Who We Are

Explore Elk Grove is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that inspires locals and visitors alike to visit, shop, dine, meet and gather at our local businesses, parks, attractions, hotels and venues in order to foster positive economic development for Elk Grove.

Our team is also responsible for producing a number of community events throughout the year, many of which are supported by local volunteers who share a passion for promoting Elk Grove. To learn more about volunteer opportunities and to connect with our team, click here.

Mission

Explore Elk Grove’s mission is to create and deliver value to its stakeholders including visitors, the tourism industry, the community and local government.

Vision

The vision of Explore Elk Grove is to elevate the assets we have, uncover opportunities that drive economic impact, and enhance the quality of life for our community and visitors alike.

Aaryn Val, Executive Director

Phone: (916) 330-4293

Email: aaryn@exploreelkgrove.com

As the driving force behind Explore Elk Grove, Aaryn Val is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering community engagement and promoting the unique charm of Elk Grove. With a rich background in hospitality, marketing, and sales she brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Aaryn is passionate about showcasing Elk Grove's diverse offerings, from its cultural events to its natural wonders. Under her guidance, Explore Elk Grove has flourished as a hub for locals and visitors alike, facilitating memorable experiences and contributing to the city's growth.

Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Aaryn works tirelessly to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, sports organizations, meeting planners, community organizations, and government entities. She believes in the power of collaboration to drive positive change and elevate Elk Grove's profile on a regional, statewide, and national scale.

Aaryn is not only a leader in her professional capacity but also an advocate for community well-being, a dedicated wife and mother of three. She actively participates and volunteers for Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove Girls Softball, and the Food Bank, reflecting her commitment to making Elk Grove a better place for everyone.

With a forward-thinking mindset and a genuine passion for Elk Grove's unique character, Aaryn continues to guide Explore Elk Grove toward new heights, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for years to come.

Favorite things to do in Elk Grove: Spending time with her family exploring the local bike trails, events, and enjoying the culinary, craft beer, and wine scenes.

Joy de Vega, Sr. Sales Manager

Phone: (916) 512-8211

Email: joy@exploreelkgrove.com

Sales and Partnership Manager Joy de Vega joined Explore Elk Grove in early 2022 and has a background in hospitality, previously serving at the Hilton Garden Inn Elk Grove — a recipient of the Best of Elk Grove Award in Event Planning. Today, Joy upholds and develops relationships with existing partners to ensure ongoing support for campaigns and initiatives. Joy also maintains accurate records of partnership activity, including sales leads, contact information, and other pertinent partner details, in addition to reviewing proposals from partners and identifying new ways for Explore Elk Grove to collaborate with and support local businesses.

Favorite things to do in Elk Grove: Shopping at the Americana Vintage Market with her two daughters and enjoying a date night with her husband at one of Elk Grove’s local wineries or breweries.

Favorite things to eat or drink in Elk Grove: Find Joy enjoying brunch at The Waffle Experience on Saturdays alongside her mother, or sipping sangrias with her girlfriends at the heavenly McConnell Estates Winery.

Casey Fabbri, Marketing & Event Manager

Phone: (916) 512-8211

Email: casey@exploreelkgrove.com

Casey is a Sonoma State alumni with a background in hospitality and marketing. Her experience in social media marketing, digital advertising, and event campaigns is impressive. She is a creative thinker with strong organizational and communication skills, adept at developing innovative strategies to drive brand awareness and engagement. She is passionate about creating memorable experiences for visitors and the community alike.

Favorite things to do in Elk Grove:

Exploring the many trails and outdoor parks in the community and shopping at local boutiques.

Favorite things to eat or drink in Elk Grove:
Enjoying tacos and margaritas at Pig Latin with friends, or sipping sparkling wine at one of Elk Grove's many wineries.

Nina Youn, Marketing Coordinator

Phone: (916) 512-8211

Email: nina@exploreelkgrove.com

Nina, also a UC Davis alumni, is our Marketing Coordinator fueled by boundless creativity when it comes to crafting exceptional content and mastering the art of social media. From crafting content that sparkles with imagination to orchestrating social media symphonies that resonate, she is our go-to sorcerer for all things marketing. With a knack for deciphering market trends and a keen eye for detail, Nina specializes in translating ideas into action. Whether it's devising innovative marketing strategies or orchestrating seamless campaigns, she is committed to driving results that matter.

Favorite things to do in Elk Grove:
Attending special events with her husband at local wineries, restaurants, parks and more!

Favorite things to eat or drink in Elk Grove:
Sipping on wine at local wineries and visiting food truck markets!


Jocelyn Jones, Sales & Marketing Intern

Phone: (916) 512-8211

Email: Jocelyn@exploreelkgrove.com

Meet Jocelyn, a recent Elk Grove High School grad and the artistic visionary and innovative force behind our intern team. With a head filled with boundless imagination and a heart full of passion, Jocelyn has embarked on a journey to infuse creativity into every corner of our workplace at Explore Elk Grove.

Favorite things to do in Elk Grove:
Hang out with friends, whether it is hanging out at a park, going on trails together, or getting a treat like boba or ice cream at a local shop.

Favorite things to eat or drink in Elk Grove:
I love the vast amount of boba shops here in Elk Grove, and it’s my favorite treat to get, especially in the summer!


Elk Grove Civic Summer Interns

Phone: (916) 512-8211

Email: interns@exploreelkgrove.com

Explore Elk Grove is honored to participate in the Elk Grove Civic Summer program. These temporary interns are ready to make the most of this opportunity, leveraging their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to contribute to our team's success. Their unwavering dedication to achieving results and their ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment make them a true force to be reckoned with.

Join us in welcoming them, as they embark on this exciting journey to unleash their customer service, hospitality, sales, and marketing prowess. Together, we will forge new pathways, drive impactful campaigns, and create unforgettable experiences that elevate our brand to new heights.

When they aren't busy expanding their knowledge and making a lasting impact, you'll find them exploring diverse interests. They believe in the power of embracing a well-rounded education and are committed to making a difference in both the academic and social spheres.

Get ready to witness the rise of this remarkable high school intern as they step into the world of professional growth, armed with ambition, resilience, and a thirst for excellence. Together, let's celebrate their journey towards a brighter future."

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you passionate about Elk Grove and have a desire to help visitors and local residents enjoy their time in our community? Do you have an interest in a career in the travel, tourism or hospitality industries? If so, we invite you to sign up to become an official Explore Elk Grove volunteer!

Learn More