Velina Willis-Smith, Minority/Women Business Enterprise Coordinator, has been appointed Regional Coordinator for the American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA). The ACCA was established in 1986 as a nonprofit national organization dedicated to ensuring equitable employment and contracting practices within the public and private sectors. The organization provides professional certification credentials, training, standardization of practice, networking, and support to M/WBE, supplier diversity, affirmative action, contract compliance, equal employment, and human rights professionals across the country. It is the only nationally recognized certifying body for professionals in the respective fields.
Willis-Smith will represent Dallas ISD and the M/WBE Department on a national level by bringing more awareness to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to racial equity programs and initiatives. Her primary responsibilities will include developing and increasing ACCA membership, working on the education committee, and facilitating communication between 13 states – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. As a member of the education committee, she will be involved in developing and implementing educational and professional development seminars.
As we aspire to become the gold standard for the nation, we will keep you abreast of the district’s M/WBE Program successes and initiatives. Should you have any recommendations or M/WBE inquiries, you may contact Leslie Williams, Deputy Chief, M/WBE, at lwilliams@dallasisd.org, or Annie Partee, M/WBE Director, at apartee@dallasisd.org.
