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, Darryl Irizarry will be one of the 40 honorees. 

Biography

Darryl Irizarry is the Director of Partnership and Strategic Alliances for the PHLCVB. He is an entrepreneurial-minded professional with more than a decade of experience leading projects, operations and staff. 

Irizarry’s proven track record of consistently meeting and exceeding organizational goals and objectives has resulted in record-breaking campaigns with the Community College of Philadelphia, leading a team of 54 part-time employees at the Boy Scouts of America, and developing a new and improved membership model for the PHLCVB that will provide partners with the educational and marketing tools needed to help them grow in the local hospitality and tourism industry. 

Among his career highlights include leading a committee of 15 executives in an event fundraising campaign achieving three consecutive years of record-breaking results, raising over $565,000; restructuring and managing the Community College of Philadelphia Alumni Association and alumni council, developing 16 events and activities over two years and increased paid alumni membership to over 4,000; launching the annual speaker series, called HAPPI (Hearing Amazing People Present Inspiration) Talks focused on personal development and business; and creating the Community College of Philadelphia's Black & Gold Gala. 

Irizarry is a graduate of the Community College of Philadelphia, where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Management. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and Personnel Administration. 

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 Darryl Irizarry's responses: 

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

Throughout my career, my biggest challenge has always been mental. I’ve always known my value, potential, and what I bring to the table but despite my previous accomplishments I still battle with imposter syndrome from time to time.

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

Access and education should be widespread amongst community groups that are underserved. There should be awareness regarding the different avenues one could take in the hospitality industry. If people are not aware of the opportunities and how to get there, then how will we truly improve in growing a diverse community within our industry?

What does being a leader mean to you? With leadership comes great responsibility.

A true leader always makes sure that his/her team has a good environment to work under along with the tools and resources needed to accomplish the job effectively. A leader is a good motivator, listener, problem-solver and overall visionary.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself taking on a greater leadership role where I can impact people nationally with the work that I do.

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.