1. What is your role at VIPER and your main points of focus with the company?

As President and VP, we have developed a great partnership. We both hold ourselves to high standards and are constantly looking for ways to grow as individuals and as a company. We know each other’s strengths, so we’re able to work together creatively, always thinking outside of the box. VIPER has created a one-of-a-kind company and we’re focused on continuously raising the bar with innovative ideas on a global scale.

2. As the leaders of an all-female team, what are your goals for women in the workplace as we resume normal work life? Is there anything you’d like to see done differently in the corporate world in regards to how women are treated?

Our goals for women in the workplace is that they are in an environment where women are heard and respected, given equal opportunities and paid competitively. We have to shift the culture that has kept qualified women out of positions of leadership. We would love to see these values more present not only in the corporate world but in society as a whole.

How is Viper getting involved with the Black Lives Matter movement?

As Black women, the negative effects of systemic racism have had a major impact on our lives. While we are grieving the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, we are committed to fighting to end a corrupt system. With our team at VIPER, we are using our platform to raise awareness by attending protests, donating to different organizations, signing petitions, and promoting black-owned businesses. We strongly encourage everyone to get involved in some way. Anything from educating yourself to having difficult conversations can make a difference.

While it’s great to see the political and social change that is resulting from this movement, we still have a long way to go. Our message to other leaders and executives would be that standing in solidarity is not enough. It is your responsibility to create an inclusive and diverse company culture and environment that reflects the values of this movement.

How has Viper managed to discover ways of staying involved in the event/entertainment industry and brand integration as a result of Covid-19 and its impact in that industry?

While Covid-19 has temporarily shut down the industry, it has given us the opportunity to build even better relationships within our team and with our clients as well. It has been a priority to check in on everyone’s health and well being during these tough times. Being in such a fast-paced industry, these major and tragic events force you to slow down and reevaluate what is of utmost importance. We’ve taken the past few months to reflect on our mission, our values, and how we can continue to make a positive impact on the community.

The current social and political climate can feel extremely heavy for many people — do you have any tips for our readers who may be experiencing drops in mental health?

This may sound a bit cliche, but find what brings you peace. Some things that have worked for us are reading, gardening, working out, and staying connected to friends. We’ve also made it a priority to find things that make us laugh. While it’s important to know what’s going on in the world, it’s equally important to know when to take some time for yourself to do what makes you happy.

To wrap — Can you each leave us with a favorite quote that motivates you?

M: Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
– Rumi

D: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
– Marianne Williamson (above is not the full quote, but part of it)