Lizette Leanza, Director of Education, Events & Marketing
Professional Overview
Lizette Leanza is an experienced marketing and education professional with a strong background in the food and wine industry. In her current role as Director of Education, Events & Marketing at Vino Venue and the Atlanta Wine School, she leverages her expertise to develop and deliver engaging educational programs, events, and marketing initiatives that enhance brand awareness and drive business growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Education, Events & Marketing at Vino Venue, Lizette is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of comprehensive educational programs, targeted events, and strategic marketing campaigns. She collaborates closely with the leadership team to identify and capitalize on emerging trends, expand the company's customer base, and position Vino Venue as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
In her parallel role as the Director of Education at the Atlanta Wine School, Lizette designs and facilitates a diverse curriculum of wine appreciation and certification courses, catering to both novice and experienced wine lovers. She has successfully grown the school's enrollment by 25% over the past two years, solidifying its reputation as a leading provider of wine education in the region.
Career Progression
Prior to her current positions, Lizette's career trajectory included roles as a Monthly Food & Wine Columnist at A Times News, where she leveraged her writing skills to share her passion for food and wine with a broad audience. She also gained valuable experience in the professional services industry, serving as a Manager of Campus Recruiting and a Senior Tax Associate at KPMG US, as well as a Tax Associate at Arthur Andersen & Co.
Academic Background
Lizette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Georgia, where she graduated with honors. Her academic training and certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) have provided her with a strong foundation in financial analysis and strategic decision-making, which she now applies to the management of educational programs and marketing initiatives.
Areas of Expertise
- Wine and culinary education program development and delivery
- Event planning and execution for wine-related experiences
- Digital and traditional marketing strategy and implementation
- Brand management and content creation
- Financial analysis and strategic decision-making
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Lizette has demonstrated a consistent track record of driving positive impact within the organizations she has served. As the founder of Gourmet Uncorked, her food and wine writing has been instrumental in promoting local businesses and educating consumers on the nuances of the industry. In her current roles, she has spearheaded the launch of several successful event series and educational programs that have significantly enhanced Vino Venue and the Atlanta Wine School's visibility and reputation within the community.
Conclusion
Lizette Leanza's diverse professional experience, coupled with her passion for the food and wine industry, positions her as a valuable asset to any organization seeking to enhance its educational offerings, events, and marketing initiatives. Her proven track record of driving growth and delivering engaging content makes her a sought-after leader in the field of wine and culinary education.
