Team Introductions: Meet Event Admin Xitlali

Kennedy Events is adding another key player to our global team! Meet Xitlali Ferreyra Magaña, our new Event Admin and the backbone of our events team. She will be working her magic both behind the scenes and with our clients. We are certain that her efforts to improve our client onboarding experience and support a myriad of tiny details that bring an event together will go far from unnoticed. Xitlali is based in Morelia, Mexico, where her extensive administrative background covers everything from being an Executive Assistant to CEOs to managing Finance teams to making an organization’s numbers sing. When she’s not wrangling contracts and improving the invisible processes that make partnering with KE stress-free, she’s practicing mindfulness outdoors, chowing down on her mother’s homemade specialties, or spending time with her rescue pup. 

Kennedy Events: How did you get started in the events industry?

Xitlali Ferreyra: I’m thrilled to share my journey into the exciting world of the events industry! It's actually my very first time officially working in this field, and I couldn’t be more excited. Surprising, right? Well, in my previous roles, I was primarily an assistant and administrative support professional. However, I had the fantastic opportunity to play a crucial role in organizing and executing internal events for the companies I worked for. These events included everything from end-of-year celebrations to annual retreats.

Now, I've found my way to Kennedy Events, and it’s a whole new ballgame! The approach here is refreshingly innovative, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this new adventure. I can honestly say that choosing to be a part of this company has been the best decision I've made. The energy, creativity, and passion that permeate the team at Kennedy Events is truly inspiring and my enthusiasm and respect for the event planners and process continues to soar. 

What’s your favorite aspect of the event planning process? 

Watching our incredible team take a blank canvas and transform it into something truly extraordinary, using their creative brilliance and the client’s ideas as their guiding light. What’s even more amazing is when we surpass our client’s expectations. Witnessing people reveling in the event and knowing that our team has delivered an exceptional experience fills me with pride.

I find immense joy in browsing through the stunning event photos, hearing the client testimonials on wrap-up calls, and receiving their heartfelt praise for a job well done. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our team’s hard work being recognized. Events can be stressful, but when you see the end result and witness the sheer delight on our client’s faces…it’s absolutely priceless! 

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I wholeheartedly agree with Mark Twain’s wisdom that when you find a job you love, it never feels like work! There are so many aspects of my job that bring a smile to my face, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would undoubtedly be our incredible work environment.

Here at Kennedy, we’ve fostered a culture that’s nothing short of fantastic. The camaraderie among colleagues is heartwarming, and I can’t help but admire the diversity and vibrancy that our city and our team embody. What’s truly exciting is that my role involves constant interaction, whether it’s with our valued clients, our talented team members, the accounting department, or various other teams both inside and outside our organization. This dynamic aspect keeps things fresh and engaging, making every day a new adventure.

What’s even more remarkable is the learning journey that this job offers. I find myself continuously absorbing knowledge and insights from the KE team, and that’s something I genuinely cherish. It’s not just a job; it's an ongoing opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

What are the five tools you can’t live without? 

  1. Google Workspace

  2. Google Calendar

  3.  Wi-Fi

  4. My tech. I’m never without my laptop and iPhone in this remote work environment!

  5. Coffee; yes, it’s a tool!

Where do you find inspiration? 

Nature is my ultimate wellspring of inspiration! It’s a captivating teacher, reminding us to cherish the present, cultivate gratitude, and gracefully let go when the time is right. This wisdom extends to every facet of our lives, making it an invaluable source of inspiration for me.

When I need that extra spark, I take a leisurely stroll amidst nature’s ever-changing canvas. It's a moment to practice mindfulness, even if it’s just for a brief five minutes. Those moments of connection with the natural world are like a quick recharge for my spirit, leaving me ready and reenergized to tackle whatever comes my way.

Living in the serene suburbs offers me the privilege of easy access to open fields. I often venture out with my trusty companion, Shanti, my dog, and together we embark on a sensory journey. We revel in the vibrant hues of blooming flowers, marvel at the shifting cloud formations, and sometimes even dance in the gentle rain. And you know what? Stormy weather has its own unique charm. It’s all part of the wonderful tapestry of nature that never fails to uplift my spirits. 

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

Bali! It’s like a treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. With an endless array of stunning beaches, I’m itching to sink my toes into the golden sands and take in the breathtaking coastal beauty. But that’s not all! Bali’s spiritual side beckons me too. I’ve heard tales of mesmerizing temples hidden amidst lush forests, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the serene and mystical atmosphere of these sacred places. Speaking of nature, Bali’s lush greenery, vibrant ethnic seas, and picturesque rice fields are calling my name.

If you could choose a superpower what would it be? 

If I could choose a superpower, I would absolutely go for healing powers! The ability to heal not only myself but also my loved ones and anyone in need is something that resonates deeply with me.

Have you ever heard of Reiki? It’s this incredible practice where you simply place your hands on someone and channel healing energy. Imagine saying, “I have a cold,” and with a touch, that cold vanishes! Or “I have a fever,” and in an instant, it’s gone. That’s the kind of superpower I’d choose.

What’s your comfort food? 

Anything my mom cooks! I will always say that my favorite comfort food is what she prepares because I know it’s prepared with love.

Ready to Learn More About What Our Team Can Bring to Your Event?

The team at Kennedy Events excels at incorporating opportunities to delight at every stage of the event planning process. With a clear roadmap to event success, we champion our knowledge, resources, and connections to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re planning a live, in-person event, something in the virtual realm, or a hybrid with virtual components, our event experts are here to guide you. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with us today.


MAGGIE KENNEDY

Maggie Kennedy is the co-owner of Kennedy Events is a large-scale event management company based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Our team creates stress-free conferences and events with a positive impact, which allows our clients to resonate with their audience. Kennedy Events specializes in producing flawless product launches, award ceremonies, fundraisers, and multi-day conferences while keeping our eye on retention and engagement goals.

 

About Kennedy Events

Kennedy Events began with one goal in mind—to produce high-level corporate events with just as much strategy as style. Maggie founded the company in 2000, found her match in Paige, and in 2011 the two became official partners. Since then, these two resourceful and brilliant creatives have pooled their strengths to build one one of the most the most sought after corporate event companies in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.


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Maggie Kennedy

Maggie founded Kennedy Events in 2000 and has been Chief Everything Officer ever since! She’s a master at keeping clients and her team happy, plus brings the fun to every function. Her days are filled with things like logistics, sales, and, of course, putting her 20+ years of creative event strategy to work. She likes a life filled with adventure, and when that’s not happening in a ballroom, she’s found that on a 600+ mile bike ride to LA, on hikes in the Himalayas, and under the stars in an Indian desert. The world beckons, but nothing beats coming home to the Bay Area, and her two kids, fiance, and spunky cat.

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