Her Story
About Nerissa
Nerissa Gomez is an accomplished arts and events professional serving as Executive Director, Special Projects & Stakeholder Relations at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Since joining the university in 2019, she has advanced from Director of Special Events to her current leadership role, where she focuses on stakeholder engagement, community partnerships, outreach, and creating meaningful connections among alumni, artists, students, and the broader Houston community.
Before joining the University of Houston, Nerissa spent more than six years with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, progressing to Senior Event Coordinator. Her career has centered on producing high-profile events, cultivating client and vendor relationships, managing logistics, and supporting corporate partnerships. Her experience spans event production, planning, marketing, international logistics, and community building, complemented by an earlier foundation in hospitality that strengthened her ability to work with diverse clients and teams.
Nerissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Art/Art Studies from the University of Houston, with a focus on studio painting and art history. She is also actively engaged with the university’s alumni community and supports philanthropic and community initiatives through organizations in Houston. She attributes her professional growth to persistence, self-confidence, and the strong network of event professionals, vendors, and community partners she has developed throughout her career. Her work reflects a commitment to bringing people together through the arts while creating memorable experiences and meaningful community connections.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nerissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to never giving up on myself and being willing to take on fear and pursue change. I don't let mistakes or hardship shift my perception of myself. My self-confidence has helped pursue a successful career, along with the community of event professionals, vendors, and connections I've made.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice is to stop selling yourself short, believe in yourself, trust your gut and intuition. You're not too big for any job and you're not above anybody else. People with that mentality are never truly successful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Always keep learning and never think you have outgrown your position, there's always more to learn.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include very long hours like 80-hour weeks, high stakes with priceless artwork and demanding donors, and not taking expressions of anxiety or stress personally. Opportunities include strong networking with professionals in many fields, connections to artists and vendors, and building community through events.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Staying humble, remembering everyone is human, transparency, respect, mutual respect, and sincerity. I don't see value in pretending to be something I'm not.
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