Empowering Diversity: The Impact of Mentorship
In a bold move to foster diversity and inclusion, Event Marketer (EM) expanded its Experiential in Color initiative in 2025, introducing a groundbreaking mentorship program. We delve into the inspiring journey of mentor Anna Nicholson and mentee Melencia Lattimore, shedding light on the transformative power of this initiative.
For Anna, it's a heartwarming full-circle moment. Recognized in the inaugural Experiential in Color class in 2021, she now pays it forward as a mentor. Fast forward to 2025, Anna, an event manager at Yahoo, guides Melencia Lattimore, a meeting coordinator at A-Plus Meetings & Incentives, on her career path.
But here's where it gets controversial... Melencia, a graduate of FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, had never had a mentor before. Yet, she embraced the opportunity, seeking industry connections and validation for her career choice. And this is the part most people miss: mentorship is a two-way street, as Anna highlights.
"Mentorship is extremely important. I learned so much from my previous mentor, and now I'm excited to pay it forward. It's not just about sharing my knowledge and network; I'm also learning from Mel."
When Anna and Melencia first met, the connection was instant and natural. They discovered shared interests and a common birthday sign, Aquarius. Their initial meeting set the tone for a productive and enjoyable mentorship journey.
"It felt like catching up with an old friend. We had a clear understanding of each other's goals and aspirations from the start."
The pair met regularly, once a month, to discuss Melencia's goals and progress. Anna guided Melencia in developing a personal brand statement, a crucial step in building confidence and a unique professional identity. This activity, suggested by Anna, involved reaching out to friends for feedback, a powerful tool to boost self-assurance.
"Getting feedback from my friends and hearing their descriptions of me was incredibly reassuring. Anna's support has given me the confidence to speak about myself and be proud of my achievements."
As their mentorship progressed, Anna and Melencia focused on practical aspects, such as interview preparation and job applications. Anna's guidance helped Melencia secure her current role, a testament to the program's success.
"I'm so glad Melencia landed the job, and she's thriving there. It's a privilege to be part of this initiative, which aims to bring more diversity to the experiential industry."
The pinnacle of their mentorship journey was the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) in April. Anna and Melencia attended the summit, an enriching experience where they learned, networked, and explored the show floor. The summit provided a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and feel the power of community.
"Being surrounded by so many people who look like us in the same industry was an incredible feeling. It reminded me that with commitment, diligence, and a supportive network, anything is achievable."
The impact of this mentorship extends beyond professional development. Anna's support has given Melencia the confidence to speak proudly about her accomplishments. She even recommended a "You go, girl" folder to collect positive feedback, a simple yet powerful tool for self-reflection and motivation.
"Hearing Melencia say that what she wants is not out of reach was a powerful reminder. I've learned this from her, and it's inspiring to see her achieve so much since we started. We just need to go after our goals with determination."
Are you ready to be part of this transformative journey? Apply now to be a mentor, mentee, or peer in the 2026 Experiential in Color Mentorship Program cohort. The deadline is January 31, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to empower and be empowered!
For more insights into the Experiential in Color 2025 program and its mentorship initiative, check out the links below:
- Experiential in Color 2025: Inside the Program's New Mentorship Initiative
- Event Marketer Launches a BIPOC Mentorship Program to Elevate Careers
This story originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of Event Marketer.
