Erika Cospy Carr
Vice President, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance
Erika Cospy Carr is a dynamic leader and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion with nearly 20 years of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Known for her authentic leadership style and ability to build impactful relationships, Erika consistently delivers exceptional outcomes for clients, customers, and communities.
As the new leader of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), Erika will leverage her strategic acumen and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) experience to ensure initiatives effectively address industry challenges and create tangible impact. Erika’s leadership will be pivotal in advancing MFHA’s goals and reinforcing its commitment to creating a more equitable industry for all.
Erika has a keen eye for inclusion, positive social impact, and growth initiatives. As founder and CEO of Cospy Concepts, LLC, a nonprofit focused on creating sustainable change for Black and Brown communities, Erika led critical initiatives to help employers and talent developers overcome barriers to building and sustaining healthy workplace partnerships. Her work has re-engineered organizational systems, improved employee outcomes, and strengthened community ties.
A catalyst for systems change, Erika has been instrumental in transforming organizations. Her multi-faceted approach has helped hotel industry leaders across the U.S. create the tools and insights needed to recognize and address DEI challenges effectively. Her strategic initiatives have not only improved workplace culture but also elevated organizational performance. In her role at Year Up, a nonprofit committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities for young adults, Erika led efforts that helped the organization’s leadership embrace and implement DEI best practices at all levels. Her contributions have been instrumental in reshaping the organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Her strategic vision and leadership were key to driving growth and expanding NABA Inc.’s (formerly National Association of Black Accountants) influence in the industry. Additionally, she held the position of National Affiliate and Strategy Director at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, where she led national initiatives to strengthen the organization’s outreach and impact. Early in her career, Erika excelled as a Financial Services Account Executive, leading multi-million-dollar portfolios and devising high-impact strategies to solve complex client challenges. Her business acumen and strategic mindset have been a consistent asset throughout her career.
Erika holds a BA in Business Administration from Bennett College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, complemented by various certifications in Design Leadership, Project Management, and Executive Business Communication. A proud HBCU graduate and daughter of a two-time Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, Erika is also a new wife and bonus mom. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, learning, skating, and music.
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