02/22/22 | Black History Month Spotlight

Q: How long have you been a member of NACE? What drew you to NACE?

A: 6 months- The camaraderie in the Charlotte Market peaked my interest for awhile thus finally deciding to join. I wanted to be a part of a networking group that would fuel my business by education, trusted relationships, accountability, and growth.

Q: What do you think people can do this Black History Month to raise awareness about important issues that impact the Black community in the catering and events industry?

A: For me, I’ve found uncomfortable one on one or small group dialogues to be a catalyst for people to begin asking questions. This in turns begins to educate and rethink mindsets that many have held hostage for years. It’s up to us as black professionals to be open, willing, and honest when it comes to sharing our culture and experiences in this industry. It’s up to non-black professionals to have a desire to listen, learn and be open to change.

Q: Why do you like being a member of NACE and how has it impacted your life as a black catering and events professional?

A: While I only have been a member for a short time, I have found my membership to already be beneficial in education and cultivating new relationships. These two factors alone are a great impact as we diversify are service offerings and continue to holistically grow as a business.