Social Enterprises

Who We Are

We are a group of dynamic leaders committed to driving action through impact events for non-profits and social cause-focused organizations. We believe in the power of community and in changing the world with our actions.

Sustainability

We strive to minimize environmental impacts while creating positive economic and social effects on the communities we touch. Our comprehensive sustainability policy is based on industry-wide standards across the entire lifecycle of each event. Click here to read our Sustainability Policy.

B Corporation

With the B Corporation framework, we hold ourselves accountable to the same standards we recommend to our clients, and assure our stakeholders that we mean business when it comes to implementing the triple bottom line across all aspects of our enterprise. Learn more about our B Corporation status and find other businesses committing to #BTheChange. Social Enterprises, Inc. Updates Corporate Status to Join Ranks of Oregon Benefit Corporations.

Proud Oregon Benefit Company

An Oregon benefit company is a type of corporation or limited liability company that considers its impact on society and the environment in the business decision-making process, in addition to earning a profit. Benefit companies differ from traditional corporations and LLCs with regard to their purpose, accountability and transparency. The purpose is to create a general public benefit, which is defined as "a material positive impact on society and the environment, taken as a whole, from the business and operations of the company."

Ericka Nelson | Founder and President

Ericka is the founding force behind Social Enterprises, Inc. — a full-service event planning firm specializing in events with a social impact mission and focus. Working off a passion for bringing people together around ideas that will shape the future, she has built a formidable expertise in executing events that drive revenue to support the growth and continued success of non-profits, impact organizations, and educational institutions. In 2008, Ericka co-founded the GoGreen Conference series intending to create a much-needed dialogue for regional stakeholders to collaborate on driving sustainable economies at scale through the adoption of ongoing sustainable business practices at their own organizations. Ericka's previous corporate experience includes leading business development and marketing for a division of AOL/Time Warner, DoubleClick, ZDNet and CNET.

Kelly Boylen (she/her) | Event Sponsorship Coordinator

As Event Sponsorship Coordinator, Kelly applies her innate matchmaking skills to foster meaningful partnerships between Social Enterprises' clients and mission-aligned organizations. Kelly's diverse career background includes event coordination, project management, healthcare, and implementing corporate sustainability strategies. A longtime Eugene resident, Kelly studied both hospitality management and project management at Lane Community College and stays active in volunteering at local non-profits. In her spare time, you can find Kelly kayaking, creating upcycled art, and loving on her twin tuxedo cats.

Heather Cyrus (she/her) | Program Manager

Heather joined the Social Enterprises team to support and manage high-level conference deliverables such as client and speaker relationships, onsite program management, hotel room blocks, registration, and more. Heather’s various roles in her 10 years of event experience ranges from marketing, event and program management, association relationships, operations, and sponsorship. Heather graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Journalism & Communications. When she is off duty, Heather enjoys adventuring with her family hiking, camping and backpacking, and loves to travel. She is also an advocate for environmental stewardship and holds a Master Recycler Certification for the Portland Metro area.

Brooke Foster-McDermott | Senior Event Coordinator

Brooke works on the Social Enterprises events team to help to coordinate hotel blocks, event apps, event production, logistics and registration elements for our event projects. She holds a BA in Hospitality Management from Cal State, a field she has been passionate about from the start. Her journey in hospitality began 25 years ago, working her way through college in various hotel roles. Brooke proudly considers the Pacific Northwest her true home and on weekends, you will find her immersed in diverse activities, from discovering new lunch spots to biking with her two girls, or on the court coaching her basketball team.

Eido Gaschen (they/them) | Design & Marketing Manager

Eido is responsible for all aspects of Social Enterprises design, visual communication and web presence - from concept to execution, they are always striving to find the next best creative solution for an optimal visual representation. They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art — Graphic Design, as well as a minor in Advertising, from Louisiana State University. Eido has previous experience in graphic design and marketing from working at Coker University, Louisiana State University, and their own freelance company. Outside of work, Eido can be found planning their next Dungeons and Dragons campaign, or simply finding the next innovation in bread baking.

Erin Jaso Longfellow (she/her) | Event Manager

Erin’s career in the industry began in hotels at Hilton Worldwide. Later, Erin worked for IHG hotels before making the leap to meeting and event planning. Erin is detail oriented and customer focused with diverse industry experience spanning over 15 years including association, education, social, corporate, tradeshow, and hybrid/virtual events. Erin loves trying new restaurants, hiking, traveling, and giving back to her community. She recently was awarded Accomplished and under 40 by the Vancouver Business Journal for her professional achievements and involvement in the community.

Andrea Lilly (she/her) | Senior Registration and Volunteer Coordinator

Andrea works part-time to help coordinate registration and volunteer participation at our social impact events. She has been a key part of event planning boards at Walla Walla University, Eastern Oregon University, Universidad Adventista del Plata in Argentina and Portland State University. Andrea loves being behind the scenes at events and works hard to make sure every event is a success. She was previously a social worker, advocating for youth and their families in the Portland area. When not working, you will see Andrea volunteering at the Dougy Center or playing board games.

Melissa Morgan | Program and Event Coordinator

Melissa coordinates program and event logistics for Social Enterprises, while ensuring high client satisfaction and adherence to sustainability practices. Melissa is a seasoned Event Planning and Community Engagement Specialist, bringing over nine years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit sector. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Tampa and is actively involved in diverse volunteer activities, with a special passion for the Humane Society and a local Equine Therapy Farm. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her mother and friends, practicing yoga, attending live music events, and always has a good book nearby.

Noel Sandberg | Communications Manager

Noel manages marketing strategies, communications outreach, and media partnerships for all our events. She has a background in marketing for non-profits and higher education and holds a B.S. in International Studies from the University of Utah. When she's not singing with her band you will usually find her walking her dog, camping, hiking, or sipping a cocktail on a patio.

Mia Primrose | Communications Coordinator

Mia supports the communications team with marketing, social media management, event promotion, and media relations. They bring experience in event and project management, agriculture, service and hospitality, and federal conservation communications. Mia holds a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies with a minor in Music from San Francisco State University. In their free time, they enjoy playing guitar, watching true-crime documentaries, and fishing local rivers and lakes.

Ellie Pierce | Communications Coordinator Intern

Ellie is a summer Intern working in the Social Enterprises Communications Coordinator role with the Marketing team. She is currently an undergraduate student double majoring in Marketing and Finance at the University of Washington. Ellie has had previous experience with venture capitalism and marketing projects. Outside of work, Ellie can be found playing soccer, hiking, or spending quality time with friends and family outdoors.

Brandon Triglia | Accounting Manager

Brandon manages the development and oversight of the accounting and financial functions of Social Enterprises. Before joining Social Enterprises Brandon worked in logistics, purchasing and as an entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration: Finance from Portland State University. As a native Oregonian, you can find him exploring the great outdoors, enjoying music, art and new dining experiences.

Jill Critchfield | HR Manager

Jill is a professional Human Resources Consultant and the HR Manager at Social Enterprises. Through her business, Pacific HR, she has provided HR services to over 175 small and mid-sized businesses in Portland, Oregon since 1999. She holds PHR certification (Professional Human Resources) through the Human Resources Certification Institute, SHRM-CP certification through the Society of Human Resources Management.