By Catherine De La Paz
My name is Catherine De La Paz, and I am so excited to be the new Events Manager here at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio!
I was born and raised in Berkley, Michigan, a city about four hours from Columbus and pictured Michigan as my forever home, that is, until college. For college, I ventured away to Ohio and got my Bachelors degree in TLEP (tourism, leisure, and event planning) from Bowling Green State University, and just fell in love. After college, I moved back home to Michigan and pursued a variety of roles in event management over the past 5 years to find what I loved most. I was able to explore the tourism side, the corporate event planning side, and most recently the social/wedding planning side. While I loved all roles, and am grateful for everything I leaned, I was missing a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the work I was doing.
This past fall I began exploring the non-profit sector of event management. I’ve volunteered all my life with my family, friends, and in my college sorority, Delta Zeta, but unfortunately fell out of it while focusing on my career. When I came across the Event Manager role at RMHC of Central Ohio, something in me clicked and before I knew it, I had applied for the job and was called in for an interview.
Immediately upon meeting the amazing development team, touring the House, and learning about my role and the impact it will have on so many families, I was captured by the House. I drove back to Michigan that day, but knew in my heart that this House, and state, would soon become my new home.
This year I am ecstatic to be overseeing a variety of Handbag HULLABALOO!™ Events including those in Dublin, Ross County, and the big Fall event in Columbus, along with our Family Golf event, and assisting on this year’s Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic. I am grateful for the opportunity with the Central Ohio chapter of RMHC, and look forward to being part of an amazing team and mission that helps these families that truly deserve the world.