ALEXANDRIA, Va. - March 8, 2021 - The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), a leading association for the travel and hospitality, meeting planning, conference and convention, and related industries, has for the first time in its history elected female leaders to its senior most leadership positions for the 2021 term. Founded in 1983, NCBMP is an advocate for travel-related professionals of color seeking equity, positive change within the industry and training for its membership. NCBMP also advocates on behalf the $63 billion black travel sector.
Following a historic election, NCBMP officers put forth Marlinda A. Henry and Dzidra Junior as chairwoman and president, respectively for 2021. Other officers include: Vice President, Nicholas Wiggins, Treasurer, Lori Burke, Secretary Mona Hudson, and Immediate Past Chairman, Jason Dunn.
"We are proud to elevate two of our best and brightest members to our most critical roles, both of whom have demonstrated tremendous leadership skill, versatility, vision, and influence," said Jason Dunn, immediate past chairman. "We are looking forward to a historic year where their innovation will enhance NCBMP's position as a driving force within the travel, conference, and convention industries."
NCBMP has a strong track record of promoting gender equity and has featured females in leadership and board roles including two of the most recent chairwomen, Stella Beene-Venson, and Ana Aponte-Curtis, and dating back to the association's beginnings with Sylvia Thomas as one of its founders.
Chairwoman, Marlinda A. Henry, a multidimensional leader.
Marlinda A. Henry has worked in the Event Planning industry with 20 years of experience. In addition to working as the Director of Events and Planning for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, where she manages meetings that attract over 7,000 delegates during their annual meetings, Ms. Henry also works as a free-lancer negotiating and booking engagements for GRAMMY nominated gospel artists, comedians, organizations, and religious leaders who touch the lives of many across the globe.
President, Dzidra Junior, building on a leadership legacy.
Dzidra Junior serves as Vice President of Business Development for the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. Ms. Junior brings more than 29 years hospitality industry expertise, having spent 15 years as Director of Global Sales for MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also a member of the Diversity Task Force for Destinations International. Ms. Junior is a member of Meeting Planners International (MPI) and Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA).
In a year impacted by COVID-19, NCBMP will host a series of online and web-based events through the year kicking off with its Founder's Day, which was held on February 23, 2021, as well as ongoing training and advocacy forums. For more information or to register for upcoming events, visit www.ncbmp.org.
ABOUT NCBMP
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training needs of Black hospitality professionals, and those that support Black meetings and events. Since its founding, NCBMP has made a significant impact in the hospitality community by advocating for equity and helping members maximize their return on investment.
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