/City-Hall-Spotlight-Mrs-Gloria-Smith/Ms-Glo.jpg/?lang=en-US)
What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?
I am a resident of New Orleans East; however, I grew up in the 8th Ward.
Describe your job to us!
I am the Executive Assistant to Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Some of my duties include meeting preparations for the Mayor, greeting and assisting constituents, handling incoming and outgoing correspondences, interacting with other staff and department heads, and contracts management, just to name a few.
Tell us about your career path.
My career started in January 1989, when I started working for the City of New Orleans, in the Department of Finance/Bureau of Revenue. I have been employed with the city for over 31 years, working in various offices/departments – Division of Housing and Neighborhood Development, Office of Housing and Urban Affairs, Mayor’s Office of Federal & State Programs, Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations, Chief Administrative Office, and Office of the Mayor.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I mostly enjoy being able to assist the constituents and my colleagues, whenever possible. It makes me feel good, when I hear relief and excitement in a person’s voice, knowing that I was able to make a difference.
What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?
Getting people to realize there is something called protocol is a challenge. People think that the Mayor can do and is responsible for every and all things. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to be of help, it’s never enough.
What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?
Because I love to eat, I would say that the food is my favorite thing about New Orleans. Sometimes, just the smell of seafood and burgers make me hungry.