One of our distinguished MBE’s 21st Century Expo Group – Ray, Leslie & Iman McFarland join us today. They own and operate a premier expo and tradeshow company located in Prince George’s County. In this special series we’re highlighting the “Untold Stories of minority businesses and how they’re coping with the pandemic” so stay tuned with us.
Rayford (Ray) B. McFarland is Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 21st Century Expo Group, Inc. (21stCEG). Mr. McFarland founded 21stCEG in 1991 as an exposition, exhibit and event management company serving the emerging minority event market. 21stCEG’s service to its clients encompasses the broad spectrum of exhibit decoration, trade show management, display and event design/production. Over its 30-year history, 21stCEG has served numerous corporations and national associations.
Leslie Norris McFarland has served as President of the 21st Century Expo Group, an award-winning company in the nation’s exhibit trade show and special event industry, since 2009. Her husband, Rayford B. McFarland established the business in 1991, with Leslie joining the company two years later. Since its inception it has maintained a stellar reputation as a minority-owned business specializing in exhibit management, marketing, display sales and decorating services. Mrs. McFarland is responsible for account management, financial management, staffing, and association management services in coordination with the client services and production teams.
Iman McFarland — These three words mean everything to Iman McFarland: tolerance, fellowship and honesty. As a 6’2” center/forward for Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland, Iman displayed leadership qualities and helped to lead her team (the Mustangs) to the 2003 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and City Title Championships. Iman received many awards during high school including 2005 Nike All American, Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year.
Iman continued to excel in her undergraduate years while attending University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill as a student athlete and continued to find ways to give back. Iman started her post-graduate work at Howard University. Upon graduation with honors from Howard University with a Master’s in Business Administration, Iman continues to focus on her efforts on giving back to her community. Iman is currently COO of her 30 year-old family business located in Prince George’s County, her hometown.
About CRMSDC | It is our mission to feature dynamic one-on-one conversations with CEOs, contracting officers, minority businesses, supplier diversity professionals and procurement leaders from some of the leading companies in America via our Hotchat Podcast discussions. We will highlight the challenges, success stories, resources and opportunities that exist for our vast network of MBEs, and we will spotlight our corporate partners who share our vision to help drive economic development, equity and inclusion within their organizations across the country.
Sharon R. Pinder, President & CEO, CRMSDC
Stay connected & follow us @crmsdc on all of our social media platforms – Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter & Instagram
