Lena Lee started as the private event coordinator at the Museum of Flight in Seattle in 2019, transitioning to private event manager in 2021. However, her desire to pursue a people-oriented role in event management was fostered from her educational experiences at the University of California San Diego, where she pursued international studies, economics, and linguistics. “It really opened my mind to different cultures and issues of the world,” says Lee.
Alongside her classes, Lee was involved in several extracurricular activities, namely joining various student organizations, that also helped her in her eventual career. One was membership in Future Business Leaders of America, offering Lee the opportunity to step into different leadership roles and learn the skills needed for such positions. Post-graduation, her career began with event planning for company parties, gatherings, and team activities.
“That [is what] ultimately led me to the museum,” Lee says. Having lived in the Evergreen State for nine years now, Lee notes that building relationships has become a pivotal aspect of her professional career. These relationships, along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have inspired Lee and the rest of the Museum of Flight team to get creative with their event planning to ensure safety measures are in place while also providing a memorable event from start to finish.
The bigger picture for Lee is the ability to connect with people of all sorts, emphasizing her passion for culture, representation, and diversity both in and outside of the industry.
“I think [the museum] really just speaks to all kinds of people,” she says. Regardless of demographics or interest, the 24-acre museum has something to enjoy for everyone.
This passion for caring for others comes from her parents. “They both taught me the meaning of strength, generosity, kindness to others, and to not forget to have a little fun,” Lee says. And to see the smiles on clients faces when visiting the museum, whether for leisure or an event makes the hard work worth it. “That’s why we do what we do,” she says.