Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1499272
SPRING / SUMMER 2023 37 special section club programs Mary Ellen Jilek | Director of Club Events Mary Ellen Jilek joined the WAC ranks in 2008 aer attending an event in the Clubhouse. "I recall how special the server at that event made everyone at my table feel," she recalls. She was so impressed that she went home and looked on the WAC website for job openings. "I couldn't believe it when I saw an event-planning position. I still can't believe how fortuitous that was." Mary Ellen took over as department director in 2022. During her 15-year tenure at the Club, she has guided the team from paper to website reservations and now the app. "It's been awesome to really improve how members learn about our events and reserve," she says. Few things bring Mary Ellen as much professional satisfaction as seeing reservations flow in from a new event that she concepted and planned. "I enjoy the creative energy this job brings," the Pasco native and Gonzaga University alum says. "Ideas can come from just a few words and, before we know it, it turns into a unique and special WAC event." She also has taken Club favorites, including Jubilee and family events, into a new era. "Jubilee planning never really ends," she says. "at's such a big event for us, and members and guests have huge expectations. Our goal is to meet and exceed those every year." Robinette Holt | Club Programs Manager Born in Chicago, Robinette Holt moved to Seattle at age 9. She attended Evergreen High School and went on to the University of Washington, aer which she spent more than a decade working in marketing and advertising in the city. She and husband Jeff moved to Bainbridge Island about 30 years ago, around the time their daughter, Audrey, was born. Realizing she missed Seattle aer so much time away, Robinette was elated to find a position open at the WAC. She joined the Club Programs team in 2018. "I hadn't lived in the city since I started my career," she says. "e WAC was the perfect opportunity for me. ere's nothing quite like seeing members have a wonderful time. at truly is rewarding." When she's not planning and putting on events, Robinette enjoys getting outside, including e-biking trails on the Olympic Peninsula and downhill skiing at White Pass. Aurora LaBrenz | Event Coordinator Born and raised in San Diego, Aurora LaBrenz moved to Seattle last July in search of new scenery and adventures. Shortly aer her arrival, she became the newest member of the Club Programs team. Aurora spearheads event coordination for the new Outdoor Adventure and Heritage clubs. Getting outside is one of the things she loves most. During the summer of 2017, she thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, making the 2,650-mile trek in five months. "I feel the most myself when I am backpacking," she says. "It's also how I've met some of my best friends." Aurora credits childhood family camping trips with stoking her love of the outdoors and looks forward to the season ahead. "I can't wait to share my knowledge and passion for outdoor adventure with WAC members this summer," she says. E M I L I O H U E R TA S ( 4 )