Hello, and thank you so much for visiting AfriLux Events. I’m Vanessa Outland, Founder and Owner of AfriLux Events Management, LLC—and it brings me joy to introduce you to the story behind this company.
Event planning has always been part of my DNA. As the youngest of ten in a large Liberian (West African) family, gatherings were our love language. Weekend cookouts, baptisms, graduations, baby showers, weddings—you name it, we celebrated it. Those moments shaped me. I learned early on that events aren’t just occasions; they are the spaces where connection, culture, and memory collide.
That passion never left. Over the last fifteen years, I’ve designed and executed countless events—from intimate birthday dinners to elaborate weddings and milestone celebrations. In 2020, during the quiet and chaos of the pandemic, I leaned fully into my calling and earned a Master Certificate in Event Management from the International Institute of Event Management, turning passion into formal expertise and purpose.
But my experience extends far beyond social celebrations.
For more than a decade, I have planned and executed high-impact corporate and government events that require structure, strategic thinking, and exceptional attention to detail. My professional experience includes designing and managing:
• Executive and team-building retreats
• Multi-day leadership workshops and planning sessions
• Business milestone celebrations and agency-wide recognition events
• Organizational culture and employee engagement programs
• Complex events involving cross-functional coordination, senior leadership, and mission-driven outcomes
My career in the Federal Government—most recently serving as a Senior Advisor focused on workplace excellence, engagement, and organizational culture—has equipped me with the ability to manage events that demand diplomacy, strategic design, and seamless execution.
These experiences allow AfriLux to offer elevated support for corporate holiday celebrations, business milestone gatherings, and team-building retreats—bringing professionalism, creativity, and operational excellence to every event.
Beyond the corporate world, I am also a founding Board Member of The Fortune Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering minority youth and creating pathways for education, community support, and personal success.
My work with The Fortune Foundation has included:
• Annual galas
• Fundraising events
• Community outreach programs
• Youth-focused initiatives
• Volunteer mobilization and event logistics
This nonprofit lens fuels my heart for meaningful, purpose-centered events that inspire and uplift communities.
AfriLux Events was born from passion but built with expertise.
From weddings and milestone celebrations to corporate convenings and nonprofit programs, my goal is always the same:
Create moments that feel effortless, meaningful, and unforgettable.
At AfriLux, we believe the best events are crafted through teamwork, creativity, and genuine care. When you partner with us, you receive the full support of a dedicated team—creative designers, detail-driven coordinators, and strategic planners—all working together to bring your vision to life beyond what you imagined.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story. We’re honored to serve you and excited for the unforgettable moments ahead.
Quick Facts
Professional Background:
• 15+ years of planning and executing events across the private social event space, corporate sector, and nonprofit community.
Education & Credentials:
• Master Certificate in Event Management
International Institute of Event Management (2021)
• Master of Business Administration
University of Maryland (2017)
Specialties:
• Luxury weddings & milestone celebrations
• Social events: birthdays, showers, anniversaries & private gatherings
• Nonprofit galas, fundraisers & community-centered programs
• Corporate milestone celebrations, team-building retreats & holiday celebrations
• Event design, logistics, vendor management & onsite coordination
Signature Strengths:
• Luxury event design & full-scale execution,
• Creative concept development
• Strategic planning & project management
• Budget creation, tracking & optimization
• Operational excellence & seamless logistics
• Multicultural awareness & relationship-building
• Vendor negotiation & coordination
Proudly:
✔️ Black-owned ✔️ Woman-led ✔️ DMV based
