Tanida Mullen, Co-Chair, of the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee at MPI, (and Texas Hill Country Chapter member) offers her insights on how we as individuals and as an industry can make it our duty and responsibility to create positive change in our world. We have the power to do better by making diversity and inclusion top of mind and choosing to have thoughtful and tough conversations. Let's empower each other to change the world.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we take a moment to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals like Annette Nixon. Annette is not only the Director of Programs for the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter but also the proud owner of Something to Remember Promotional and Branding Products in San Antonio, TX. Annette's dedication and commitment to excellence shine through in everything she does. She brings a unique perspective to the world of meetings and events, and her creative flair is evident in her branding solutions. As we honor Hispanic heritage and excellence, let us recognize Annette's outstanding work and the impact she has made in her field.
The hospitality Industry is a very exciting career choice. It allows you to have many wonderful opportunities. I started my hospitality career at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Rico. Then after six years, I transferred to Hyatt Kansas City and then moved to St. Louis with Hyatt Regency Crown Center. I then took a leap of faith with the St. Louis CVB and worked for them for 12 years. I started as a Sales Manager and worked my way up to Director of Group Sales. In 2004, I was recruited by the San Antonio CVB to be their Director of Sales & Marketing. After a year, I went to work for Freeman AV (5 years), PSAV (4 years), and PRA (4 years) all in San Antonio.
I look forward to each event. The programs are always informative and I feel like I learn something new each time I attend a program. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing some of our existing industry friends.
I would encourage anyone who is in the hospitality industry to get involved and serve on a committee. By serving you get to meet as many people as possible, you learn so much from everyone and most importantly you learn how to be a team member and to serve unselfishly. There is a lot that you can get out of an organization when serving willingly as a volunteer. The experience is priceless.