Destination DC Welcomes 29 New DEI Business Fellowship Members

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Venues & Destinations
Destination DC Welcomes 29 New DEI Business Fellowship Members

1/6/2025
WASHINGTON, DC – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, is proud to continue its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by supporting small minority-owned local businesses as part of a complimentary membership program.

“As an organization dedicated to driving economic impact through tourism, we believe a thriving hospitality industry must also be an inclusive one,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “The DEI Business Fellowship program (DEIBF) exemplifies our commitment to equity by equipping minority-owned businesses with tools, resources and connections to help them succeed in the tourism and events market. By spotlighting the diverse entrepreneurs who contribute to Washington, DC's vibrant culture, we not only elevate their visibility but also strengthen the city’s economy and enrich the visitor experience.”

The DEI Business Fellowship program supports local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, veterans and persons with disabilities. Fellows receive a complimentary, one-year DDC membership offering marketing support, networking opportunities, training and access to new business channels. DDC will also collaborate with Miles Partnership on destination optimization using digital tools and platforms. The 2025 DEI Fellows are:

Convention Service Providers

Aura Experiences – Corporate event and experience producer
Brandire – Creative studio specializing in branding, marketing and video/audio production
Capital Gift Baskets – Custom gift baskets sourced locally
Designs R Us – Premier event planning company
Everyday Kitchen – Baker/caterer specializing in homemade bundt cakes
GoodSigns LLC – Deaf- and child of deaf adults-owned business providing premium ASL event access
Help Unlimited Temps – Temporary staffing agency
Jarabe Gourmet Pops – Caterer specializing in Mexican-inspired paletas (popsicles)
Lattly – Supplier of coffee bars, pop-ups and delivery for corporate events
Olive Gift Co. – Women-owned corporate gifting service
Skye Marinda Tarot – Tarot reader providing workshops and curated events
Wick & Paper LLC – Locally sourced candles, paper gifts, accessories and corporate/team workshops

Dining, Food and Beverage

Café Cino – Catering small-scale coffee and tea programs
Eatopia Eatery – Restaurant serving elevated Ethiopian cuisine
Hedzole – Restaurant serving West African cuisine
Ko Japanese Dining – Family-owned Japanese restaurant in Dupont Circle
Taqueria Habanero – Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine
Valor BrewPub – Restaurant and brewery supporting and empowering the veteran community

See & Do

Art With Tosca – Guided tours at the National Gallery of Art
DC Cooking School – Chef-led interactive cooking classes
Domestique Wine – Purveyor of natural wines
Fast Snail Creative Greeting & Design – Art prints and stationery
Fish The Potomac – Educational fishing experiences
FOUR Pilates – Private and small group Pilates
Peel Haus – Medical spa providing surgical and non-surgical skincare
Synergy and Serenity – Holistic wellness center offering meditation and spa treatments
The Go-Go Museum & Cafe – Dedicated to preserving Go-Go music history and culture
Washington Improv Theater – Local improv talent and performances

DDC’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion also includes the American Experience Foundation (AEF), its 501c-3 nonprofit focused on providing scholarships and career experience to local students. In 2024, AEF surpassed $170,000 awarded in scholarships over the past nine years. The scholarships support students on their journeys in hospitality, tourism and professional careers through higher education.

DDC is also uniquely positioned to share with visitors Washington, DC’s history and experiences connected with racial and social equity. The “DEI District” launched in 2021 and provides curated content focused on how DC can be experienced through a DEI lens. The pillars include visit, engage, learn and meet while connecting to content related to leisure, meetings and education audiences to help promote the unique history and experiences in DC.

DDC’s DEIBF program is highlighted in a white paper titled Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Destination DC’s DEI Business Fellowship. The program was recognized with the Global Destination Sustainability Movement Innovation Award for exemplifying how targeted DEI initiatives can drive economic empowerment and set industry standards.

As one of the most inclusive and accessible cities in the world, Washington, DC prioritizes initiatives to eliminate barriers and meet the needs of all visitors. DDC provides accessibility resources at washington.org. Applications for the 2026 DEI Fellowship cohort will open in the fall.

About Destination DC
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. www.washington.org

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