5 Questions with Monika, the new RDA events manager
The Rochester Downtown Alliance is excited to announce Monika Kopet as the new events manager! Let's hear more about her in her conversation below!
Katie: Welcome to the RDA team, Monika! Tell us a little about yourself.
Monika: Thank you! I am a Twin Cities native and recently moved to Rochester for this new position. I have worked events in Minneapolis and Saint Paul with a mix of large festivals, weddings, corporate events, and community fundraisers to name just a few. With working at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the Wabasha Street Caves, I have grown to really love learning about the history of cities and its historic buildings. At my last position with the Autism Society of Minnesota, I learned so much about disabilities and how important it is to have sensory-friendly spaces for those who need it to provide support at events. After graduating from high school, I received my bachelor’s degree from Metro State University in Communications/Psychology/Violence Prevention. My two rescue pups are my children, and I greatly enjoy getting outdoors with them for walks and visiting the Rochester dog parks! I am a huge movie and TV buff, so a word of caution: don’t get me talking unless you want to engage in at least an hour conversation!
Katie: What about the RDA appealed to you that you wanted to work here?
Monika: I have been in the events industry going on 11 years, and the RDA’s core events looked so fun and robust. I love logistics of events, and this role looked like one that I would really enjoy and thrive in.
Katie: What drew you to Rochester?
Monika: My fiancé and his daughter live in La Crosse, Wisconsin so I have slowly fallen in love with this city from all the times I have driven through it and made stops in it!
Katie: What are you most looking forward to in your new role with the RDA?
Monika: I am so excited to meet everyone in the community, get to know them better, and find out how they connect with others. I want to learn as much as I possibly can about this great place that so many are proud to call home, listen to what residents and small businesses currently enjoy and what they would like to see change.
Katie: Because we want to know, what is your favorite season?
Monika: I would say spring or fall; basically, anytime the weather is mild and cool! I honestly love winter, as well; I just don’t always love the snow. I enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and most silent sports, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing on the North Shore.
Katie: Thanks so much for chatting with me, Monika! We are so excited to have you as part of our team!