Yolanda Suarez Archives - Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

FIU’s National Society of Minorities in Hospitality Members Attend National Conference

Members of FIU's National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) attended the NSMH Regional Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The event was NSMH’s first Tri-Regional Conference encompassing the Northeast, South, and Southeast. FIU student and NSMH National Programs Director Yolanda Suarez attended along with 17 national board members who worked together over the past few months to ensure the conference's inaugural success. "I was both honored and exuberant to be able to have other members from FIU along with myself," Suarez said. The first day began with speeches from the national board, and industry round tables. The industry round tables allowed conference attendees to get up close and personal with recruiters, general managers, and panelists from Marriott, Hilton Worldwide, Hershey Parks and Entertainment, Sodexo, and MGM. On the main conference day, several panels were held representing different companies; each focusing on a different aspect on career development. Panel topics included soft skills, interview dos and don'ts, planning for the future, and the importance of networking. After each session, FIU students had a chance to network with other students, as well as with the different companies present. NSMH ended the evening by sponsoring a local food truck, and announcing the winner for a Harvest for Happiness drive involving collecting clean socks for the Baltimore area. While FIU did not win for the most creative and overall effort in collecting socks, the school did collect the most at 360 pairs! "As a young professional who has been attending these conferences throughout the course of my entire college career, I can honestly credit NSMH and our on-campus advisor Dr. Miranda Kitterlin for the professionalism and standards that I hold today," Suarez said. "This organization and the regional and national conferences alike have prepared me to be [...]

Hospitality Student Hits the NSMH National Stage

Hospitality Management student, Yolanda Suarez, continues to do big things. As the National Programs Director for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, Suarez attended a retreat in Washington D.C. last June along with the national board of student members. The group of leaders quickly rolled up their sleeves and managed to draw up plans for workshops, marketing, and the themes for upcoming regional and national conferences. As if that wasn’t enough, they also took time to sharpen their skills by attending professional development workshops and public speaking seminars. Suarez got involved with NSMH during her freshman year at FIU. “NSMH is a nationwide student run organization, recognized as the premier professional organization for developing exceptional minority student talent and leadership,” said Suarez. Before reaching the national level, she was appointed to Hospitality Week Chair, where she planned a week of events with assistance from the e-board. The following year, she served as Vice President for FIU’s NSMH chapter, and later as a junior, she served as President of FIU NSMH. “It’s a dream come true,” she said. “I could not be prouder to serve as National Programs Director, but none of it would be possible without my years spent with our chapter [at FIU] and our amazing adviser Dr. [Miranda] Kitterlin.” FIU NSMH is currently looking for e-board and general members. Membership is open to all hospitality students. You can e-mail mkitterl@fiu.edu for more information on how to join and represent FIU at regional and national conferences.

Student Chosen as Programs Director for National Hospitality Organization

Yolanda Suarez was elected to be serve on the 2015 – 2016 National Board as the National Programs Director for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. She will be in charge of nationwide chapter awards, High School Outreach, Scholarships, National résumé booklet, NSMH Internship E-Fair, National Hospitality Week, and other NSMH national programs. She has been a member of NSMH since her freshman year at FIU. NSMH's national conference takes place once a year and offers hospitality students three days of professional development, access to recruiters from across the nation, and endless networking. This year’s conference took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from February 12 - 15. NSMH is recognized as the premier professional organization for developing exceptional minority student talent and leadership and is the largest student-run organization of its kind. NSMH is sponsored by and partners with some of the most well-respected companies in the Hospitality industry including ARAMARK, The Disney Company, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Sodexo, MGM Resorts International, DARDEN, OTG Management, and many more. The conference ends with a hospitality career fair showcasing jobs across the nation. Suarez says NSMH has provided her with rich development opportunities that have helped shape her as a student, a professional, and a leader. "Serving on the NSMH National Board is not only an honor for myself, but FIU as well. There is only one other person on the National Board from the Southern states," Suarez said. "Being on the National Board makes me an advocate for this amazing organization and to set a national example of the quality young professionals that study at FIU." This coming year, NSMH FIU will be in need of more E-Board members, and Suarez believes that this amazing opportunity would welcome more leaders [...]

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