business” award by the San Diego Business Journal; 2009, Ms. Carter received the “Community Leaders” award by the San Diego Monitor Newspaper; and 2009 Ms. Carter was awarded funds from the San Diego Tourism Marketing District to further assist the city of San Diego’s multicultural marketing outreach through the production of MCCSN’s Annual Multicultural FAM Tour. In 2009 and 2008, Ms. Carter was named one of the “Most Influential African Americans” in the hospitality and tourism industry by Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine, Ms. Carter received the “Self Determination” Award” at the 16th Annual San Diego Kuumba Fest, 2008, Ms. Carter was awarded the “Phenomenal Woman Award” by Bethel AME Church during their 2008 Annual Women's Day program, and 2008 Ms. Carter was filmed and recognized during the month of February as one of NBC TV, Channel 7/39 Black History Month’s Honorees.

In 2007, the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Planners awarded Ms. Carter the “Meeting Planner of the Year Award” in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 2007, Ms. Carter received the “Citizen of the Month” award on February 2007 by Congressman Bob Filner and was nominated for the Multi-Cultural Heritage Award by the San Diego Business Journal. She has been featured in several media publications to include: the San Diego Union Tribune, the San Diego Business Journal, Black Meetings and Tourism magazine, the San Diego Monitor Newspaper and the Hispanic Meetings and Tourism magazine.

Ms. Carter’s appreciation for her city is evident in her remarkable life and career. She is humbled by the awards and accolades and is most proud of her 26-year marriage to Roosevelt Carter, her two adult children and two adorable grandchildren.