Lauren Bruggemans

Experience

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  Freelance

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2013

  Event Operations Manager

  Overall event management including budgeting, design, management of logistics and coordination of suppliers (production, media, venue, F&B). Clients included Le Vallauris Restaurant, The Events Department and The Bride and I.

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  Riviera Palm Springs

  Oct 2009 - Oct 2013

  Conference Services Manager

  Worked closely with the Executive Team, Sales & Marketing, and Culinary & Banquet Teams to plan and manage all aspects of group bookings from 10 rooms up to 400 room peak nights executing high-profile meetings & events while providing clients with outstanding customer service.I started with the company as a Guest Services Agent, before being promoted to Front Office Supervisor in 2010 managing a team of 30 staff and then promoted to Catering and Conference Services Manager in 2011. I received Manager of the Quarter (Q1 2013) and Employee of the Quarter (Q1 2011). I was also selected to represent the Riviera at Noble House’s First President’s Roundtable in March 2011. Show less

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  Benchmark Resorts & Hotels

  Oct 2013 - Sept 2015

  Food and Beverage Manager

  Managed outlets and banquets team of 60 in daily planning and operations, and created a motivating environment to increase staff productivity; Developed service standards and training manuals for all food and beverage employees; Reduced food, liquor and supply cost significantly and maintained a consistent 28% food and 18% liquor cost, by implementing standards and inventory control;Received Manager of the Quarter (Q3 2014).

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  Sumba Hospitality Foundation

  Sept 2015 - Aug 2018

  Executive Director

  SHF (recognized by the United Nations (UNWTO) for Innovation in Tourism in January 2018) is a workforce development program for underprivileged youth with a permaculture and sustainability education component promoting community-led eco-tourism.• Oversaw the construction and opening of the campus on Sumba Island - including a bio-intensive permaculture farm, 3-phase waste water treatment system, 28 bamboo buildings, a 288-panel solar field that powered the entire campus and eco-resort for students to practically apply their knowledge;• Led a community development program with local farmers to share permaculture and sustainability principles;• Managed a team of international department heads, teachers and local staff of 50 to design operational systems & processes and oversee the operations of the school and campus;• Developed a dynamic, holistic curriculum that included courses in hospitality operations (theoretical and practical training), leadership, soft skills (critical thinking, problem solving, emotional intelligence) and principles of sustainability and conservation; • Facilitated and conducted “Train the Trainer” sessions for instructors and teachers; • Established, managed, and tracked goals and metrics to measure impact with an emphasis on environmental, economic, and socio-cultural sustainability. Show less

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  California State University-San Bernardino

  Aug 2020 - now

  Adjunct Faculty Member

  • Developed syllabus and course materials for a class in Customer Relationship Management for a Certificate Program in Hospitality Management; • Utilized a variety of pedagogic methods to vary students’ learning experiences – creating online video lessons, facilitating discussion boards, formulating quizzes and assigning problem based learning projects;• Delivered this course in an online format in Fall 2021.

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  We are One United Inc.

  Nov 2020 - Jun 2022

  Chief Executive Officer

  We are One United (WAOU) brings nearly 40 years of experience in community engagement and organizational development to offer training, talent and technology for underserved communities to create sustainable, inclusive opportunities. WAOU is a social enterprise grounded in the Coachella Valley committed to enriching the health, wellness, and social & economic development of our local community by focusing our work in the areas of mental health, youth engagement and workforce development.• Formulated business plan, developed operating procedures, clarified priorities, developed initial communication materials;• Initiated fund-raising and external relationship management program;• Managed organization’s projects including the development and delivery of syllabus and course content for “Virtual Cafés” – a program that promotes youth engagement & intergenerational mentoring. Show less

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  Ruth Abbe & Associates

  Nov 2021 - Jun 2022

  Zero Waste Outreach Consultant

  • Providing technical assistance and outreach to hotels and restaurants, on behalf of the City of Palm Springs, to promote compliance of City (promote reusable food ware & reduce plastic food ware) and State (SB 1383 & AB 341 – recycling & organics management) sustainability-focused ordinances;• Perform site visits to food & beverage establishments, liaise with business owners, managers, developers and City staff to iterate innovative solutions and alternatives to promote zero waste, conservation and sustainability principles; • Currently obtaining a certification from the Zero Waste Commission, USA. Show less

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  Visit Greater Palm Springs

  Jun 2022 - now

  Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement

  Visit Greater Palm Springs is the Coachella Valley's official destination marketing organization. I focus on centering our community in our work and enriching the lives of our residents, to ensure that the Coachella Valley is a sustainable, equitable and inclusive place for all folks to live, work and travel to. I’m honored to work on issues that affect our community and visitors: - Workforce development- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion - Sustainability