MPISCC Member Spotlight
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Interview with Natalie Wong
MPISCC: Tell us about YOU!
NW: I'm a California native: born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, then attended UCLA and never left the City of Angels. I started my career as an event planner for dozens of nonprofit organizations managing their red carpet galas. Eventually, my career evolved to the corporate sector to include experiential marketing and cause marketing. I'm passionate about supporting corporate social responsibility programs and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Since the events industry has been sidelined due to the pandemic, I've been dedicating my time to home decor and interior styling. My home was actually just featured on Apartment Therapy! When I'm not working on a DIY project and blogging about it, I've also started writing a novel about my experience working on celebrity events.
MPISCC: What makes your heart happy?
NW: Watching an event unfold and seeing the joy on people's faces experiencing an event that I executed.
MPISCC: Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests?
NW: I ran track and cross country in high school, so I find long runs to be very meditative. Fun fact: I was the school record holder for the pole vault one year. Food is my love language, and fried chicken is my addiction.
MPISCC: What are some of your proudest moments or accomplishments?
NW: Two things I'm most proud of professionally are: (1) Planning a 5K walk with 8,000 participants, 100 volunteers and six beneficiaries for the SKECHERS Foundation. We shattered fundraising goals that year, raising over $1.2 million. (2) Founding and managing the corporate social responsibility for a commercial real estate firm I worked for. Convincing the firm's owners for its need and then asking them for a six-figure operational budget was a huge win for me.
Personally, I'm just thrilled to be living and owning property (as a single woman) in one of the best and biggest cities in the world. I'm proud that I've been able to pursue a profession that brings me joy.
MPISCC: Why MPISCC? Can you share a fond memory or accomplishment with the chapter?
NW: I've been a member of MPISCC for almost 10 years and have made the best friendships with like-minded professionals. I appreciate the communal spirit and the supportive energy from its members and board. I'm so grateful MPISCC has given me the opportunity to serve as its first Diversity & Inclusion co-chair.
Interview with Karly B. Watson
MPISCC: Tell us about YOU!
KBW: I’m originally an East-Coaster but have called Southern California home for a total of about a decade. While my career started on the food and beverage end of things, it quickly grew to encompass event planning and management on the larger scale. I’ve worked on both the east and west coasts and in a variety of roles and venues, loving every second of it. I made the decision to enter the hospitality industry early, as a freshman at Temple University in Philadelphia.
I’ve moved across the country a total of three times, driving each way. Each experience was unique and wonderful in its own way.
MPISCC: What makes your heart happy?
KBW: Nothing makes me more excited than opening day of a convention or event. The energy present after months or sometimes years of planning is like nothing else. It also makes me happy to be able to help others achieve their goals by bringing people together to connect.
MPISCC: Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests?
KBW: I love yoga and try to practice daily. The pandemic has forced me to work out and do yoga at home, which has opened my eyes to new instructors on YouTube and those offering virtual classes. I can also be found drawing or writing, as these are two passions that have always been close to my heart.
In my past life, I was a manager for a cheese and specialty department with Whole Foods Market, so I have an unusual amount of cheese knowledge.
MPISCC: What are some of your proudest moments or accomplishments?
KBW: One of my proudest moments was being recognized for my role as event manager for the planning and execution of the Black Tie Gala for the Philadelphia Auto Show. The kick-off to the Philadelphia Auto Show draws about 5,000 guests to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Planning and execution are extremely challenging due to the nature of the event and the limited time available for setup. With the help of my amazing team, we were able to complete all preparations without a hitch. The client was beyond thrilled, and the flawless event resulted in me being recognized by my colleagues with an award for my commitment to service and leadership.
MPISCC: Why MPISCC? Can you share a fond memory or accomplishment with the chapter?
KBW: I’ve been a member of MPI since 2013, and I have recently become more involved with the Southern California Chapter. My experience with MPISCC has been nothing short of delightful. Everyone I’ve met has welcomed me with open arms and the educational and networking opportunities have been outstanding. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role as newsletter chair and looking forward to growing with the organization over the next several years.
Volunteering is a great way to get the most out of our membership! To learn more about how you can make an impact, contact Debra Mategrano, vice president of leadership development.
