Some careers are built on certainty, while others thrive on exploration. Celina Neville, Associate Director of Event Operations at A21, has shaped her career through various events. With each event she curates, Neville goes to show that success does not always come from following a set path but from embracing every opportunity along the way.
Neville’s idea of her future after high school differed quite a lot from her current position. Before graduating from Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) in 2017, she considered careers in psychiatry or pharmacy, which both circulated around Neville’s lifelong fascination with hospitality.
“I was always drawn to the world of hospitality,” the alumna said. “Growing up, I took countless trips to Disney and was fascinated by the experience they created, how every detail, from guest service to entertainment, came together to make something unforgettable.”
That realization led her to Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, where she immersed herself in event production.
To Neville, FIU was more than just an education but a major turning point. Neville credits her time there with helping her break out of her shell. She gained confidence in networking and developed the skills needed to thrive in the hospitality-industry.
One experience in particular changed everything for this passionate Alumna: volunteering at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The task started as a requirement for her degree, but the dedication she felt towards this project gave meaning to what she was truly working for.
Neville stated, “After my first year with the festival, I knew I had found my passion.” By her second year, she was working closely with event producers; and by her final year, she had secured a role that connected her with industry professionals: the future Vice President of Operations at A21.
Today, Neville produces events nationwide, including Miami’s Heritage Fire Tour at the historic Biltmore Hotel. The event highlights heritage breed livestock and heirloom produce, uniting top chefs, farmers, and food enthusiasts.
What motivated her most was Neville’s love for Miami: “Its food scene is home to an incredible range of cuisines, award-winning chefs, and a rich culinary heritage that brings so much to the events we create.”
Planning an event involves more than just assembling chefs and menus. “When planning an event, I always focus on three key elements: organization, creativity, and intention,” Neville explained. From securing sponsorships to coordinating logistics, it is vital that every detail must align to create a memorable, miami-oriented experience.
The experience she credits to her prowess not only reflects her time at FIU, but also her time at PPCHS. “High school came with its fair share of personal challenges, and I spent a lot of time in the front office my freshman year,” Neville shares.
The encouragement she received from Mr. Bayer and his team taught her the value of resilience. Their support instilled the idea “to keep going”, one that continues to empower Neville to this day in event production.
Her time in the yearbook also left a lasting impression. Although her creativity is illustrated through her events, her dedication to storytelling and detail roots from there.
As a copywriter, she poured her soul into her portfolio; giving each text her most professional attention. Neville stated, “Mr. Fagen constantly encouraged us to follow our passions and take pride in what we do, and that mindset has stuck with me ever since.”
Now as an Associate Director at one of the country’s leading experiential marketing agencies, Neville continues to push boundaries in event curation. From local festivals to nationwide productions, her journey proves that passion, adaptability, and the right opportunities can transform an unexpected path into a fulfilling career.
