Speaking at NACE's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event: Boston National Association for Catering and Events

When Lynne (@lynngrahamdesigns) and Pearl (@designedbydelsie) asked me to be involved in a DE&I panel, I jumped in.

I’m so happy to have been involved. It was a great conversation about challenging communication, privilege, DE&I efforts that I feel are colossal dumpster fires, and how I see it impacting organizations – both large and small.

Extra special thanks to Brian (@fourniermalloyphotographers), who took all of the below amazing photos!

Venue – @exchangecenterboston Catering – @eastmeetswestcatering Bar – @eastmeetswestcatering Flowers – @forevermarkflowers Video – @generationscinemastories Photo – @fourniermalloyphotographers Signage – @lynngrahamdesigns Rentals – @peakeventservices Entertainment- @entertainmentspecialists Design: @designedbydelsie

Secretly, I was excited to learn from the other panelists and maybe ask them a question or two.

As a bonus, I got to reconnect with many vendor friends that I haven’t seen in AGES and also meet so many new ones.

Many people came up to me after the talk and thanked me for bringing up topics that are uncomfortable and that needed to be said – not just the things that are “corporate-appropriate” to say on panels like these. I was also told that I was relatable, which made me feel really good.

I whole heartedly admit that I’ve tripped up a lot as a leader. I’ve done/said things that I probably could’ve handled in a much better way, but I remember it, I recognize it, and I am working to do better.

I wanted to recognize my friend, Caitlin Tam (@ctamtam), for sending me so many great resources when I was struggling with a couple of DE&I situations on my team. I’ve learned so much from her and am inspired by people like her who live and breathe allyship!