New Association for Women in Events Launches
May 4, 2015
A new association for women who are in the events industry, aptly called the Association of Women in Events, recently launched to connect and empower women in the meetings and events industry.
Founded by Carrie Abernathy, Tamela Blalock, Mas Tadesse Harris, Mary Higham and Kiki Janssens, AWE is a national association based in Washington, D.C., and officially launched March 30.
“This organization fills a need," said Carrie Abernathy, AWE Co-Founder. “There are a lot of resources out there, but it's difficult to find anything specifically geared towards women. AWE empowers a thirsty community; a community that should feel like home.”
The association serves as a collaborative community for women to share innovative ideas, build powerful professional relationships and advance careers. The organization is for seasoned industry leaders, as well as tomorrow's leaders, according to the association founders.
AWE looks to integrate, support and engage with existing industry organizations and build long-term collaborative relationships.
Both men and women can join the social network forum. AWE wants men to be a part of these conversations to support women in the workplace and beyond.
“Whether you are male, female, supplier, vendor, organizer, young professional, or seasoned veteran, we need you!,” said Mary Higham, AWE co-founder.
She added, “The Association of Women in Events mission and purpose is to serve the entire events industry and we need your valuable input in order to make this a success.”
In July 2015, AWE plans to launch the inaugural Board of Directors, who will direct membership, scholarships, events and education decisions for the association. Applications for Board of Directors are immediately being accepted at http://www.womeninevents.org/.
“What a wonderful opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world, than to stand on the sidelines and just wish for it," said Tamela Blalock, AWE co-founder.
For membership information and resources, go to www.womeninevents.org/membership.html
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.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
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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