Who Makes Things Happen at Discovery Green? Meet Lori Ann! | Kids Out and About Houston <

Who Makes Things Happen at Discovery Green? Meet Lori Ann!

12 People Who Make Things Happen for Kids in Houston

 

elmoWho makes things happen at Discovery Green?

Meet Lori Ann San Miguel!

Discovery Green

What does your job entail?

As Programming and Communications Coordinator I produce some of Discovery Green's events. Toddler Tuesdays, FUNomenal Family Festival, Spring Break at Discovery Green, DockDogs and IKEA Screen on the Green are just a few of the projects I manage. I am part of a WONDERFUL team, and work closely with our staff to assist with planning and coordinating many of the 600+ events we have each year. In addition to planning events, I also work on marketing, design a lot of our graphics, sponsorships and help manage our website.   

How did you become involved in working with your organization?

I was hired by Discovery Green almost 8 years ago. I actually came across their Administrative Assistant position on Monster.com and applied for the position. They received thousands of resumes, and thankfully I was the chosen one.

llkjWhat is the most fun part of your job?

There are MANY fun parts about my job, but I would have to say that the most fun is seeing people enjoy themselves at our events and knowing that we are helping create memories.

How did you get started in your field of work?

Shortly before the park was scheduled to open in April 2008, the former President of Discovery Green asked me if I would be interested in being a part of the programming team. He was impressed with the party I planned for my youngest daughter's first birthday, my organizational skills and work ethic. Now I have one of the BEST careers in Houston and couldn't be more happy!

What are some of your favorite events at your organization?

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With hundreds of events it's hard to select favorites, but I would have to say that Toddler Tuesdays and our FUNomenal Family Festival hold a very special place in my heart.

What kind of unusual things have you done in the course of your job there?

Bringing a monster truck to the park was an unusual one for sure. I have also helped look for someone's lost wedding ring in a foam party pit at one of our Spring Break events and put my first born daughter Loréal (who is 16) in a character costume for an event. She had to put on a fat suit before putting the character on and we literally died laughing!!!!!


Tell us a little about your life outside of your work?

Well being that I work so much, sometimes it feels like I don't really have a life outside of it but let me give this a shot…I have three daughters who are all DIVAS. Their birthdays are around the corner. Loréal will be 17 in June, Paris 12 this month and Vida 7 in May. My life pretty much revolves around them and work. When I am able to have some "me" time, I like to go to concerts and sport events.  

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What other interests do you have in the community?

I LOVE that our community has so much diversity, and that we are able to educate ourselves and take part in other events to learn about others cultures and see how they celebrate. 

Do you have any new events in the upcoming year?

We will have a new circus themed event here on July 4th and 5th, and DockDogs return in the Fall. I always recommend that everyone check our website (discoverygreen.com) for new and seasonal events, or sign up for our weekly emails so that they don't miss any of them. 

What are some great ways parents can get kids interested in coming to Discovery Green?

There are many park features in addition to all of our great events that kids can enjoy. We have the McGovern Playground, the Gateway Interactive Fountain, a Mist Tree and even a small Houston Library Express on-site. 

lllTell us a few fun facts about yourself:
I have lived in Houston for 30 years, and could not imagine living anywhere else. 
I was the first full-time person that was hired to work at Discovery Green, and saw Discovery Green go from a block of concrete to the beautiful green space it is today.
I learned to speak Spanish at the age of 6, only because my best friend at that time didn't speak English. So I taught her English and she taught me Spanish.
I have always been one to think big and outside of the box.   
Anything else?

I am grateful every day to be able to work at Discovery Green and continuing to be a part of it's success. I am excited about what the future holds for me and this wonderful place!   

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