Diamond Vaughn is a recent graduate of Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas, where she earned a degree in Biology with a 3.7 GPA. The emphasis on research, and exposure to a wide range of subfields in her studies has broadened her perspective of the realm of the possible. She has conducted research as an intern at the University of New Mexico as well as at Jarvis on anti-proliferative approaches to cancer treatment.  And more to the point, she has applied her research skills to the events industry, finding new contacts and companies for NürnbergMesse North America.

By her junior year at Jarvis, Diamond was already captain of the cheer team, learning quickly on the job. She also served as her campus’s Miss UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and represented her institution at the national level, earning second runner-up among HBCUs across the country. When the opportunity to participate in The Annabelle Project arose a year ago, she applied, and was among the high-potential mentees to be accepted. Her mentor, industry leader Sharon Mills, Sales Event Executive at Shepard, has been a fierce advocate, and encouraged Diamond to gain valuable exposure to the events industry by attending major conferences such as AfroTech, IAEE Expo! Expo!, and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP). Representative of the next generation of professionals, she will share her observations through the critical lens of a participant whose viewpoint has been honed by her experience, studies and mentor.