OPPORTUNITY DEMANDS
A BETTER TABLE

"It's Not Just Dinner" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to professional development of diverse business owners. We specialize in curating dinners and events that offer diverse business owners the opportunity to learn to harness the value of their certifications by authentically connecting with supplier diversity professionals and fellow diverse entrepreneurs. Our mission is to provide a platform and guidance for building genuine relationships, before, during and after dinner, extending onto the trade show floor and into everyday life. By creating a "no-sell" environment, we believe in the transformative power of setting the right table for genuine connections to thrive.

Our Capabilities

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WHY IT'S NOT JUST DINNER

ABOUT

Meeting the Need

Early on, the INJD board realized the need diverse entrepreneurs had: to be able to cultivate relationships in a sanctuary. Allowing personal and professional stories to come out naturally, and to be the catalyst for business growth. Hence, INJD was established for diverse professionals, and allies to elevate one another through the power of MEDIC. (Mentorship, Education, Diversity and Inclusion inside a powerful Community).

Through INJD events, we facilitate connections and provide guidance to diverse business owners in mastering the art of leveraging their certifications. The idea is that when you do business with someone, you’re more likely to trust and work well with them if you know them personally. So in our community the focus is on building genuine connections and fostering a positive space for all involved.

MENTORSHIP

Before, during, and after:

Collective corporate consultations designed

to assist WBE/MBE buyers

and sellers in evaluating

the effectiveness of
their messaging and

value proposition to

their audience.

EDUCATION

Educational sessions and buddy programs that prepare suppliers to network in a no-sell environment, successfully navigate trade shows and manage relationships.

DIVERSITY

Welcoming individuals from all diverse backgrounds regardless

of size, experience or years in business.

INCLUSION

Ensuring inclusive programming and practices to benefit both corporates and suppliers.

COMMUNITY

Creating a network of growth minded individuals who are dedicated to supporting one another.

CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS, ELEVATING OPPORTUNITIES

FOUNDERS

The founding hosts, five Women Owned Businesses (WBEs) grew weary of the conference status quo and pioneered the idea of a community of progressive DEI focused advocates who can convene and authentically connect in a

no-sales environment.

Laurette Rondenett – Founder, Board Member

Jaime Syring – Founder, Board Treasurer

Rachel Anderson – Founder, Board Secretary

Brooke Foley – Founder, Board Chair

Kelly Kolar – Founder, Board Member

ADVISORY BOARD

Our advisory board continuously generates innovative ideas and aids us in unlocking the opportunities to leverage their networks and foster connections and provide mentorship for diverse entrepreneurs.

Natalie McGrady – Founder

John Taylor – Founder

Ricardo Barrientos – Founder, Board Member

Meg Cook – Advisory Board Member

Bethany Fitzgerald – Advisory Board Member

Deb Adams – Advisory Board Member

Rachel Anderson – Founder, Advisory Board Member

Tyler Drennan – Advisory Board Member

Brooke Foley – Founder, Advisory Board Member

Kelly Kolar – Advisory Board Member

Natalie McGrady – Advisory Board Member

Laurette Rondenet – Founder, Board Member

Jaime Syring – Advisory Board Member

Kathy Russell – Advisory Board Member

Sandeep Nain – Advisory Board Member

FOUNDERS

INJD SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION, ELIGIBILITY,
AND REQUIREMENTS

SCHOLARSHIP

INJD offers scholarships for first time conference attendees, and scholarships that cover certification fees. These scholarships are awarded twice a year for applicants to get certified, or attend WBENC and NMSDC conferences.

CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

BENEFITS:

• Conference Scholarship of $1,500.00 to be applied towards an overall conference trip.

• Invitation for business owner and a "plus one" to the INJD carefully curated

dinner event.

• Know Before You Go" zoom call with an INJD mentor and board members.

• A walk through the Exchange floor with an advisory board member.

• Exclusive access to the INJD guest list.

• Video Testimonial crafted by Pride Global.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be Certified #WBENC or a woman owned #wMBE.

• This must be the first time attending a diverse certified conference.

• Must be willing to attend the INJD Know Before You Go, the INJD event and the trade

show tied to the national conference for the scholarship awarded.

Apply

CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP

BENEFITS

• Certification Scholarship covers the cost of first-time certification fees for a WBE/wMBE.

• Invitation for business owner and a plus one to the INJD carefully curated dinner event.

• "Know Before You Go" Zoom call with INJD mentors.

• Paired with an advisory board mentor for a guided walk through the tradeshow floor.

• Exclusive access to the INJD dinner guest list.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must meet the qualifications of #WBENC certification (51% woman-owned and controlled) or
a woman-owned #MBE certification.

• Must be willing to attend the INJD Know Before You Go, the INJD event and the trade show tied
to the national conference for the scholarship awarded.

Apply

Spotlight:

INJD SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER

Building relationships, not just business: This is the story of LaFarris Risby, CEO of Loving Arms Enterprise, and her experience as an INJD Scholarship Fund winner.

"We all need to know how to get into the rooms with the people we need to be in the rooms with...I have a million dollar story. But selling my story is something I’m learning. I’m learning that through INJD."

-LaFarris Risby

The INJD 'Table Talk Testimonial Series' is designed to share and uplift the stories of awardees, further cultivating a community of MEDIC.

Brought to you by Jayne Agency and Pride Global on behalf of It's Not Just Dinner.

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GET IN TOUCH

We appreciate your interest in INJD. If you have any questions or would like to connect with us, please use the form below. While we currently do not have any upcoming events, we'd love to hear from you regarding future opportunities or to answer any inquiries you may have.

CALL US: 773.277.3236

DRIVING IMPACT

It's Not Just Dinner - and it's in the news! Here's some more INJD media:

LaFarris Risby's INJD Experience: The Scholarship, the dinner, the tradeshow floor and connections for life.

It’s Not Just Dinner celebrates LaFarris Risby’s Scholarship Award in New Orleans, during the NMSDC 2022’s National Conference. This is LaFarris' experience as an INJD scholarship awardee, and how she succeeded at her first major national conference with the support of M.E.D.I.C.

Brought to you by Pride Global and Jayne Agency on behalf of It's Not Just Dinner. Sponsored by WEUSA Magazine. Read here.

Nancy Gard leveraging the INJD Experience: Certification, connections, and business impact.

It’s Not Just Dinner celebrated Nancy Gard’s Scholarship Award in New Orleans during the NMSDC 2022’s National Conference. Nancy joined the INJD dinner event to build meaningful relationships and learn how to leverage certification for her business. The conference was a success, and she's eager to share her experience with others to make a positive impact.

Brought to you by Pride Global and Jayne Agency on behalf of It's Not Just Dinner. Sponsored by WEUSA Magazine. Read here.

WBENC #MOMENTUMConference 2023

It's Not Just Dinner set the state for the conference in Nashville–celebrating the scholarship awardees, and bringing corporates, and suppliers together for a no-sell night to remember at incredible Thistle Farms.

It's Not Just Dinner MINI

A celebration of M.E.D.I.C. Debuting the Table Talk Testimonial Series in person, as featured in Women's Enterprise Magazine (WEUSA), which was a special moment in time and proof that the future for women in our industry is BRIGHT.

Empowering Conversations: WE USA Explores 'It's Not Just Dinner'

Join USA Women's Enterprise as they delve into the mission and vision of 'It's Not Just Dinner' (INJD) Read here.

Junita Flowers is on shelves at Target!

Junita Flowers, Founder of Junita's Jar and INJD Scholarship Awardee is spreading hope and joy through her cookies - and you can get them too! Check it out.

IMPACT

”Hearing about INJD made me feel like I could enter into a safe environment to go

explore, and figure out what certification meant to ME, my business, and my journey.

When I saw that application for INJD, it spoke to the value of certification. It offered a community and an opportunity to network and to be acquainted with suppliers and buyers. So it built out value to the idea of certification.“

- Junita Flowers, Founder of Junita's Jar