MELISSA CASTILLO
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Accomplished events manager and program leader with 15+ years of experience planning, executing, and overseeing large-scale events, retreats, conferences, and community initiatives. Adept at managing end-to-end event logistics, vendor relations, budgeting, and contract negotiations while fostering strong partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and public stakeholders. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, deliver seamless event experiences, and align programming with organizational strategy. Recognized for blending creativity with operational excellence to design events that strengthen culture, engagement, and visibility.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Director | Event & Program Operations
San Francisco State University SAEM
07.2024 - Current
- Designed and executed organizational events including staff retreats, professional development workshops, and community engagement activities.
- Managed all event logistics: venue selection, contract negotiation, vendor coordination, catering, AV, and branded materials.
- Oversaw $2M budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and timely reporting to stakeholders.
- Directed staff team (hiring, training, evaluations), fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Represented the organization at conferences, community events, and partner meetings.
Director | Events & Community Programs
Good Samaritan Child Development Center
06.2021 - 06.2024
- Produced and managed large-scale events including donor receptions, cultural celebrations, and workforce development conferences.
- Oversaw program communications and branding, including creation of event invitations, newsletters, and collateral.
- Built and maintained key partnerships with city agencies, private funders, and community organizations to enhance event offerings.
- Directed event budgets and coordinated with vendors to maximize quality and cost efficiency.
Early Childhood Specialist (Regional Events & Training)
Region IX Office of Head Start
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Coordinated regional professional development events, conferences, and workshops for large-scale audiences across multiple states.
- Delivered event content and facilitated trainings, ensuring alignment with federal standards and organizational goals.
- Managed logistics for in-person and virtual events, including vendor contracts, participant communications, and follow-up reporting.
Additional Leadership Roles
01.2007 - 01.2020
- Coordinated educational conferences, family engagement workshops, and community events with 100+ attendees.
- Developed and led organizational retreats, staff training events, and program launches.
- Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring successful event planning, execution, and evaluation.
- Coordinated local and state stakeholders to promote electoral and publicity events for elected officals.
Director of Community Building | Events & Partnerships
The Women’s Building
10.2010 - 08.2013
- Directed all community programs and major events including health and wellness fairs, leadership retreats, and cultural initiatives.
- Negotiated contracts, managed vendors, and tracked budgets for multiple concurrent events.
- Collaborated with nonprofit, educational, and city partners to design events that addressed community needs and enhanced visibility.
Education
Master of Science - Communication Sciences And Disorders
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA01-2014
Skills
- Strategic Event Planning & Execution (retreats, conferences, cultural/community events)
- Vendor Management Venue Selection Contract Negotiation Budget Oversight ($2M) & Financial Reporting
- Performance Management: Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Program Marketing, Branding & Communications
- Risk Management & Compliance Post-Event Analysis
- Stakeholder & Partner Engagement (corporate, nonprofit, public sector)
- DEI-Centered Programming Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Certification
- Project Management Certificate
- Certified CLASS and Advancement Assessor
- California Multi-Site Child Development Director Permit
- Case Management Training Certificate
- Infant & Toddler and Adult CPR (Red Cross)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Professional Working
Timeline
Interim Director | Event & Program Operations
San Francisco State University SAEM
07.2024 - Current
Director | Events & Community Programs
Good Samaritan Child Development Center
06.2021 - 06.2024
Early Childhood Specialist (Regional Events & Training)
Region IX Office of Head Start
11.2020 - 05.2021
Director of Community Building | Events & Partnerships
The Women’s Building
10.2010 - 08.2013
Additional Leadership Roles
01.2007 - 01.2020
Master of Science - Communication Sciences And Disorders
San Francisco State University
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