Major accomplishment or contributions to Hofstra community:
By meeting our annual goal, the Office of Conference Services is able to contribute funds towards capital improvement projects and the Hofstra Scholarship Fund. I also coordinate Hofstra’s three community festivals (Irish, Italian and Dutch).

Interesting hobbies?
Love to travel, getting to know different cultures and places.

Why did you go into your field?
I have always enjoyed working with people. I also enjoy the excitement of event planning- there is never a dull moment!  I started my career in hospitality over 15 years ago working for companies like Hilton and Hyatt. I then worked as a meeting planner for Marsh and McLennan right before joining Hofstra.

Favorite campus activity:
The energy of student clubs promoting their events/activities in the Student Center. On some days the atrium is full of students, activities, music, food and so much energy!  I think the energy that students bring is a big part of the fun of working on a campus. Keeps you young.

Favorite Activity with the student body?
Commencement day, seeing  the excitement and sense of accomplishment from all the graduates. You know that they feel that the world is waiting for them with so many opportunities.

Favorite thing about NY/Long Island region
Beautiful places to visit like the North Fork vineyards and South shore beaches.

Favorite campus eatery: Juice Event- they make great smoothies!

Favorite campus spot:  Fitness Center

What do you take the most “Pride” in here on campus:
My pride is in working with students and showcase Hofstra’s amazing campus.

What general advice or information about your department/services would you give students?
The Office of Event Management is a great place for students to work! During the summer students assist us with customers traveling from all over the world and during the academic year they help with all types of event logistics.  Our students can definitely say they gain customer service, public relations and event planning experience while working here.

What general advice about college life would you give students?
Get out of your comfort zone, try something different. These are the best exploring years of your life.  If you can, give yourself the reward of travel once you graduate. Go to a country where you don’t know the language.

Best Hofstra memory:
The Jail and Bail Fundraiser for Special Olympics.  I don’t remember ever laughing that hard at seeing so many colleagues  and students put away in this huge fake cell until someone was kind enough to  pay bail. It was the best fundraiser I have ever seen!

Favorite (short) Hofstra story:
I had never worked on a college campus before, let alone one this large. It was also my first job on Long Island so I wasn’t used to driving everywhere especially within one campus.  The first festival I planned I decided to be extra early and prepare. I winded up lost within one of the many parking lots on campus. I couldn’t figure out how to navigate back to the festival. I finally called my director for help to come and get me.

What do you take the most “Pride” in here on campus:
My pride is in working with students and showcase Hofstra’s amazing campus.  At large university events like the presidential debate my department gets to be hands on and work for the students of our university.

What have you found as your “Purpose” here on campus:
To represent Hofstra to the outside community as a great environment to host their events.  Also assisting our student employees in advancing their career goals by giving them real world job experience.