Leadership

President: 
Erin Clark, Administrative Coordinator – Office of Duke-NUS Affairs

• How long have you worked at Duke?
  4 ½ years
• What’s a skill from a past job that helps you as event planner?
  Community organizing
• What’s the most memorable event or program you’ve helped plan?
  I helped with planning AIDS Awareness Day in Connecticut in the early 2000s. The day brought together people living with HIV/AIDS, friends, families, activists, and care providers from across the state. Participants met with legislative members, engaged in public hearings, and the day culminated with a rally at the state capitol building. It was one of the most impactful and memorable days in my career.
• Coffee, tea, or something stronger after a big event?
  Definitely on the stronger side – a glass of wine or a cold beer.
• What song would be on the playlist while you’re setting up an event?
  Tracy Chapman’s Talkin’ ’Bout a Revolution, closely followed by Madonna’s Vogue

Vice President: 
Amanda Gonzalez, Program Director for Special Events – Duke Office for Institutional Equity

• How long have you worked at Duke?
  It will be 5 years in August.
• What’s a skill from a past job that helps you as event planner?
  I’ve learned something from every job I’ve had — retail, being a tour guide at Zoo Miami, theater jobs, and volunteering at summer camps. Dealing with customers in whatever form has helped me plan events both small and large.
• What’s the most memorable event or program you’ve helped plan?
  I helped plan the 18th Annual Lutie A. Lytle Black Women Law Faculty Workshop & Writing Retreat. It is a six‑day conference and I found it to be so inspiring.
• Coffee, tea, or something stronger after a big event?
  A glass of red wine — cabernet only, please!
• What song would be on the playlist while you’re setting up an event?
  At work I like to listen to lo‑fi — something that’s hyped but low‑key. Otherwise it gives me anxiety!

Communications Chair: 
Margo Ginsberg, Senior Program Coordinator – Duke Quantum Center

• How long have you worked at Duke?
  11.5 years
• What’s a skill from a past job that helps you as event planner?
  Mastering Excel filters and formulas for countif/sumif
• What’s the most memorable event or program you’ve helped plan?
  I coordinated a workshop hosted in Pacific Grove, CA at the Asilomar Conference Grounds, a National Historic Landmark District listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
• Coffee, tea, or something stronger after a big event?
  Something stronger, preferably with tequila or gin.
• What song would be on the playlist while you’re setting up an event?
  Groove Is in the Heart by Deee‑Lite

Education Chair:
Open

Member Relations Chair:
Jennifer Edwards, Assistant Director Conference and Event Services – The Nicholas Institute

• How long have you worked at Duke?
  Two and a half years
• What’s a skill from a past job that helps you as event planner?
  Having an “event tool kit” with everything from extra name tags to band‑aids to phone chargers. I’ve added things over the years — like a Tide pen. A co‑worker calls it the Leviathan (but I’m more Amy than Gary).
• What’s the most memorable event or program you’ve helped plan?
  From Billions to Trillions. I’d been at Duke two days when a faculty member asked me to coordinate the event, and we’ve just completed our third year.
• Coffee, tea, or something stronger after a big event?
  A nice cold glass of Chenin Blanc
• What song would be on the playlist while you’re setting up an event?
  Sabotage by the Beastie Boys

Secretary/Treasurer:
Tawana Reed, Operations Manager – Doctor of Physical Therapy Division

• How long have you worked at Duke?
  9 ½ years
• What’s a skill from a past job that helps you as event planner?
  My attention to detail helps me when planning events.
• What’s the most memorable event or program you’ve helped plan?
  My first Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduation and White Coat events
• Coffee, tea, or something stronger after a big event?
  Something stronger, of course
• What song would be on the playlist while you’re setting up an event?
  Upbeat music to reduce my anxiety and set the tone for positive vibes

Past-President:
Sarah Hay, Senior Communications and Events Manager – Sanford’s School of Public Policy

• How long have you worked at Duke?
  Just over 6 years
• What’s a skill from a past job that helps you as event planner?
  Customer service from past hospitality work
• What’s the most memorable event or program you’ve helped plan?
  My wedding!
• Coffee, tea, or something stronger after a big event?
  A latte for morning events, and a classic G&T after an evening event
• What song would be on the playlist while you’re setting up an event?
  Anything Taylor Swift