Sparked by a family vacation in 2005, Saundra saw the need for travel opportunities for young black professionals (YBPs). While cruising the Hawaiian islands with her family, she and her two cousins were among a small group of young adults on board, and the ONLY young adults of color. Saundra imagined how much more fun the vacation could be if more of her peers were on board...
After relocating
to, and making new friends in, Atlanta in 2005/6 Saundra decided to organize a 5 day cruise for 2007. Calling the vacation YBP Cruisin', she sent emails to her former classmates and current Accenture co-workers advertising the cruise. YBP Cruisin' 07, the first of many annual trips, was attended by 24 YBPs. Wanting to reduce the hassle of vacation planning for participants, Saundra offered a payment plan and even coordinated excursions for the group. It was such a great time that YBP Cruisin' had to be done again in 2008. Through word of mouth and facebook posts YBP Cruisin' 08 tripled in size from the previous year, to 75 YBPers, and the rest is history! What started as an idea to get a couple of co-workers to go on a cruise together has blossomed into an annual event which has served over 250 YBPs, many of whom have attended multiple Escapes. Although YBP Escapes current take place annually, Saundra Q. plans to expand the offerings to multiple dates and to destinations outside of the Caribbean and Central America.
