Melissa Gonzalez AYP Member Spotlight - Aug.

Name: Melissa Gonzalez

Where do you work? Expo Center of Taylor County

What’s your job title/what do you do? I am an Event Coordinator and Livestock Secretary. I handle the rentals of the smaller venues at the Expo Center. I manage the livestock shows during the West Texas Fair & Rodeo and the Taylor County Livestock Show.

Where are you from? I am from northeast New Mexico.

If you’re not from Abilene, how long have you lived in the area and what brought you here? The end of August will be five years since moving here. I moved here to be closer to my now husband. I have a degree is Agriculture Economics and Agriculture Business so when this position became available at the Expo Center, everything aligned just right to move here!

What is your favorite thing about living in the Big Country? It has a smaller town feel to it but also large enough that there are things to do. Abilene is a very friendly town.

What do you do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my husband camping, visiting family, friends and playing with our two dachshunds.

What does being an Abilene Young Professional mean to you? It is a great way to meet others who are getting established in their careers as well. You can never have too many contacts or others to network with.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Abilene? Abuelo’s, it is as close to New Mexican food I can get here!

What’s the last book you read or what’s your favorite book? Into the Wild is the last book I read.

What’s your favorite place to travel to and why? We enjoy traveling to Colorado. It’s beautiful, cooler weather, so much to see and not too far of a drive.