Celissa Beck, KPMG Emerging Professional Award Recipient 2022-2023
How does it feel to receive this award?
I am honored to receive this award. It will make a huge impact on my career and education. To be recognized as a promising meeting and event planner is a huge accomplishment. I want to thank KPMG immensely.
How did your journey begin in this industry, and how has your involvement changed over time?
I was an event planner long before I knew it was an actual job or career path. I was heavily involved in planning social events and dances during my high school career. I had a distinct knack for attention to detail and planning. Once I started planning my wedding, I realized that I had a definite skill in the area. So much so, that my coordinator remarked that I didn't even need her. After that, I started planning weddings and special events on a freelance basis. Later, I took the skills and passion I had for special events into the corporate planning sector, where I plan everything from staff meetings, to associate "Fun Days", to incentive trips and trade shows.
What are your professional goals?
My professional goals are to complete my CMP distinction and take my years of experience and education and pursue a role as Director of Community Events or a similar title.
Do you feel that receiving this scholarship will go on to affect your community?
At present, I serve as a board member for iServe Ministries and work with them on communication initiatives as well as serve as a community volunteer. Finishing my degree allows me to gain skills to help this ministry grow in our community. I am also involved as a community mentor. This scholarship would go a long way to showing my students that it is never too late to pursue their dreams and change their future.
Celissa Beck is a student at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA, and lives in Northeast GA. She is a member of the MPI Georgia Chapter and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. She is motivated to champion underrepresented communities and to create events where inclusivity and diversity are at the forefront.
