Across the events and hospitality industry, Black professionals have been paving the way, redefining leadership, and creating transformative experiences that set new standards. From corporate boardrooms to cultural activations, these trailblazers have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful ways. Their contributions continue to shape the industry, making it more representative, accessible, and inspiring for the next generation of leaders.

Joyce Leveston - Paving the Way in Hospitality 

From a young military wife navigating the USO to a trailblazing leader in the hospitality industry, Joyce Leveston’s journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and service. Her career began when curiosity led her next door to the newly constructed San Diego Convention Center, where she sought a job to connect with the people visiting. What started as a telephone operator role in college soon evolved into a remarkable rise from the loading dock to the boardroom and ultimately the C-suite. With mentors who recognized her potential, Joyce embraced every opportunity, proving that this industry is truly one of people—where talent, heart, and hard work can take you anywhere.

One of her proudest moments came during Hurricane Katrina, where she played a key role in providing shelter and aid to over 3,600 displaced families in New Orleans. Prioritizing human lives over business operations, Joyce witnessed the power of empathy and community, shaping her leadership philosophy forever. Today, she dedicates herself to inspiring others—especially women, people of color, and young professionals—to see hospitality as a space to thrive, uplift, and make lasting change. Her message is clear: Dream big, be fearless, and always make room for others at the table.

Roz Stuttley - Redefining Inclusion in Hospitality and Events 

From her early days in freelance event production with the Black Women’s Expo to her current role at Choose Chicago, Roz Stuttley has built an impressive career centered around impact, equity, and excellence in the events industry. With mentorship from industry leaders like Merry Green, Roz honed her skills and expanded her expertise in sales, event planning, and strategic inclusion. Her journey has taken her through roles at Advantage International, the Field Museum, and ultimately, Choose Chicago, where she has championed both Client Services and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.

One of Roz’s proudest accomplishments was leading a 5,000+ person event at The Field Museum, curating a venue strategy that ensured seamless execution and an exceptional experience for clients and vendors alike. Her unwavering commitment to operating with integrity, delivering strategic impact, and pushing for excellence has solidified her reputation as a leader in the field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Roz has made a profound impact on the industry by advocating for underrepresented businesses and professionals who have historically been overlooked. She thrives on building meaningful connections and fostering partnerships that create opportunities for the broader community. Her work embodies the true essence of inclusion—ensuring access, awareness, and advancement for all.

Her advice to aspiring professionals in the events industry is clear: Know who you are and unapologetically bring your whole self into any space you aspire to be in. And recognize your value, walk in confidence and humility, and trust in your unique path. It took time for Roz to find her own confidence, but now that she has, there’s no turning back.

Anika Grant - Pioneering Transformative Brand Experiences 

Anika Grant’s career in experiential marketing began at Madison Square Garden, where she executed brand activations for The GRAMMYS, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Radio City Rockettes, and College Basketball Championships. Whether curating behind-the-scenes tours of Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular or selecting a fan from the stands for a halftime promotion, these hands-on experiences fueled her passion for live events.

Her journey led her to Jazz at Lincoln Center and then to ESSENCE Magazine, where she oversaw sponsorships, activations, and production for ESSENCE Festival—one of the largest cultural events in the U.S. Recognizing the need for agencies that could craft impactful consumer experiences for diverse audiences, Anika founded Idlewild Experiential, a company built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven engagement.

Beyond her work, Anika champions industry access and mentorship. She is committed to opening doors and expanding opportunities for underrepresented professionals in events and marketing. Her advice to aspiring Black professionals: "You may not always see people who look like you in this space—don’t let that be an impediment. If they won’t give you a seat at the table, build your own."

Isis Arias - Shaping Culture-Driven Experiences 

With a dynamic background in production, marketing, strategy, and operations, Isis Arias has worked across entertainment, fashion, spirits, streaming, and gaming industries, developing immersive experiences that resonate globally. As an entrepreneur, she consulted for agencies and founded a company dedicated to event strategy, production, and hospitality. Her expertise led her to Complex, where she cemented her role as Head of Production & Experiential, pioneering large-scale cultural activations.

One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as Executive Producer for the first five ComplexCon shows, blending digital media, retail, and youth culture into a groundbreaking event. She later played a crucial role in developing touring attractions for Stranger Things, Bridgerton (Queen’s Ball), and Netflix Bites, and most recently, she produced the Arcane medley performance for The Game Awards 2024, featuring D4VD, Royal & The Serpent, and Twenty One Pilots.

Isis is passionate about mentorship and equity in experiential marketing. She has built and led teams rooted in empathy, collaboration, and creativity, ensuring that more diverse voices have a seat at the table. Her advice to aspiring Black professionals: "Our community has been at the forefront of cultural innovation—your lived experience is an asset. Show up fully, bring your unique perspective, and don’t underestimate the value you add to any room you enter."

Honoring Excellence and Creating Pathways for the Future

The contributions of these remarkable leaders demonstrate the breadth of talent, innovation, and impact that Black professionals bring to the events and hospitality industry. Their work not only uplifts communities but also sets new standards for inclusion, creativity, and business success. By fostering opportunities, building connections, and driving industry evolution, they are leaving an indelible mark for future generations to follow.

Their stories serve as inspiration, reminding us that leadership is about more than just titles—it’s about vision, resilience, and the commitment to creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Bingo – it’s both a song about a farmer’s dog and a game of chance that dates back to 1530. Originating in Italy, the game has undergone numerous names and variations. It gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s when Hugh J. Ward created and standardized it for carnivals in Pennsylvania. The first version was called “Beano,” which followed Ward’s rules and used dried beans, a rubber stamp, and cardboard sheets. As for how “Bingo” got its name, no one knows for sure, but the story goes that an excited player accidentally yelled “Bingo” instead of “Beano,” and it stuck!

How does the game board work?
The board consists of 25 squares arranged in five vertical columns and five horizontal rows. Each square contains a number, except the center square, which is a free space. The numbers on the board are divided into groups of 15 by letter:

B = 1–15
I = 16–30
N = 31–45
G = 46–60
O = 61–75

A player wins by completing a full row, column, or diagonal. Players can choose to play with one card or multiple cards for a bigger challenge.

The MPI Chicago Area Chapter is excited to announce Shamrock Bingo Night on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Chicago Winery! Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, get ready for some fun and friendly competition with fellow members. A bit of Irish charm means warm smiles, plenty of wit (which will definitely come in handy), and lots of laughs. We all have a little Irish in us—let’s bring that spirit to the game of bingo!

Register now: Click Here

AFR loves MPI! We love being a member, attending events, and the community of each chapter. AFR has been a proud sponsor of the MPI CAC Annual Awards and many other events. Get in touch with AFR today to create an unforgettable event you will love!