Meet the diverse business leaders that are learning more about how to leverage certification through INJD to increase potential market share for themselves and their stakeholders inside of today’s volatile business ecosystem. These are the It’s Not Just Dinner 2024 First Time National Conference and Trade Show Attendance – NMSDC Scholarship Awardees that applied, arrived and thrived.
After attending an INJD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, where seasoned business leaders shared their experiences and a collection of tips, tricks, hacks and strategy that spans how to prepare home, business, for the travel itself, they each get assigned a trade show floor mentor.
Hear from the awardees — business leaders in consultancy, event-planning, and digital marketing—on how the INJD scholarship impacted their ability to leverage being certified, forge relationships and demonstrate give back.
Lisa Westgate, Founder & Owner, LN Westgate, LLC
Lisa Westgate stands out as a forward-thinking leader and the CEO of LN Westgate LLC. Her proficiency spans ESG/supplier diversity, risk mitigation programs, and technological advancements in procurement. With her master’s in management, focusing on Conflict Resolution and negotiation, she is celebrated for her strategic approach to enhancing supplier diversity programs. She is an essential advocate for aligning supplier diversification with a procurement-first mindset.
From Lisa Westgate of LW Consulting, we learned that ESG consultants that have a compliant-based competitive edge are rising to the top. “Thought leadership” means nothing without trust. As the INJD community embraced Lisa, introductions into corporate supply chains became a priority, along with meeting other suppliers that could support her flexible needs for growth.
Ebony Whitson, Owner & Creative Designer, Whitson Wonder Productions
Ebony Whitson is the founder and creative designer behind Whitson Wonder Productions. Her entry into this industry wasn’t a linear path; it was more of a natural evolution of her interests and talents. Growing up, she always had a knack for creativity and a keen eye for detail. She found joy in planning and orchestrating events, whether it was a family gathering or a school fundraiser. As she honed her skills and pursued her passion, she realized that event design was where she truly belonged.
In 2018, she took a leap of faith and founded Whitson Wonder Productions, bringing an unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to making a positive impact.
Today, Whitson Wonder Productions offers a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From weddings and private parties to corporate functions and community events, it specializes in bringing visions to life and creating unforgettable experiences.
Jessica Shely Green (Pronounced Shee-ly), CEO & Founder, GPD Creative Agency
Jessica Shely Green is the CEO of GPD Creative Agency, an award-winning, family-owned and operated marketing and communications firm. GPD stands out with its tailored services for nonprofits, small businesses, and government agencies.
With 20 years of experience as a designer and digital marketing professional, Shely Green’s path to entrepreneurship includes internships at one of the nation’s largest media conglomerates to positions as a graphic designer and marketing manager.
Shely Green and her agency have garnered significant recognition, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council Class I Supplier of the Year Award in Ohio, Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40, and the Marketing Pinnacle for Best Digital Strategy & Execution from the Cincinnati American Marketing Association.
Honorary Mentions: Eligible Applicants of the INJD First Time National Conference and Trade Show Attendance Scholarship
All applications submitted through INJD must meet straightforward yet highly relevant eligibility requirements. The scholarship application also includes essay questions that encourage applicants to express why they are a strong fit and should be considered for the scholarship award. We are proud to give an honorary mention to ALL eligible INJD scholarship applicants for the 2024 INJD National Conference in Atlanta. Meet them here:
Whitney McElwain, Founder, Advisor & Board Member, Daybird
Marlene Purdie, Owner/President, Purdie Cleaning, LLC
Dwylett Chambers Montgomery, Author and Founder, Chambers Montgomery Group; Kids’ Reality Books and Children’s Programming
Armetha Pihlstrom, Owner, Founder and CEO, Pihlstrom Consulting Group, LLC.
Mary Gano, Owner & Lead Consultant, MDG Consulting Services, LLC
LJ Finney, Chief Executive Officer, IN-18 LLC
Michelle Jones, Founder and President, BPT Staffing
Dr. Thembi Aquil, Sensible Living Financial Wellness Coach
Dr. Jada Moore-Ruffin, Senior Medical Director, CEO and Founder, REAL Wellness Enterprises LLC
Lauren Powell, MD, Corporate Wellness Expert & Facilitator, Purpose Driven Health & Wellness LLC
About INJD
INJD is dedicated to the professional development of diverse business owners. This is an organization committed to nourishing genuine relationships before, during and after ‘dinner’ that extend connection onto the trade show floor and into everyday life. Through MEDIC, mentorship, education, development, inclusion, and community, INJD continues to provide an environment where suppliers and practitioners can learn to leverage certification while discovering different ways to effectively navigate the supply chain ‘buy/sell’ universe.
Contribute to the It’s Not Just Dinner Table
INJD is looking for trade show floor mentors, committee volunteers, donors, sponsors, young professional board members — and MORE! There are a LOT of ways to apply, arrive, and thrive at It’s Not Just Dinner.
Learn more about our SCHOLARSHIPS, eligibility requirements and benefits to begin your application process today: https://www.itsnotjustdinner.org/ or contact Office@INJD.org
Want to donate to INJD to support business leaders apply, arrive, and thrive? Contact Office@INJD.org for more information on how to get involved.
