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BIPOC Accelerator Scholarship
International Live Events Association Minneapolis/St. Paul is pleased to offer a BIPOC Accelerator Scholarship opportunity for a full year’s membership with the Minneapolis/St.Paul Chapter.
Congratulations to our 2026 Winners!
Charlesa Dixon
Founder and Creative Director - Excellent Occasions
Gisela Soto
Owner and Creative Director - Elysian Events
Excellent Occasions is a Minneapolis-based event production and experiential design firm specializing in large-scale, culturally rooted events. With over a decade of experience, Charlesa is known for producing immersive experiences that blend storytelling, logistics, and design to create meaningful community impact.
Elysian Events is a Minneapolis-based event design company specializing in custom decor and styling. Gisela started Elysian Events to turn creative ideas into thoughtfully designed spaces that help people celebrate meaningful moments.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
This scholarship aims to accelerate career growth and improve access to association membership for any current or emerging talent in the live events industry.
This year (2026) eligibility is being offered exclusively to BIPOC event professionals as ILEA-MSP aims to ensure it is continuing to work on improving access and inclusion to the resources we have available within our association and to amplify perspectives and voices that typically go unrepresented in the Twin Cities events community. The purpose of the accelerator scholarship is to assist in advancing the career of the event professional by growing their network and educational opportunities through the year of membership.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
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A one-year membership scholarship to the International Live Event Association (value of $375)
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Complimentary attendance to all monthly programs, membership events, and pop-ups from February 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027. (estimated value of $450).
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Complimentary attendance to the annual MN Star Awards 2026 (estimated value of $125)
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Total scholarship value: $950
Become a Sponsor
In past years, several generous partners have supported this scholarship through sponsorship, and we are seeking a new partner for 2026. Your support will provide a local event professional with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally through ILEA-MSP's comprehensive programming and extensive network of industry experts. If this sounds like a good fit for your company, please fill out the form below.
Congrats to our past recipients!
2025 Recipient
Gayle Smaller Jr.
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2024 Recipient
Ephraim Eusebio
2023 Co-Recipient
Ki Kuhnly
2023 Co-Recipient
JR Treto, CMP
2020 Co-Recipient
Marla Etheridge
