Chelsea Wendel is a senior associate at the Center for Strategic Philanthropy at the Milken Institute. Her work at the Center is primarily focused on managing the logistics, details, and travel coordination across the Center’s broad portfolio of events. These 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. Prior to joining the Milken Institute, she was the associate director of meetings and special events at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC where she developed her passion for first-class hospitality and honed her operational expertise in event management for over six years. Born and raised in New Jersey, she has lived in Washington, DC for over 10 years after attending George Washington University’s School of Business. There she graduated summa cum laude, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and event management.