New Orleans
Event Team
Sonya Cunningham
Host
Lives in
- Fountain Inn
Motto
- "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
-
Tara Robertson
Host
Lives in
- Charlotte
Motto
- When life hands you lemons, craft something so extraordinary that the world forgets they were ever lemons.
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- The queen of unforgettable soirées
Alvino Williams
Host
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
- Positive Energy Is Most Important
Hobbies
- Movies
Profession
- Circular Economic Development Consultant
Christina Isaacs
Head Leader
Lives in
- Acworth
Motto
- Your smile could change the course of somebodies Life.....So SMILE and have some fun!
Hobbies
- Photography
Profession
- Educator & Event Planner & Wedding Coordinator
Ireca Brunson
Group Leader
Lives in
- Wellington
Motto
- Success is ... knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Office Manager
Charles Harris
Group Leader
Lives in
- Lacombe
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Medical Logistics
joye harris
Group Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Nikita "Mickey" Milton
Group Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
- It's okay to be perfectly IMPERFECT!
Hobbies
- Wine
Profession
- Professor/Higher Education Administrator
Daina Mims
Group Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Tracey Quinn
Group Leader
Lives in
- Louisiana
Motto
- My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive......
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Robin Anderson
Table Leader
Lives in
- Chicago
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Retired
Courtney Beasley
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Project Manager
Carlis Blaney
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Scottie Bush
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
- "Your first impression is your last impression"
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Law
Jonathan Coats
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
- Habitual Excellence is the Goal
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Principal
Racquel Dabon
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
- If you stay ready, you will not have to get ready!
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Nurse/ Travel Advisor
Monica Derozan
Table Leader
Lives in
- Baton Rouge
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Business Manager
Amber Domino
Table Leader
Lives in
- Gonzales
Motto
- Work Smart; Not Hard
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Marketing Director
Portia Gordon
Table Leader
Lives in
- Gretna
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Wine
Profession
- mental health counseling
Imani Gros
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Cooking
Profession
- Clinical pharmacy
MICHELLE HALL
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
- Stay Ready, So Don't Have To Get Ready!
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
-
Nickie Harris-Ray
Table Leader
Lives in
- diamondhead
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Doc
Kemisha Harvey
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
- When tradition meets vision—expect an unforgettable night.
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Nurse by profession, President & Founder by purpose, elegance by design.
Enjoli Pannell Holmes
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
- “Shoot for moon, even if you Miss at least you will be amongst the stars!”
Hobbies
- Singing
Profession
- Animal Scientist
Keishelle Jones
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
- Clap loud for others because there’s a personal impact in the vi
Hobbies
- Design
Profession
- Social Worker/Urban Planner
Sean McClarty
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Michaleen McGowan-Bickham
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
- Be kind and the rest will take care of itself
Hobbies
- Design
Profession
- Educator
Trivon Oliver
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Angela Riley
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Pharmacist
Candace Sears
Table Leader
Lives in
- New Orleans
Motto
- Keep it cute but keep it mute!
Hobbies
- Design
Profession
- Social Work
Brandy Smith
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Carla Stevens
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Simona Titus
Table Leader
Lives in
- Baton Rouge
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Marie Wade
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
- "When you are striving for excellence, the small stuff matters.”
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Finance
Natasha Wilson
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Yolanda Wilson- Triggs
Table Leader
Lives in
- Metairie
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Medical Sales
International team
Sandy Safi
Chief Executive Officer
Having started her career onstage in the performing arts, Sandy's love of the entertainment sector brought her to work in special events in 15 countries over the years. She has developed and managed large-scale concerts in Dubai, worked in the Opera world at prestigious locations such as the Los Angeles Opera, the Casino de Paris, and Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu, and finally started her adventure with Diner en Blanc in 2011, when she applied her network and her experience to facilitate the first American Diner en Blanc in New York. She co-founded Diner en Blanc International in 2012, and then became the sole owner of the Diner en Blanc trademark and company in 2022. Above all, Sandy seeks to encourage creativity and connect culinary communities around the world.
Chantal Blanchard
Public Relations Specialist
As a publicist in the world of entertainment, Chantal was fortunate enough to travel the world for many years with Cirque du Soleil. Those amazing years on the road gave her the opportunity to somewhat satisfy her thirst for everything that is lifestyle i.e. food, wine, cocktails, fashion, urban life, architecture, design, etc. As Chantal would say “this career path and passion for all that is good in life predestined her to join the team of Diner en Blanc International.
Lucia Sacco
Accounting & HR
Lucia brings over 2 decades of administrative and accounting experience to Diner en Blanc International. She has worked in the event planning industry since 2007 whereby she occupied the position of Accounting Director and Office Manager. “I feel blessed to be able to combine my organizational skills and passion for bringing events to life towards a career at Diner en Blanc International,” says Lucia. Her interpersonal skills are an asset when communicating with hosts and dealing with accounting specialists or government offices, all the while maintaining a high level of integrity.
Zina Acherir
Project Manager
Zina is a passionate and creative professional with concrete organizational and planning skills. Her educational background in event management allows her to innovate, communicate and visually translate ideas and visions to memorable experiences. Zina enjoys networking, planning, and travelling. "Working at Diner en Blanc International allows me to practice my passion on a daily basis and gives me the opportunity to meet amazing hosts all around the world, which also gives me the advantage of learning about different cultures and how other cities manage events."
Jennifer Soto
Project Manager
Jennifer’s experience in management in the education sector gives her the perfect balance of leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. She loves working with hosts around the world, helping them plan their events in an organized and timely manner, while showing empathy and understanding of each city’s differences and needs. “I feel privileged to work with the team of Diner En Blanc International and be surrounded by culture, diversity, food, music, and friendship.”
Elizabeth Carbonell
Event Operations Strategist
As Production Manager, Elizabeth oversees all aspects of the production and coordination of the Diner en Blanc events hosted by Diner en Blanc International. Her 10-year background in event managing for an international design non-profit organization, and her previous work in the fashion industry, allowed her to travel around the world and learn from incredible people. In her free time, Liz has an active and vegan lifestyle. She enjoys going out to restaurants, trying new cocktails, working out and cooking.
Fiorella Arbanil
Client Relations & Business Development
With over two decades of service in customer relations and twelve years of sales experience, Fiorella brings a wealth of expertise to her current role in Client Relations and Business Development. It is her mission to identify and secure hosts to produce Le Diner en Blanc events in cities worldwide. With a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, and social media management, she has cultivated a strong foundation for driving strategic growth and fostering enduring client partnerships, and she is committed to expanding the reach and impact of Diner en Blanc globally.
Axelle Pierresteguy
IT Support & Project Manager
Axelle is a dynamic and youthful employee who has brought fresh and innovative ideas to the success of Le Diner en Blanc over the past few years. With a forward-thinking mindset and a talent for finding creative solutions, Axelle brings a vibrant energy to her work. She has always had a passion for the arts, including music, dance, theater, and filmmaking. Once she realized she could combine her love for the arts with her skills in managing and creating, she knew that the event-planning world was the perfect fit for her.
Batin Can Balkan
IT Project Manager
As the IT Project Manager at Diner en Blanc International, Batin applies his skills in innovative IT solutions to enhance unique event experiences and connect with incredible hosts globally. Le Diner en Blanc is a cultural platform where technology meets tradition, allowing one to see firsthand how cities around the world bring their unique flair to their event. Each day offers new opportunities to merge his IT expertise with a passion for creating memorable moments.
David Gallego
Full Stack Developer
David is a passionate software developer who brings creativity and dedication to every project. He believes that helping others meet their goals is how we drive innovation and create meaningful change. He also possesses the ability to adapt to different situations and offer a unique perspective which enriches discussions and fosters a culture of creative problem-solving.