• Log In
  • {{vm.currentUser.FirstName}} {{vm.currentUser.LastName}} {{vm.currentUser.Cmm ? ', CMM' : ''}} {{vm.currentUser.Cmp ? ', CMP' : ''}}
    {{ vm.currentUser.Title ? vw.currentUser.Title : '' }}
    {{ (vm.currentUser.Company ? vm.currentUser.Company : '') }}

    {{ (vm.currentUser.City && vm.currentUser.State) ? (vm.currentUser.City + ', ' + vm.currentUser.State) : '' }}
    {{ (vm.currentUser.MembershipLevel ? vm.currentUser.MembershipLevel : '') }}
    {{ (vm.Chapter ? vm.Chapter.Name : '') }}

    {{ (vm.currentUser.MemberCategory ? vm.currentUser.MemberCategory : '') }} Membership
    Member ID: {{ vm.currentUser.Id ? vm.currentUser.Id : '' }}
    Expires on: {{ vm.currentUser.ExpirationDate ? vm.currentUser.ExpirationDate : '' }}
    Update My Account Settings
    Sign Out
  • {{ vm.Chapter.ClosestChapter ? 'Closest Chapter: ' : 'Your Chapter: '}} {{ vm.Chapter.Name }}
  • Visit Chapter


Member Spotlight

Let’s meet experience creator Nubia Younge

Empowering people of color to fearlessly explore and experience the world is the mission of Black In Travel.

By Blair Potter

Empowering people of color to fearlessly explore and experience the world is the mission of Black In Travel.

"Our community provides resources, advice and assistance to ensure safe and empowering travel experiences," says Nubia Younge (MPI Caribe Mexicano Chapter), founder and CEO of Black In Travel LLC. "Our curated trips and cultural experiences explore destinations that resonate personally and culturally with our community."

She says it’s also important to foster connections among like-minded individuals, creating opportunities for networking, friendship and shared experiences.

"By being part of Black In Travel, Black travelers gain access to educational opportunities, cultural awareness and practical travel tips tailored to their unique perspectives, ultimately empowering them to explore the world with confidence and joy."

Tell us about how you were inspired to start Black In Travel by your own travel experiences and personally observing a lack of representation for Black travelers.

NY: Traveling the world, I often found myself seeing other people of color and realizing I was never really alone. That’s when I realized how important it was to create a community where Black travelers could feel seen, heard and supported.

My past professional experience played a significant role in shaping Black In Travel. Having worked in various roles within the travel industry, I saw firsthand the gaps and challenges that Black travelers faced. I wanted to bridge those gaps by providing not only resources and support but also by advocating for more inclusive practices within the industry. My goal was to create a platform that celebrated Black travelers and their experiences, while also pushing for systemic change to make the travel industry more equitable and welcoming for everyone.

Tell us about the larger social mission of Black In Travel: Playing a crucial role in making travel more accessible to travelers of color.

NY: It’s essential for a company like Black In Travel to be in the market because we provide representation and advocacy for Black travelers, a demographic that has historically been overlooked and underrepresented in the travel industry. Our presence highlights the unique travel experiences and needs of Black travelers.

My work extends far beyond travel, addressing broader issues of equity and inclusion, influencing industry practices and policies to be more inclusive and equitable for all through partnerships, advocacy and community-building.

I know you believe research via social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest is key for travelers interested in a new destination. What else would you recommend to someone looking to get started in traveling but possibly feeling overwhelmed?

NY: Join online travel communities on platforms such as Facebook or Reddit. Look for groups dedicated to travel in general, like Nomadness Travel Tribe, or specifically to your chosen destination, like Black In Tulum or Black In Portugal. These communities are goldmines for firsthand advice, tips and recommendations from experienced travelers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—most members are happy to share their knowledge and experiences. Engaging with these communities can provide you with valuable insights on everything from must-see attractions to local customs and safety tips.

Why do you suggest Black travelers connect with local communities and organizations that celebrate Black culture and history in their chosen travel destinations?

NY: This can provide a richer and more meaningful travel experience, allowing you to explore cultural landmarks, attend events and support Black-owned businesses. Additionally, engaging with these communities can offer a sense of belonging and safety, making your travel experience more enjoyable and authentic.

Tell us why you decided to focus specifically on promoting health, well-being and self-care through the Black In Wellness movement.

NY: When it comes to travel, the Black In Wellness movement intersects by encouraging the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of color) community to seek out destinations and experiences that support our well-being. This might mean medical tourism, visiting wellness retreats, engaging in cultural and spiritual practices or exploring natural environments that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Travel becomes a form of self-care, offering opportunities to disconnect from everyday stressors and connect with our inner selves and heritage. It’s also about supporting Black-owned wellness businesses and communities worldwide.

You joined MPI many years ago as a hospitality management student in college. Why has ongoing involvement been important to you?

NY: MPI provided valuable networking opportunities, connecting me with a diverse group of professionals in the meeting and event industry. Additionally, being part of this professional community fosters a sense of belonging and offers resources for career advancement. Active involvement can increase your visibility and lead to recognition for your contributions. Overall, joining MPI was a strategic move for professional growth and fostering a more inclusive industry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blair Potter
Blair Potter is director of media operations for MPI and editor in chief of The Meeting Professional.

TRENDING

MORE FROM THE MEETING PROFESSIONAL
From invisible to indispensable
How meeting professionals can overcome burnout, uncertainty and reclaim their purpose.
By Andrea Driessen
A 20 year journey into the power of being there
Designing truly engaging experiences creates lifelong impact.
By Jessie States
I’ve been keeping a secret…
How the MPI Academy is moving from being a learning provider to being a learning ecosystem.
By Lori Pugh CMP, CMM
Re-energize and re-center at WEC 2026
Angela Minardi has been interested in wellness her entire life, having danced since the age of 2 and participating in organized sports since the age of 4.
By Blair Potter
Identity is defined by imagination, belief and repetition
“Possibility begins the moment you decide who you are becoming, regardless of where you are standing,” says Magie Cook, a keynote speaker at MPI’s World Education Congress, June 2-4 in San Antonio.
By Blair Potter
Why the CMM should be your automatic next step
Important changes coming to MPI’s Certificate in Meeting Management program in April will elevate your learning experience and future.
By Michael Pinchera
‘Great work comes from a love of what you do’
Cleo Battle, 2026 recipient of the MPI Industry Leader Award, on what he learned from his athletic background running hurdles and driving the success of the meeting and tourism industries by always focusing on the big picture.
By Maria Lenhart