Volunteer of the Quarter- Kristine Van Winkle

Kristine Van Winkle has been an MPI member for 20 years. During this time, she has been on the MPISSN board, has volunteered numerous times, and has helped build the MPISSN community to what it is today. Recently, Kristine volunteered on the Annual Audit Committee, and her enthusiasm to always lend a hand inspired the Board to recognize her as this quarter's Volunteer of the Quarter.

 When Kristine learned that she was selected as Volunteer of the Quarter, she said, "What an honor it is to be thought of by MPISSN and its members - warms my heart and much appreciated!"

 What do you like the most in the hospitality industry?

The community for which the industry stands for. The people who choose/fall into (like I did) the hospitality industry have a passion for serving others personally and professionally; you don't even have to stop and think about it; it's who you are. The many many entities that drive and link the hospitality industry together daily, from local to global experiences, have been such a wonderful and rewarding career for me for nearly 35 years, and I've seen and pulled through a lot in that time. It's been particularly remarkable to witness the unwavering strength and support of each other through the ongoing pandemic, as it's been noted these are unprecedented times. At the heart of the meaning of hospitality, those that truly succeed in our great industry are those that without hesitation embrace the importance of generosity, kindness, honesty, humility, the integrity of a handshake, appreciation for partnerships built, the value of friendships that go far beyond the business table and ultimately the sincerity of a smile. I certainly hope that my next career journey will be as impactful!

How is it you got into meetings industry, and how have you been involved?

Before graduating from UC Davis, with no real idea what career path I wanted to pursue, I had to choose an internship as part of my major. At the time, the Clarion Hotel in downtown Sacramento (long torn down now for those not familiar with it) partnered with UC Davis in their internship program. At the time, there was a popular TV program called Hotel (based in San Francisco) that I thought Christine Francis (played by Connie Selleca) had the coolest job ever, and so off I went and interned at the Clarion Hotel. It was there that I found I truly loved everything about the meetings industry, and as they say, the rest is history. From the get-go, I was surrounded by generous mentors who guided me, leaders I looked up to, watched, and learned from, I was humbled by early learnings that made me stronger and more confident, and I embraced the nudge of others to "get involved." I've been involved from the start of my career, active within the communities I've worked in, active within wonderful organizations along the way (MPI / CalSAE / ASAE / PCMA), been a part of MPISSN and CalSAE's Boards, and given back to the industry as often as possible by volunteering. Little did I know at the start of my career how incredible and impactful this fabulous industry truly is and would be on me!

What would you be doing if you hadn't found a career in this line of work?

Professional Chef - artistry of the profession and the beauty of how food brings people together I'm all in! If that didn't work out, a professional golfer.

What has helped you to be successful in your career?

Simply - to be my authentic self. I also have a great appreciation for the earning and giving of respect, being open to the differences of others, and for all the other noted reasons I've indicated in the first couple of questions. It's the many experiences, collaborations, opportunities, lessons learned, exceptional mentors, and evolving growth I've had the pleasure of experiencing where I have always strived to be a good human each and every day, and if I am, success follows.  

Tell us about the industry recognitions you were honored with, and what have you seen as an outcome of these achievements?

My Marriott recognitions earning President's Circle and Chairman's Circle status certainly provided a gateway for being noticed and introduced to leaders I might not otherwise have met. A special thrill to have met Mr. Marriott Jr in particular. My work ethic getting me "noticed" also opened many doors in support of where I wanted to go within the company and provided me the flexibility I needed for my family. However, my greatest pride came from the recognition of my professional affiliations - MPISSN's Supplier of the Year 2017 and asked to be on the Board along with CalSAE's Industry Partner of the Year 2019, being asked to be on the Board and Co-Chairing their annual ELEVATE conference. Through these organizations and others, I have also earned certifications that have provided me with great learnings and understanding for the hospitality industry that also imposed recognition from others who have confidence in the tenured knowledge I bring to the conversation.  

What advice do you have for those that are interested in getting involved, and what are you excited about in the year ahead?

The job is the job, and if whatever you're doing, you love it, truly love it, and have passion for it, DON'T STOP THERE! Continue to push to be the very best version of yourself you can be and get involved with an organization(s) that support your career and you personally. You can't just be a member though, it's the engagement of joining a committee, being part of a think tank group, putting yourself out there, and jumping in asked or not- that will provide you with your greatest rewards. Don't make it complicated; embrace involvement and have fun. You won't regret it!

At the impact of the pandemic, I've been humbled and educated in very different ways I never thought I'd experience, AND I'm stronger for it! Not sure what the year ahead will bring, I hope I will land where my skillset and passions continue to allow me to be successful for myself and those around me.

What value do you see in giving your time to MPISSN, and what can others gain from participating?

The constant learning, sometimes uncomfortable stretching of the mind, and growth of who you think you are and how much better you can be are all of tremendous value. So many opportunities large and small, by volunteering your time to MPISSN, and I promise you will be better for it personally. You'll be able to apply your learnings to the job you're currently in and throughout your career. Don't put it off - jump on in!

Are you a volunteer for any other organizations beyond MPISSN?

Currently, I'm also involved with CalSAE, and just as with MPISSN, the experiences, opportunities, and growth I've gained by my involvement with CalSAE has absolutely allowed me to be successful in many ways. Both of these wonderful organizations have provided me with support when needed and friendships that go well beyond the workplace. Thank you, MPISSN and CalSAE!  

Do you have a favorite vacation spot or hobby?

As a family, we've had many wonderful vacations - let's face it, working in the hospitality industry provides fabulous experiences. Looking ahead, my husband received a kidney transplant back in 2019; the pandemic put our excitement for traveling on hold, and let's just say our favorite vacation is still in the planning stages. In the meantime, we'll continue to enjoy our time on the links as often as we can.  

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