Association of Women in Events Names Inaugural Board, Holds First Meeting
July 28, 2015
The Association of Women in Events, a new organization launched in March 2015, recently announced its founding board of directors.
The association received more than 65 applications for membership on the inaugural board, and founders spent several weeks vetting candidates for these important leadership roles.
The Board of Directors is expected to guide the vision of the association throughout the first formative years and shape the community surrounding the organization.
The Association of Women in Events was founded by Carrie Abernathy, Tamela Blalock, Mas Tadesse Harris, Mary Higham, and Kiki Janssens.
The mission of the organization is to provide women professionals in the meetings and events industry a place for sharing best practices, networking, professional development, career advancement and recognition.
By the end of the 2015 year, AWE initiatives such as membership and education plan to be launched with the guidance and leadership of the board members.
“This specific group of board members are leaders in the events industry, and we feel each of them will truly encompass the mission of the organization and bring the association to life”, said co-founder Carrie Abernathy.
She added, “We are excited to start working on the future and building a community”.
The Founding Board of Directors will have one- and two-year roles. Board members were chosen from an array of fields to include media, government, corporate and association markets.
The board members represent several regions of the United States, with members hailing from Washington, D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Los Angeles, Orlando and Denver.
The founding board of director’s first in-person meeting took place July 23 at the Hilton Washington, D.C. For more information visit www.womeninevents.org.
HERE is a full list of the inaugural board of directors.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
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MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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