With her Southern charm and warm personality, it comes as no surprise that Cathy Riva has been organizing some pretty darn fabulous events over the last ten years.
   Through her Manhattan-based events company, Riva Events, Cathy creates sophisticated events for socialites, celebrities and cutting-edge corporations. She is also the host of Discovery Home's "Party Girl", which takes viewers on a behind the scenes tour on how to create an unforgettable celebration in their own home.
    Whether organizing a star-studded soiree for Riva Events or organizing a meaningful Chinese Lunar New Year's party for "Party Girl", Cathy throws herself into each event with passion and creativity that's undeniable.
    Hailing from Mobile, Ala., Cathy had originally set her sights set on a career in journalism, studying Communications at the University of Alabama. Upon graduation, Cathy launched her career with the Fox affiliate WPMI as a Mobile-based reporter.
    After a year with WPMI, Cathy headed to the Big Apple for a one-year internship with NBC in 1994. After falling in love with New York, Cathy decided to make NYC home and scored a production coordinator post at MTV. It was here that she began her event-planning career working on launch parties for shows such as Tom Green and the MTV Beach House. She quickly moved onto ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire organizing their 2001 Emmy party.
    With a full-time career in events in mind, Cathy went to work for W Magazine's marketing department with highlights including the celebrated "Kate Moss" after-party and the 2003 W, Cartier and MAC Golden Globe Awards event.
   Cathy also spent a time freelancing where she worked for key players in the party planner circuit including New York's David Monn, who she cites as her mentor. Of David she says: "He is the most incredible event planner in the world. His ideas are always inspiring and he designs everything himself, from the flower arrangements to the tent structure."
   Ask Cathy why events and she'll tell you "life should be a celebration and for me, organizing events gives me instant gratification of bringing people happiness". "I truly enjoy getting to know my clients and shining the spotlight on the guest of honor for [their] special occasion".
   As an event planning expert, Cathy has recently been a guest speaker for the Learning Annex's "How To Get Into Event Planning" seminar. Her tips and recommendations have also been featured in several publications.
   Cathy lives in Manhattan with her husband Marc, a film director. When she's not planning events, Cathy enjoys sailing, traveling, hanging out with friends and pursuing happiness!