OPPORTUNITY DEMANDS
A BETTER TABLE
INJD is a top-tier networking platform inspiring like-minded suppliers and corporate professionals to build meaningful relationships. We specialize in curating dinners and events that offer business owners the opportunity to harness the value of their certifications by authentically connecting with fellow supply chain professionals and 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.
WHY IT'S NOT JUST DINNER
Meeting the Need
Early on, the INJD board realized the need supply chain entrepreneurs had: to be able to cultivate relationships on common grounds with likeminded professionals. Allowing personal and professional stories to come out naturally, serving as a catalyst for business growth. Hence, INJD was established for a range of professionals, and peers to elevate one another through the power of MEDIC. Mentorship, education, development, information and community.
Through INJD events, we facilitate connections and provide guidance to a spectrum of 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.
M
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.
E
EDUCATION
Educational sessions and buddy programs that prepare suppliers to network in a no-sell environment, successfully navigate trade shows and manage relationships.
D
DEVELOPMENT
Helping individuals grow regardless of size, experience or years in business.
I
INFORMATION
Ensuring informative programming practices to benefit both corporates and suppliers.
C
COMMUNITY
Creating a network of growth minded individuals who are dedicated to supporting one another.
CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS, ELEVATING OPPORTUNITIES
FOUNDERS
It's Not Just Dinner will forever raise a glass to the five visionaries that founded INJD and pioneered the idea of a community of advocates who can convene and authentically connect in a no-sales environment. These five women will always be known as the Founding Five of INJD.
Laurette Rondenet – Founder, Board Member
Jaime Syring – Founder, Volunteer
Rachel Anderson – Founder, Retired Board Member
Brooke Foley – Founder, Board Chair
Kelly Kolar – Founder, Board Member
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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 entrepreneurs.
Ricardo Barrientos – Founder, Board Member
Meg Cook – Board Member, Treasurer
Bethany Fitzgerald – Board Member
Brooke Foley – Founder, Board Chair
Kelly Kolar – Board Member
Natalie McGrady – Founder, Vice Chair
Laurette Rondenet – Founder, Board Member
Kathy Russell – Board Member
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION, ELIGIBILITY,
AND REQUIREMENTS
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.
• A Know Before You Go" Zoom call with an INJD mentor and board members.
• A walkthrough of the exchange floor with an advisory board member.
• Exclusive access to the INJD guest list.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be Certified #WBENC or a woman-owned #wMBE.
• This must be the first-time attending a National conference/tradeshow.
• Must be willing to attend the "Know Before You Go" for the respective #INJD event.
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 on
(DATE TBD).
• A "Know Before You Go" Zoom call with an INJD mentor.
• A walkthrough the showcase floor with an advisory board member.
• Exclusive access to the INJD guest list.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must meet the qualifications of #WBENC certification (51% woman-owned and controlled) or
a woman-owned #MBE certification.
• Must attend the National event.
• Must attend the #INJD dinner.
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 through MEDIC.
Brought to you by Jayne Agency and Pride Global on behalf of It's Not Just Dinner.
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.
CALL US: 773.277.3236
DRIVING IMPACT
It's Not Just Dinner - and it's in the news! Here's some more INJD media:
Featured in MBE Magazine: The Suppliers Who Applied, Arrived, and Thrived with INJD
This exclusive article highlights the entrepreneurs who showed up, made connections, and are thriving because of it. Read here.
Spotlight on Supplier Success: Applied. Arrived. Thrived. with It’s Not Just Dinner
MBE Magazine dives deeper into the impact of INJD, sharing stories of suppliers who turned opportunity into momentum. This feature captures the spirit of connection, purpose, and growth that defines It’s Not Just Dinner. Read here.
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 stage 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.
”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
EVENT GALLERIES
INJD Dinner (Atlanta)
INJD Dinner (Atlanta)
INJD Dinner (Atlanta)
INJD Mini Series - WBEC (Cincinnati), 2019
INJD Mini Series - WBEC (Cincinnati), 2019
INJD Mini Series - WBEC (Cincinnati), 2019
INJD Client Appreciation Dinners (2018)
INJD Client Appreciation Dinners (2018)
INJD Client Appreciation Dinners (2018)
INJD Client Appreciation Dinners (2018)
