MEET YOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TEAM LEADS
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Kelly’s passion for planning memorable experiences has taken her to South Florida, Washington D.C., and San Diego where she’s lived with her pups since 2018. A lifelong learner, she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Meeting & Event Management and never misses and opportunity to grow her industry knowledge. When she isn’t at an event, you can find Kelly at Coronado’s Dog Beach, curled up with a good book, or traveling the globe absorbing different cultures and cuisine. She prides herself on knowing the latest and greatest spots in her city and every place she visits.
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Michelle has a wealth of experience in the meeting and events industry, with over 20 years of working in Colorado, Central Oregon, and Palm Springs. Her journey began after obtaining a bachelor’s in Hotel & Restaurant Management and an associate's in Culinary Arts, and it didn’t’ take long before she discovered her true passion in creating events. Michelle and her family moved to Palm Springs in 2008 and have called it home ever since. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and going to Firebird Hockey games with her family, as well as taking her twins to concerts.
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Sara’s experience in the event and destination industry spans 20+ years with a background in corporate, incentive and social events. She's devoted to her work and loves bringing people together through the joy of food, entertainment, and decor. Her career began in the heart of Orange County at Disneyland and took her all the way to Tokyo Disneyland where she fell in love with the people and culture. This passion for all things Japanese is still a huge part of her life. She also admits to a major obsession with studying maps and searching for new adventures.
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Geraldine was born in Mexico and raised in an environment filled with love, tradition, discipline, and lots of relatives! Festivities focused on food and beverage were a significant part of her upbringing, and she learned the importance of being a great host and making guests feel welcome at a young age. In 2012, Geraldine moved to Los Cabos and joined the Terramar team to do what she does best. Her experience, passion and attention to detail have helped her build strong relationships with both clients and colleagues. An avid TV, movie and music lover, she enjoys traveling the world, has a goal of learning German, and is incredibly proud of her Mexican heritage.
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Stephanie is a native San Diegan with a positive attitude and warm smile. She studied Hospitality & Event Management and is fluent in Spanish. Working in both weddings and corporate events helped her discover her passion for the corporate side of the hospitality world. An enthusiastic foodie, she loves all aspects of the local scene – cultural dishes shared with friends, pop-up dining experiences, and trendy restaurants. A self-described perfectionist, she's driven to achieve her clients' goals.
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Lupita Portillo was born in México and loves to travel as much as she loves food. Growing up in a family of MDs, discipline, responsibility, and organization were just some of the values she learned from her parents. Her passion for tourism led her to Baja Sur (her favorite place on Earth) where she joined Terramar in 2010. Lupita is detailed, customer service-oriented, and always strives to exceed client expectations. Fluent in English and Spanish, her goals include learning Italian and traveling to see the Northern Lights.
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Samantha's time in the US Navy as an IT specialist taught her the importance of attention to detail and adaptability. Upon leaving the military, she worked with nonprofits throughout San Diego, starting as event support staff before advancing to the role of event coordinator. She also has experience in catering management. Her penchant for structure and organization makes her a formidable force in the hospitality industry. When she's not on the job, she enjoys finding new restaurants to experience in San Diego with her husband.
MATT CUEVAS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, TERRAMAR US
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Matt’s impressive corporate background includes event logistics and financial experience. Before joining our team, he lived in Hong Kong while serving as the Director of Finance & Planning for TaylorMade Golf. Having participated in numerous incentive programs and conferences, he understands the needs of corporate clients. In addition to being an all-around great guy, Matt’s a scratch golfer, and excellent surfer.
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Lisa is a proud Sierra Nevada native with 20+ years of DMC experience and a passion for sharing the region with incentive, corporate and association clients. She is actively involved with ADMEI’s Certification & Accreditation Board where she helps set the organization’s standards and policies. Mom to three amazing kids, the highlight of Lisa’s life is cheering them on from the sidelines. Travel and outdoor activities refill her cup, and this “s’mores specialist” loves sitting by a campfire watching the sunset.
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Kate is a prominent industry professional known globally for unique events, strategic partnerships and impactful experiences. She speaks internationally on an array of topics, serves as the chair of the SEARCH Foundation, and is obsessed with Taylor Swift and getting a poodle. She specializes in destination markets and is equally passionate about the city, the beach and Wine Country, bringing enthusiasm wherever she goes.
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Elizabeth Giron is an eternal optimist with 14+ years in the DMC world and 20+ years of corporate sales experience. Her comprehensive business development portfolio, hospitality background, and ability to create the ideal guest experience make her an asset to Terramar. With a BS in Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago, she understands her clientele’s mission and excels in developing long-term partnerships. A lover of French macarons and dancing, Elizabeth revels in exploring the world and enjoying time with her family.
ALIX LEVY, CMP, DMCP
DIRECTOR, DESIGN & EVENTS, TERRAMAR US
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Forever in love with special occasions of all shapes and sizes, Alix attributes her event knowledge mostly to her time spent watching Martha Stewart; but, she entertains the idea that she was possibly influenced by the array of jobs she’s had in the event world over the years or the degrees in graphic design and communications from her beloved tree-filled alma mater, UC Davis. Alix’s passion for event styling and organization led her to Cappa & Graham Terramar in 2012 where she’s thrived since.
JOSIE FITZWINGE
EVENT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER, TERRAMAR US
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Josie is a versatile designer with a lifelong passion for art. She infuses creativity into every project, and her diverse skill set ranges from drawing and custom graphics to animations and spatial design. With a background spanning various roles in hospitality and corporate design, she thrives on bringing visions to life. A graduate of Pratt Institute, she holds a degree in Communication Design, specializing in Graphic Design. Outside of work, you can find Josie tending to her houseplants, volunteering at her local dog shelter, or on the beach with a good book.
KARLY SAHR
DESIGNER, TERRAMAR US
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Karly is a designer of things big and small, ranging from florals and custom graphics to special events. She minored in art and received a BA in graphic design from UC Davis, leading her down a lifelong path of creativity. Since joining us in 2018, her event world expertise has truly blossomed. On her days off, Karly enjoys tending to her flower garden, playing with her kitties, and off-roading with her husband in the Sierra Nevadas.
KAREN PÉREZ
CONTROLLER / HR & PAYROLL MANAGER, TERRAMAR US
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Karen is a numbers enthusiast with a passion for continuing education. A three-year DMC veteran, she holds a degree in accounting and is constantly seeking out the latest industry insights. Volunteering and travel are high on her list of favorite things and, when the weather's just right, you can always find her at the beach.