About Us

Dee Cariglino is a creative professional whose extensive experience spans design, events and marketing. She has worked in a variety of industries for companies ranging from small nonprofits to major corporations. Before working with JDC, Dee spent several years with an international events and media company, producing content and education programming for a portfolio of annual B2B trade shows. Dee's strong organizational, technical and communications skills, along with the ability to manage as well as support, make her an indispensable member of the team for in-person and virtual events.

Akyra was introduced to the events world through college internships that opened her eyes to the excitement and complexities that surround them. She got her professional start as an onsite event operator, during which time she traveled more than 260 days a year around the world to operate incentive trips, business meetings, and conferences. After that, she moved into the nonprofit world, working for local community organizations while still planning community meetings and fundraisers such as galas and bike rides.

Akyra earned her Bachelor of Science in parks, recreation and tourism from the University of Missouri and continues to be a faithful Tiger, no matter how tough it can be at times. She also lived in Rome, Italy for two years while earning her MBA.

In her free time, Akyra loves to travel. It’s her favorite way to learn about people, culture, and food. She is also an avid whiskey enthusiast and loves to incorporate tastings and distillery visits into her travels. Akyra loves true crime podcasts and documentaries and can spend hours listening, watching, or reading these stories. That said, she has learned to balance the gruesome stories with Bravo reality shows.

As Executive Assistant for JDC Events, Cameron combines creativity and a knack for transforming chaos into order. She uses her many administrative talents to create a productive and collaborative environment among the executive team. She loves to give insight and feedback when needed, contributing a unique and innovative perspective.

A graduate of the University of Wyoming, Cameron acquired a degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Meat Science and Food Technology. She went on to work in both the food and construction industries before joining JDC. In her free time, Cameron loves hiking with her family and rock climbing. She is also a studying herbalist and loves to research and cook up holistic, natural remedies for her family and friends.

Josette has served as project director for contracts with many federal agencies, including the National Institute of Mental Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advance Research and Development Authority, and the U.S. Department of Education. At JDC Events, she adds the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and Department of Commerce to her extensive experience.

Josette has been involved in the meetings industry for over 25 years and has held memberships with the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Meeting Professionals International, and the Professional Convention Management Association. Josette was in the inaugural class of Certified Government Meeting Planners (CGMP). Her current certifications include Certification in Meeting Management (CMM), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and CGMP. She is also a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI).

When Josette isn’t busy herding the proverbial cats, she’s being fabulous as a registered yoga instructor. Josette also enjoys walking the iconic Woodrow Wilson Bridge to clear her mind.

Since 2010, Vanessa’s meticulous planning and event management skills have been key in the design, planning, logistics, and execution of a wide range of events she has produced, both independently and as part of a team.

Throughout her career, she has produced events of varying scale, including diplomatic and holiday receptions, world leader visits, award ceremonies, fashion shows, corporate dinners, cocktail parties, photo shoots, and product launches both nationally and internationally throughout Europe and Asia.

From 2017 until 2021, Vanessa served as the White House Deputy Social Secretary. During this period, she brilliantly planned, coordinated, and directed White House staff, government agency representatives, military personnel, contractors, and commercial vendors at more than 800 awe-inspiring White House events hosted by the President and First Lady.

Vanessa’s calm and professional demeanor, enthusiasm, flexibility, attention to detail, and solution-oriented mentality are hallmarks of her approach to event production.

When Vanessa isn’t planning an event, she enjoys researching fashion’s latest trends, going to Pilates class (when time allows!), exploring new restaurants and cuisines, re-decorating her place and planning her next travel destination. Preferably somewhere warm with a beach! She also enjoys cuddling and spending time with her 14-year-old miniature poodle, Bailey!

Vanessa received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Spanish from Texas State University and her Associate in Fashion Merchandise Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Sara has worked in the meeting and events industry since 2011 and has spent many years volunteering, mentoring, and advocating for her profession. Her previous organizations include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Society for American Military Engineers (SAME), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), ICF International, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Sara has managed events and conferences from 150 to 25,000 attendees, including live, digital and hybrid events. She has been highlighted in multiple publications including Associations Now Magazine - The Meetings Issue: The Innovators; Meetings and Conventions Magazine - Top 15 Rising Stars; and Meeting and Conventions Magazine Guest Stars Blog Posts. Sara is a recipient of PCMA's 20 in their Twenties Award (2018), is an alumna of ASAE's NextGen Group, and is on ASAE's Meetings and Exposition Council. Sara is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP).

A proud Howard University alum with a knack for turning events into unforgettable experiences, Nakia brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of events, conferences, and trade show management. Her professional journey includes key positions with Fortune 500 companies, boutique associations, and large nonprofit organizations.

Nakia is dedicated to the meticulous planning and administration of events, programs, and conferences across the country. Her leadership ensures that every detail is handled with precision, delivering exceptional outcomes for JDC’s clients.

When she's not busy turning mundane moments into magical memories, Nakia transforms into a superhero volunteer. Armed with a cape of compassion, she works with various foundations, providing youth outreach services that don't just change lives but also cultivate the next generation of responsible leaders through educational enrichment, mentoring, and life transformation programs.

Nakia's commitment to global engagement is evident in her role as the organizer of an international cultural exchange mission to Colombia, South America, bringing together over 100 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology and the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, Nakia showcases both academic dedication and professional achievement in her well-rounded approach to event management and philanthropy.