The third annual AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event serves to highlight and showcase some of the most diverse and impactful young professionals across the Philadelphia region. 

At this year's event, taking place Friday, Aug. 26, Katrina Gilbert will be one of the 40 honorees. 

Biography

Katrina Gilbert has made both a bold and bright name for herself through entrepreneurship. She started a successful wedding and event planning business, called KG Weddings & Events. Her success from planning weddings and events led to the grand opening of not one, but two event spaces. 

From there, Gilbert went on to launch Petite Féte Philadelphia, often referred to as the “original intimate event space.”

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Gilbert has also spent years giving back to her community through book-bag drives, Thanksgiving giveaways, dorm room makeovers, prom sponsorship experiences, and community service events. 

As part of the lead-up to the AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event, AL DÍA asked each of the honorees a set of identical questions and collected their responses. 

Here are Katrina Gilbert's responses: 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your professional career? 

The biggest challenge I've faced is most certainly being a minority, a black woman and growing up in an underserved community. I had to fight a little harder. Resources wasn't available to me as a young woman. As I made a path for myself and became an entrepreneur, I've come into these same experiences. 

Lack of support and resources. Also having several small businesses in underserved communities while trying to give back, support families, maintain staffing while growing. 

I felt I've hit so many roadblocks before getting where I am today with little to no help. 

What are steps that can be taken to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in your industry? Why is it important to do so?

To improve diversity, equity and inclusion in my industry, we first must provide educational resources and opportunities to everyone no matter their background. Sometimes people just need help to get started. With that, it'll give companies the opportunity to see everyone. 

Also, so many programs that are out here are very expensive. Larger organizations should do better at offering resources to those in need. 

Now I do know there are some programs out there; however, with the lack of marketing and outreach, it has left us in the same situation.

What does being a leader mean to you? 

A leader to me means to simply lead by example. To provide opportunities and resources, to act with integrity, to serve a cause greater than yourself.

A true leader can excuse a vision, while delegating tasks to their team to ensure the   goal is complete and fulfilled. All while motivating and supporting others. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In 5 years, I see myself with an active non-profit organization for girls and women, a 2M in real estate portfolio while continually expanding my current businesses.

The 2022 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will take place Friday, Aug. 26 at The Vie at Cescaphe. To learn more or purchase your ticket, click here.