PEMC Influencers
Here is a preview of the movers and shakers that will be at the PEMC BASH. Be sure to keep checking as new influencers will continue to be added.
Kate Karam
Special Event Coordinator - Astin Mansion Event Center
Howdy! My name is Kate Karam and I graduated from Texas A&M in December of 2017. I received my bachelor's in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Science while completing the PEMC program. I started working at the Astin Mansion in downtown Bryan to earn my PEMC internship credit. I immediately fell in love with the Astin Mansion and knew I wanted to work there as long as I could, 2.5 years later, I am now the Special Event Coordinator. I work in the office full time where I manage the complex needs of different events, and diverse clients, manage all event aspects such as venue needs, seating, dining, timeline management, and overseeing events on the day of. Thanks & Gig'em!
Hannah Hernandez
Events Coordinator - Downtown Bryan Association
Howdy! My name is Hannah Hernandez and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2018. I was an Agricultural Leadership and Development Major while completing my Professional Event Management Certification. Through my time in the PEMC and RPTS programs I was able to participate in the Downtown Bryan Association intern program which then led to an offer for a full time job as the Events Coordinator. I have the opportunity to create, plan, and implement free and ticketed events for the BCS community in Downtown Bryan such as First Friday, a beer festival, sip and shop events, and Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival. I am so grateful for my time in the PEMC program to help me succeed in my career. Thanks & Gig'em!
Kelsea Vaughan
Owner & Designer - Touch of Whimsy
After graduating from Texas A&M (Whoop!) with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Event Management, I was eager to start my life. Within a very short time frame, I married my loving husband, moved to South Texas, but was missing one thing. What was I going to do for work?
I always thought I would own my own Corporate Event Planning firm, but I figured it would be 10-20 years down the road. After three long weeks and searching high and low for a job that would actually pique my interest, I finally gave in. There was a little voice (Actually more like “The Big Guy Upstairs”) telling me that I am called to serve others through my ability to plan.
I decided to listen to that voice, and jumped in head first. I calculated the beginning costs of the business, created a marketing plan, and finished the initial design of my website, In June of 2015, Touch of Whimsy was officially born. The name just came to me one day. I didn’t contemplate the name for long — I just knew. It describes me perfectly. I’m calm, cool, and collected on the outside, (with the occasional minor freakout on the inside) and a “touch of whimsy."
Jamie Souza
Coordinator of Events - The Association of Former Students
Jamie graduated from Texas A&M in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in horticultural sciences, emphasis in event planning and floral design, and minors in tourism management and business administration. Shortly after graduation, she joined The Association’s Events Team as the Coordinator of Events where she focuses her time on former student events as well as facilitating university department events within the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center. Throughout her time as a student, Jamie worked for the University Center and Special Events which oversees 65 rentable event spaces located throughout the MSC, Rudder Tower, Koldus Building, and All Faiths Chapel. While there, she helped facilitate over 28,000 events hosted annually by student organizations and departmental groups under The Texas A&M University System.
Elizabeth Hailey
Event Coordinator - Brazos County
Howdy! My name is Elizabeth and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2017. I received my bachelor's degree in Recreational, Park and Tourism Sciences, while also completing the PEMC program. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work here in town as an Event Coordinator for the Brazos County Expo Center as my full time job. Part time I help coordinate events, weddings, and contract with one of the leading companies with major sports and entertainment.
Hanna Galloway
Equine Initiative Coordinator - Texas A&M University
Howdy! My name is Hanna Galloway and I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2015. I earned my bachelor's in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences and just received my master's, also in RPTS. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work for Texas A&M University as the Equine Initiative Assistance Coordinator. I love my job because it allows me to plan a wide variety of events, meet incredible people and be in an exciting industry.
Thanks & Gig'em!
Kayley Bacon
Event Coordinator - NOAH's Corporation
Howdy! My name is Kayley Bacon and I graduated from A&M in December of 2018. I came into A&M as a member of the class of 2020 and graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sport Management in addition to the PEMC. Thanks to my completion of the PEMC program, I work for NOAH’S Corporation as an Event Coordinator at the Fairview location. I get to meet with all kinds of clients, listen to their dreams and visions, and work hard to help bring those to life at my venue!
Tory Newbold
Conference Planning Manager - Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
Howdy! My name is Tory Newbold and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2018. I received my bachelor's in RPTS while also completing the PEMC program. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work for the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference center. I am a conference planning manager and I manage every aspect of the conference from the facility side (guest rooms, AV, Set up, food selections, timing, etc.). I am also considered the middle man between the client and the hotel departments.Thanks & Gig'em!
Jessica Burch
Athletics/ Aquatics Supervisor - City of Rowlett
Howdy! My name is Jess Burch and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2017. I received my bachelor's degree in RPTS while also completing the PEMC program! Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work for the City of Rowlett Parks and Recreation Department as their Athletics and Aquatics supervisor, where I manage a pool during the summer and athletic leagues year round! Thanks and Gig 'em!
Makenzie Judah
Director of Coordination - Verona Villa Event Venue
Makenzie is a certified event planner from Texas A&M where she obtained her degree in Event Management. Prior to joining Verona Villa, Makenzie earned her event planner wings at a venue in Dallas where her vision and excitement for all things events truly came to life. Makenzie has experience in planning a variety of events such as weddings, galas, holiday parties, corporate & lifestyle events.
Known for her drive and dedication to providing an exceptional experience, Makenzie tackles event day challenges with precision and grace. At her core, Makenzie is an incredibly detailed individual who is committed to producing high quality work in an effort to deliver the event of your dreams.
When Makenzie is not running around Verona Villa she can be found playing with her two dogs, Kitty & Whiskey, working out and creating a mean cocktail!
Paige Keller
Associate Wedding Planner - EPOCH Co+ Events
Howdy! My name is Paige and I am the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie class of 2018! I graduated with a major in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences while completing the PEMC program. Because of the internship requirements of RPTS and the event requirements of the PEMC program, I was able to get over 400 hours of event experience with multiple companies. One of these internships led to my current job with EPOCH Co+ Events right here in Aggieland! I am directly under my boss as an Associate Wedding Planner; my job includes, but is not limited to, creating designs for clients, working with vendors to coordinate a seamless timeline for the day of the event, and being on site during the day of the event to assure that all aspects of the day go smoothly. There is so much more that goes along with my job, and I am so excited to share every part of it with anyone who is interested. Thanks & Gig 'Em!
Andre Cook
Event Coordinator - Texas A&M University Center & Special Events
Howdy! My name is Andre Cook and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2015. I received my bachelor's in Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences while also completing the PEMC program. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work for TAMU - University Center & Special Events in College Station, TX. I am an Event Coordinator who oversees various aspects of event planning and management, and supervise event staff daily. Thanks & Gig'em!
Madison Elder
Day Meeting Manager - Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
Howdy! My name is Madison Elder and I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018. I received my Bachelor's in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station. I am a Conference Planning Manager with a focus on day meetings so I work with local university and corporate groups to plan and implement their events. Thanks & Gig 'em!!
Meryl Parks
Senior Coordinator - UTHealth
Hi there! My name is Meryl Parks, and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2017. In addition to my PEMC certification, I graduated with a degree in Tourism Management (RPTS) and a minor in Business. This program opened up so many doors for me while at A&M! As a Senior Coordinator at UTHealth in Houston, I am currently planning events for the Development Office as well as the President's Office. My team and I plan 50+ events a year, and they range from receptions to luncheons to symposiums. Let's chat!
Cory Dentler
Recreation Coordinator - City of Rockwall
Howdy! My name is Cory Dentler, I graduated Texas A&M University in December of 2018 with a B.S. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences and a Minor from Mays Business School. While with the RPTS Department I obtained by Professional Event Management Certificate as well as my certificate in Community Recreation and Park Administration. I had the pleasure of completing my internship with the City of Rockwall Parks and Recreation Department in 2017 and have just recently accepted a position as the Recreation Coordinator for the City of Rockwall. Thanks & Gig'em!
Brianne Jones
Event Coordinator - Mid-States Distributing, LLC
Howdy! My name is Brianne Jones and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2017 (WHOOP!). I graduated with a degree in RPTS, after doing the Event Management track and PEMC. Because of the opportunities I was exposed to in this program and department, I now work for Mid-States Distributing, LLC in Fort Worth, TX. I am one of the Event Coordinators who plans trade shows and corporate events for this company.
Thanks & Gig'em forever!
Alexa Stoudt
Owner / Event Coordinator - Let Us Events
Howdy! My name is Lexie Stoudt and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2016! I received my bachelors of business administration in marketing with certificates in professional event management and leadership development. I was also a part of C-Company in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. I now own my own wedding and event coordination company, Let Us Events in Huntsville, TX. Thanks and Gig’Em!
Ross Alexander
Vice-President and CFO - R&R Presents LLC
Howdy! My name is Ross Alexander and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2018. I received my bachelor's in University Studies Business while also completing the PEMC program. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now co-own a company called R&R Presents in Houston, Texas. I am the Vice-President and CFO. I handle all things money-related in the company as well as social media and help our artists get shows. Thanks & Gig'em!
Ryan Lay
Music Agent - R&R Presents
Howdy! My name is Ryan Lay and I graduated from Texas A&M in Spring 2018. I received my bachelor's in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Science while also completing the PEMC program. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now Co-Own a company called R&R Presents in Houston. I am the President and CEO and I manage DJ's. Thanks & Gig'em!
Jessica Vasquez
Event Concierge - Circuit of The Americas
Howdy! My name is Jessica and I graduated from Texas A&M in 2018. I received my B.S. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences while also completing the HMC and PEMC program. Because of my time working on the PEMC, I now work for a few of my dream companies! I am a part of the Promotions Team at iHeartMedia, which owns a number of stations in Austin. I attend various events to promote the station, giveaway prizes, and interact with listeners! These events include concerts, grand openings, donation drives and just hanging out with listeners.
I also work as an Event Concierge for Circuit of The Americas. Circuit of The Americas is a large venue that hosts a variety of events including concerts, Austin BOLD soccer league games, Winter Wonderland, and the major Formula 1 race in November. As an Event Concierge, I work to make sure that guests are having the best experience possible. I coordinate and help manage premium hospitality areas, perform facility and premium hospitality area walk-throughs, and report any potential issues to the proper department. Thanks & Gig'em!
Mary Beth Wesley
Asscociate Designer - Urban Rubbish Weddings
Howdy! My name is Mary Beth Wesley. I graduated from Texas A&M in May 2018 after earning a bachelor's degree in Horticulture and a minor in RPTS while also completing the PEMC. Because of the hours required for my major, minor and the PEMC, I was able to find an internship with Urban Rubbish Weddings that allowed me to cover all of them. Because of this internship, I now work for Urban Rubbish right here in College Station. As Associate Designer I help create floral designs for the weddings we book as a company and I also take my own weddings (@mb.urbanrubbishweddings) and coordinate from time to time. The PEMC program helped me figure out where I was headed after graduation and find my dream job!
Be sure to check back as we continue to add more Influencers!
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