Summary

Upon graduation, I continued working with Dow Chemical in the Event and Customer Relations Department assisting with events during the Olympics in Beijing and planning meetings for the top 50 executives at Dow.  I was asked to join the customer relations team over at the H Hotel in Midland, MI, after the property was purchased by Dolce Hotel Groups as they partnered with Dow Chemical to create a customized experience for those visiting the Midland area, but also for clients and partners of Dow Chemical.  I worked directly with a team of women from Dow Chemical, an event planning group from Fenton, MI, and hotel staff to create a grand opening event. 

My dream was to become a wedding planner, and when I was offered a job in Livonia, MI, I jumped in feet first.  In one summer, I planned and executed over 120 weddings and events, often having multiple events in one day. During this time, I learned a lot about client relationship building, managing a team, and the importance of balancing the passion for what you do with the time available in one day. We worked with large companies all over Southeast Michigan, and I found myself in the city of Detroit, wishing I could be there more as they started to shift and grow their downtown area.

My curiosity and excitement for the resurgence happening in Detroit led me to a great career opportunity with the Ilitch Family. Starting in 2010, I began working for Olympia Entertainment at Hockeytown Cafe as the Group Sales and Event Manager. After many partnership opportunities, in 2012, I was asked to join the Group Sales team at the Fox Theatre. Then in 2014, I was presented with the opportunity to join the Ticket Service and Retention team for the Detroit Red Wings. In my four years with DRW, I developed and managed a book of 500-600 accounts and, in the Spring of 2016, was tasked with moving each account from Joe Louis Arena to Little Ceasars Arena through virtual walk-throughs and, eventually, in-person site visits. This was the most significant professional challenge I had ever faced, and upon completion, with a record 98% of my accounts renewing their season tickets, I knew it was time to start thinking about the future and additional challenges and goals I would like to tackle. 

This brought me all the way to Ann Arbor to start a new journey with the University of Michigan and, specifically, the College of Pharmacy.  I started my role as Assistant Director of Advancement and External Relations in December of 2017.  I was new to academia and development work but found that all of the skills I have acquired in my career have been an asset to the team and our important work.  As we continue to work on the construction and fundraising for the new College of Pharmacy Building, I have so much excitement about the opportunity to open what is now the third building in my career. Getting to know the students, alumni, and staff/faculty has been extremely rewarding, and I learn something new every day.  I look forward to working with everyone and growing our support and experiences through donor dollars and relationship building.