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Excelle Professional Woman of the Week, February 25th, 2008

Name: Connie Castellano
Company, Role: Professional Corporate Events Planner, Art Gallery Director Location: Utica, NY

1. What more can you tell us about your job?

I think I have the most wonderful job in the world! Being a people person, I interact with a diverse audience as <a href= “https://ssl.sunyit.edu/apps/directory/?mode=getdetails&uid=castelc”>Coordinator of Campus & Corporate Events at SUNYIT. I meet people from all walks of life. I help them to organize their meetings, events, and conferences, as well as special events such as walk-a-thons, telethons, art gallery shows, receptions, anniversary events – you name it, the events can go on and on. I also have the ability to create an event from beginning to end and to implement logistics so that the overall meeting experience is successful for attendees. Every person will go away remembering something positive about the meeting or special event if they were welcomed to the institution, if the program was succinct, educational, and of interest to them. I also work with catering specialists to create menus that can be simple, economical dining experiences or elaborate and elegant catered events. My second hat is as the Director of the Gannett Art Gallery at SUNYIT. In this role, I work with a cultural & performing arts committee to bring artists to the campus to exhibit their wonderful artwork; I also work with the committee to bring cultural programs and performances to the campus. It is a great way to get people excited about the world around them, to learn about someone else’s cultural heritage, and create dialogue. I think I love most the fact that what I am doing makes people happy. That in itself is its own reward.

2. Is this a new career choice for you, or do you have previous experience in this field?

I have been in this job role for 6 years at SUNYIT. Prior to that, I worked as the Museum Education School Programs Coordinator at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, a world-renowned art museum in Upstate NY with a collection of 18th, 19th, and 20th century European and American Art. I also planned programs at this institution, but more for elementary schools in a three-county area. This is another job that I loved.

3. 10 Years ago, would you have seen yourself ending up where you are now?

No, not at all. Believe it or not, I started out in college as a legal secretarial course of study. I just couldn’t imagine that I would be tied to a desk typing legal testimony for 8 hours a day. So, I went to school for journalism technology and communications. I love to write, so this worked. In my current job at the university, I do a lot of writing from contracts to proposals, to promotional copy, to the basic business letter.

4. What is the most difficult part of directing an art gallery? What’s the most enjoyable part?

The most difficult part of directing an art gallery is trying to meet the deadlines so that promotions are out in time to attract a good audience on opening reception night. Sometimes, we do not get copy until a week before the show. However, we work hard to attract visibility and bring the people in. The most enjoyable part is to see how people react to the art. There is a story in everything. In every smile, frown, perplexed look. I love to “people-watch”, and I love to hear them talk about the art. What they liked, didn’t like, and what they interpret the art to mean. It is fascinating!

5. How’s the landscape for professional women looking, in your opinion?

I think this is wonderful time for professional women! They are intelligent, know what they want, and continually challenge themselves to progress professionally, personally, and socially. Professional development and networking is a major part of their lives. They know how to keep the balance between home and career. They are amazing.

6. Any advice/resources for women still seeking to become entrepreneurs?

I encourage women to dream big. Don’t doubt yourself. If you want something, work hard to get it. Man or woman – you can do anything you want as long as you put your mind to it. Seek out the resources. You want to open a business, use the resources of your local SBDC (Small Business Development Center) or women’s resource center as they have a lot to offer.

7. What’s your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is anywhere without snow! I have lived in NY State all my life and never have been a fan of the cold. Sunshine, beach, fine dining, and spending time with my husband on a romantic vacation – that is my dream. Having three children, we have not had the opportunity to do alot of traveling because of careers, school, and other commitments. We never wanted to leave the kids when they were small. We have done family vacations. Now, I think it is time to do something special – just he and I.

8. What’s next on your plate?

What’s next? I am on my last course of my Bachelor of Science degree in Professional & Technical Communication. I am thinking about going on for my Master’s degree, but for now, I think it is time to just take a breath, and be content with my accomplishments to date. My parents never had the opportunity to go to college so I think I have come a long way.

Connie is a Excelle user – <a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/member/castelc”>Get in Touch With Her!

Previous Professional Women of the Week

<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/650-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-february-19th-2008”>Anjuli Sherin: February 18th, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/580-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-february-11th-2008”>Sarah Lee: February 11th, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/548-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-february-6th-2008”>Nicole “Nik” Caldwell: February 6th, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/497-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-january-28th-2008”>Shaherose Charania: January 28th, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/451-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-january-21st-2008”>Annie Winhold: January 21st, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/419-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-january-14th-2008—”>Currin Berdine: January 14th, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/news/articles/322-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-january-1st-2008-”>Alicia Morgan: January 1st, 2008
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/317-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-december-18th-2007-”>LaToya Thompson: December 25th, 2007
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/292-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-december-11th-2007-”>Kim Diorio: December 11th, 2007
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/248-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-december-4th-2007”>Margaret Lee: December 4th, 2007
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/223-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-archive-3”>Rachel Cho: November 25th, 2007
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/222-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-archive-2”>Celia Saino: November 18th, 2007
<a href= “http://excelle.monster.com/careers/articles/200-excelle-professional-woman-of-the-week-archive-1”>Amy Posey: November 11th, 2007

Know someone who should be the next professional Woman of the Week? Let us know: <a href= “mailto:info@excelle.com”>info@excelle.com.

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