| |
|
|
Name: Pamela Ellis Benson, CTA
Company: Richmond Region Tourism
Position/Title: National Sales Manager
What do you love or what excites you about your job? What I love about
my job is the knowledge gained working with professionals from various organizations/industries with the same goal in mind, successful meetings. Also the ability to work with so many wonderful people that have become friends, and the
opportunity to market a great city!
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive the hospitality industry: Narratives Matter. Protect your brand. Always show up with your authentic self.
Favorite Book or Current Read and why you chose it? Current Read: The Purpose of Power, (How we come together when we fall apart), By Alicia Garza. I choose this book because it is written by the co-founder of “Black Lives
Matter”, a female Civil Rights Activist. It tells of how she has fallen apart many, many times and put back together. A story of hope. She talks about how Black Lives Matter was created, and the importance of it, and movements like
it for our future.
What song would you sing at karaoke? Bigger Than Me, By: Le’andria Johnson
Name three words to describe you: Conscientious, Spiritual, Poised.
What do you love about NCBMP? ***What I love most about NCBMP is the networking! It is a very non-threatening and embracing environment which allows you to create new relationships and foster old ones. It is my belief that the organization
is growing in ways that it will become the Premier Organization of Color for education, elevation, networking and professionalism in this industry.
|
| |
|
|
Name: Chianti C. Cleggett
Company: Greater Birmingham CVB
Position/Title: National Sales Manager
What do you love or what excites you about your job? There are many things I love about my job. One of the biggest things is sharing some of my favorite places with clients. From our zoo to my favorite eateries for crab cakes, shrimp’n
grits, and cocktails, exploring my city with clients, old and new, is always fun. Birmingham has that delightfully surprising “it” factor that no one expects. Another thing I love is learning about other cultures and communities when
we travel for conferences. My job at the CVB has provided amazing exposure on varied levels, and I thank God for the blessing that I get to do it every day.
Where will you be in 5 years? What is next for your career? My professional path has included careers in journalism and the nonprofit arena. Yet, I feel like God placed me in this position. Although I definitely plan to remain in
this industry in some capacity in five years, as a free-spirit, I am open to where God leads me. His plan has always been better than mine. I am definitely excited about what the future holds.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive the hospitality industry. A few things have helped me level up in this industry. In fact, they could be helpful in any industry. First, learn how to show up as your whole self.
I fully believe that the skills I built in my past careers laid the foundation for me in this career, and I pull from them often. Second, be authentic and learn to work through fear. Even when I am afraid, I ask questions, share my
thoughts, learn something new or allow myself to be silly. And finally, connect with mentors. I have mentors who are official and unofficial, female and male, some who work in my office and others who I may only see once a year. They
are Black, Asian, Hispanic and White. There are so many dynamic people who make up this profession and I am excited to learn from them. I am also willing to be a mentor, which is equally important to me.
Favorite Book or Current Read and why you chose it? My current favorite book is Alicia Keys’ More Myself: A Journey. I chose this book because I wanted a deeper look into the life of Alicia Keys the woman, not necessarily
the superstar. It gave me insight into both in a way I was not expecting, which also gave me a little more insight into myself. Each chapter got better and better. The chapters I connected with most are 12, 18 and 19.
What do you love about NCBMP? For me, NCBMP is a forum that represents family, friends, pride, support, fun, business, truth and power. While it isn’t perfect (no organization is), I love that it is the place where Black meeting
professionals can come to shine and express ourselves, and where we can fully contribute to make things better.
|
| |
|
|
Name: LaVette Henderson, CMP, HMCC
Company: National Dental Association
Position/Title: Executive Director
What do you love or what excites you about your job? What I
love about my job is providing great experiences for my memberships and corporate partners of the National Dental Association. Also what is gratifying, is working to provide oral health access to underserved communities, providing opportunities
for minorities oral health professional to receive educational sessions, leadership training, increasing the oral health pipeline and strategizing with my leaders.
Where will you be in 5 years? What is next for your career? I am looking to move into facilitating sessions/meeting. Example: Customer Advisory Boards, Speaking on Diversity, Conducting Real Talk between Planners and Suppliers. Analyzing situations and providing resolutions in the hospitality industry
and association arena has been a new focus. Teaching and sharing my knowledge.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive the hospitality industry: "Stick to the Facts" - As a hospitality and association leader,
sticking to the facts and not taking things personally, solves more challenges at the table. Addressing situations by listening with an open mind, building on the positives and talking through dilemmas provides great experiences. Sticking
to the Facts will cause you to Focus on the task. Empower your knowledge and Persevere in your career.
Your favorite food or restaurant and why? Taco Salad with the chips, it has almost everything I love in one dish and
puts a big smile on my face.
Name three words to describe you: Listener, Straightforward, Truthful, Collaborator, Strong
What do you love about NCBMP? I love being a member of coalition because I feel
at home and can have real talk with industry professionals. I have learned great best practices on top of pushing through some hard lessons in being a dedicated member of NCBMP. I have grown tremendously due to the friendships, relationships,
partnerships, educational sessions and networking opportunities I have experienced in my 2020 years of membership. Proud member!!!
|
| |
|
|
Name: Angela B. Hollis , MBA,DES
Company: Advanced Meeting Solutions, Inc.
Position/Title: Vice President, Business Development and Meetings
What do you love or what excites you about your job? As an independent planner it affords me the opportunity to support an array of organizations in the creation of exceptional professional and social meeting experiences.
Where will you be in 5 years? “Working from a beach in the Caribbean.”
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive within the hospitality industry. “Take it all in and take care of yourself too!”
What song would you sing at karaoke? Respect by Aretha Franklin
Your favorite food or restaurant and why? One of my favorite restaurants, Jake & Cooper’s Wine Bar, Manayunk PA near Philly…best crab cakes and pizza.
Name three words to describe you: Fun, Caring, Independent, Believer
|
| |
|
|
Name: Gina Lawrence
Company: NAACP
Position: Director, Events Planning
What do you love or what excites you about your job? Every day is different.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive this industry: Being detailed will save you every time.
Favorite Book or Current Read: The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
|
| | | 
| Name: Cynthia McIntosh
Company: Greater Birmingham CVB
Position/Title: Executive Meetings Market Sales Manager
What do you love or what excites you about your job? I love meeting new people.
Where will you be in 5 years? I would like to relocate to Denver, CO.
What is next for your career? I am considering youth counseling.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive within the hospitality industry: When you have not caused an issue don’t take it personal.
Favorite book or current read and why you chose it? Michelle Obama biography because I want to learn more about her.
What song would you sing at karaoke? “Silly” by Deniece Williams
Your favorite food or restaurant and why? Roasted cauliflower because I love the flavor.
Name three words to describe you: Dedicated, hardworking and spontaneous
| | | | 
| Name: Tasha Squires, CMP
Company: MGM Grand Detroit
Position/Title: Sales Manager
What do you love or what excites you about your job? What I love about my job, is the opportunity to create unique experiences for my guests. Through collaboration and partnership, great working, and lifelong relationships are built. And lastly, the opportunity to sale a superior product. No one day is ever the same, I love learning, or experiencing something new each day.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive within the hospitality industry: A piece of wisdom, I would share in surviving the Hospitality Industry, is always be your authentic self. And become a lifelong learner. Our industry requires the ability, and willingness to pivot.
Name three words to describe you: Three words that describe me are: Servant-Leader, Judicious, and Kind
|
| |
|
|
Name: Lisa Marea Wilson
Company: American Nurses Association
Position/Title: Meetings Manager
What do you love or what excites you about your job? The Challenges, there is always something
new to overcome.
Where will you be in 5 years? Closer To Retirement
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive within the hospitality industry: Be Flexible, things change like the wind in this industry.
Form partnerships and friend ships with your vendors, work together when issues arise don’t play the blame game.
Favorite book or current read and why you chose it? Born a Crime” Stories from a South African Child by
Trevor Noah
What song would you sing at karaoke? If I had a solo voice I would sing everything!
Your favorite food or restaurant and why? Favorite Food Pizza
Name three words to describe you: Nurturing, Caring, Dependable
|
| | | 
| Name: DeShawn Wynn, CMP-HC
Company: Wynning Touch Event Design
Position/Title: Chief Meeting Architect
What do you love or what excites you about your job? What I love about my job is that I own it. Starting my company is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. But it is also the most rewarding. For me to still be around 11 years later, is something that brings a HUGE smile to my face.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive within the hospitality industry: Don’t be afraid to say no. As an entrepreneur, I have felt the pressure to say yes to whatever business came my way. I have learned that not all money is good money. Sometimes a client’s drain on your peace of mind is not worth the check.
What song would you sing at karaoke? I probably would not sing this for Karaoke, but Hustlin’ by Rick Ross is definitely the theme music that I hear when I need to get my day started.
|
| |
|
|
Name: Stephie Young
Company: Advanced Meeting Solutions, Inc.
Position/Title: VP/Director of Meetings
What do you love, or what excites you about your job? I love my job because I create my schedule. My clients are open and honest about their needs, allowing AMS to make the best decisions on their behalf. The components of the work
that I enjoy most are Site Selection, Contract Reviews, Expo Management, and Vendor Selection
Where will you be in 5 years? What is next for your career? I plan to be retired.
A piece of wisdom/advice for someone to survive the hospitality industry. Be confident. Don’t take everything so seriously. Enjoy the good times. Prepare for the lean times. Network. Make real friends. Be a true friend.
Favorite Book or Current Read and why you chose it?. Becoming by Michelle Obama, no explanation required. My next scheduled books to read are - More Myself A Journey by Alicia Keyes and Writing My Wrongs by Shaka Senghor; I chose
both hoping they would help me as I serve the youth in my family.
What song would you sing at karaoke? Ms. Independent by Neyo, it describes the new me.
Your favorite food or restaurant, and why? Bandera’s in Chicago, because of the atmosphere and the food. The Signature Room on the 95th floor because of the view. Both are in Chicago.
Name three words to describe you. Honest
What do you love about NCBMP? *** I love that NCBMP is a network that offers opportunities for meeting planners and suppliers to connect and conduct business. The organization allows individuals to feel connected, supported, and
appreciated. The resources I’ve met have extended my career. It’s a pleasure to have access to talent that understands my clients’ needs and a high-level group of suppliers that support diversity. I highly recommend that new members
of NCBMP find a mentor to assist them in connecting to seasoned individuals within the organization.
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
