Destination DC welcomes 36 new DEI Business Fellowship members

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, is continuing its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by supporting small minority-owned local businesses as part of a complimentary membership programme. “As a member-based organisation focused on economic development through tourism, it’s important for us to interface with the local community and rebuild the tourism and hospitality industry in Washington, DC equitably and inclusively,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “Supporting local businesses through our marketing channels and exposure to customers provides greater awareness to visitors of the services and small businesses that are in our own backyard.” The DEI Business Fellowship programme supports local businesses owned by people of colour, LGBTQ+, women and disabled persons. Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, which provides access to marketing support and networking opportunities. The class of 2023 DEI fellows include convention service providers such as The District Pit – catering company specialising in BBQ, southern comfort food and sweets and Wine Key Experience – which brings people together through cocktails, wine and food, and innovative solutions for events in socially responsible setting. There is also The Documentist Photography – a professional photographer/videographer specialising in corporate headshots and events photography and Flowers by Alexes – a florist serving the area with fresh floral arrangements and additional gifts , to name a couple more. Attractions include the Art Museum of the Americas – First museum in the United States devoted to exhibiting works of contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean and Synagogue on Sixth and I – a centre for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, DC offering vast programming. “As a small, minority-veteran owned business, I see the huge opportunity Destination DC provides with education and business prospects, which are not easily achieved working independently,” said Rashon Robinson, the CEO of Sip & Develop. “Being chosen for the DEI Fellows programme is a privilege and will give me the tools and materials to help strengthen our strategic focus and raise operational awareness inside my organisation.” DDC’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion also includes the American Experience Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing scholarships and career experience to local students. In 2022, AEF surpassed $100,000 awarded as part of 42 scholarships over the past eight years. The scholarships support students on their journeys in hospitality and tourism through higher education. DC’s “DEI District” launched in 2021 and provides curated content focused on how DC can be experienced through a DEI lens. DDC features and will be expanding on content for washington.org that highlights accessibility and provides resources. Applications for the DEI Fellowship 2024 cohort will be available in the autumn.