Staff

Lanita is a student at the University of Florida, majoring in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences in the tourism and hospitality industry, she brings a strong work ethic and keen attention to detail to every project she undertakes. As a dedicated team player, she thrives in fast-paced environments and excels at managing events with precision and efficiency. She is committed to delivering exceptional service and exceeding expectations for both clients and guests.

What is your Career Goal?

My goal is to become an event designer and manager, where I can combine my creativity with organization skills to make memorable events. I am interested in both designing unique experiences and managing the details that bring them to life. I do not have a specific area of focus yet; I am open to exploring different opportunities within the field.

What are you most looking forward to with the internship experience?

I hope to gain real exposure to the industry. It’s one thing to learn about event planning in a classroom, but it’s a completely different experience to see it in action. I’m especially excited about meeting new people, working hands-on, and being part of the designing and planning process to better understand how everything comes together.

Best Advice you have ever received?

From my mother - Choose joy every day, even in difficult circumstances.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Contact

Shobha is a recent University of Florida graduate currently based in the Tampa area. She love events - whether it's planning them or getting to go attend them. Shobha grew up playing competitive badminton, which is probably why she's still way too competitive when it comes to pickleball, board games, or really anything involving a score. Outside of that, she loves traveling, concerts, pottery, trying new cafés, and finding fun things to do with friends. "Most of my personality is just saying “wait this would be so fun” and convincing my friends to come with me."

What is your Career Goal?

I’m interested in building a career in the sports and events industry, with a focus on creating engaging, memorable experiences for fans and participants. I enjoy roles that involve planning, coordination, and bringing ideas to life in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. Long-term, I hope to grow into a position where I can help design and lead larger-scale sports experiences, and eventually build something of my own centered around community, competition, and connection through sport.

What are you most looking forward to with the internship experience?

I'm most looking forward to meeting new people in the Tampa area, and getting to help and see some of the behind the scenes for these events

Best Advice you have ever received?

"If it won't matter in 5 years, don't stress about it today"- life is not as serious as we make it out to be sometimes, and this always is a great reminder.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

"Happiness only real when shared". It’s shaped how I see both life and the work I want to do, that experiences are always better when they’re with people

Contact

---

Leila is a University of FL senior pursuing a combined Master's in International Business, majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in International Studies, and minoring in Leadership and Economics. Her mission is to guide and uplift people so they can discover their voices, passions, and strengths. With hands-on experiences in Event Management for festivals and community events, Leila thrives in collaborating with diverse team environments. With her interests in Event Management, she is excited to expand her professional skill set and create inclusive experiences that bring people together. She's always eager to connect with professionals who share her interests in cultural exchange, storytelling, and making a positive impact.

What is your Career Goal?

One of my career goals is to become a Special Event Specialist and Coordinator. I’ve always enjoyed creating and executing events for others. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I discovered how this role aligns perfectly with my passions and skill sets. As an emerging Event professional, I aspire to create memorable and immersive experiences that encourage others to explore new, creative, and fun adventures.

What are you most looking forward to with the internship experience?

With this internship experience, I am excited to gain more hands-on experience in the Event Management industry and embrace each opportunity to learn from event industry professionals and leaders. Collaborating with Suzanne and other event FFEA committee members to execute the FFEA’s Convention and Trade Show allows me to apply my Business degree and expand the breadth of my event professional background. I am thrilled to join the FFEA team and contribute to FFEA’s mission.

Best Advice you have ever received?

"it's not about the perfect step, you have to make a step”.From my professional mentorships and personal relationships, I’ve learned that no one is truly prepared for the endeavor they choose to pursue or what life has to offer. The best thing to do is take the first step and keep moving forward. In life, the best moments and the greatest lessons learned are not planned.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Don’t be wise in words, be wise in deeds” by Marcus Aurelius. This quote summarizes two significant values of my moral compass. I am a firm believer that our actions are more powerful than words, and these actions can reveal an individual’s true intent. Additionally, this quote serves as a reminder that wisdom is acquired through our choices, decisions, and experiences.

Contact