How did you discover your passion for what you do?

My passion for event planning and helping people really came to fruition in college during my active member time with Delta Zeta. I loved the involvement and inspiring and motivating others to get involved and do something more than the average student or see us succeed as a group to accomplish something special. Whether as Assistant New Member Ed., VP Membership, Activities Chair (3 years), or my time on Panhellenic Council (VP Programming and Director of Health & Wellness) – I just really learned and harnessed how much is possible, how to work with so many groups of people and how to encourage and motivate them. One particular experience that truly laid the foundation for my career was when I helped a fellow Greek chapter, a fraternity, create and execute their own local philanthropy 5k Run/Walk event for Pancreatic Cancer. The event became the most successful (in fundraising dollars) Greek Life chapter driven event on campus and has been adopted by the Lustgarten Foundation and still is held to this day, 10+ years since we started it. It’s the power of unlimited change and inspired young people that was so captivating to me.

What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?

You are the only person who can truly control your happiness – be careful what you do with that power, and don’t waste it! If you truly want something (an opportunity) than you will do whatever it takes to rise to that occasion and do it! There are no excuses. Don’t get in your own way.

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

I believe in cheering each other on vs. seeing others as competition. I love to network and stay in touch with past colleagues and friends to be encouraging, to learn from what they’re doing and to stay creative and inspired. I do so on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook and in person I like going to industry networking events, venue openings, etc. whatever piques my interest to learn or meet someone new!