President's Corner - March 2026

Hello MPI, Texas Hill Country Chapter!

This month, we are celebrating Women’s History. So, I thought I might share a little of my professional history. I have had to be a very self-sufficient person when it comes to my career. I have always been driven to be successful and constantly curious about how to be better. As a minority and a woman, it has been difficult to see what opportunities are out there, as many of them are hidden from a select few. I have been declined promotions, training, and education because I didn’t fit who they saw as a success in the position. I have always known that if I work hard, take advice, and respect others, I would be successful. I have learned that I must make opportunities for myself to learn and grow. If the education was available, I took it, if the experience was there, I volunteered for it; and if there was a chance to be better, I applied for it.

It’s tough when you know you have the skills, curiosity, and drive to make employers successful, and they refuse to see it because of their own small perspectives. None of us should be put in that box. That’s why I have been an event professional for 23 years and president of this chapter. Volunteering for this board opened a world to me I didn’t know. I had to take a leap of faith and focus on that opportunity.

I thought about this because I wanted to say to the event profs out there that are struggling to let them know if you want to succeed, it is possible. No, it’s not easy but anything worth having isn’t easy to get. You don’t need it handed to you. You can reach up and take it yourself. I am constantly inspired by the women around me who are authentically themselves and know their worth. We should all feel this way. I hope that the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter can empower you in that way as well.

On Friday, March 27, we are having an education event and a mini-FAM in Waco. We will be discussing the devastating problems of human trafficking. This topic is so important to MPI and the hospitality industry. As event professionals, we can be on the front line with our observant eyes, assisting law enforcement with the freeing of individuals and prosecuting their captors. We will discuss that and more in this important education.

On Saturday, March 28th, Visit Waco is generously hosting us for an incredible day of sights, food, and fun exploring all that Waco has to offer now. Shiplap anyone! It is a fantastic location for small groups, board meetings, and weekend getaways! This will be a great experience and something we have never done before. You will regret missing this one. Join us and get to know your board for this meaningful and exciting event. I look forward to meeting you. Have a great March!