Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and Building Inclusive Tourism

Clara Carter shares how her path into meeting planning began with organizing class reunions, discovering that her transferable skills aligned with the profession. After 22 years in a corporate role, she pursued extended studies, built confidence in her abilities, and began creating events while still employed. She later founded MCCSN after recognizing that San Diego’s conventions lacked a multicultural focus, committing herself to fill that gap.

Clara describes how mentorship, networking, and stepping outside her comfort zone fueled her growth. She built national connections, created multicultural familiarization tours, and demonstrated measurable impact that ultimately positioned San Diego as a destination for diverse groups. Her story highlights determination, preparation, and the courage to pursue her next act.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “We have the skills, they’re transferrable skills.”
• “You gotta ask the question.”
• “How big is your net? And your net is your net worth.”
• “You can’t have fear… as you move forward in life.”
• “Dust yourself off. Get back up and go for it.”

Closing Reflection

Clara’s journey shows the power of preparation, courage, and resourcefulness. Her experience encourages embracing transferable skills, seeking mentorship, and believing in new possibilities. She reminds us that showing up authentically and pursuing opportunities with resilience can create lasting impact.

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