Member Spotlight:
Rosalie Mortillaro
Director of Marketing & Communications
New Orleans Morial Convention Center
Rosalie’s path into Marketing and Communications began with a strong mentor. After graduating from the University of New Orleans, Lois Sutton gave her start in Marketing and Public Relations at Prudential Louisiana Properties. She often says, “Lois taught me everything I know,” and credits her mentor for shaping her career. She is especially grateful to have reconnected with her through Mid-South Women in Tourism.
After her time at Prudential, she joined the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in 2001 as a Communications Specialist. Like so many in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina disrupted her career for a year, but she was fortunate to return to the Convention Center in 2007 as Communications Manager. Rosalie spent 18 years working under Tim Hemphill, who retired earlier this year. His ability to “think big” and “think outside the box” continues to inspire her to prioritize innovation in her work. In her current role as Director of Marketing and Communications, she oversees thedevelopment and promotion of key internal programs and signature events such as the Morial Awards. She also serves as the spokesperson for NOLA ChristmasFest, one of the city’s most beloved holiday attractions.
Outside of her work at the Convention Center, she operates a side business officiating weddings around the city as a minister. She considers it an honor to be part of one of the happiest days in a couple’s life.
For fun, Rosalie attends water aerobics classes several times a week. What began as part of her fitness journey became a true passion, and with the combination of water aerobics and GLP-1 medication, she has lost more than 150 pounds. She believes water aerobics is an ideal starting point for anyone beginning a fitness journey because it is low-impact and adaptable to individual needs. She has also studied to become an instructor so she can motivate and guide others and hopes to pursue certification and teach locally in the future. She is always open to sharing what she has learned with anyone interested.
Being a member of Mid-South Women in Tourism has been especially rewarding for her, and she values the opportunity to connect with women leading organizations throughout the tourism industry. The organization’s annual bus fam trips are a personal highlight and provide a great way to stay updated on the latest tourism assets in the region. She also enjoyed walking the runway in MSWIT’s annual Fashion F undraiser. Sandra Dartus, her NOLA ChristmasFest guru, recruited her into MSWIT, and her warmth and genuine hospitality made her feel immediately welcome. Rosalie believes Sandra truly embodies the spirit of the organization and looks forward to many more opportunities to connect and learn alongside this incredible group of women.
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