AWE Names Names Inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program

August 2, 2017

The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a non-profit profit supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, named its inaugural inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.

This Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of elite, industry professionals that exemplify AWE values and serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership, according to association officials.

The judging panel is made up of 2017 AWE board members who selected the following 2017 inductees: Andrea Streat, CMP, Disruptor Award; Audra Franks, M.T.A., CMP, CAE, Coach Award; Rose Mmbaga, BA, Woman of Influence Award; Katherine Stokoe, Emerging Leader Award and Dawn Repp, Organizational Leadership Award.

Inductees of each respective categorical award receive several opportunities for recognition, such as lifetime membership to AWE, becoming presenters or advisors for various AWE programs and events, press interviews, special profiles on the AWE website and more.

“The quality and breadth of the nominations was eye opening and humbling! I’m so proud to be part of such an inspiring community of men and women making a difference in our industry,” said Carrie Abernathy, CMP, CEM, CSEP, AWE Co-Founder and President.

“The committee had a hard job making their decisions, but the honor is rightfully deserved by the people they chose.”

The Women in Events Hall of Fame recognizes the advancement of women in events by honoring women and men with a categorical award.

Members and non-members, women and men in the events, hospitality and tourism industry were eligible to nominate and earn the recognition. AWE received over 170 nominations from around the globe.

For more information on each of the 2017 inductees visit http://www.womeninevents.org/Content/AWE-Awards/12/

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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.