1. What led you to choose this industry?
I “fell” into the industry during a college internship, but I fell in love with our industry immediately. Our community is extraordinary. Together we celebrate our success and together we persevere through our challenges.
I started my career at a CVB, where I felt inspired by impactful leaders. I was encouraged to join MPI, and, truthfully, I did so with hesitation. Being new to the industry, I questioned myself: What impact would it have on my personal and professional life? Would I be able to balance my commitments? Is it the right fit for me?
MPI empowered me to make a difference. It gave me the courage to support meaningful causes. I’m a proud member of our industry and a proud member of MPI.Flash forward to today, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. MPI expanded my network, challenged my growth and gave me opportunities and experiences I’ll never forget. I served as president of the Southern California Chapter in 2017-2018 and received the MPI RISE Award for Member of the Year in 2019. I never imagined myself moderating the MPI Global Town Hall or speaking at education conferences. I look back at these experiences with such gratitude.
MPI empowered me to make a difference. It gave me the courage to support meaningful causes. I’m a proud member of our industry and a proud member of MPI.
2. What’s the best advice someone has given you?
“Passion doesn’t feed the baby” - Steven Foster.
I have a lot of respect for MPI chapter facilitators. They know how to encourage chapter leaders and challenge us in unexpected ways. Many times they’re the unsung heroes when chapters succeed.
Steven Foster facilitated our board retreat a few years ago and shared some powerful words that stuck with me: “Passion doesn’t feed the baby.” You can be passionate but how will you channel that energy into results? Build a strategy and measure its success. Know that you can define success in different ways.
3. What is the most important part of MPI to you?
A sense of community. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. It was one of the most painful times. I knew that MPI would be a place for business opportunities and education, but I didn’t realize that my MPI community would give me courage and strength when I needed it the most. They helped me through that difficult time, and my mother is now cancer-free.
I was installed as chapter president in 2017 on my mother’s birthday. (Ironic, huh?) I spoke about courage and hope. My parents were sitting in the front row cheering me on. As you can imagine, at one point in my life I didn’t know whether I’d get to have that moment with them. I remember standing at the podium facing my family and MPI community. They were all family to me, and it was one of the best days of my life.
4. How has your MPI RISE Award impacted the work you do today?
Becoming MPI’s Member of the Year changed my life. It fueled my passion and inspired me to do more. It expanded my network and shed light on new opportunities. I’m continuing my involvement in the industry and in my hometown of Manhattan Beach, Calif. There are so many ways to make a difference and there’s still more work to be done.
5. What was your favorite memory from receiving your RISE Award?
I’m so proud of what we accomplished—in our industry, in Southern California, in MPI and around the world. Looking back, I was overwhelmed with joy, standing next to two thoughtful leaders: Gary Murakami (Meeting Industry Leadership) and Julia Spangler (Young Professional Achievement).
I’m also incredibly grateful to the entire team that worked so hard to elevate our experience, including Tracy Levi, MPI manager of volunteer experience; Paul Van Deventer, MPI president and CEO; Steve O’Malley, MPI board chair; Rich Luna, MPI director of publishing and editor in chief of The Meeting Professional; Rachel Schelter, MPI volunteer experience specialist; Diane M. Hawkins, MPI vice president of people/performance and administration; Nicole M. Edmund, then-MPI vice president of community; and Sarah Soliman Daudin, president and CEO of Soliman Productions, and her amazing team, including Orlando Porro. They work tirelessly and we’re so appreciative of them.
