12 Days of JR GLobal Events Team

How did you get started in the events industry?

I wanted to make a career change and mentioned it to my friend, Stephanie Krzywanski. JR Global Events just happened to be looking for someone with an administrative background at the time so she suggested I meet with her business partner, Jennafer Ross. I met with Jen, whom I now call my friend as well, and they hired me. It was serendipity!

What was it like over the past 2 years during covid for you personally and professionally?

It was very upsetting to me, personally and professionally, when COVID hit. I had a job that I loved, working with an amazing group of people who were positive, kind, supportive, and so motivated to be successful. It was terrible seeing one event after another getting canceled until there was really nothing left. At the same time, it was amazing to witness their willingness and ability to think outside the box and come up with all of these ideas for virtual events and cultivated gifting to keep JRGE afloat. I firmly believe that is the difference between JRGE and many other businesses that did not survive. These ladies simply refused to give up.

What did you learn about yourself and the industry?

I came to the events industry from an administrative background in the legal and education industries. I saw people within the events industry come together to support each other while COVID was happening in ways that I couldn’t believe. COVID was devastating and amazing all at once from my point of view. I learned that the people who work in this industry are some of the most positive, resilient, and forward-thinking people one could ever meet. With regard to myself, I had time to handle some personal things that were happening in my life at the time as well as time to reflect, think about, and appreciate what is important: My family and friends and feeling inspired when I get up in the morning. It is amazing when you can wake up in the morning and realize you have found that sweet spot.

What would you do if you were NOT in the events industry?

At this stage of my life, if I am not in the events industry, I hope it means I’m retired. I would like to volunteer for projects that are meaningful to me personally, do more of what I’m already doing in my spare time, and travel more.

What do you do in your spare time?

Gardening, walking/hiking with my dogs, birdwatching - really anything to be outside -and hanging out with my husband and friends.