ABOUT US
Algonquin College Event Management Program
To learn more about out chosen charity, click on the red button below.
We are a team of students currently studying in the Event Management Program at Algonquin College. By the end of the year, we are to organize and host an event that will fundraise money to a selected charity.
The charity that we have chosen is the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs. Candlelighters is a local, not-for-profit organization that provides programs and services to young cancer patients, and their families, receiving treatment in the National Capital Region.
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We are hosting an online event where attendees will enjoy a French themed 5 a 7. It will include French music, a wine and cheese workshop, a French cocktail workshop, a French pastry workshop and a silent auction. Attendees will be sent a list of items to purchase prior to the event to participate in both workshops. Auction items will be available two weeks prior to the event.
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Meet the Team
Zoe Kelly
My name is Zoe Kelly, I was born and raised in Ottawa. I’m a uOttawa alumnus in the Social Work program and have worked for different mental health organizations since I’ve graduated. My role in this event is Team Lead, meaning I oversee the team and our progress. I decided to take the Event Management program at Algonquin College because I’ve always enjoyed hosting and attending events because I believe it’s a great way to bring people together.
Lauren Nguyen
I'm Lauren, I was born and raised in Ottawa. I graduated with a Bachelors of science from University of Ottawa in 2018. While in school, I worked as an administrative assistant at a dental office and I have been there for the last 8 years. Outside of work and school, I enjoy travelling and trying new restaurants. Throughout my experience at the dental office, I worked along side management to plan office events and coordinate office meetings and trips which sparked my interest in event management.
Katelynn Rourke
Hi, my name is Katelynn Rourke. I grew up in Rawdon, Quebec and later moved to Montreal to study photography. I’ve always had a passion for horses and after my studies, I moved to Guelph, Ontario to work with racehorses. I also worked at Woodbine Entertainment with the Food and Beverage team where I helped to carry out many of their events. Later, I worked in the Race Administration Department. All of my experience so far have led me to the Event Management Program at Algonquin College.
Riya Grace Xavier
I am Riya Grace Xavier, born and brought up in India. I completed my bachelor and masters in Forensic Science back from India. I did victimology course from algonquin last year. I was always interested in organising and managing events which lead me choose event management course which is totally a different stream form the stream I have been studying so long. But a change is always good.
Paula Noun
My name is Paula, I was born and raised in Ottawa. I am taking care of all of the Marketing and Communications of this event. In the past, I have worked with many children and youth during my time with the City of Ottawa, hosting events for low income communities. Later on, I decided to take the Hairstyling program at Algonquin college. After four years in the industry, I decided that I needed a change. Based on my experience prior to hairstyling, I was always interested in events. This leads to me finding my way here. When I'm not working, you can find me in the outdoors with my dog Charlie!
Jessica Urban
My name is Jessica Urban, I was born in Barrie, Ontario but moved to Ottawa when I was 11 years old. I am a graduate of Algonquin's Travel-Tourism Services program and am now enrolled in the Event Management program. I am taking on the Financial Management element for our event. I first became interested in Events when I attended the annual Boots and Hearts Music Festival, I was truly fascinated with the outcome and was driven to learn how it all came together.
Le Tinh Phuong Pham
I'm Erin. I am a Vietnamese born and raised in the country, currently I live in Ottawa for my education. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in International Business but passionate about events and I have been in the industry for about 3 years. It is my luck to have the opportunities to work with clients from many different industries, specially organizing Galas, Conferences, Festivals and Workshop for them. My experience ranges from the position of an Account Executive, a Project Assistant to several Planner support roles in the event team. Therefore, I support our project team in the Event Theme and Programming field. Personally, I hope I can keep going further and devote more effectively to the new future of events.
Angelita Aboukassam (Mentor)
Angelita Aboukassam is the Conference Coordinator at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With over 10 years of experience marketing and executing events varying from galas, weddings, music festivals, meetings, and conferences, she brings strengths in innovation, critically-thinking, technology, event marketing, social media, logistics, and educational program planning. Angelita began her career as a Certified Wedding Planner and Coordinator by The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPICC) with Sizzle with Decor while studying for her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Communication Studies from Carleton University. Soon after, she graduated on the Dean’s Honours List from the Event Management Program at Algonquin College.
In Angelita’s spare time, she enjoys actually attending events as an attendee, travelling, cooking, crafting, sewing, and cosplaying.
Rachel Schumacher