2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Mervin Madriaga, Inspire by Silverstein Properties

“Mervin and Jillian are both standout emerging leaders whose passion, initiative, and dedication consistently elevate both our team and guest experiences. Through their leadership on key projects and commitment to excellence, they have driven meaningful measurable results while inspiring the colleagues around them. Their ability to blend operational excellence with genuine hospitality makes them true Rising Stars with a promising future in our industry.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I’ve always enjoyed creating experiences that bring people together. My career began in luxury hospitality, where I learned the value of exceptional service and attention to detail. That passion led me into event management, combining creativity, operations, and relationship-building. Over time, I transitioned into corporate events, managing programs of all sizes and eventually advancing into my current role as director of Inspire Events.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of helping build and grow the Inspire Events platform at the World Trade Center. It has been rewarding to transform our spaces into destinations for impactful corporate, cultural, and community experiences. The success of the program reflects strong collaboration across teams and demonstrates how thoughtfully designed events can strengthen relationships, support business goals, and create memorable experiences for attendees.