Tess De Jong is an experienced Conference and Events Coordinator at The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society since November 2021. Prior experience includes serving as Project Coordinator for CONNECT (Congress of Neighboring Communities), where Tess managed various roles in a nonprofit setting, acting as a liaison to over 30 local governments and organizations. Additionally, Tess worked as a Zero Waste Events Contractor for the Pennsylvania Resources Council, focusing on waste diversion and attendee education, and as a Food Programs and Community Outreach Fellow at Focus On Renewal, where Tess led a cooking tutorial program and managed food pantry operations. Tess's foundational experience includes a role as Residence Hall Community Partnerships Coordinator at Calvin University, coupled with an academic background that includes a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Calvin University and ongoing studies for a Master of Public Administration in Urban Affairs and Planning at the University of Pittsburgh.