Staff Spotlight: Raks Chey
September 13, 2024
Say hello to Raks, an Event Manager in our Newport Office! Raks lives and breathes hospitality, not only for our clients but for the CE team around her. In just 5 months, Raks has become an invaluable employee, jumping feet-first into executing projects from start to finish.
This month, Raks tells us all about what ignited her passion for events and outlines the memorable experiences that led her to where she is now. Raks also shares the activities she enjoys outside of work and recommends the best place in Newport to see the sunset. Continue reading below to learn all about Raks!
Staff Spotlights are the place to learn all about the careers, passions, and personalities of our amazing staff. You can find other staff spotlight interviews right here on our blog.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for Corinthian Events?
A: Everyone is willing to help one another – the support that you get here is exceptional.
Q: Did you always see yourself working in hospitality? Did you have any other dream jobs growing up?
A: Growing up, I was always fascinated by staying at different hotels during vacations, which sparked my love for the hospitality industry. If I weren’t working in hospitality, my dream job would be a philanthropist, traveling to third-world countries to build schools for underprivileged children.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given, event related or not?
A: When things are falling apart, take a minute to reflect, go with the flow, and do what you think is best to overcome the obstacles.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: I don’t know how to swim, but I love being near the water! It calms me down.
Q: What educational or work experiences fueled your passion for events?
A: I attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where I majored in Hotels with a concentration in Events. During my internship with Hilton corporate, I received comprehensive training in every hotel department. The sales and events department quickly became one of my favorites, sparking my desire to delve deeper into the events industry!
Q: What is something you’re proud to have accomplished in your career so far or something you are looking forward to accomplishing?
A: I had the opportunity to assist the hotel events department for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH, back in 2016. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be part of such an important event for the country. I learned so much from being on-site and getting to soak in every minute of it. I look forward to hopefully working on another large production like that with Corinthian Events.
Q: What has been your favorite moment of your events career so far?
A: I was part of Hilton’s Owners Conference in Dallas, Texas hosted by a Hilton property. Chefs from around the globe were flown in for this special event, where we presented our food and beverage offerings to owners from various sectors of Hilton brands. Each food station featured a live statue representing the culture and cuisine of the chef’s origin. It is always exciting to work on an event with that much diversity and creativity!
Q: Outside of work hours, what is something you enjoy doing?
A: I love traveling! There are so many places I want to check off my bucket list. During my days off, I enjoy gardening and spending time outdoors in the sun. I also love to explore new sushi restaurants!
Q: What is an event or destination activity you would want to execute for a client?
A: I would love to be part of the team that executes an electronic music festival! I attended one of the country’s largest music festivals, Electric Daisy Carnival, last year in Las Vegas. The production was massive, and I know it took a village to produce such an awesome festival. It was truly an unforgettable experience, worth every penny, and I would love to create the same type of experience for guests.
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