The final Young Professional of the Month for 2025, Jen Abou Raad, is a dynamic force shaping the energy and creativity of downtown Concord. Currently serving as Director of Sales & Programming at Arts Alley, 30-year-old Jen brings her experience to lead the venue’s sales, events, and programs, with a focus on developing engaging experiences that create lasting memories. A graduate of UNH with a degree in Recreation & Program Management and a minor in Hospitality, Jen’s contagious passion for community pairs perfectly with her professional career. Whether she’s collaborating with local businesses to host partnered events or slaying Arts Alley’s social media, Jen is deeply committed to celebrating Concord and putting smiles on faces. Get to know Jen below!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I’ve been with Duprey Hospitality for over two years, beginning in social sales at the Grappone Conference Center and off-site catering sales with Catering by Design. Over time, my role has grown into leading the sales and programming efforts for Arts Alley, where I now focus on developing our events, building partnerships, and shaping the overall guest experience.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your workday? My favorite part of the workday is the constant variety. Some days I’m planning what’s ahead, and other days I’m right in the middle of an event, seeing people enjoy the space. That balance between the behind-the-scenes work and being in the moment is what makes the job rewarding.
Q: What’s a secret or piece of fun trivia about Concord that you think most people don’t know? Most people don’t know that the future home of Duke’s (opening this summer at Arts Alley) was once the site of the historic Norris Bakery, a downtown staple in the early 1900s. It’s fun to see that a place built on great food and community is about to get a whole new chapter.
Q: Where did you go to school? I started at the Presentation of Mary Academy then Nashua Catholic for elementary and middle school. I then went to Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua and graduated college from the University of New Hampshire with my BS in Recreation & Program Management and minor in Hospitality.
Q: What organizations are you involved with? I love working with Intown Concord and joining their committees like Midnight Merriment, Winterfest, and Market Days.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? Casamigos! Going there for lunch is my favorite.
Q: What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? Lilise Designer Resale (LDR) has great stuff! I love shopping there.
Q: What is something you would like to see added or brought to Concord? I would love to see more places and experiences that bring people together. Concord is ready for a little extra energy, which is what we’re trying to bring at Arts Alley.
Q: If you could visit any country, where would you go? Japan
Q: Where is the best place you’ve visited? Lebanon
Q: What do you like to do for fun? In my free time, I love going to yoga, shopping, playing with my dog, watching reality TV, or just spending time with family and friends.