Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

WHEW, what an exciting year! In 2025, I had the privilege of connecting with so many chapters and industry professionals. And, whenever I step into a room of wedding pros, I’m constantly reminded that DEIB is not just an acronym; it’s the heartbeat of WIPA.

WIPA DEIB Director De Evans

I’m also reminded that no matter how the world around us is behaving, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is central to who we are and how we grow stronger, together.

Here’s how we live it at WIPA:

Diversity: We are committed to helping our chapters attract a diverse group of professionals across areas like discipline, culture, gender, race, and ability.

Equity: We’re working to ensure that WIPA is an equitable organization where we are continuously developing how our members and future members have fair access to us through events, our website, and education.

Inclusion: By demonstrating inclusion, we make sure that when we show up and speak, we show up FOR and speak TO everyone in the room.

But it’s belonging that ties all of this together.

When a person has a sense of belonging, they enter a space with pride. That’s what we want for our members and future members.

When a person sees diversity in the room, they feel that they belong.

When a person feels a sense of belonging, they feel equal.

When a person feels included, they seen and heard,

When a person feels that they belong, they show up as their best self and give their best.

And that’s what makes WIPA such a powerful organization! We have an amazing group of people who do just that; show up as their best self and give their best. That’s what makes WIPA, WIPA STRONG.

So, just when you thought DEIB was only about race, culture, or LGBTQ+, it’s so much more. It must show up in every element of what we do, from marketing to membership, programs, and education. We’d like you to expand your mindset as we show you the future of DEIB.

Thank you for being an important part of our organization and for standing with WIPA in this vital work.

With pride,

De Evans
WIPA National Director of DEIB

WIPA's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Statement:

At WIPA, we promote inclusivity in the wedding industry through active community engagement. We are fiercely committed to increasing the diversity of our membership through outreach, representation, and education.