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An annual community festival that celebrates the close bond between the University of New Haven and the West Haven community, WestFest is an event that many students look forward to each year. For Keyri Ambrocio '21, one of the students helping to organize the event, it is an opportunity to learn, to have fun, and to see her hard work benefit the community.

August 26, 2019

By Keyri Ambrocio '21

As a member of the University of New Haven Mayor's Advisory Commission, I have had the great pleasure to help organize WestFest 2019 in collaboration with Dr. Chris Haynes, the commission's adviser, and other students. WestFest is an annual community festival that will be held this year on Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the West Haven Green. It will feature a variety of food trucks, live music, inflatables, a dunk tank, a pie-eating contest, craft booths, and more.

Organizing this event has been very fulfilling because I know that not only are we helping to strengthen the goodwill between the University and West Haven, we are also raising money to help feed West Haven families. Proceeds from WestFest will go to . Last year, WestFest raised more than $4,000 for W.H.E.A.T.

Serving as marketing director and as a member of the business outreach team for WestFest has made me aware of how much time and effort goes into planning an event of this magnitude. I learned how to design and execute a marketing and promotion plan. I especially enjoyed learning how to create and implement a social media strategy.

While such a project may not seem typical for an international development and diplomacy major, I have seen firsthand how important it can be. Social media is a large part of how we communicate in today's society. It is a crucial part of international marketing campaigns, and it is how elected officials communicate with their constituents.

"Not only are we helping to strengthen the goodwill between the University and West Haven, we are also raising money to help feed West Haven families."Keyri Ambrocio '21

Helping to plan this event has broadened my skillset in terms of critical thinking, strategy, planning, and customer service. Being able to think of different strategies to promote the event effectively, executing these strategies, and working with my fellow classmates and Dr. Haynes has been an incredible learning experience for me, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.

Opportunities to plan events such as WestFest enable students to gain valuable skills and experiences that will serve us in our future careers. With every passing day, my anticipation and excitement builds.

I look forward to September 7, when WestFest 2019 kicks off, and we will finally see the outcome of our hard work. I hope to see you there.