Full Name: Aspen Steib Murphy

Where are you from? Back Vacherie

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I received a Broadcast Journalism Degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. I was a Magna Cum Laude graduate with Annenberg honors. In the past, I worked for CNN, the Cannes Film Festival, Warner Brothers Music and others. Currently, I handle Community Relations in Garyville for Marathon Petroleum Company LP. I also graduated from Leadership River Region and the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI). With NORLI, I was awarded their Emerging Leader Award. Currently, I am in the Nancy Marsiglia Institute, serve on the board of St. John United Way and am the current Chairwoman of the River Region Chamber of Commerce. I am also married with two children.

Who are some black role models you look up to, and why?

My role models are my parents. They were both first generation college graduates. My dad graduated from Nicholls State and became a supervisor at Marathon. My mom was the first black female attorney in St. John Parish. She went on to become a judge. My parents worked hard to succeed considering they both started from meager beginnings. It’s because of their success that I was able to focus on my goals and go to Howard University on a full scholarship enabling me to pursue my dreams.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is an opportunity for black leaders to be recognized for their accomplishments in society. There are so many great leaders to look up to throughout history and this month is a way to highlight a few of them. I’m humbled to be included in your feature this year.

Why is it important to encourage diversity?

I handle some of our Diversity initiatives at work and what I’ve found is that diversity allows you to value a broader set of perspectives. It allows you to provide support, advocacy, education and more to members of marginalized groups and allies of those groups. Diversity also allows you to see the best of people producing high performing teams. When you are not diverse, you can exclude talented people that have the potential to change your future.

What changes would you like to see in the local community?

I would like to see more students graduate from high school with a two-year degree in process technology and receive industrial job offers in the River Parishes. I am actively working to realize this change.