NBMBAA 2023 Conference Guide - 71

" DE&I is everything its supporters say it is, " shares Belt. " It can
also be frustrating, isolating, and tiring. "
It was in one of those frustrating and tiring moments, the
sisters in arms found an outlet through membership within the
National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA®). This " OK, Mo "
moment created space to recharge their weary DE&I souls while
simultaneously nurturing their lifelong friendship with a guarantee
they would see one another at least once a year for the NBMBAA®
annual conference.
" Attending the conference has not always been at the forefront of
the organizations that I have been a part of, " shares Belt. " It's been
me driving it saying 'this is an organization that has a wealth of
experience. We have to show up.' "
They say this because as friends, they follow each other's advice on
best practices for maximizing the event. They use conference as
a touch point, a way to establish connection and stay connected.
They " OK, Mo " prior to the event with countless conversations
beforehand to strategize for on-site engagement. They find pockets
of time during the event to compare notes and stay in touch
afterward to debrief and keep momentum.
" We're always talking leading up
to conference, " says Belt with a
chuckle. " What are you doing?
Where are you staying?' "
And, because they stay in touch as friends,
they can share the conference experience,
even if something might otherwise prevent
them from being there. This happened last year when a family
matter prevented Monica from attending NBMBAA®'s conference
in Atlanta. Despite not being physically present, she was still able to
stay informed because of her connection to Cherrese.
" She was there, sending me pictures, blow by blow, " says Victorino.
" I was screaming and hollering like I was there " she laughs. " We
were still connected. "
The pair have made a point of attending the annual
conference which celebrates its 45th year, since
2005. Indeed, they've made it a major part of their
respective DE&I strategies, ensuring it remains at the
top of the list for diversity engagement.
Professionally, they cultivate their candidate pool for their
respective companies, exhibiting among 250+ companies at
the Career Fair and participating in the greater conference
programming.
The NBMBAA® and its conference not only align with their goals,
but it also works in much the same way they do by amplifying
potential through connections. It is an organization and an event
with a profound shared purpose.
Personally, they look forward to the geographic pinpoint of
the conference location and seeing each other face to face since
Cherrese lives in Houston while Monica remained in Los Angeles.
" Cherrese is a gift, " Victorino gushes. " She is definitely on
'the board,' " she says, referring to her own " board of directors "
comprised of her personal group of partners, mentors, and allies.
" You have to surround yourself with good people who see the good
in you and will help you do your best work, " she continues. " It's also
nice to just have a sympathetic ear and someone who understands
because sometimes I'll ask, 'is it just me?' "
The bond between the two is both undeniable and unshakeable.
Five minutes into a conversation and you can see on full display
how unique and beautiful a bond that was built across three
decades. Cherrese and Monica are very quick to point out that
despite their lifelong connection, their success professionally and at
conferences is not unique.
" We are not a fluke, " shares Victorino. " Everyone can absolutely
find the same kind of connection that we have within
NBMBAA®. "
Cherrese and Monica, and by extension The Dairy Farmers of
America and Discover have made exceptional progress in the
DE&I space. They have effectively leveraged their connection as
friends with the connections made through the NBMBAA® and
that has profoundly impacted their lives and careers.
" I love the work that I do. It's a lot, but I love it, " Victorino says.
" My goal is to constantly build on our previous success. If we
brought 10 people last year, next year let's bring 20. When Cheresse
and I are talking, we're always brainstorming. Because it's about
making those connections and leveling the playing field for people
who may not have the opportunity. "
Belt agrees, adding, " We
do bounce things off
each other. Our faith has
brought us together on so
many things. Being able
to share this with her is
special. No one else can
talk about sharing this,
what we have at Black
MBA, so I cherish it. I know
that I have this with her. "
Cherrese and Monica have shared a friendship 30 years in the
making. They leverage that bond with the work they do. They
attend a conference built on fostering connections. When that work
goes well, more connections are made with more people. As the
personal network grows and thrives, so too do the organizations
that nurture those networks. Dairy Farmers of America recognizes
that. Discover recognizes that. And, as they continue to enjoy
success because of that, we will hopefully see more organizations
adopt it. If that can happen, we might all enjoy the kind of
professional experience Cherrese and Monica have. One built on
connection, unity of purpose, and friendship.
" OK, Mo... "
71
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