Specialist Spotlight: Felecia Fierro
Our Happily specialists are diverse, talented, creative, and just plain awesome. So every week we are proud to introduce you to one of them.
The Happily specialist under the spotlight:
Name: Felecia Fierro
Pronouns: she/her
Location: Tracy, California
Happily Role/s: Production Assistant and Backstage Manager
Images via Instagram @feleciafierro
Hey there! Have you met Felecia?
She is a performance-driven, tech-savy, passionate events professional with over 14 years experience. From trade shows to executive retreats and weddings to galas, both digital and live - Felecia can produce it all!
Felecia, what would you say is your superpower?
I would have to say how to build a network and knowing when to use it.
Do you have a side hustle?
I'm a creative, so of course! Outside of owning a creative events company, I also dabble in photography.
Why do you love working in virtual events?
I love that despite us being in a pandemic, virtual events has enabled people to continue to come together - which we all crave! And as a bonus virtual events allow people from all over the world to meet in one place from the comfort of their own homes.
How long have you been part of the Happily network?
I have been with Happily for about 4.5 years. I have extended the types of events, managing onsite for a festival and adding speaker prep and management to my skill set as well as producing many virtual events over the last year.
Can you tell us about a Happily virtual event that you're proud to have worked on?
As cheesy as it may sound, I'd have to say all of them! It is truly an honor to be trusted to help a company grow its brand and be able to deliver a high-quality experience for attendees. I will say the wedding I produced for a Happily client does hold close to my heart as I was able to build a personal relationship with the couple and still keep in touch with them today. We do tend to have the best clients!
Image: Screenshot of Felecia as a Happily Backstage Manager with Stacey Abrams and Gary Stewart for the 2021 Startup Grind Global Conference.
How would you describe your home working space?
My home office style I would describe as clean and chic. Lots of clean lines with pops of color and overly organized! I'm a planner so it no surprise there! Working on a Happily event the day starts with lots of coffee as I run through the run of show and double-check the flow of the show. Then it's snack prep and go time! I always end with a giant thank you to my supporting team because without them I can not produce a great event!
You pivoted from working on real world events to working on virtual ones. How was that transition?
I had already started to include a virtual component to events I was producing. However, COVID was a major push to go all digital. Producing a digital program is much like producing an in-person event. However, there is an element of surprise as to when speakers will show up and the quality of internet connections, lighting, and sound that you just have to be ready for. Plan for the unexpected and always have 3 backup plans on the ready and if all else fails be ready with a video to run!
What makes you happy?
Without a shadow of a doubt my daughter! She is a sassy 16-year-old with a giant smile and proves to be my motivation day in and day out. And also coffee!! :)
Listen to Felecia in conversation with Sarah Shewey, Founder and CEO of Happily, via Instagram Live.
Tune in to Coffee O’Clock every Tuesday 10am PST as Sarah Shewey jumps on Instagram Live at @teamhappily, to give a quick update on all things Happily and chat with one of our Happily specialists. Here is a playback featuring Felecia from Tue 27th, April.
