MPISCC Focus on Women’s History Month & MPI Women

MPISCC: Can you tell us a bit about your background and the path that led you to where you are today?

TJ: I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters. I am my mom’s oldest and my dad’s youngest. Altogether I am in the middle, but I am an only child.

The different roles I’ve played in my personal life allowed me to practice versatility and stakeholder management from a very young age. After college, I was a travel director for Maritz Travel. I was successful in this role because of my innate strengths and ability to thrive amongst chaos.

 After my life on the road, I had various positions in meeting planning, sourcing and proposal development. During that time, I realized if I wanted to live up to my potential, it was my responsibility to further my education. This led me to register for the Hospitality & Tourism Master’s program at SDSU.

I immediately saw a return on my investment. Halfway through the master’s program, I accepted a position in sales and account management, followed by a leadership position. I learned a lot about entrepreneurism through a combination of the master’s program and my work experience.

After organizational changes, I felt my career growth was being stifled because of biases that were out of my control. I made the hard decision that the battle was not worth my time and resigned from my position. Always wanting to be an entrepreneur, and now having the education and experience to give me the courage and confidence I needed, I started my own business. 

The lesson I want women to take from this is that you are not stuck. Don’t let your career be controlled by others’ beliefs, views or perceptions. Knowing when to walk away is the most liberating choice we have. You control your own destiny; don’t let others get in the way of that.

MPISCC: Why do you continue to support and remain active in MPI?

TJ: The network I have created through MPI is the main reason why I continue to be involved. MPI is an inclusive environment that brings people with different types of expertise and levels of experience together. One of my favorite MPI events was the Global Meetings Industry Day at the Rose Bowl. MPI partnered with Site, PCMA and ILEA to put on an epic event that included educational sessions in the locker room and a party on the field. This collaboration shows how much MPI cares about the industry as a whole.

Global Meetings Industry Day Rose Bowl Event

MPISCC: Can you share a bit about MPI Women? What does the community stand for and how can we get involved?

TJ: MPI Women focuses on the issues most relevant and timely for the community and provides thought-provoking dialogue and valuable resources to support women in our industry.

Members of the MPI Women’s Community enjoy specialized education designed to help them fulfill their career potential, focusing on actionable next steps women and their allies can take to raise awareness, and help close the leadership and pay gaps that currently exist.

Learn more about the MPI Women 2021 Focus, join MPI Women or join our LinkedIn conversation.  

MPISCC: What have you gained from your involvement on the Women’s Advisory Board?

TJ: I joined the Women’s Advisory Board this year, and I have already gained so much from it. The group of women on the board are welcoming, inclusive and supportive. I appreciate the positive energy and purpose the board is adding to my life. In addition, I have started mentoring another female MPI member who requested mentorship from the advisory board.

MPISCC: Can you tell us about a female mentor or leader who has impacted you?  

TJ: Amanda Armstrong, AVP Global Travel & Meetings at Enterprise Holdings and 2018 MPI IBOD chair, has championed the women of MPI throughout her career. The #metoo movement began during her tenure as the IBOD chair. Amanda responded quickly, leading the charge for The Events Industry Sexual Harassment Coalition (ASAE, AWE, EIC, IAEE, IMEX, MPI, PCMA and SITE), supporting the foundation of MPI Women and addressing the issue on stage at WEC.

I admire Amanda’s courage and support of women in the industry. I am grateful to have her as a mentor and friend as we continue to break through the glass ceiling.

 Tracy Judge, pictured with Amanda Armstrong

MPISCC: What advice do you have for other women trying to navigate our ever-changing world?

TJ: Find female mentors and mentees. We are stronger together. To drive equality in the workplace, female leaders need to mentor and empower other women.

Most women are more than willing to mentor other women, however, most report that they have never been asked. As female leaders, we need to be available and approachable to ensure other women feel comfortable asking for support.

It’s important to remember that mentorship goes both ways, especially in the post-COVID world. How we did things in the past is not what is going to make us successful in the future. Mentoring others has taught me so much. It keeps me relevant and exposes me to different perspectives that help me problem-solve and innovate.

MPISCC: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

TJ: Proceed as success is inevitable.

Tracy Judge is based in San Diego, California, and is founder and CEO of Soundings, a talent platform for professionals with a people-first ethos seeking synergistic work partnerships. Soundings provides agile talent solutions for business events, associations and nonprofits, and hotels and tourism. Home to Soundings Connect, a talent solutions consultancy, and Soundings Thrive, a vibrant members-only community, Soundings brands build powerful connections that create thriving careers. Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Freelancers can join HERE.