Karisa Hargrove-Nino

Karisa Hargrove-Nino is a hospitality and live events professional with a strong focus on event operations, guest experience, accessibility, and safe and inclusive environments. She currently serves as Office Manager at Wine Country Jellystone, where she oversees front-office operations, guest services, staff coordination, and the day-to-day needs of a busy family-focused RV resort and campground.

With approximately seven years of experience in hospitality and live events, Karisa has developed extensive expertise in festival operations, merchandising, VIP experiences, crowd management, brand activations, harm reduction, and ADA accessibility services. Her live event experience includes major festivals such as SXSW, Bonnaroo, Dreamville, Austin City Limits, and Insomniac events, while her broader hospitality experience includes theme park operations at Dollywood.

Her earlier career in social services, including work as a case manager serving homeless veterans and supporting crisis-line operations, strengthened her commitment to advocacy and compassionate service. Karisa holds a B.S. in Sociology, an M.S. in Hospitality Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Event Management, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) at the University of Houston. She also served two years in the Army National Guard, further developing her discipline, leadership, adaptability, and ability to perform effectively in demanding environments.

Passionate about music festivals, experiential events, and bringing people together, Karisa values meaningful networking, strong professional relationships, and making time for the people and priorities that matter most.