Chelsea Wendel is an associate director at Milken Institute Philanthropy. Her work is primarily focused on managing the logistics, details and travel coordination across the pillar's broad portfolio of events. These project based convenings bring together philanthropic partners with the scientific research community to unveil new research, breakthroughs and networking opportunities to continuously develop and push the needle forward on project based goals. Prior to joining the Milken Institute, she was the Associate Director of Meetings and Special Events at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., a Four Star and Five Diamond Property, where she developed her passion for first class hospitality and honed her operational expertise in event management for over 6 years. Born and raised in New Jersey, she has lived in Washington, D.C. for over 10 years after attending The George Washington University, School of Business. There she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University Honors Program, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Event Management.