Sarah Chrastecky is the Director of the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, where she oversees all aspects of the operation.
Sarah graduated from Texas Lutheran University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, she moved to the Bryan/College Station area.
In the summer of 2009, she began working for the Annenberg Conference Center and caught the industry bug. During this time, she had the opportunity to expand her knowledge and passion by attending and graduating from the IAVM Venue Management School. In October of 2012, she transitioned to an Associate Director position for Chartwells Catering at Texas A&M University to continue her experience and business interests. She returned to the Conference Center as the manager in the summer of 2015. In February of 2017, she stepped in as Interim Director until June of 2018, when she accepted the Director’s position.
Please feel free to email Sarah with any inquiries/questions you may have.
Brielle Cooper was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but as the child of a military family, she proudly considers San Antonio, Texas, home. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a minor in Business, and a Strategic Communication certificate.
After graduation, Brielle moved to Disney World, where she served as the Multicultural Engagement and Partnerships Intern, contributing to diversity initiatives and building valuable professional relationships.
Currently, Brielle is pursuing her MBA at Mays Business School at Texas A&M, where she is expanding her skills in business and marketing. Passionate about planning and executing events, Brielle loves creating memorable experiences and bringing people together. She is also deeply committed to helping others whenever she can, whether through her work or in her personal life. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Brielle enjoys reading, spending time with family, traveling, and exploring new food spots.
Michael is one of our Event Managers and a Bryan/College Station native, joining the team in 2013. He has a wide ranging background in Audiovisual with over 25 years of experience, along with various industry experience focused on event safety and security. Using his knowledge, he helps keep the center at the peak of technology and the building in great condition. He helps oversee building maintenance and also coordinates all special events on the Bush Complex grounds. He is a graduate of IAVM’s Academy of Safety and Security and holds his Crestron Field Technician/Engineer certification.
Meg Demny is from Tomball, Texas and is set to graduate in May with a degree in Health Information Management. Meg discovered a passion for event planning and hospitality through her 4 years working at Traditions Country Club. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, she has learned valuable lessons in perseverance and empathy. Her personal journey with diabetes fuels her dedication to caring for others, whether in healthcare or customer service roles. Following graduation, Meg is already looking ahead to furthering her education in event planning and coordination. Balancing her career ambitions with personal interests, Meg enjoys time with her family, friends, and her dog, Rico, and finds relaxation by the pool with a good book in hand.
Mackenzie Beall
Student Event Assistant
Mackenzie Beall was born in Lubbock, Texas, and lived in Seattle, Washington, for four years, but considers League City, Texas, her home. She is currently a sophomore pursuing a major in International Studies at Texas A&M University. After graduating, she plans to have a career in international business. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Mara Barrera
Student Event Assistant
Mara is from La Joya, Texas. She is in my second year at Mays Business School and is pursuing a degree in Accounting, where she hopes to be a part of the PPA program. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, whether that’s going out and doing an activity or just staying in and watching a movie with snacks. She also really enjoys going thrifting, reading, dancing, and looking for new coffee shops to try out.
Sawera Mirza
Student Event Assistant
Sawera Mirza is a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a pre-law focus. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, she now resides in Houston. Sawera brings creativity and passion to all aspects of her life, whether she is mastering intricate henna designs, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or just enjoying a drive around town. Her diverse interests include cooking, baking, and dancing, adding a unique blend of artistry and discipline to her professional and personal pursuits.
Ayah Said
Event Intern
Ayah Said is a student majoring in Human Resource Development with minors in Business and Anthropology. She’s from Houston, Texas, and she’s passionate about understanding people and creating spaces where they can grow and feel supported. In her free time, Ayah enjoys reading and exploring new coffee shops. She’s also a big fan of coffee and loves experimenting with her espresso machine to try out new drinks. Whether it’s through her studies or everyday conversations, Ayah is always looking for ways to connect, learn, and make a meaningful impact.
Emerson Espanet
Student Event Assistant
Emerson is from Fort Worth, Texas. She is a sophomore political science major with a minor in non-profit studies. After college she plans to go to law school and eventually work in criminal law. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, trying new coffee shops, serving her community and church, and hanging out with friends.
