Hospitality Student Organization Attends National Conference

February 4-7, 2016, UMass chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) had the pleasure of attending the 27th National Conference for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality in Washington D.C. Over 600 students were in attendance to celebrate the theme this year, “Our Nation, Our House: Diversity Matters.” The conference was focused around celebrating member’s diversity and inclusion of all cultures. The weekend was filled with representation of diverse backgrounds, professional development workshops, and a career fair where many students were able to meet with industry partners to obtain jobs.

NSMH is currently the largest student run nonprofit organization in the hospitality industry, run by a committee of 16 National Board members, 3 of which are Isenberg School of Management Students: Vimbai Moyo’16, National Vice Chair; Emily Donaldson’16, National Membership Director; and John Conlin’15, National Finance Director. In total there were 23 UMass students in attendance, some of which received awards, interviews, and job offers.

Out of 80 chapters Nationwide, the President of the UMass Chapter, Lily Root’16, received the prestigious Chapter President of the Year Award. Recent Graduate, Kimberly Wong ’15 was also recognized with the Highest GPA Award and Vice President Renny Xu’16 was awarded a scholarship from Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. As a chapter, UMass NSMH was awarded the Best Publicity Award and recognized for having the Highest Tri Regional Conference Attendance. At conference, UMass was also presented with a plaque for having the best participation in the Tri Regional community service event, Harvest for Happiness Sock Drive.

Members pictured above, from L to R: 

Kenny Wu
Hinley Fung
Zoe Rechenbach
Zack Zolaker
Yuri Chida
Chanseo Lee
Daniel Materna
Kachi Choi
John Conlin
Emily Donaldson
Abigail Nelson
Dana Lawes
Lily Root
Randi Ruderman
Vimbai Moyo
Nuna Atadja
Sierra Maltese-Cotter
Renny Xu
Will Foley
Hailey Burke
Yu Chen
Beth Coutu
Kim Wong