"She left Argentina to progress in the USA, transformed a trait of his personality, and today the sky is her limit: 'I am impressed.'"

When she left Ezeiza, she never imagined she would become a producer of the biggest events in the United States.

By: Carina Durn

Miranda Ghirimoldi was 28 years old when, in 2021, her life changed forever. Buenos Aires was far behind, and anxiety and nervousness had taken over her entire being. The United States, that northern giant, emerged before her overwhelming, amidst winding highways and a pace of life that was at least overwhelming, especially for her somewhat introverted spirit.

In the first days, she felt lost. She remembered the moment when she had told her family and friends about her decision to expand her studies in Miami, and the lump in her throat almost inevitably came. The news had been received with a mix of emotions: while they were proud of her decision to pursue her dreams, sadness hit them all equally, including her, a woman very attached to her family and with a tendency to miss them. But Miranda longed to go after new opportunities and wanted to discover if she had landed in the right place.

"The first year living in Miami was a period of adjustment for everyone. There were tears, hours of video calls, but the support and love of my family and friends were crucial for me," she reveals with emotion.

Openness, kindness, and work as a fundamental pillar: "I am impressed."

Initially, familiarizing herself with the streets was not easy; everything was new and different, from the culture to the lifestyle, so particular in the atmosphere of Miami. But perhaps that was what she needed, Miranda said to herself in those times. Ultimately, the long quarantine caused by the coronavirus had left a deep mark, including a breakup. Starting over meant a monumental challenge, among the new faces and exposure to a dimension that felt strange. However, there was something comforting in the mere thought that she had dared to leave her sorrows behind to venture into the unknown.

In Argentina, she had graduated as a Bachelor in Media Management and Entertainment. There, in Miami, almost immediately she began a master's degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism at FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, specializing in large events. This opportunity allowed her to quickly immerse herself in the work environment and discover a work style she was unfamiliar with.

"I was struck by the discipline and efficiency, as well as the kindness and openness of the people. I also noticed the importance given to work, the dedication to the profession, and the resources available to create and execute a project, which impressed me positively," she asserts.

From introvert to the Super Bowl, Formula 1, and a limitless sky: "There is a genuine concern for the well-being of others."

The work culture impacted Miranda in unexpected ways. Passionate about creating memorable experiences, she joined team efforts and was inspired by the passion that many colleagues strongly conveyed. She, a naturally introverted person, gradually learned to show herself more and thus combine the creative energy of someone who has a more "inward" way of being with new socialization tools.

One day, Miranda woke up surrounded by a reality she had never dreamed of: she produced events with her team such as the Super Bowl, the Ultra Music Festival, the Miami Grand Prix Formula 1, the Billboard Latin Music Week, as well as the South Beach Food and Wine Festival.

“On the other hand, thanks to my work, I found a welcoming and diverse environment. The human quality of the people I met is exceptional; there is a genuine concern for the well-being of others, helping you grow, giving you a hand in whatever you need, and always with an encouraging and positive attitude towards life. I found mentors, friends, and colleagues in my industry who are now my family,” says Miranda, who also dedicates herself to cultivating emerging talent, which in 2022 led her to co-found a student organization at her university called Back of House (BOH). With now almost 220 members, BOH helps students develop their resumes during their studies to gain experience in the sector by offering them opportunities, such as volunteer work and paid internships, at events.

Ezeiza, perseverance, and great discoveries: "It's up to you to open doors"

Nearly three years were enough for Miranda's life to take an unexpected turn, where the sky seems to be the limit, but her identity is not forgotten. It's her roots and her love for her own that keep her inspired and grateful, despite her meteoric success. Nothing she has achieved had to do with luck, but with constant effort and the support of those close to her, as well as those who cheer proudly from afar.

Meanwhile, visits back to Argentina are like a balm for the soul. Throughout the year, Miranda eagerly anticipates barbecues and mate gatherings with her parents, her sister, friends, and family. She usually returns in December, the month of celebrations, associated with pure enjoyment.

"Goodbyes are always the hardest part, no matter how long you've been living away. The road to Ezeiza and the hug before going through immigration are the saddest moments. Once, Euge, one of my best friends, said something that perfectly describes visits home when you live abroad: 'December is much more than a month on the calendar. It's life condensed into a couple of days that gives you the energy to continue from a distance'," paraphrases Miranda, moved today, at 31 years old.

"But my journey in the United States and towards the big events has been exciting and challenging. It has required dedication and hard work; at the same time, each experience has been an opportunity for growth and learning. I had to stop being introverted, introduce myself to people, and open doors that have now led me to incredible job opportunities. The work culture in the United States is characterized by its focus on efficiency, collaboration, creativity, and innovation, which has had a super positive impact on my professional development," continues the young Argentine, who has recently been appointed Chair of the Fundraising Committee of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Alumni Network Board. In this role, she leads efforts to foster participation through gifts, talent, resources, and money for network initiatives, leveraging her experience in event management and her passion for supporting alumni community development.

"My dream is to someday have my own business and lead my own team in the events sector," she adds. "With my experience, I feel that I have acquired and continue to acquire a lot of knowledge. I have understood the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination in achieving my goals. Personally, I have gained a greater understanding of myself: my fears, weaknesses, and strengths. I discovered that I am capable of much more than I imagined and that I have a strong desire to grow and continue developing. I learned that it's up to you to open doors, that to move forward you have to push, believe, and trust in yourself," she concludes.

Translation of the article: https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/dejo-argentina-para-progresar-en-eeuu-transformo-un-rasgo-de-su-personalidad-y-hoy-el-cielo-es-su-nid28022024/