Join WAVIT as we celebrate Black History Month by amplifying the voices of Black professionals in the audio-visual and IT industries. We're honoring history, empowering the present, and inspiring the future. #BlackVoicesInAVIT 

From: Althea Ricketts, Vice President, Corporate Initiatives at Shure

Question: Were there any mentors or role models along the way who influenced your journey? 

A: I’ve been in the Pro/AV industry for over 30 years now and could not have made in this industry if it was not for the many role models and mentors along the way. I celebrate and look up to the female role models that have come before me, and those that have grown up with me, and the ones that are leading the charge now. I’m in awe of Alesia Hendley, and how she’s present and vocal about her passions. She reminds me of the mentors that have guided me and continue to guide me. It’s very important to me to pay it forward, and I can’t punctuate enough how important mentorship is to the growth and development of women in this industry. Sharing the wisdom of those that have gone thru it, and how we can get thru it, is paramount in our continue growth and success. Community is important, especially in these times. So, in this Black History month 2025,  I continue to encourage my black sisters to continue to surround yourself with community and find a mentor, or two, to help you get through.