Imagine a program that not only celebrates diversity in the events industry but also actively empowers the next generation of leaders. That’s exactly what the Experiential in Color Mentorship Program aims to do—and it’s making waves. But here’s where it gets controversial: while mentorship is widely praised, the question remains—how do we ensure these relationships truly bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity? Let’s dive into the story of Anna Nicholson and Melencia Lattimore, a mentor-mentee pair who are redefining what it means to pay it forward.
In 2025, Event Marketer (EM) expanded its Experiential in Color initiative to include a groundbreaking mentorship program, guided by a steering committee of industry leaders. We sat down with Anna Nicholson, an event manager at Yahoo, and Melencia Lattimore, a meeting coordinator at A-Plus Meetings & Incentives, to explore their journey. For Anna, this program marks a full-circle moment. Recognized in 2021 as one of Experiential in Color’s first rising stars, she’s now giving back by mentoring Melencia, who was seeking guidance as she completed her master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management.
And this is the part most people miss: mentorship isn’t just about career advice—it’s about building connections, fostering confidence, and creating a sense of belonging. Melencia, who had never had a mentor before, found in Anna not just a guide but a role model who looked like her and understood her aspirations. Their partnership highlights the transformative power of representation in professional growth.
Event Marketer: How did you both discover the mentorship program, and what motivated you to join?
Anna Nicholson: I stumbled upon a LinkedIn post about the program and thought, ‘This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.’ Having been part of the first Experiential in Color cohort, I saw this as a natural next step. It felt like EM was doubling down on amplifying diverse voices and creating spaces for us to connect. I was eager to contribute.
Melencia Lattimore: My professor mentioned the program during grad school, and the possibility of a free trip to Vegas caught my attention. But beyond that, I was determined to make the most of every opportunity. Securing a full-time job was my priority, and I saw mentorship as a way to network and position myself for success.
EM: What were your expectations going into the program?
ML: I was still exploring my path in the events industry. While I had experience in corporate events, I wanted to learn more about experiential marketing. This program gave me the chance to partner with someone from a different sector and clarify my career goals.
AN: Mentorship is a two-way street. I had just completed a nine-month program as a mentee, focusing on women in leadership, and I wanted to give back. This program allowed me to share not only my experiential expertise but also my network. Plus, I’ve learned so much from Melencia—it’s been mutually rewarding.
EM: What was your first meeting like?
ML: Usually, meeting someone new feels awkward, but with Anna, it was effortless. We connected instantly, and it felt natural to talk to someone who shared my background. That representation mattered a lot to me.
AN: It was like catching up with an old friend. The program did an excellent job matching us—we even share the same zodiac sign! Our first meeting was filled with excitement as we discussed Melencia’s goals and laid out a plan for the next few months. Time flies when we’re together.
EM: How do you structure your meetings?
AN: We meet monthly, adjusting as needed for our schedules. Consistency is key, and Melencia always comes prepared with topics to discuss and follow-ups from our previous sessions. It’s a partnership built on commitment to her growth.
ML: One of our first projects was crafting a personal brand statement. Anna suggested I ask friends to describe me, which boosted my confidence. During my job interviews, her support was invaluable—she helped me articulate my experiences effectively.
AN: That’s the beauty of this program—it’s about bringing more diverse talent into experiential marketing. I’m proud to have played a role in Melencia’s success. We worked on interview strategies, highlighting her problem-solving skills and tailoring her experiences to job descriptions. Seeing her land the job and thrive has been incredibly fulfilling.
EM: What was it like meeting in person at the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS)?
AN: It was an amazing experience. Being in Las Vegas together, exploring the show floor, and attending sessions was special. As my first EMS, sharing it with Melencia and the broader Experiential in Color community was powerful. The mixer was particularly impactful—being surrounded by so many professionals who looked like us was inspiring.
EM: What’s been the biggest takeaway from this partnership?
ML: Anna’s guidance has given me the confidence to speak proudly about my achievements. She even suggested I create a ‘You go, girl’ folder for positive feedback, which has been a game-changer.
AN: After EMS, Melencia shared that her goals felt within reach, and it reminded me that with dedication and support, anything is possible. Watching her achieve so much since we started has been incredible. We just need to keep pushing forward.
Bold Question for You: Do mentorship programs like this truly level the playing field, or is there more work to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
Ready to be part of this movement? Apply to be a mentor, mentee, or peer in the 2026 cohort of the Experiential in Color Mentorship Program here. Deadline: January 31, 2026.
For more insights, check out:
- Experiential in Color 2025: Inside the Program’s New Mentorship Initiative
- Event Marketer Launches a BIPOC Mentorship Program to Elevate Careers
This story appeared in the Fall 2025 issue here.
