CNCE Scholarship Recipients

2024 Award Winners

Jennifer Selley, DMCP

Jennifer Selley is Imprint's resident Pixie Dust Guru and General Manager of Florida, specializing in creating enchanting events that bring joy to clients. With over a decade of industry experience, Jen possesses an inherent vision that allows her to produce seamless, end-to-end customer experiences. My true passion lies in designing customized events complete with special elements. My background is diverse, drawing knowledge from hotels, CVBs, and tradeshows, which provides a solid foundation for planners seeking exceptional results. When I am not crafting magic for my clients, you can find me basking in the Orlando sun or enjoying quality time with my husband and two adorable cats, Rajah and Simba. When you entrust me with your event, I guarantee to sprinkle a little pixie dust, ensuring a truly magical experience. Seeing my clients light up as their event comes to life brings me the utmost joy, and I am committed to making every occasion unforgettable.

Miro Diamante', DMCP

Since December of 2017, Miro Diamante' has been showcasing his creative talents. Miro has previously served as the Vice President of Programs for the Indiana chapter of ILEA where he proudly championed the DMC industry locally, and he currently serves on the DMC Network Sales and Marketing Committee. Miro was awarded the ILEA Chapter Rising Star Award in 2020, a DMC Network Netty Award in 2023, and earned his DMCP in August of 2023. He has produced multiple programs that have won (13) International Live Events Association Indiana Pace Awards, (2) ADMEI Excellence Awards, and has been nominated for (1) ILEA ESPRIT Award. Most recently he has been commended for speaking at the 2023 Catersource + The Special Event conference with his session “Taylor Swift, Drag Queens, and House of the Dragon, OH MY!”, sharing tips on creating lasting client relationships. Miro is regarded highly among his peers for his expert candor about personal branding and event design, as well as advocacy for diversifying vendor teams and empowering them financially. Miro’s love of the Destination Management industry is unmistakable. While striving to develop and operate customized programs for his clients, Miro plans to continue to advance his skill set through continuing education. He plans to maintain his DMCP designation, he is actively booking speaking engagements across the country for both ILEA and MPI chapters. He also hopes to continue excelling with Accent Indy and remain involved with both the DMC Network and ADMEI. His goal is to continue to champion the DMC industry in special-event related spaces and be a voice to stress the importance and continued need across destinations.

2022 Carol Norfleet Continuing Education Scholarship Winnter

Erin Donohue - Erin Donohue is a native Dallas, Texan and graduated from the University of Texas – Austin with an Advertising/PR degree from the School of Communications. She started her career at the iconic Mansion on Turtle Creek and Rosewood Hotels.

From there she sold for other historic properties including The Driskill Hotel-Austin and The Melrose Hotel-Dallas. The Omni Melrose became the first Omni property in Texas where she was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing.

Erin transitioned to the Omni Hotels Global Sales Office opening team where she excelled as the Director, Global Accounts for 25 years. During her total 30 year tenure with Omni Hotels, Erin received numerous awards and became a member of the coveted President’s Circle.

Erin has represented Trump Hotels for the last 5 years as a Global Sales Director.

As a 35-year member of MPI, she desires to pursue the CMP designation and recently received her CITP certification through SITE.

2021 Carol Norfleet Continuing Education Scholarship Winnter

Latoya Williams, MBA

Latoya Williams - With more than 25 years of hospitality experience as both a corporate and leisure Sales Manager and Director of Sales & Catering, Mrs. Williams knows what is needed to create and execute successful and memorable events. Mrs. Williams holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Buffalo State College, and an M.B.A. from Capella University. She truly is the example of “working her way up”. Starting as a front desk clerk in 1995 to Director of Sales & Marketing in 2018, and all departments in between, she truly believes in teamwork and accountability.

After years of working with numerous hotel brands in the WNY area, she partnered with HelmsBriscoe in 2019 so she could use her in-depth skills and experience to help companies and organizations across the country execute events and meetings. She firmly believes that all aspects of hospitality start with service excellence, and ensuring each guest believes they are the center of attention.

Mrs. Williams has received industry recognition, including the CVB Beacon Award (Sales Manager of the Year), Manager of the Quarter with Hyatt, 40 under 40 with Connect, the Ambassador Award from Buffalo State College, and ranks in the top 25 of "most influential in hospitality" according to Northstar meetings group. With Ms. Williams' industry-leading knowledge and skills, her goal is to teach the art of hospitality, service and care to those who would serve. Mrs. Williams has faculty relationships with SUNY Buffalo State College and Trocaire College where she teaches a variety of hospitality related courses.

LaToya is married to her favorite Navy Veteran John, and together they have 2 children Talvin & Austin.