What's Your Story?

In my last post I shared my personal journey of how I became an event professional. I also offered some ideas for those with the desire to work in the industry either fresh out of school or as a career change. As promised, I wanted other event professionals to share their experiences as well. My hope with this "series" is that it is both enlightening and inspiring to those looking for a way "in" and hopefully interesting for everyone else.

My first guest blogger to share her "story" is a dear friend. She and I met and became fast friends in junior high school where we commanded the attention of our classmates with masterful Spanish class projects, took horseback riding lessons together and rung up customers in our polyester uniforms as proud Burger King employees! Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to Vivian Santora of Santora, LLC.

Full name: Vivian Marie Santora
Age: 35
Hometown: Dix Hills, New York
Current position: President and Owner, Santora LLC
Education: B.A., University at Buffalo; M.P.A., American University
Years in the industry: 13

How I got to here in 10 words or less: Supportive friends and family, outstanding education, great mentors and seizing opportunities.

I had an interest in public policy and a realization that, one way of making sure the policies I believed in were pursued was to get candidates who shared my beliefs and values elected to higher office. Given my passion for public policy and the importance of progressive leadership in government, it made perfect sense to pursue are career in politics – behind the scenes of course!
While in grad school, I volunteered on the Clinton/Gore ‘96 Campaign and what happened for me was definitely serendipitous. I was working on a database project in the “volunteer pit” and the Deputy Finance Chair came through bruskly asking “who here has nice handwriting?” I quickly responded “I do” (I really didn’t have great handwriting, but I knew who he was and wanted the opportunity to get assigned a more interesting task). I realized how much I enjoyed the challenge of raising money, organizing logistics, and being sociable at the same time.

After grad school my professional experience began in political fundraising working for a statewide candidate in Massachussetts – Pat (Patricia) McGovern for Governor. A small, but talented team managed to raise something like $1.5 Million in increments of $1,000 or less. (Oh the joy of contribution limits!) Sadly, Pat lost the primary and I needed another job. I dabbled in non-profit fundraising for two years: American Cancer Society and the Boston Bar Foundation.

Shortly there-after, I had the honor and privilege to serve as a top aide to Senator Hillary Clinton where my positions included National Finance Director for Friends of Hillary and HILLPAC, the Senator’s Leadership Political Action Committee. As an integral part of so many public and private events for the Senator and the former President Clinton, I worked closely with dignitaries, celebrities, diverse personalities, and cultures over the years. The experience and knowledge I gained were invaluable. It allowed me to possess an understanding of event logistics and to develop priceless relationships. Through the years, I've developed a unique sense and skill of adaptation. This is one of the reasons I believe I’m so successful at event planning.
I raised money professionally for about 10 years. No matter what cause you raise funds for, it remains part art and part science. Event planning is very similar – it’s the art of décor, building themes, creating the perfect experience for attendees, and the science of making things run in order, logically, and with a strategy in mind (this is particularly true for corporations with specific business objectives in mind).

I'm thrilled to play a role in helping to create memorable occasions for people.

How I Believe Others Can Get There, Too


Skills you need: Event planners need to be organized, have an eye for detail, the ability to multi-task, and be problem solvers. I grew up the youngest of 7 kids in an Italian family – I learned the importance of a “to do list” at a very early age by watching my parents respond to the diverse personalities of each of their kids while juggling multiple tasks/responsibilities.

Where you should start: I believe event planners can be born out of any job. You might start in a catering hall or floral company; you might work at a company where responsibilities include meeting and conference planning, or like me - political fundraising.

Best Advice: Follow your passion – you’ll be successful and the best at whatever you do when you truly love it – it will hardly feel like work.