ALUM-TO-ALUM
CAREER
CENTER
EVENTS
STAYCONNECTED
ALUMNICOUNCIL
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MEMBERBENEFITS
Catrina Mullins '00
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Which on-campus activities were you involved in as a student? How did these activities assist you in attaining your career goals?
I was lucky to have the opportunity to experience clubs and organizations at two university campuses. In Providence, I was able to give tours, talk with prospective students and interact with families as a member of C.A.T, the collegiate ambassador team. During campus events, I would answer questions regarding the campus life experience, curriculum choices, and social aspects of living on campus in Providence. My goal was to interact with each family and potential student. This opportunity allowed me to confidently speak of the benefits of Johnson and Wales and what it has to offer.
I was also a member of the S.A.A, Student Alumni Association. As one of the most memorable experiences at Johnson and Wales, Providence, I acted as a liaison between the university and the alumni. The organization assisted the Director of Alumni Relations with promotions, event setup, marketing, and fundraising. We assisted the organization of two large alumni events, the Boston Alumni Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel and the New York Alumni Reception at the Waldorf Astoria. We brainstormed on creative ways to get Alumni involved with campus activities. The largest event hosted by the S.A.A was Battle of the Campus. The competition involved numerous fraternity and sororities, campus organizations and alumni as judges and team leaders. These events allowed me to speak with professionals in my future career and educated me on how to carry myself in a social situation. Learning the importance of networking and professionalism has been essential in my career.
As a Wildcat cheerleader, I was able represent the university and the student body at basketball and hockey games, as well as, competitions. This experience allowed me to perform on stage which in the hospitality industry is a day to day activity.
In Charleston, I enjoyed the Travel and Tourism Club. This club connected students with Travel and Tourism professionals at various venues and businesses throughout Charleston. Learning the diversity of the field allowed me to narrow my career path.
Please detail your career accomplishments. How will your career path help you be successful in the position you are being nominated for?
As a senior at Johnson and Wales, I interviewed for the Management Development Program with Marriott International. After a vigorous interview process, I was offered a MDP position in the Sales department at Denver Marriott Tech Center. After 3 months in the program, I was hired as an Event Manager. I transferred to the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa as an Event Manager and evolved into a Group Sales Manager and Catering Sales Manager. After nearly three years, I accepted the position of Senior Event Manager at the Renaissance Denver Hotel. To further my event knowledge, I opened The Curtis a pop culture independent hotel as the Director of Convention Services. Currently, I am the Director of Sales and Catering at Rialto Café an art deco restaurant located in the heart of the city at 16th Street Mall. In 2006, I completed my Certified Meeting Professional certification. I also sit on the board of the President’s Roundtable at Johnson and Wales.
My career path has assisted me in learning how to operate in many environments, enabling me to be outgoing and an innovative thinker. I believe this will be a key part in talking confidently about the university and coming up with creative ways to achieve more involvement. I am truly passionate about Johnson and Wales University and what it has provided for me. When given the opportunity, I love to share that story with confidence. In recent years, I have felt a disconnect between the Alumni and students with this position I plan to focus on opportunities that can build that relationship.
Please list what skills and/or qualities you will bring to the Council.
I have planned events for approximately eight years. I enjoy getting people involved and connecting with them. My experience has prepared me to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities involved with sales, marketing, and customer service. My creative outlook has developed into many successful programs and events. I am a firm believer in relationship building and setting a professional example, making me confident in my ability to be a successful and productive part of the Alumni Council.
What are your visions/goals over the next two years?
Over the next two years, I plan to expand my knowledge on Green meetings by becoming an active member of the Green Meetings Industry Council. As green meetings and events are an innovative way for organizations and companies to minimize their economic footprint. I plan to utilize that knowledge to spearhead social organizations and hopefully speak to students at Johnson and Wales about ways to work green into in their meeting planner endeavors. My goal is to become a wedding planner specializing in the economic impact of a couple’s special day. I also plan to focus more on what I can give back to the community. Getting more involved in volunteer efforts close to home.
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