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staff stories

Light boat procession lining up at WaterFire in 2019. Photograph by Luis Andrade.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Kat Entwistle

Hi all, I’m Kat and I am the Volunteer Coordinator here at WaterFire! I started here in May 2018 as the Volunteer Management and Engagement intern as my last requirement before receiving my bachelor’s degree in Program and Event Management from the University of New Hampshire. In May 2019 I started my full-time position in the Volunteer Department creating relationships and coordinating volunteers, leading many, many ‘Woodpile Workouts’, preparing materials and communications for our downtown lightings and so much more.

Lighting Ceremony at the Gloria Gemma's Flames of Hope WaterFire. Photograph by Matthew Huang.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Jenn Kobza

I am the Events and Operations Associate at WaterFire. I started as a Special Events Intern three years ago and then worked my way up to a full-time position in the Operations Department. For me, no two days are ever the same but I mainly work on all the details of the logistics to help put an event together alongside my team.

Braziers and rose petals at WaterFire. Photograph by Armin Kososki.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Ed Cabral

Hi there, my name is Ed Cabral and I’m the manager of sponsorships and corporate relations at WaterFire Providence. I’ve been with WaterFire for just under two years.

One of the things that people don’t know about WaterFire is that we’re a small organization with a small team that works behind the scenes. And the reason why people don’t understand that or know that is because we put such an amazing elaborate large production on downtown Providence with our WaterFire lightings.

WaterFire fire tenders. Photograph by Tom Backman.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Jean Giorgio

Hi, my name is Jean Giorgio and I am a retail associate at the store at the WaterFire Arts Center. My WaterFire story started in 2010 when my husband and I moved to Providence from New York. We were wandering around one evening exploring and we stumbled upon a WaterFire in progress. We were immediately fascinated and I thought this would be a great thing to get involved with to meet people.

Dream Orbs in the Waterplace Park Basin at WaterFire. Photograph by Armin Kososki.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Kim Zoppo

Hi:) My name is Kim Zoppo and I have been working at WaterFire since May of 2019. I currently work on the Development Team and manage the WaterFire Arts Center. I transitioned into this role when COVID hit, and when our beloved WaterFires downtown were not going to be possible. We had to pivot our responsibilities and focus our energy on our Art Center and try to keep our organization going. I’m very proud to be working at WaterFire and I’m very excited to be part of this team and take on this new venture!! Prior to this role, I was the Volunteer Coordinator.

The Starry, Starry Night installation at WaterFire. Photograph by John Nickerson.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Jerry Suggs

I am Jerry Suggs and I am the Manager of Education Programming and Partnerships here at WaterFire. That includes working to create programs and partnerships between WaterFire and colleges, high schools and community programs. It also includes managing our internship program that has had as many as 26 interns working with WaterFire to produce our lightings and other events.

Aerial view of the Waterplace Park basin during a Clear Currents WaterFire lighting. Photograph by John Nickerson.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Peter Mello

I have been working at WaterFire for nearly a decade and what really excites me is how we create and present #Art4Impact that is accessible and approachable for people who might not otherwise experience it because they might not feel comfortable in a traditional arts venue like a museum, gallery or concert hall or might not be able to afford a ticket to the opera, ballet or philharmonic.

Clear Currents and La Gondola on the river (Photograph by Andre Zawadowicz)

WaterFire Staff Stories: Devanshi Ved

My name is Devanshi Ved, I am the Special Events Assistant, and a new member of the WaterFire Team. I started in the position 7 months ago in February, but I was also an Events and Operations Intern in 2018! Normally my job would be designing the Brazier Society reception tent, along with Sponsor Tents. Booking Performers for the Main Stage and Steeple Stage. I would also be responsible for the Celebrate Program where people can book packages to propose, have a special meal, and many other magical moments at the WaterFire Installation downtown.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Laura Duclos

What do you do at WaterFire? How long have you been involved?

Hi! My name is Laura Duclos and I’m the Director of Creative Services at WaterFire Providence, I’ve been working for WaterFire for over 10 years – I started as an intern in 2009 – and it’s been an incredible journey!

What is ‘creative services?’ Well it’s our way of trying to best summarize the work we do. From visual communications (social, print + web) to retail management (at events, online + the store at the WaterFire Arts Center) and graphic design to hospitality and visitor experience (way-finding, visitor services + more!) We’re the ones you talk to on Facebook. 😉

Torches light up Waterplace Basin during a WaterFire lighting. Photograph by Laura Patton.

WaterFire Staff Stories: Melanie Steinbrecher

What do you do at WaterFire?

I am the Creative Services Assistant here at WaterFire and have been for just over a year now. Before officially joining the team, I was actually a graphic design intern for a summer too!

My job here is to help out with all of the duties of our department such as graphic design, merchandise, social media, websites, videography, and photography. One of my biggest responsibilities right now is running the WaterFire store both online and in-person, and I do a lot of our merchandise campaigning.