MFHA Roundtables 2025

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 leader of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), Erika  leverages 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.

Alba leads Coca-Cola’s North America philanthropy strategy, stakeholder engagement, community marketing, employee volunteerism, disaster relief and other functions key to the company’s purpose to “refresh the world and make a difference. Previously, Alba was Vice President of Customer Marketing for North America Foodservice customers. Before that, she served as Hispanic Marketing Group Director in North America, leading the Company’s largest ever Hispanic-focused marketing program for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This program won multiple awards for digital and social media. Joining The Coca-Cola Company in 1999 after ten years in the hospitality industry, Alba fulfilled roles of increasing responsibility in Worldwide Public Affairs and Communications, Strategic Partnership Marketing, and Customer & Commercial Leadership. For six years she was assigned to the Company’s Latin America Group, first as Director of Revenue Growth Management and later as Group Director, Shopper Marketing. Alba has been recognized by Ser Padres Magazine as one of the 25 Latina Executive Moms Making a Difference. She is a strong advocate for community service and serves on the boards of the Georgia State University Foundation, the Woodruff Arts Center’s Alliance Theatre, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, and UnidosUS Corporate Board of Advisors. Born in Bucaramanga, Colombia, Alba holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.

Katharyne and her team support people strategies for 6,200 Coca-Cola employees across plants, warehouse and office locations, as well as, collaborating with our Bottling partners. Joining the organization in 2021, Katharyne had previously been part of leading global transformation organization design, operating model optimization and talent strategies for 2,700 corporate function colleagues around the world. Katharyne also serves as a Council Member to the National Park Foundation. Katharyne started her career at The Home Depot growing across a number of teams in the organization including Mergers and Acquisitions, Employee Relations, Supply Chain, Operations, Home Services and as Chief of Staff to the CHRO. Katharyne then joined YUM! Brands as Director HR United Kingdom and Ireland. She supported the KFC brand comprising of over 800 restaurants and 25,000 team members. After returning from London, Katharyne supported the Global Marketing and Americas hotel organizations at IHG Hotels and Resorts comprising of 500 global colleagues and 2,000 corporate colleagues, 4,000 franchise hotels and 250 company managed hotels across Canada, United States and Mexico/Latin America. She holds a BA and MBA from the University of Florida.

Heather Trotter develops high performing teams, sets a bold vision, and drives innovation and agility to deliver results. Her 23 years at Coca-Cola includes roles in marketing, sales, key accounts, and leading large teams. Today Heather leads the East Region in the Foodservice and On-Premise division. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia overseeing a team of 75 sales and marketing professionals and 44 cross functional partners who work with over 1,200 valued customers with headquarters in 35 states. Heather began her foodservice career with Burger King Corporation where she held roles in brand marketing and global advertising. She credits this experience as a key enabler to her success in the foodservice industry. Heather holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of North Texas, an Executive Coaching Diploma from Emory University Goizueta Business School and is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (IFC). She is on the Board of the National Restaurant Association Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), the UNT G. Brint Ryan College of Business Advisory Board, and previously served on the Board of Trustees for Reinhardt University and the Board of Directors for the Georgia Restaurant Association. She is a longtime member of Women in Foodservice Forum and Next Up.

Christopher leads the development of the strategies and stories that amplify the value and impact that the Foundation’s programs and initiatives have on people, culture, and the industry. Previously at Spotify, he led global diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, amplified cultural moments and brokered partnerships with the leading organizations in music and entertainment. Prior to that, Christopher was the director of brand communications at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), where he launched national advertising campaigns, large in-market brand stunts, and determined where and how the SHRM brand appeared. He has a proven track record of helping organizations achieve results by creating innovative marketing and communications strategies that drive business growth. A Virginia Beach native, Christopher is an award-winning marketer and earned his master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University School of Political Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Lee University.

Alexis Roe has dedicated her life and career to creating environments where all people, especially those from marginalized communities and with unconventional skillsets, feel seen, valued, and respected. Her journey began as an English Teacher and College Advisor in China before expanding into marketing, innovation consulting, strategic partnerships, and ultimately Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In her current role, Alexis leads strategies and partnerships that drive meaningful change across Atlanta through pillars such as food insecurity, economic empowerment, next-gen leadership, and building bridges through basketball. She designs sustainable programs that empower communities, inspire connection, and amplify the voices of those often left unheard. Beyond her professional role, Alexis is deeply engaged in civic leadership. She previously served on the Leadership Council for The Posse Foundation and currently serves on the Governing Board of Pro Sports Assembly, and the People’s United Young Atlanta Leaders Council, while supporting non-profits dedicated to leveling the playing field and dismantling systemic barriers for the next generation. She was named the 2025 MVP Award recipient by the National Coalition of Black Women Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter and was recognized in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. Alexis holds a B.A. in Political Studies and Global & International Affairs from Bard College and an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a proud alum of LEAD Atlanta’s Class of 2023 and Outstanding Atlanta’s Class of 2024, continuing to champion the power of culture, community, and connection to shape a more equitable future.

Kelli Young brings over 19 years of CPG sales expertise, including the past 8 years at Kellanova, where she has led high-performing teams across foodservice and top-tier national retail grocery accounts. As Director of Commercial Restaurants and New Business Development, Kelli drives sales and execution across Top 300 National Restaurant accounts and Ingredient business, while spearheading growth in untapped, high-potential segments. She is a key member of the AFH Business Unit leadership team and serves as Operations Lead for the Kellanova African American Resource Group. Kelli is a passionate, people-first leader known for her relentless drive to win through strategic partnerships, inclusive leadership, and bold, creative thinking. Her purpose extends beyond business—Kelli is deeply committed to mentoring youth and closing the hunger gap in her community.

Michelle has over 17 years of foodservice experience having held roles in varying marketing & strategy capacities across the industry. In her current role as Director of Commercial Strategy at Kellanova she leads the strategy for National Customers and Industry Partnerships across the Away From Home landscape. She prides herself in being a creative problem solver that always seeks to connect through authentic interactions while making meaningful connections.

Stuart Brown serves as the Executive Director for the Inspire Brands Foundation, the charitable arm of Inspire Brands. The foundation works on behalf of Inspire and its brands to ignite and nourish change for good in the communities we serve. Before joining the Foundation in 2014, Stuart developed a passion for leveraging innovation to promote community impact while working for Fortune 500 companies, industry-leading non-profits and a West African start-up. He is an alumnus of Auburn University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering as well as the Kellogg School of Management where he earned his MBA with a focus on Finance and Economics.