by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:15 AM ET, Mon January 6, 2025
WHY IT RATES: The destination marketing organization is empowering small minority-owned local businesses with a fellowship program connected with its tourism industry. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse
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 performance
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.
SOURCE: Destination DC press release.
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