31. Diversity and inclusion in the events industry: A candid conversation with Marc Wilson, Desiree Dent and Nana Annan about the state of the wedding industry, lack of diversity and a way forward

Diversity and inclusion in the events industry: A candid conversation with Marc Wilson, Desiree Dent and Nana Annan about the state of the wedding industry, lack of diversity and a way forward.

All week, we have been having discussions about racism and inequality. These conversations are the first of many uncomfortable but neceesry conversations. 

On this episode, I have a real and candid conversation with seasoned and successful black wedding professionals in the wedding industry.

They share their personal experiences working in the wedding/event industry.

We discuss: 

• Thoughts on the sudden surge of tags and features of black wedding professionals on blogs and all Over social media
• Personal encounters and experiences as an event professional in the wedding industry
• Frustrations due to lack of diversity in the industry
• The gaps we need to fill in our industry
• Steps  the industry need to take to start making these change
• Advice for black wedding and event professionals that may be struggling with how to deal with all of this right now

I hope this episode inspires you!

About Our Guests:

MARC WILSON: Marc Wilson, Founder & Creative Director of The Style Marc by MWD Lifestyles. With over 22 years of experience, Marc is known for transforming venues into classically elegant, stylish and unique environments. From destination weddings, corporate events, and more. From destination weddings, corporate events, family celebrations, fashion events, galas, experiential marketing, meetings and consultancy. Marc and his team are producing events at all levels, with recognitions coming from around the world.

NANA ANNAN: Nana is the founder and owner of Nana Annan Photography.  She graduated from Spelman College with a degree in Computer Science and upon graduation, worked at Morgan Stanley investment bank for 10 years. She then attended and graduated from Boston University School of Law. For the last 6.5 years, Nana has been Chief Operating Officer at the Boys’ Club of New York and she will soon be headed to Harlem Children’s Zone as the incoming COO. In 2019 Nana was the recipient of the Boston University School of Law Young Lawyers Chair award, which is annually presented to those whose performance and commitment reflects great credit upon the School of Law, in recognition of her work since graduating from the Law School. Nana serves as Secretary on the executive board of The Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), She is an ambassador of MunaLuchi Bride, an international bridal organization and publication that specializes in the multicultural wedding market. She is a mentor and business coach to several small business owners in the wedding industry, and has presented at various retreats and conferences on a number of business topics. 

DESIREE DENT: 

To learn more about our guests, follow them on:

 @thestylemarc  https://www.instagram.com/thestylemarc/

@dejanaeevents https://www.instagram.com/dejanaeevents/

@nanaannanphotography https://www.instagram.com/nanaannanphotography/