April 8, 2025 - July 29, 2025
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Member Spotlight
May Member Spotlight
Brandy Stone is an Associate Manager of Meetings & Events at Mattel, the iconic toy company known for Barbie. She loves the dynamic challenges of her role, from logistics to creativity. Her favorite part? The parties, like the epic Barbie Beach Off welcome reception she organized. Her top memory? The annual New York Toy Fair for its product demos and camaraderie. Brandy values MPI for the learning and networking opportunities it provides. And if you spot a pink Chevrolet C1 Corvette, it might just be her!
March Member Spotlight
Kymber Leigh is an Event Specialist for CITE (California IT in Education), an association for IT professionals who work in the K-12 schools in California. She plans and helps execute CITE’s annual conference with 3,000 attendees and an Expo Show.
Kymber enjoys seeing the attendees enjoy their conference. Kymber had this to say about her job; “Whether it be the sessions, swag, or events during the conference, I am always happy when I see someone enjoy something I planned for them. It makes all the hard work worth it.”
When asked what she likes about the event industry she said, “I love that the community in the event industry is collaborative. In my experience people within the industry do a good job of working together to create the best events they can for the stakeholders.”
February Member Spotlight
Shari and Amos Zolna are the proud owners and operators of Zolna Yachts, a business that has thrived in the scenic setting of San Diego Bay for over 17 years. Their passion lies in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and corners of the globe, crafting unforgettable experiences for charter guests. Shari, a fitness enthusiast, engages in activities such as Muay Thai, Pilates, and HIIT. Amos, an ardent surfer and licensed firearms instructor, imparts comprehensive knowledge of firearms safety and skills.
Reflecting on a cherished business memory, Shari fondly recalls the first wedding hosted on the Nerissa. Despite initial uncertainties related to the USCG certification and yacht renovation completion, the event unfolded seamlessly, leaving a lasting impression on the couple.
December Member Spotlight
Taylor Owens recently started working as an Event Coordinator at the Grand Hyatt San Diego, previously her roles included working as a Catering Coordinator at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, an event coordinator at an interior design company, and an assistant media strategist for a global media agency. Taylor explained that her passion has always been in events, and she is so happy to be working back in events again.
Taylor is a San Diego native who went to UC Santa Barbara where she double majored in Communication and Film & Media Studies. Some of her favorite activities include going to the movies, trying new restaurants, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
When asked, why did you join MPI, Taylor said, “I joined MPI to jump back into the San Diego event community, meet new people, and gain meaningful connections. I love staying involved, and I am so happy to be part of the MPI Finance Committee and part of the UC Santa Barbara Communication Alumni Association.” We are very grateful to have Taylor on the Finance Committee where she helps plan the MPI social events.
Taylor also shared that, “MPI has benefited me personally by introducing me to amazing people in all facets of the events industry! I have joined such a fun community that I am so grateful for. Professionally, I have had many insightful conversations with MPI event professionals as I was seeking advice and guidance during my job search. All these conversations and connections led me to where I am now and helped me find a role in events where I feel so happy and fulfilled!”
Meet Taylor at the next MPI event, or drop her a line at taylorsowens18@gmail.com.
November Member Spotlight
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Meet Meredith Twohy, CMP. Meredith works for Catalyst, Inc., a non-profit gender equity organization. She shared that their events are tools to lift up champions in the DEIB space as well as highlight Catalyst research, products and tools all aimed at elevating women in the workplace.
Meredith is the Director of In-Person Events which entails overseeing all aspects related to the event's physical presence, from audiovisual and production, venue management, exhibitor coordination, vendor relations, and ensuring an inclusive and exceptional onsite experience for attendees. We asked Meredith what she likes about working at Catalyst. She said, “it empowers me to proactively develop strategies and implement inclusive practices, which, in turn, contribute to the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape. My role enables me to be a catalyst for positive change, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in this arena. I think work is most rewarding when collaboration takes center stage! To put together a successful event, it requires collaborating with a wide range of professionals, and I find that incredibly rewarding. The industry is also ever-evolving, with new technologies and trends always emerging, making it always exciting and dynamic.”
When not working, Meredith enjoys spending time hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful outdoors with her family. Meredith joined MPI because she had a deep appreciation and love for the San Diego event community and wants to network and connect with other event professionals within the our community. So… be sure to say “Hello!” to Meredith at our next MPISD meeting!
Connect with Meredith
October Member Spotlight
We would like to introduce you to Will Chitwood, owner and head DJ at Dancing DJ Productions. Over the past 22 years Will and his team of over 25 DJs have served over 4300 events. During that time, Will’s company has won 25 awards, they are a preferred DJ at over 95 venues, and have been featured in People and Brides magazines. Will is also proud that Dancing DJ Productions was the exclusive DJ company of Lifetime’s Married at First Sight Season 15. For more information about Will and his company visit their website.
Connect with Will
September Member Spotlight
Meet Alison Carré, the Business Development Manager for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI).
Alison is new to the San Diego area (from Orange County) and looking forward to getting know the city and it’s people better. She joined MPI this year to network in the San Diego Hospitality and Event Community. When asked how she has benefited professionally since joining the San Diego chapter, Alison said, “MPI allows me to meet new people in different industries, each day is a new experience.”
Connect with Alison
August Member Spotlight
Meet Melody Corvalán, Director of Event Sales for Belmont Park, a historic and iconic amusement park in San Diego’s famous Mission Beach boardwalk.
Melody joined Belmont Park 3 months ago after a almost 20 year career in Hotel Catering and Events. She is a mom to a 13 year old human son, and an 18 month old puppy son. She is a local San Diegan and currently serves on two boards for community non-profits benefitting the local LGBTQ community. When asked why she joined MPI this year, and how she has benefited by being a member Melody said, “It’s been an organization I have supported throughout my career, but never was able to join fully until now. I have attended many local chapter events, but being able to attend WEC was a dream come true!” The personal and professional benefit for me has been CONNECTIONS! I love everyone I meet through MPI. Melody’s favorite industry experience is the yearly San Diego Industry cruise. “It is my favorite event of the year, where I see everyone in our industry come together and connect.”