About Us > The Team

Born and raised locally (Jersey Baby!) Ryan has been living on the island of Manhattan since 1997. With a passion for photography, his first career as a Production Coordinator found him working early on with the likes of Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel, Martha Stewart and a bevy of other iconic creative types.

With an entreupenurial spirit accompanied by his love of food, wine, travel and each other, Ryan and Mary founded Mary Giuliani Catering and Events, Inc. in 2005.

Black and White Photography

I am always amazed that two colors can capture such truth.

Wines from the Rhone Valley

There is nothing better than spicy earth.

Getting Lost While Driving

Allows me to clear my head. I get my best ideas in motion.

Staff Bios

Michele Pokowicz

Executive Director of Sales

Michele was born and raised in Long Island and made the move to NYC directly after graduating from UMass Amherst with a B.S. in Communications. Michele worked for Match Catering for 8 years as a Senior Event Producer, had a short stint at Restaurant Associates and other NYC restaurants. She is a logistics master and loves a challenge. As a foodie, you can find Michele at the top restaurants all over the country, as she loves to travel and check out the local culinary scene. The office refers to her as Michele Maps as she is the office version of Google Maps, you need a venue for your event, a date spot, hip hotel we ask Michele. Favorite events include Epicurious Entertains NYC, Auto Industry Events, Forever Young and NYC’s Fashion Night Out. Her other nickname is P.W. – she was too embarrassed to let us print the full name but try and take a guess what it stands for? Find out more about me.

I am obsessed with…
“My new Airbook, it’s the lightest and fastest computer and I am in love.”

My friends/family knows me as…
“Oh god, there are so many – Pokes, Pokie, Mickey P…”

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“The Greek Islands for sure”

One of the single greatest meals I have ever eaten was…
“Dinner at Gordon Ramsay at Claridges in London – Wild Mushroom Risotto followed by Filet of Beef Wellington for Two, Chocolate Souffle, finished off with a selection of French and British Cheeses. It was the most elegant setting and wonderful meal.”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“Planning my next get away, I love to travel.”

When I was a kid…
“I was always the center of attention in my family.”

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“Champagne of course, you never know when there will be a cause for celebration or mimosas in the morning…”

I love MGCE because…
“We are young, we are fun and we create amazing events for our clients and have fun doing it. It’s a great place to learn, share and experience all that life has to offer.”

Fabio Arruda

Creative Director

Fabio came to New York from Recife, Brazil in 2001. Fabio grew up in a family full of women (he is the youngest of three sisters). As early as 12 years of age, he began working in his family’s restaurant while in addition to being a member of the Brazilian National Gymnastic Team, Fabio knew at a very young age that Brazil was not large enough for him (3,287,597 sq. miles) and dreamed of a life in New York City (468.9 sq. miles). His tray, table decor and food designs have appeared in numerous high-end publications. In addition to having a keen eye for creative food and drink presentation, he has dazzled the most distinguished New Yorkers with his unique floral designs. Fabio lives in Long Island City and has his eye on a peaceful place in the country…
Find out more about me.

I am obsessed with…
“dogs.”

My friends/family knows me as…
“Binho or “Fab”ulous”

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“Paris”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“playing tennis.”

When I was a kid…
“my nickname was trouble…..still hasn’t changed ;)

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“Veuve Clicquot Champagne”

I love MGCE because…
“it is my second family.”

Ryan Brown

Event Manager

Ryan was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he was always a fan of entertaining and outdoor activities. Ryan’s love to travel pushed him to explore cultures around the world including living in South Eastern Asia for a year. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Business Administration, Ryan worked in the banking industry as a paralegal before deciding to shake things up and move to New York City in 2006. Outside of work Ryan can be found traveling the globe exploring culinary arts, sky diving, snow skiing and scuba diving. Exploring life’s opportunities, having fun, and seeing the world are his top priorities! Ryan’s love to entertain landed him the events manager position with Mary Giuliani. His attention to detail, strong organizational skills & solution oriented mind set makes him perfect to plan your next event! He now produces high-end events with clients including Christie’s Auction House, Vogue & J. Crew. Find out more about me.

I am obsessed with…
“the new IPAD 2!”

My friends/family knows me as…
“Ry, Ryguy or Ry hot stud!”

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“the US or British Virgin Islands”

One of the single greatest meals I have ever eaten was…
“at my parents house – Mom’s BBQ Salmon & Dad’s Peppercorn Crusted Filet.”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“playing with my mini dachshund outside enjoying the sun!”

When I was a kid…
“you could always find me playing in the water (our pool, the creek in the backyard, riverside or the beach!)”

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“tons of vitamin water, bottled water and green tea!”

I love MGCE because…
“our team is so creative, fun and innovative. I love that every single day is different!”

Jen Perlaki

Event Producer

A Jersey girl at heart, Jen is a graduate from Penn State with a B.S in International Studies and PR. Her list of “must-haves” include European travels (she lived in Barcelona for 4 months), skiing, Cuban cuisine, fishing, and shopping (in her sister’s closet). She is happiest when she is on the beach, eating chocolate, and spending time with her friends and family. Jen is always up for trying new things, and whether it’s at a sports bar cheering on her alma mater (We Are..Penn State!) or at the newest “it” spot in New York, Jen loves meeting people and learning about new cultures. Mary Giuliani and the team had her at hello and she now manages and is an event producer with clients including Sephora, Juicy Couture and Morpheus Media a Create the Group Company.
Find out more about me.

I am obsessed with…
“Mary Giuliani espresso brownies, recycling, Mad Men, Goodfellas, and a good laugh. “

My friends/family knows me as…
“Mighty mouse, little miss P, Jennifa.”

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“a villa in Tuscany.”

One of the single greatest meals I have ever eaten was…
“a simple veal parmesan dish at a restaurant on the Almafi Coast.”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“hopefully on my father’s boat in Montauk.”

When I was a kid…
“I grew up thinking I was Italian.”

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“dark chocolate pomegranate seeds and lots of fruit.”

I love MGCE because…
“every day is exciting and I work with incredibly talented people.”

Beth Belkin

Event Producer

Beth/Bopper/BB was born & raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, a woodsy suburb just up river from New York City. After graduating from The University of Vermont with a desire to pursue a career in law, Beth took a position as a paralegal. Upon realizing that she was mistaken, Beth made her way to a digital PR agency specializing in Entertainment, and began evolving into the social media and events guru she is today. Beth will gladly explain the latest digital trend to her colleagues and friends, and often helps her parents understand that an “app store” does not actually exist in Manhattan. Beth has been known to identify a solution to almost any problem. If you need to know where to buy a tent at 3 AM or find yourself wondering how to inflate a 20 foot blimp, she is the right person to ask. Beth is thrilled to be a part of the MGCE team, where she gets to combine her love of food, digital know-how, and passion for producing unforgettable events
Find out more about me.

5 things you may not know about me…
“I HATE hotdogs
I am a straight up NY sports girl…Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, Giants
I love talking with elderly people and majored in Gerontology (the study of aging)
I directed a 24 foot truck through a sea of Florida Gators tailgating fans…
I operate best when I am challenged”

I am obsessed with…
“Anything fast.”

My friends/family knows me as…
“The one who sticks to her guns and gets things done.”

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“Portugal, Australia, back to South Africa, Spain, Thailand…clearly I have a list of places I would love to visit.”

One of the single greatest meals I have ever eaten was…
“at my parent’s house in Hastings – lobster, grilled corn, avocado/feta/mango salad, crust less blueberry pie and tons of white wine.”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“on the top of a mountain with my snowboard or 60 feet underwater.”

When I was a kid…
“I liked to challenge the boys in my class to sprinting races…I usually won.”

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“tons of fruit and vegetable and White wine!”

I love MGCE because…
“I can combine my passions, work with amazing people and grow professionally and personally.”

Karen O’ Brien

Event Associate

Karen is a recent grad from The Catholic University of America in Washington DC where she studied Art (concentrating in sculpture) and Philosophy. After graduating, she moved back to her hometown on Long Island and set her sights on the Big Apple.
Karen joined the team during one of the busiest times of year and hit the ground running with her humor and character leading the way. She quickly made a spot for herself as the booker and continues to create miracles, keep everything organized and answer her phone at all hours of the night when a question arises.
Some know Karen as the fashionable, funny…sometimes loud one in the office.
The truth is she loves her job, loves MGCE and takes every cancelation or change with little stress – because she knows she can make it work. Find out more about me.

5 things you may not know about me…
“I LOVE to sew! I have been sewing since I was 11 and I spent most of my high school and college years making costumes for my schools play and performances.
I am the youngest of seven children. Some people say that’s why I am so…eccentric.
I hate seafood. I have tried and tried to like it but I just can’t!
I found a whole new appreciation for my name after seeing Goodfellas.
I have never been out of the country. Embarrassing, but true.”

I am obsessed with…
“My mom, shoes and “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe.”

My friends/family knows me as…
“KOB, Lil’ Karen and some other embarrassing nicknames that I’ll just keep to myself “

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“The west coast and back – without a plan or a care; Jack Kerouac style, complete with each and every beatnik American road trip cliché. I might as well get to know the only country I have ever been in.”

One of the single greatest meals I have ever eaten was…
“The greatest meal I have ever eaten is always the last meal my mom made for dinner.”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“Hanging out with my siblings/friends on LI or back in the District with my college buddies. “

When I was a kid…
“Playing barbs” (playing with Barbies) with my sister was probably the most important element to keeping peace and harmony in the universe.”

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“Frozen pizza and a various assortment of leftover beers.”

I love MGCE because…
“I have never worked with a team that was so caring and considerate of each other. I’m all about big families and I have definitely found a second one in MGCE.”

Robson Demattos

Operations

Born and raised in Brazil, Robson came to New York in 2000 at the age of 21. Robson studied English classes at Baruch College and soon after earned an associate degree in accounting at La Guardia College in Queens. Robson worked as a project manager for an interior design company for 9 years before he was introduced to MGCE in 2009 where he initially worked as a waiter and quickly became the manager of operations. Robson has excellent people skills, a laid back personality and the ability to work well under pressure. When he is not working, Robson enjoys playing tennis, spending quality time with friends and family, likes the outdoors and loves to go on trips to exotic and interesting countries where his fluency in three languages come in handy! Robson is passionate about his job and feels privileged be a part of such a talented and fun team!Find out more about me.

I am obsessed with…
“Tennis, fitness and good food!”

My friends/family knows me as…
“funny, playful and someone that is very easy to talk to and knows how to keep a secret.”

If I could go on a free vacation tomorrow I am heading to…
“the great wall of China.”

One of the single greatest meals I have ever eaten was…
“maple-braised pork cheeks that I made while I was in culinary school.”

If I am not at work, you might find me…
“at my neighborhood park playing tennis to exhaustion!”

When I was a kid…
“I was a cute little chubby kid that liked to beat up classmates!”

Inside my refrigerator I will usually have…
“ice cream, yogurt, mayo, whole wheat bread, turkey breast and diet soda and sometimes fruits and veggies because they say it’s good for you!”

I love MGCE because…
“every event brings me an exciting new challenge and I get to be involved in all of them working with a great team.”