Joy Yuson

Design Director / Event Producer

Education: UCLA, BA in Sociology and Public Policy, Columbia University, Masters in Social Work

Past Experience: I ran my own letterpress printing and design studio before joining Componere. Before I returned to my love of art and design, I was a forensic social worker with the Legal Aid Society in Brooklyn, New York. I was born and raised in the East Bay but lived in Los Angeles, Washington DC, NYC, and SF.

Greatest professional learning experience: These past couple of years have tested what event producers are always asked to do -- to think on your feet, adjust as needed, move forward, and remain kind and cool (on the outside at least) whilst doing so. When the shutdown happened, we hunkered down but also got creative in our thinking, delivering our food in different ways, while still providing the signature Componere quality and care. I sure learned a lot about shipping! Other professional highlights include designing 5 culinary tents for Quail Motorsports 2021 and pulling off multi-day events/weddings in beautiful remote cattle ranches (amidst a global pandemic). There were many learnings and the most constant being "expect the unexpected."

Favorite guilty pleasure food: Let me just say that there is zero guilt when it comes to food but I am so happy eating red vines and movie popcorn.

Takes out of town guests to eat at: The Taco Autlense Truck at the Hotsy Totsy (Albany), Iyasare, and Ippuku (Berkeley)

Recharges by: I head back to nature. I need to breathe in the fresh air, immerse myself in color, stomp on some leaves, or bury my feet in the sand. Stinson Beach and Mt. Tam are two of my most favorite places for a run or hike. 

Next on travel bucket list: Galapagos, Philippines, Italy