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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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