The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership

We are thrilled to announce that four of our incredible scholars, Marshell Kennedy, Brooklynn Tucker, Kayden Edwards, and Eseosa Eregie, have been selected to participate in the prestigious She Has a Deal.(SHaD) Pitch Competition! Created by the visionary Tracy L Prigmore, SHaD is a groundbreaking platform designed to uplift and empower women in the commercial real estate and hotel investment sectors. This unique competition provides aspiring female entrepreneurs with the chance to hone their skills, showcase their ideas, and bring their dreams to life in an industry that is often male-dominated. Our scholars are ready to make waves, and we couldn’t be prouder of them as they step into this powerful space. Their journey will be filled with opportunities to refine their business acumen, build lasting connections, and pitch their transformative ideas to leaders in the field. We can’t wait to see them shine and show the world what determined, brilliant women are capable of! Congratulations to our scholars—your ambition, hard work, and passion are an inspiration to us all! Stay tuned as they embark on this exciting journey.  #SheHasADeal #WomenInLeadership #marriottsorensoncenter

Last month, the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership had the honor of hosting an unforgettable dinner with hospitality moguls Davonne Reaves and Daymain Smith. Their wisdom and stories left us all feeling inspired and ready to make our mark! Davonne's journey was nothing short of extraordinary. She reminded us to be unapologetically ourselves in every space, a lesson she’s lived as a fearless hotel owner. ” Her journey to hotel ownership, despite doubts from others, is a testament to sheer determination. She reminded us that if we put in the work, show excellence, and consistently excel, no one can question our place. Results speak for themselves. Daymain’s insights on passion were nothing short of transformative. He reminded us that passion isn’t something we lose—it’s something that may need redirection. That fire inside of us doesn’t just fade; sometimes it’s about finding the right path to channel it. His words challenge us to stay true to what drives us, to reconnect with our purpose, and to trust that passion, when properly guided, can fuel us through any challenge. To both Davonne and Daymain—thank you for inspiring us with your wisdom and resilience. Your words are sure to echo in our journeys ahead! #MarriottSorensonCenter #HospitalityLeadership

A couple of weeks ago, we had the privilege of co- hosting with Howard University School of Business Graduate Affairs for the Google Presents: Real Talk - Leading as a First or Only (Homecoming Edition). 🌟 This wasn’t just an event; it was a gathering of trailblazers, pioneers, and bold voices who shared their journeys of navigating the unique challenges of being the first or only in their fields. Through honest conversations on career growth, resilience, and authentic leadership, we explored what it truly means to break barriers and pave the way for others. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speaker, whose wisdom and energy inspired us all to aim higher and lead with purpose. To everyone who joined us—thank you for being part of this powerful community of change-makers! Let’s keep building, supporting, and redefining what leadership looks like. How are you leading in spaces where you might be the first or only? Share with us below! #marriottsorensoncenter #Trailblazers #LeadershipJourney #FirstOrOnly

Watch her work!

Just 1 of our many phenomenal scholars doing amazing things!

Earlier this month, we kicked off our Industry Talk series with not one but TWO powerhouse sessions, and it was nothing short of incredible! Our scholars dove headfirst into the world of hospitality, unpacking the latest industry insights and navigating the metrics that truly drive success. From breaking down Property Improvement Plans (PIP) to mastering Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), our scholars are now equipped with the knowledge that separates good from great in hospitality. They also got the latest updates on current events shaping the industry, understanding how these trends impact decision-making and growth. And who better to lead us than our brilliant and intrepid Executive Director, whose passion and expertise sparked dynamic conversations and fresh perspectives! Huge thanks to Mr. Head and everyone who joined in with curiosity and enthusiasm! It’s moments like these that fuel our commitment to building leaders ready to take the hospitality industry by storm. Here’s to more inspiring conversations, big ideas, and game-changing insights in the months ahead!

🌟 Attending Howard University’s Etiquette Dinner 🌟 I had the privilege of attending the Etiquette Dinner hosted by The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership and Chartwells Higher Education. This hands-on etiquette and food pairing event was an incredible opportunity to refine my dining etiquette skills while networking with like-minded individuals. A huge thank you to Kemi Omisore, MPA and Kwasi McManus M.B.A for organizing such a meaningful and impactful experience! Your efforts in curating this event made it truly memorable and beneficial for all attendees. The evening was a perfect blend of professional development and cultural enrichment. Events like these are invaluable in preparing us for success in both social and business settings. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my peers in such a thoughtfully curated environment. Looking forward to applying these skills in future professional environments and continuing to build my network! #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #Etiquette #Leadership #Finance #HowardUniversity #WealthManagement #ChartwellsHigherEd

What an incredible way to close out September! We just hosted Orientation for our amazing scholars at the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality, and it was nothing short of inspiring. This event was all about welcoming the next generation of hospitality leaders and setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead. Throughout the day, we had the privilege of hearing each scholar’s unique goals and aspirations in the hospitality industry, and their vision for making a meaningful impact in this ever-evolving field. From redefining guest experiences to pioneering sustainable practices, these scholars are already thinking big, and their drive is truly inspiring. We also had the opportunity to walk them through the direction of the Center, sharing how we’ll support their journey with resources, mentorship, and hands-on learning. There’s no doubt that our scholars are on a fast track to success, and we’re beyond excited to be part of their journey. This is just the beginning, and there are so many exciting moments ahead. Stay tuned and follow along – you won’t want to miss the incredible milestones coming from the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality!

On October 22nd, The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership in partnership with Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services and Compass Group hosted a very special etiquette dinner lead by Crystal L. Bailey, Director of The Etiquette Institute of Washington and spearheaded by Kwasi McManus M.B.A. The experience opened with a lovely mocktail hour, followed by a four-course dinner curated by Chef James Kerwin. Participants were encouraged to "play" and "make mistakes" as the dinner progressed and dinner was accompanied by intentional conversations from Compass Group staff that were present. The night was topped out with a lovely dessert and tour of The George Washington University dining facilities! This went from an idea proposed by Scholar Skyy and grew to an engaging and beautifully executed experience that truly made a lasting impression on our students. It was an invaluable opportunity for them to gain confidence and refine their professional etiquette skills. Well done, team - THANK YOU! 💫 Chartwells Higher Ed Dining Services/ Compass Group Team: Kwasi McManus M.B.A, Darren Brown, Paula Vercammen, Peter L. Bonacci, Matthew Thompson, Kyra S. Brock, Hannah King, Angie Greene-Hicks. MBA, Andrea Bergstrom, Jennifer Kozy The Etiquette Institute of Washington: Crystal L. Bailey School of Business Health and Wellness Committee student organization lead by Skyy Saxon and Kimiah J. Photocred: Justshoot Photography, LLC

[Alumni Highlight] Leyha Williams creating waves at Savills TX as a Junior Broker! 💫