Fun was in the air on Thursday, August 4, 2016 as a couple dozen consumers joined us at “Cocktails & Networking: What Are The Unwritten Rules of Drinking With Your Superior, Peers, and Subordinates? #DRUNKATWORK.”  Panelists included Darrell Bogan, Director, Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity at the Defense Logistics Agency Energy; Jacobey Ford, HR Specialist for the U.S. Department of Justice; Duvalier Malone, CEO – Duvalier Enterprises; and Tambray Ray, CEO of W.A.N.D.A.  This mature and fun discussion was hosted at the Chi-Cha Lounge located at 1624 U Street NW, Washington D.C.

The purpose of this event was to provide professionals with the knowledge to manage tough situations when drinking in corporate settings.  Many do not realize the written or unwritten rules in these situations.  Panelists embarked on several scenarios with the same sentiment – ‘tread cautiously.’

Terrence Jamison, a new resident of the Washington, D.C. area, challenged the panel on their theories saying “it’s unrealistic to not drink with clients when you are in sales and marketing roles.  Not drinking can cost you a deal.”

Darrel Bogan, the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

indicated “it’s okay to drink with subordinates at office events but keep it professional. Monitor your intake and have a glass of water for each drink.”

The event was held in the midst of the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists joint conference.  Therefore, many noted journalists attended the event including Veronica Waters of WSB News in Atlanta; Dominic Brown of WTKR News in Norfolk, Virginia; and Tenisha Bell of Perfect Pitch Media Group in Atlanta. The event was moderated by Tracye Bryant, author of ‘This Twisted Life.’

The Chi-Cha Lounge is the fun urban place where you hang out with your besties.  The lounge offers a menu of “Modern Andean Cuisine” complimented by hookah to enhance the lounging vibe. The comfortable couches and chairs are grouped together so informally you often become a part of someone else’s conversation. The neo-soul vibe and the hookah combo provide a trendy atmosphere for urban professionals.  There are daily drink specials from the Latin-infused menu.  The food and drinks will have your palate craving for more.