MCI USA events manager Sierra Davey has spent the last five years helping create spaces where people can connect and learn. Though event planning and management wasn’t her intended career path — she studied education in college, with plans to become a middle-school math teacher — Davey has made an impact on her clients with an approach inspired by her past classroom aspirations.
“Because of my background in education, I’ve always looked at event planning from more of a programming perspective, focusing on the informational and educational content, connecting people and setting up a space where people can learn,” she says.
Davey works on MCI USA’s strategic event management team, where she’s charged with managing client events from start to finish — everything from sourcing the location and the property to supporting attendees and “putting out any fires” on-site.
“Every day is different,” she says. “There’s always a challenge. There’s always something new to try, so it keeps it fresh. It keeps you on your toes.”
In an industry that is constantly changing and developing new ways to engage attendees, Davey says she is always watching the current trends, particularly the impact of AI and the importance of inclusivity. “I work a lot with our event technology solutions, so I'm keeping my eye on AI. I'm also exploring how events can be more inclusive and making sure that every single individual feels like they belong.”
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Despite her vibrant professional presence, Davey says most people would be surprised to know she’s an introvert. “When I'm on-site, I'm definitely extroverted, but when I'm home, I keep to myself. I like my time to recharge and decompress.”
Outside of work, Davey enjoys writing and reciting poetry, and showcasing her love of music by DJing at a local Atlanta venue on the weekends. One of her biggest accomplishments, though, is the creation of her annual Women’s Empowerment Summit. Davey launched the project, now in its third year, as part of her master’s program at Penn State, and it has grown into an inspiring virtual event that continues to uplift women, which, she says, is one of her passions.
Celebrating Success and Growth
In her role at MCI USA, Davey says she is on a career path she loves, working with people who motivate her. “I'm so fortunate to work on four different teams [comprised of] strategic, open-minded people. It makes such a difference when the people you are in the weeds with are people you can connect with, laugh with and joke with in a very comfortable space, while still getting your work done and being productive.”
And the most rewarding part of her job? Witnessing the culmination of her hard work. “It’s always nice when after working on something for a year or two, you get to see everything come to life, and you get to see people interacting with and enjoying all the hard work you put in. Most attendees are always so grateful and thankful. That's when I'm reminded of why I do this job.”
