Bonnie Hawthorne brings over 20 years of experience in the events industry. With a Master’s Degree in Business, she is dedicated to coaching both venue owners and aspiring venue owners. Her journey began during her military service, where she honed her skills by planning and organizing international events and travel. After retiring, she transitioned to corporate America, working as an executive assistant responsible for managing internal and external meetings for the CEO.

Her career then led her to the University of Alabama, where she served as the Executive Assistant to Coach Nick Saban, managing his meetings, events, and special projects. Following three successful years at the university, she embraced entrepreneurship, founding an event rental company, a wedding planning company, and three unique event venues—outdoor, luxury, and intimate spaces. She also worked as a Sales Representative for the nation’s largest golfing community, further solidifying her expertise in the events industry.

Recognizing the challenges she faced without proper coaching when starting her event venues, she was inspired to become a coach herself. She is passionate about guiding new and aspiring venue owners, ensuring they begin their journey with a solid foundation and avoid the frustrations she encountered.

Mr. Hawthorne is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Program Advisors, Inc. (“DPA”), a business consulting and program management company. He has extensive professional leadership experience as an owner-operator of various businesses in the hospitality sector, including multiple event venues, two restaurants/night clubs, and a special event management company. As the Principal-in-Charge of Diversity Program Advisors, Inc., Mr. Hawthorne provides the company's strategic vision, construction management expertise, program management, and project oversight for clients and real estate projects.

In addition to his core business in real estate development and construction, Mr. Hawthorne brings valuable skills from his previous roles in his affiliated business ventures, including experience as a general contractor, construction manager, real estate developer, corporate manager, and real estate investment/financing advisor. His professional background encompasses program management, commercial construction, construction/development management, tourism/hospitality management, real estate/corporate law, corporate finance, property development, financial analysis, and Public-Private Partnerships.