Speakers and Writers Bureau

WE DRIVE THE DRIVEN

Thank you to the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at The Isenberg School for honoring me with this milestone achievement.  My time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst was transformative and my continued connection has been trans portative for my career, my network and my professional development.

As the 20^th Recipient of the Stephen Elmont Award, I am honored to join your ranks and thank Fred for such an eloquent induction.  To the HTM Board, especially Rob McCarthy and Jon Crellin, Deans, Muzzo, Faculty, Students, Alumni, Colleagues, Sponsors, Friends and extended Family…Thank you for Driving the Driven.

I was an out of state student but UMass quickly became my home.  From the moment I set foot in Southwest, Jodi, Sharon & Dianne, you have remained my sisters 35 years later.   Flint Lab was my sanctuary and instilled a sense of determination, a spark to succeed.  The HTM program at Isenberg gave me the keys to unlock my success because of the great education and personalized encouragement I received.

From my first class in HRTA 101, I am so indebted to Dr Stephen Fletcher – my original professional champion.  He gave me the opportunity to share my voice, to be a change agent and to steer me on a path of servant leadership coupled with philanthropy.

I encourage all of you to find Role Models to help you see the best you can be and take advantage of the roads less traveled.  Thank you Interim Dean Tom Moliterno for including me in the plans to relocate Dr Fletcher’s Memorial Garden to the Innovation Hub, thus continuing his legacy and my family’s silent contribution 20 years ago this September.

WE DRIVE THE DRIVEN

A lot of people will show you a road map, but only you can chart your own course.   Ask for directions, slow down to enjoy the view and get out of the grandstand and onto the speedway.  Thank you Kate Godfrey, Kristine Ellison and the girls of HTM class of 88 for enjoying the ride with me.

Always be in Inquiry and push for new experiences. From fondly being Linda Engenhagen’s TA in Hospitality Law, to the inaugural international exchange program with Hotel Consult, I took full advantage of every opportunity to enhance my knowledge and elevate my personal brand.  As chair of Career Day my senior year, I learned lessons that I practice to this day on building a successful team, attention to detail and creating a memorable guest experience.  For the companies here today who come to campus, thank you for supporting the graduates of this department.  And I am beyond grateful to Unidine, my CEO Richard Schenkel and my colleagues here tonight for not only supporting my industry passions but for creating inroads for the foodservice leaders of tomorrow.

WE DRIVE THE DRIVEN

As the 5^th female recipient of this recognition, I am motivated by the example of trailblazers like Denise Coll and Lori Stroll who have now become my friends.  You are culture carriers.  As a career proponent of diversity and inclusion, I have taken advantage of every opportunity to leverage our differences with the hope it will unleash our unrealized strengths.

Thank you Vice Chancellor Mark Fuller for your support of the Women of Isenberg.  Your emotional connection to the advancement of all diverse people at Isenberg is unprecedented.  I encourage all the employers in the audience to provide non-discriminatory access for not only HTM Grads but diverse candidates and military veterans to socially support the changing composition and advancement of our hospitality workforce.

WE DRIVE THE DRIVEN

When your passion is vivid, you do not make pale commitments.  That’s how I remember the man who spoke on a cold January Winter Session in mid-80s Amherst.    This award’s namesake had a drive for excellence in food and service delivery.  He based his professional success on 3 basic tenants that should resonate with all of us today…

• Provide excellent service
• Build the best teams
• Invest in the development of loyal people

Steve Elmont was a pioneer in corporate dining, the industry I have served my entire career.  I have nothing but gratitude, adulation and uncharacteristic emotion for this lifetime recognition that honors his impact.

WE DRIVE THE DRIVEN

As the only child of two deceased only children, I know my parents and Dr Fletcher are with me tonight cheering from the sidelines.  From Keynote at the Women of Isenberg Conference to President of the Society for Hospitality & Foodservice management, to seeing my face plastered on Boston’s Tee and City Maps…I have had a year of incredible achievements.  The difference tonight is I get to share that euphoria with all of you and someone who affirms my unrelenting drive daily, thank you Kevin for your unconditional inspiration.

Finally, congratulations to tonight’s other honorees who have also been driven to find new roads and make their imprint on this University and our profession.  Within this ballroom, we are all at different levels on the career continuum, but you are all here tonight connected to HTM at Isenberg for a reason.  Get involved, stay engaged, share your expertise, give back and champion others. To the young professionals and students here tonight, your days of thunder are still ahead of you.  Get behind the steering wheel because here at Isenberg…WE DRIVE THE DRIVEN!

Thank you.