Carissa Benavides is a highly-motivated and dedicated professional with extensive experience in event coordination and marketing. With a degree in Mass Communications - Public Relations from Southwest Texas State University, Carissa has honed her talents for organization, research, and project management over more than a decade of experience. Her expertise in procedures and standards for event management, coupled with her ability to set up and execute functions, make her a valuable asset to any team. She is also highly skilled in customer relationship management, cross-functional leadership, staff training and development, and negotiation, ensuring that her projects are always on schedule and exceed expectations. Carissa's communication and public speaking skills, along with her talent for creative design, critical thinking, and problem-solving, have helped secure contracts and meet and exceed goals. In her previous roles as Vendor Coordinator at Forefront Networks, Event Coordinator at Fern Bluff Community Center, and Event Catering Sales at PEJ Events, among others, Carissa has consistently provided excellent service, connecting with customers and providing an extraordinary experience.