 Our teams and stuff like that. So, you know, it went from there. And then when I started she's so fab Um, I was kind of you know, doing some venue searches and I was like, I think I could do this for living like for one of our events I'm like, I like this and you know I kind of started tapping back into it and I started to realize like events have just been in my life constantly I'm always winding back up in this space So, um, you know, I said goodbye to like any other initiative that I thought I was gonna do You know everything I'll all you can you name it You know, I've done some pr at the start of my career as well. So, you know, I studied marketing I started to study communication. So Everything just kind of aligned itself and you know um Did a lot of social events and then from there stemmed into corporate and I think corporate was really the space where I Just was able to you know, navigate the event world But also gain a lot of my own skills and able to um, you know build on that expertise and get a lot of Experience, you know doing events here in Canada, but also in the u.s. Which was exciting for me In my career journey. So yeah It's been a wild ride. But you know, here I am and now we're kind of navigating this virtual space a little bit more than we did before so Yeah, super excited. It's been a really interesting journey and I think that's the thing with when you a lot of people that I talk to Who's been doing events? um It's one of those things a lot of us never really said, okay, we're gonna be do events, but um You know, it kind of just happens and if you love it, you love it That's the thing about that's the catchy thing about events If you like doing it and you like the challenge, then it's you if If you don't love it, then you're just gonna kind of throw in the towel really early You know you raise an interesting point about The people in this industry and they love it. Um, you know during the past couple years I think we were all given the opportunity or we were all tempted to leave our industry Given what's happened But so many people have stayed and it is because we love it It certainly isn't because of the money None of us made a ton of money in the last couple years But you know, we stayed because we love the work and we love the community And you're definitely one of the strongest community members In this industry for sure and I do want to talk about what you're doing now But if you don't mind, can you tell us a little bit about she's so fab? I'm quite intrigued by the concept and I'd love to know like if it's still going If we can still get involved like tell us a little bit about that initiative Yeah, so she's so fab um And I'm talking about it. It's like one of my other babies, but it's no longer existing However, I did start it when I was um I think kind of fresh out of university It was really a space to just welcome women From every avenue of all sorts. It was just really a space where we could celebrate each other And you know as women we go through so many things And oftentimes the things that we go through We really think that it's only we were isolated We feel like we're the only one that is going through a certain situation But you know as I grew up the more I realized is that as women we go through these things And we're not alone Um, a lot of the times we may look different, but we share so many common You know situations and um, but a lot of the times we don't talk about it I think in this day and age we talk about it a little bit more But at that time just wasn't there are certain things we just didn't talk about a lot And I thought it'd be great to just have a space where we could all Come together be celebrated and feel you know safe In those conversations. So, you know Started it as a blog and then we did some events for women Um, you know did some really fun campaigns. I ran a campaign where I think I hosted like 25 women from you know different different age groups different industries um, you know different You know cultures you name it and we all came together And just celebrated us which was awesome. Um, so, you know, I think as I started to get more Into my own career when I you know started to jump into events. It kind of started to distract me um from that initiative But um, you know empowering women and celebrating women has always been um one of my passions and uh Even in high school. I started like a girls group where girls could come and talk So I think that it's always kind of been ingrained in me. Um, I guess so, you know That will always have a special place in my heart and there's been many times where I thought okay Do I want to revive this? But you know, I think I think you know, um in life we kind of have to Um continue going with our calling and in our journey and here I am now. Um, you know leading black and events and You know, it's just kind of an extension of my passion of giving back to communities and um, you know helping others Well, and that's a thank you nation No one's going to blame you for being lazy because you certainly are still giving giving giving and you're still If there's a word to describe you in just listening to you now it is empowerment and it is um safety because now you've created this new community That empowers Another group of people and provides them with another safe place to come together and talk So tell us about the beginnings of black and events and and kind of take us through the journey. Like, where are you at now? Absolutely. Um, so black and events we started it early in, um 2020 before the pandemic before You know a lot of discussions on racism started to be brought up a little bit more heavier in the events phase Um, and at the time I started, you know the discussion with Ashanti Ben Teal. Dole who's from the uk Um, and you know, we kind of had the discussion of you know, we should there should be a space celebrated where You know black professionals can kind of come together because oftentimes We don't see a lot of black professionals in the event space Whether that's in associations or that whether that's at award shows. We're just not that we're not very represented And there's so many different layers and reasons why that that happens Um, but at the time it was just feeling like, you know There needs to be a space where we can kind of come together find each other But also where the events industry can find us as well So from there, um, I kind of Took ownership ownership of the the the company and um kind of took it to a different a different space and a different level So that you know, our industry can kind of see that we're here um and not Have the excuse anymore that well, we don't know where to find black professionals working in events and you know Kind of break that that narrative, but also celebrate us, you know And um the one unique thing about the network is that it's such an inclusive network So while we are still here to represent and amplify black professionals We still are welcoming everybody into that space because in order to get that message across You know, we have to do this together You know, I we can sit in a silo or in our room by ourselves as black professionals trying to amplify that It's just not going to work that way. We have to have the support of the events industry You know kind of rallying and saying yeah, we need change and here's some black Here are black professionals who are working in the industry and um, let's let's support them, you know, and so um That's what black and events is about the you know, the network is really a community, but it's a community that Has so many differences and we know one thing that I like to be be clear is like when we talk about black professionals Um, it's not a one layer. There are so many. There's so many differences to that and as a black woman I'm yes. I'm a black woman, but I'm also a woman You know, there's black men. There are queer black You know black professionals as well. So The umbrella is huge and I I don't like to just narrow it down to Just this and just that because the umbrella is huge and I I think um, we all still need a space where We can be represented and um, you know feel safe and feel included Um and feel seen in the industry And and I love what you've you said about feeling safe. You're right. I think regardless of Any labels that we put on ourselves or that we project on to other people. We're all just longing for that safe place Um and black and events is definitely one of those safe places Now you you raised an interesting question because I want to dive into this you mentioned that black and events has Has space and room for supporters Like white professionals as well. So how do white professionals or professionals of other ethnicities become a supporter and part of the black and events community? Yeah, and that's a great question. And I'm so glad you raised that we are There's so many different ways and we're still in the midst of just kind of ironing out finer details, but you know one way is to you know, just be part of the community We're on instagram. We're on linkedin. We were on twitter. Um, you know and just kind of you know We share we share content and resharing it to your peers and letting them know that we're here Um, I know that so there's so many people that have you know sent out and sent out emails to me saying Hey, there's these job offers. I want to share it with your network and um, you know It's it's those little ways to kind of support our network Um, a great thing about us is like we're not limited to one geographical area where we're I'm in Canada But we have a huge demographic in the u.s. We have a huge demographic in red k um, africa like we're we're kind of expanding which is the beautiful thing, but um, there's so many different those ways to just kind of support us and say, hey Um, you know, how can we amplify you? And those are some simple ways right now we are working on um, you know different ways for The industry to kind of support the initiative of what we're doing And um, that's something to look forward to in the the next couple weeks that we're going to start releasing Well, and I don't want I don't want you to have to spill the beans ahead of time But you're right. What are the goals the immediate goals of the network? Yeah, um, you know right now we want to definitely grow the network just the community um, you know and have more relationship with our community and Understand what the needs are You know a little bit more deeper so that we can start reaching out to other organizations and Partnering and collaborating on ways to support, you know black professionals in the industry In terms of you know their career or education um And there's so many different ways that organizations can absolutely support those initiatives So I think yeah, I think it's just um for us. It's just you know supporting us right now That's one of the big things and you know expanding the community as much as we can but also getting you know You know meeting organizations that are looking who have taken these pledges to say, you know what? They want to create changes In you know black communities or bipod communities Those are the the organizations we really want to talk to and Have conversations with to see how we can kind of help them Take that next step because we have the community So that they can support And and that I think that's what uh at least it trips me up And I don't know if it trips up anyone else but it's it's the how because There's there's value in the mission and there's there There's clarity in what it is The end goal is but how do we get there? What are a couple of things that an organization can do to get there? And then if you could follow that up with a couple things that I can do Aside from sending different opportunities for social media. So organizations and individuals How can we further your cause and and get you closer to work towards your goals? Absolutely. Thank you. Um, you know, I always say one of the first things is really Be honest with yourself and I know that sounds so simple, but it's it's really simple Like what does my team look like is my team diverse and what's my advertising like, you know, is my advertising You know, are my suppliers diverse, you know, does everyone look like me? Um, these are the ways that we can start, you know, we've reflect first and do these audits on ourselves also but also on our business and um, I've I've found that a lot of times More often than none people are like, well, yeah, I did this audit and I realized, okay I'm not such a diverse business and here I am trying to support communities But you know internally the people that I turn to that comes to our suppliers It's always the same people that I'm turning to are there other people that I can support um, you know and and these are these are simple ways of starting and um, you know, if I think one thing too that is challenged challenging to a lot of people that aren't part of like a BIPOC community is having that conversation and oftentimes if you kind of You know talk to somebody in your network meet somebody new, you know, how can we support you? How what are you doing and You know Those those are ways that you can start just self auditing on the goals for organizations. It goes for individuals um You know start internally and then kind of you'll slowly start to go you'll start slowly start to trickle outwards Um, you know get training. There's a lot of um companies right now. There's a lot of people who um train, you know Organizations train individuals on, you know, understanding their their biases and how can they be more diverse in in their workforce And how can they ensure that the people that are on their teams? Even if they are diverse are being treated um, You know being included and also being equitable at the same time, right? So, you know, it starts small But I find that you know those small steps go a long way and it's kind of like it's learning how to walk Almost it you're not going to get it right the first time Um, but it takes work and one thing that I you'll hear me say this on every platform that I talk about this It's it's a journey. It's not going to you know, if you start today or you start next week. It's not going to um Automatically change things overnight might not even change automatically in a year But it's just a dedication To just starting the journey to wanting to make that change Well, and I like that, you know Moving it from being A judgment-based audit where I could see I do that on myself and all of a sudden I have those all those judgments about things that I've done wrong or things that I have failed to do But move it towards. Okay. This is the first step of a journey Um and the first step might look super super ugly But there is there is a journey ahead of me and it's only um bound to get better as I as I move along it So I think that's that helps me. Thank you. Kenisha because you're right. I think Doing a self audit. I would automatically go to that dark place that I'm not doing enough I don't know enough. Um, and I'm not advocating enough Um, but instead of using that as as a negative maybe use that as this is where I can improve This is where I can learn. This is where I can listen. This is where I can invite more discussion and community and dialogue and Like you said, it's a journey. I love that. I love that. That's um, that's almost completely changed how I view my Journey um in this area. So thank you for that So as far as is it just you running black and events or do you have a support system? Well, I do have a very very small team right now. Um, hoping to Grow that um, you know as the months come by but I do have a small team right now And um, you know very dedicated individuals to you know, just wanting to ensure that black and events You know strives and hits the nail on on where it can go. Um, you know, all of us is very dedicated to what it means to us and You know, just amplifying difference and in embracing that And we want to see more of that, you know, we are all passionate about you know, the events industry and um, you know our work towards it and um, you know, I'm so passionate about just this project I said to my I said to someone in a jokingly way. I said I'm ready to you know, throw in the towel on events if I need to just to focus um, you know Full time on black and events and ensuring that you know the message and the vision goes Where it needs to go Oh, you know and that was my next question is how are you finding time to do it all? But I think you answered it Um, it sounds like you're not finding enough time to do all of the things that you're passionate about And so you're focusing on this one passion for now Um, and hopefully finding room to explore your other passions in the future So are you planning any events right now? Um for personally, yes, um, you know My client base and stuff like that, but for black and events, um, we definitely have a lot in store when it comes to events And that's something um, I'm looking forward to sharing. Um, again in the next couple of weeks But you know last this between this year and last year. I think black and events hosted at least Wow, maybe 40 types of events in some way. Um Wow, yeah, we've done a lot of different experiences and um, you know, I think with that we're just going to keep You know keep growing Well, and here's to finding you some support as well so that it can keep growing Um, so kanisha for people that want to learn about black and events you mentioned, uh, linkedin Instagram and twitter are the top three places. Did I miss any in that? Um, you did not so instagram linkedin twitter Um, you can email me miss dot kanisha Uh at gmail miss dot kanisha dot williams at gmail.com Um, you know and get get in touch with me there, but um, yeah, those are our main places We're usually very active on instagram. We've been a little bit quiet lately But um, we're going to start talking a little bit more on there Again, yeah, well, it sounds like you've got lots to share. So we're going to watch for that I'm just going to add this banner with your email address. Hopefully I'm not there. It is If I spell there Yes Oh good. Oh good. Now. Yeah, so kanisha That was my next question is where can people learn more about you besides giving you an email Are there any preferred platforms that you like to hang out on? Oh, I am always hanging out on twitter. Um, so you can find me there. Shout out to julie Sillers who always points that out. He says, um, kanisha is very active on twitter, which I am If I'm quiet, it's because I'm like really busy Um, but I try to kind of pop in there when I can and share. Um, I don't get too serious on twitter But I like to share, you know, my thoughts and stuff on there, but I'm also on linkedin And I'm also you can email me. I am on instagram I get get kwill, but I'm not on there as often Um, and I do have a website which is www.kanisha.co Which is okay. I'm gonna create another Banner here that kanisha got c. Oh, hopefully I did that one right. Let's see if I did And show there we go. Oh, what a great website Wow, I wish my website looked as fancy as that one. Um, This is you know, you it's this conversation was long overdue and I think if we had the conversation six months ago It actually would have looked different than it does today And if you and I connect in a year from now, it's going to look different yet again So yes, I'm asking you kanisha if you can come back in a year from now and update us because I think it sounds like It sounds like this is the season for you guys and you're finally starting to see some momentum and some support You've got julius as a supporter. You can always count on me as a supporter as well And I'm going to look at ways that I can get more intentional about Being part of your community You're just such a joy and such a light and Again, that word empowerment always comes to mind And we all need to surround ourselves with people who are empowering and provide safety and you do that for so many people And myself included. So no, thank you. Thank you Your your work does not go unnoticed So those days when you feel like it is you need to know It's not going unnoticed People are watching people are learning people are listening So please continue to shine your light and share your voice. We need it We need it No problem. Thank you. You're welcome and thank you everyone who watched today And if you're watching this on replay and you have questions for kanisha Either about the work that she's doing or of course about black and events network Continue to drop them in the chat because i'm going to be monitoring the chat in the weeks ahead For any comments that come in and we want to make sure that we get answers to you about how you can get involved With black and events. So continue dropping your questions Or as kanisha mentioned, you can drop her an email as well at ms.kanisha.williams at gmail.com Kanisha, do you have any parting thoughts that you'd like to leave with us today? Oh my um, you know what? I think just um on overall for me. I would just like to say to everyone, you know Keep um being your best self and striving for your personal best While you know supporting the needs of of others around you, you know, we're we I know that we're still kind of in this COVID um situation But um, you know, continue just supporting each other There are people that need you right now and you may not even know it. So um, yeah, just keep being your best self Well and the same goes to you because people need you so so can keep shining kanisha So thank you everyone for watching. Please take kanisha's advice Visit black and events network on the social Be your best self and we will see you next week But a couple hours earlier next week because our guest comes from to us all the way from europe So we are connecting with her In her evening hours, it'll be 11 a.m. Pacific 2 p.m. Eastern Which is 8 p.m. For my guest merit patavani who is um with um the hospitality network And she also runs an incredible room on clubhouse. So we're going to talk about how she Manages to keep all of her branding efforts aligned with her hotel position. So we'll see you next week. Thank you again to kanisha Have a great day everyone Bye. Bye for now