Cocktails & Conversation with NYABJ and Amazon

By: Jewel Benton

Amazon and NYABJ’s Cocktails & Conversations event raised the bar for an unforgettable evening of networking and learning at the Brooklyn Chophouse in Times  Square. CBS News Meteorologist Tony Sadiku moderated the inspiring panel, Leading Without Compromise.

Those present included London Kemp Boykin, Director of Global Realty Sustainable Development at Amazon (she reimagines what leadership looks like when chasing climate goals and community impact);Mara S. Campo, Four-time Emmy-winning journalist and Webby-winning content  creator, and CEO of Magic by Mara (she is a champion of beauty accessibility.);Priscilla Okyere, Senior Manager, Worldwide Circular Solutions and Waste Reduction at Amazon (she is evolving how Amazon thinks about waste.); and Kiesha Clayton, Principal at the Climate Pledge at Amazon (she reshapes how companies take climate action.)  

The evening kicked off at 5pm with an assortment of delicacies, as guests from various media backgrounds gathered for the summer fireside chat. Attendees included a mix of both  seasoned and emerging journalists, along with retired media professionals. A resounding theme from all attendees was to embrace new opportunities and connect with fellow industry members. 

Longtime radio broadcast journalist Meta Washington echoed the sentiments of many in the  room. "I'm here out of curiosity, and to take advantage of this opportunity as a member," she said.

 Some attendees had been NYABJ members for decades, while others were new, having joined just six months ago, ranging from CBS, ABC, NBC, The Associated Press, and much 

more. The event was also fully attended by the award-winning organization’s board members, including President Bonita Sostre, Vice President Bill Allen, Treasurer Diane King Hall, Secretary Will Patterson, and Member-at-Large Cynthia Horner. 

The panelists mingled with guests and some even exchanged contact information. Many left the event with smiles and renewed sense of faith in navigating their career goals, having found the event worthwhile.