Diana Balakirov - March 2020

This month’s featured volunteer is no stranger to MPI THCC or Under the Oaks, and her passion for writing comes as no surprise.

While majoring in communications at the University of Houston, Diana -- a storyteller at heart -- took an interest in copywriting and editing. She contemplated a career in advertising, but after earning a second pair of ears alongside a well-known mouse during the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida, she fell in love with hospitality as a means of engaging with guests and creating long-lasting memories.

Over the next 12 years, Diana continued to explore the world of catering, convention services and group sales across multiple hotel brands and also gained experience in event marketing at an education technology startup. Then, while in attendance at a continuing education session in Austin, Texas, Diana stumbled upon a unique volunteer opportunity with MPI THCC -- a chance to serve on its newsletter committee. Although she was not yet a member of MPI, Diana quickly learned of the organization’s impact within the industry and among an ever-growing community of her peers. Diana’s decision, which she now considers to be life-changing, has become the sort of stepping stone she needed to take her career to the next level.

Even when she’s not putting pen to paper, Diana is also writing the story of her own life. As much as she loves to read, especially when an “Outlander” series book is nearby, she is always ready to abandon the confines of a homebody and catch a plane in search of a new adventure.