Buffalo
Event Team
Tahmikia Autry
Host
Lives in
- Greer
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- HR Manager, Global Benefits
Tanara Martin
Host
Lives in
- Arlington
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Retired Officer
Tracy May
Host
Lives in
-
Motto
- Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.
Hobbies
- Cooking
Profession
- International Flight Attendant
Christina L Turner
Host
Lives in
- New York
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Design
Profession
- Entrepreneur
Jacqueline Anderson
Group Leader
Lives in
- Buffalo
Motto
- Don’t just exist….Live!!!
Hobbies
- Reading
Profession
- Event Planner
Diane Bilowus
Group Leader
Lives in
- Orchard Park
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Golf
Profession
- Flight Attendant
Jannett Isaacs
Group Leader
Lives in
- Kennesaw
Motto
- Love Live Laugh
Hobbies
- Music
Profession
- Making the world a better place to be!
Jessica Walker
Group Leader
Lives in
- Buffalo
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Business Owner
Tricia-Maria Walton
Group Leader
Lives in
- Kingston
Motto
- If you can dream it, you can do it! -Walt Disney
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Paralegal
Kyle Bacon
Table Leader
Lives in
- Upper Marlboro
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Reading
Profession
- Educator
Tyra Blodgett
Table Leader
Lives in
- Lackawanna
Motto
- Show up as your best self, ALWAYS!
Hobbies
- Dancing
Profession
- Dental Assistant
Carolyn Calvert
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Paul Grayson
Table Leader
Lives in
- Tulsa
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Sherise Gregory
Table Leader
Lives in
- Stuart
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Traveling
Profession
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Angelina Luchey
Table Leader
Lives in
- Cheektowaga
Motto
- Luxury is in the details darling
Hobbies
- Gardening
Profession
- Retired Teacher/ Child Care Provider
Markisha Madison
Table Leader
Lives in
- Buffalo
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Gardening
Profession
- Program Coordinator of Day Services
Jaleel Martin
Table Leader
Lives in
- Arlington
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Khyson Martin
Table Leader
Lives in
- Arlington
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
-
Khaleelah Payne
Table Leader
Lives in
- Buffalo
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Customer Service Representative
Aundrea Sanders
Table Leader
Lives in
- Buffalo
Motto
- Live Love Laugh
Hobbies
- Shopping
Profession
- Travel Advisor
Janiah Smith
Table Leader
Lives in
-
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Reading
Profession
- Student
Lisa Weeks
Table Leader
Lives in
- Buffalo
Motto
-
Hobbies
- Art
Profession
- Banquet Server
Sara Williams
Table Leader
Lives in
- West Valley
Motto
-
Hobbies
-
Profession
- Associate Director
International team
Sandy Safi
Chief Executive Officer
Having started her career onstage in the performing arts, Sandy's love of the entertainment sector brought her to work in special events in 15 countries over the years. She has developed and managed large-scale concerts in Dubai, worked in the Opera world at prestigious locations such as the Los Angeles Opera, the Casino de Paris, and Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu, and finally started her adventure with Diner en Blanc in 2011, when she applied her network and her experience to facilitate the first American Diner en Blanc in New York. She co-founded Diner en Blanc International in 2012, and then became the sole owner of the Diner en Blanc trademark and company in 2022. Above all, Sandy seeks to encourage creativity and connect culinary communities around the world.
Chantal Blanchard
Public Relations Specialist
As a publicist in the world of entertainment, Chantal was fortunate enough to travel the world for many years with Cirque du Soleil. Those amazing years on the road gave her the opportunity to somewhat satisfy her thirst for everything that is lifestyle i.e. food, wine, cocktails, fashion, urban life, architecture, design, etc. As Chantal would say “this career path and passion for all that is good in life predestined her to join the team of Diner en Blanc International.
Lucia Sacco
Accounting & HR
Lucia brings over 2 decades of administrative and accounting experience to Diner en Blanc International. She has worked in the event planning industry since 2007 whereby she occupied the position of Accounting Director and Office Manager. “I feel blessed to be able to combine my organizational skills and passion for bringing events to life towards a career at Diner en Blanc International,” says Lucia. Her interpersonal skills are an asset when communicating with hosts and dealing with accounting specialists or government offices, all the while maintaining a high level of integrity.
Zina Acherir
Project Manager
Zina is a passionate and creative professional with concrete organizational and planning skills. Her educational background in event management allows her to innovate, communicate and visually translate ideas and visions to memorable experiences. Zina enjoys networking, planning, and travelling. "Working at Diner en Blanc International allows me to practice my passion on a daily basis and gives me the opportunity to meet amazing hosts all around the world, which also gives me the advantage of learning about different cultures and how other cities manage events."
Jennifer Soto
Project Manager
Jennifer’s experience in management in the education sector gives her the perfect balance of leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. She loves working with hosts around the world, helping them plan their events in an organized and timely manner, while showing empathy and understanding of each city’s differences and needs. “I feel privileged to work with the team of Diner En Blanc International and be surrounded by culture, diversity, food, music, and friendship.”
Elizabeth Carbonell
Event Operations Strategist
As Production Manager, Elizabeth oversees all aspects of the production and coordination of the Diner en Blanc events hosted by Diner en Blanc International. Her 10-year background in event managing for an international design non-profit organization, and her previous work in the fashion industry, allowed her to travel around the world and learn from incredible people. In her free time, Liz has an active and vegan lifestyle. She enjoys going out to restaurants, trying new cocktails, working out and cooking.
Fiorella Arbanil
Client Relations & Business Development
With over two decades of service in customer relations and twelve years of sales experience, Fiorella brings a wealth of expertise to her current role in Client Relations and Business Development. It is her mission to identify and secure hosts to produce Le Diner en Blanc events in cities worldwide. With a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, and social media management, she has cultivated a strong foundation for driving strategic growth and fostering enduring client partnerships, and she is committed to expanding the reach and impact of Diner en Blanc globally.
Axelle Pierresteguy
IT Support & Project Manager
Axelle is a dynamic and youthful employee who has brought fresh and innovative ideas to the success of Le Diner en Blanc over the past few years. With a forward-thinking mindset and a talent for finding creative solutions, Axelle brings a vibrant energy to her work. She has always had a passion for the arts, including music, dance, theater, and filmmaking. Once she realized she could combine her love for the arts with her skills in managing and creating, she knew that the event-planning world was the perfect fit for her.
Batin Can Balkan
IT Project Manager
As the IT Project Manager at Diner en Blanc International, Batin applies his skills in innovative IT solutions to enhance unique event experiences and connect with incredible hosts globally. Le Diner en Blanc is a cultural platform where technology meets tradition, allowing one to see firsthand how cities around the world bring their unique flair to their event. Each day offers new opportunities to merge his IT expertise with a passion for creating memorable moments.
David Gallego
Full Stack Developer
David is a passionate software developer who brings creativity and dedication to every project. He believes that helping others meet their goals is how we drive innovation and create meaningful change. He also possesses the ability to adapt to different situations and offer a unique perspective which enriches discussions and fosters a culture of creative problem-solving.