As Senior Director of Stanford Conferences, Suzanne contributes over 25 years of collegiate conference experience here at Stanford University, and her career represents a commitment to the fields of hospitality and education.

Prior to her current position, Suzanne served as Assistant Director for Conference Business Operations since May 2008. During her 25 years of employment at Stanford, Suzanne has performed in a variety of other hospitality-related capacities, including the role of Manager for Housing Building Standards and Design Projects in Student Housing’s Design and Capital Projects group and as Conference Coordinator for Stanford Conferences.

Leveraging upon the wealth of knowledge gained from serving in several of the divisions within Residential & Dining Enterprises, Suzanne brings a unique perspective, insight, and strong leadership to her conferencing colleagues. In addition, she maintains a keen interest in contributing to the wellbeing and success of the campus community, especially in the area of enhancing relationships with our valued service partners.  

An accomplished professional within the industry, Suzanne qualified as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) in 2010, and she consistently receives high praise for the several conferences and events she manages throughout the year.  Suzanne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies and Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara. In addition, she is an active member in the Association of Collegiate Conference and Event Directors – International (ACCED-I) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Denise Gonzalez is the Assistant Director of Account Management and Scheduling at Stanford Conferences, a position she has held since 2015, coinciding with her tenure at Stanford University. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Denise has built a robust career representing prestigious brands such as Starwood, Hilton, Joie De Vivre, Radisson to name a few. Throughout her journey, she has excelled in various roles, including Convention Service Manager, Director of Catering and Convention Services, and Director of Sales and Marketing.

During her hotel career, Denise was an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Denise’s passion for hospitality led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Ecole Les Roches Hotel Management School in Valais, Switzerland. Known for her exceptional attention to detail, Denise ensures that every aspect of event planning and client management is executed flawlessly.  

Her extensive experience and dedication to excellence have made her an invaluable asset to Stanford Conferences, where she continues to foster exceptional client relationships and contribute to the success of the organization. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Denise is committed to creating memorable experiences for clients and colleagues alike, embodying the spirit of hospitality that has defined her career.

Natalia Orozco Guillen is an experienced professional in account management and business operations, serving as the Associate Director at Stanford Conferences since July 2022. With over 15 years at Stanford University, she has progressively advanced through roles, beginning as a Conference Coordinator in 2006 and later taking on positions such as Senior Conference Account Manager and Senior Assistant Director. Natalia excels in operational efficiency and client services, ensuring successful conference experiences.

Before her tenure at Stanford, she co-founded a wedding planning business and worked in a promotional marketing and client services agency. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and a minor in French from Boston University's Questrom School of Business and has also completed the Event Management program at The George Washington University.

Natalia is a native Spanish speaker, which enhances her ability to connect with diverse clients and stakeholders. Her combined experience in event coordination and business strategy makes her an invaluable asset in her current role, where she is committed to strengthening client relationships and optimizing operational processes.
 

With over two decades of dedicated service at Stanford Conferences, Chong Johnson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Assistant Director of Account Management and Compliance. Since joining the team in 2003 as an Administrative Associate, Chong’s journey through the ranks reflects her unwavering commitment and outstanding performance, leading to progressively responsible positions including Conference Account Coordinator, Conference Account Manager, Senior Conference Account Manager, and Minors Specialist.

Chong holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas, equipping her with a solid foundation in the business principles that underlie successful conference planning. Over the years, she has honed her skills across all facets of the conference planning process, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

In addition to her extensive conference management experience, Chong has played a pivotal role in the Protection of Minors Task Force, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring safety and compliance within all aspects of conference operations. For Chong, nothing is more rewarding than witnessing the detailed planning and hard work culminate in successful, dynamic events that leave a lasting impact. Her passion for creating exceptional experiences is matched only by her dedication to the mission of Stanford Conferences.

As Assistant Director of Program Development and Outreach, Curie Sevilla, APR, brings more than 15 years of Stanford experience and extensive expertise in strategic communications, marketing, and event planning to Stanford Conferences. A Magna cum Laude journalism graduate with advanced communications training from Loyola University Chicago and the University of the Philippines, Curie is also Accredited in Public Relations (APR) with the Public Relations Society of America, reflecting her commitment to ethical and strategic communication practices across print, web, video, and multichannel outreach.

In her role, Curie oversees Non-Student Summer Housing and Intern Housing, managing program development, guest communications, and operational coordination to ensure a seamless and supportive residential experience. She applies her background in marketing communications, advertising, event management, and content development to strengthen engagement with campus partners, external organizations, and summer program participants.

Curie is also a dedicated campus community leader. She has been recognized with the Keith L. Guy Staff Award (2023), the highest staff award in her Stanford department, and the Stanford Asian American Staff Award (2018) for her leadership, service, and commitment to inclusive excellence. She has mobilized multicultural programs under the Diversity & Access Office and mentored students from Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) and First-Generation/Low-Income (FLI) communities, bringing a strong dedication to community-building and belonging across her work.

Marché Simon is a dynamic leader in higher education administration with over two decades of progressive experience. Since joining Stanford University in 2013, she has demonstrated exceptional skill in program development, strategic planning, and team leadership. As Assistant Director of Account Management and Student Hiring, she oversees comprehensive conference and event planning operations while fostering strong cross-departmental relationships.

Throughout her career, Marché has shown remarkable dedication to fostering inclusive and collaborative environments, serving on university-wide committees including the IDEAL Committee and DEIB Honor Roll. Her expertise extends to managing complex budgets, developing innovative programs, and executing high-profile events that align with institutional objectives.

Prior to her current role, Marché served as Conference Account Coordinator at Stanford, and previously held the position of Director of Residential Life at Patten University, where she managed comprehensive housing operations and student development initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Public Relations from Patten University.
Marché is particularly noted for her strategic leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to fostering team collaboration. Her technical expertise spans multiple enterprise systems, and she maintains a strong focus on process optimization and operational efficiency.