About Jenna
I am a native of Florida and grew up in Pinellas County. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) and a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University (Go Owls!).
I have over a decade of experience in event planning. My career began as a special events coordinator for the American Cancer Society. It is here that I realized my passion for planning events along with helping others reach their goals. At ACS, it excited me when I could inspire people to come to events, have guests enjoy the events that I planned, and at the same time raise money for a worthwhile cause. In working in this environment I began to understand the importance of putting all the pieces of the event puzzle together in the right way to ensure the desired outcome.
In 2001, I was hired as the Special Events Coordinator for the Office of the President at the University of South Florida. I’ve worked for President Judy Genshaft since then, being promoted along the way to director and having the opportunity to work on events such as ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies, dinners for major donors and campus VIPS, as well as the university’s year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration.
My events will always look and feel amazing, but my approach is often about being in the trenches. What you’ll find throughout my website and with my work is a two-fold strategy. One side based on good business practices including efficiency, relationship management, practical budgeting, and creativity; the second side based on my personality — detail-oriented, organized, compassionate, and fun.
Me and my BFF, Denyse, and Hurricane Charlie during her 2004 wedding!Things I Love
NYC Shows with my friend, Lisa
Traveling the world
My dog, Wigette
My family at the MS Society National Convention
Project Runway — Me and Tim Gunn at his stop at USF in 2009