MPI Foundation scholarships and grants aid in the success of the individuals and MPI chapters that receive them, especially in times of great need. Here, we speak with some of the recipients of scholarships and grants who share their stories.
Read much more about the foundation’s mission and accomplishments in our special commemorative issue!
“The MPI South Florida Chapter will utilize the $500 Anti-Human Trafficking Chapter Education Grant in 2025 as part of a year-long Spirit of Giving campaign. This initiative will launch at our January education event during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, where we will award the full grant to the first of four organizations we plan to support throughout the year. The event, hosted aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, will also feature a speaker session on ‘Meetings at Sea,’ highlighting security measures to prevent human trafficking. Each quarter in 2025, we will spotlight a new organization, raising awareness and funds for their critical work.”
Melissa Acosta, MBA
MPI South Florida Chapter
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“The support from the MPI Foundation felt like someone saying, ‘We see you, and we believe in you.’ It gave me the courage to take bigger steps in my career and reminded me that we’re all connected through this incredible industry. I will carry that sense of gratitude and pay it forward.”
Vanessa E. Bass, CMP, MMP, HMCC
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“The MPI Michigan Chapter is incredibly grateful for the grant we received to help us host a powerful, impactful session focusing on anti-human trafficking in 2024. Because of the grant from the MPI Foundation, we were able to bring in Shari Montgomery, founder of The House of Promise, an after-care healing space for survivors of human trafficking in Michigan. Shari shared her personal stories from years of assisting survivors and offered event attendees many valuable tips to help raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking in our industry. Thank you MPI Foundation!”
Jennifer Berkemeier
MPI Michigan Chapter
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“Congratulations MPI on your 40th! In this season of Thanksgiving, I am very grateful to have received the scholarship for membership to MPI. The cost savings has been a blessing, as I have returned to graduate school to obtain a master’s degree. The degree will qualify me to return to the university classroom to teach the next generation of meeting and event planning professionals. Mahalo MPI for your support and encouragement. Gratefully appreciated.”
Lee-Ann Choy
MPI Oregon Chapter
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Thanks to MPI Foundation's Anti-Human Trafficking Chapter Education Grant, the MPI Carolinas Chapter continues its efforts to raise awareness, spark action and equip members with information about human trafficking. The grant supported an anti-human trafficking education session at our August chapter meeting, which empowered our members with essential knowledge to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, challenge harmful myths and take meaningful steps toward prevention. Our chapter is committed to offering anti-human trafficking education sessions annually, and we appreciate the foundation’s support in this initiative.
Nicole Filippo, CMP
MPI Carolinas Chapter
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“I am deeply grateful for the incredible support I received for my annual membership fee. The MPI Foundation stepped in at just the right moment! After facing back-to-back hurricanes in St. Petersburg, Fla., I incurred significant expenses evacuating my family twice, followed by thousands of dollars in unexpected vehicle repairs. This generous support provided much-needed relief during a challenging time. Thank you, MPI!”
Jennifer Gilman, MBA, NBC-HWC, FMCHC, MH
MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter
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“The support from the MPI Foundation has had a significant impact on my professional journey. By offering access to valuable resources and learning opportunities, the foundation has opened doors for me to grow and connect with a vibrant community of event professionals. Since becoming a member in November, I’ve signed up for my first class in December and am excited to further develop my skills while engaging with like-minded individuals. This connection to the greater MPI community is truly inspiring, and I’m eager to see how it will shape my career moving forward.”
Sharon Ho
MPI At Large Member
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“Through the assistance of the foundation, I was able to continue my MPI membership during COVID while our resort was closed for a year. I was so grateful to be able to have the support from my MPI family during this time as it allowed me the opportunity to network and prospect with other members and take advantage of all the benefits that comes with the membership.”
Sherrie Holl
MPI Oregon Chapter
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“Support from the MPI Foundation has been invaluable in connecting me with a community of like-minded professionals and helping shape my career. It’s equipped me with leadership skills that I’ve applied as a board member for the MPI Virginia Chapter, allowing me to give back to the industry while growing personally and professionally. This support has been a catalyst for my development and impact in the events community.”
Lauren Keys
MPI Virginia Chapter
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“I’m honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of an MPI Foundation scholarship. As a new member, this scholarship will allow me to pursue more education and create quality relationships in the event management space. This will enhance my contribution to our sales team and customers across the board. Thank you again for your support and I look forward to continual growth as a professional and contributing to the mission of MPI.”
Stephanie Lyons
MPI Houston Area Chapter
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“I want to start by saying that MPI’s motto, ‘When we meet, we change the world,’ is truly meaningful. I’ve experienced it firsthand and seen how powerful connections can transform not just careers but lives.
As one of the Ukrainian students who received the scholarship from MPI, I can say it provided me with the motivation and resources I needed to dive into the industry. It made a significant difference in my life, allowing me to continue my studies and kick-start my career in this amazing field.
Since then, I’ve been super excited to keep learning, growing and finding new ways to connect with amazing people in this field. I’m also really proud to now be a member of the MPI Poland Chapter, which has opened even more doors for me to meet inspiring professionals and keep building my skills.
Thanks again for everything!”
Viktoriia Yushkaliuk
MPI Poland Chapter
