Gina Mariko Rosales is a powerhouse experience curator, community connector, and cultural strategist based in San Francisco. In addition to running Make It Mariko, she is the Executive Director of 501c3 nonprofit Brave New Spaces. Gina has co-founded several cultural initiatives including UNDISCOVERED SF, Pinayista, Balay Kreative, Weddings In Color, and the POC Food & Wine Festival – each designed to amplify the voices of creatives of color.

Before launching her own ventures, Gina spent over a decade in corporate and nonprofit event planning, including seven years at Google, where she was Head of Marketing Events at Google X working with Self-Driving Cars (now known as Waymo) and more innovative tech.

Gina’s mission is to create magical, meaningful experiences that remind people of the beauty and interconnectedness in life. Whether it’s a festival, culinary pop-up, corporate summit, or nonprofit gala, Gina brings a signature blend of precision, creativity, and cultural consciousness to every production.

Through her work, she has transformed grassroots ideas into city-wide movements that celebrate identity, spark dialogue, and drive economic and cultural revitalization. Her events unite artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to co-create moments that leave lasting impressions, and frequently, new collaborations.

• I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and my language reflects it (#HELLA). I take great pride in my city, San Francisco. Don’t call it San Fran, or we can’t work together.
• I love karaoke. Our team frequents it often, and you are welcome to join!
• A beautiful glass of Pinot Noir or Beaujolais is the way to my heart. I just finished a scholarship program at the San Francisco Wine School.
• My last meal would be chicken adobo over rice (saucy, not dry).
• I love sarcasm and a good pun. 
• My favorite color is purple. Can you tell?!? 🙂
• I’m a Capricorn. Enough said.