ISHC Awards Jessica Duan of Georgia State University and Osman Milla of the University of the District of Columbia

New York - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in conjunction with the authors of Hotel Investments – Issues & Perspectives, NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, and AHLA Foundation have awarded the third annual Celebrating Diversity Scholarship to Jessica Duan of Georgia State University and Osman Milla of the University of the District of Columbia.

Third Annual International Society of Hospitality Consultants’ Celebrating Diversity Scholarship Awarded to Jessica Duan of Georgia State University and Osman Milla of the University of the District of Columbia From left to right :Jessica Duan, Georgia State University, Rachel Roginsky, ISHC, Owner & Principal of Pinnacle Advisory Group Inc., and Osman Milla, the University of the District of Columbia

The Celebrating Diversity Scholarship was established in 2022 to pave the way for two students to attend the annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, operated by Questex in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies and its Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. Each student recipient received a complimentary registration to the NYU IHIIC as a member of the student volunteer team, $1,200 for travel and associated expenses, and accommodation at the New York Marriott Marquis, provided by Marriott International for the conference dates, June 2 - 4, 2024.

Receiving the scholarship and attending the NYU conference has been a transformative experience for me. t has not only provided me with financial support but also opened doors to invaluable academic and professional opportunities. The insights gained and the connections made at the conference have inspired me to pursue my goals with renewed passion and determination. This experience has significantly broadened my horizons and equipped me with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful impact in my field. scholarship recipient Osman Milla

This scholarship provides me with the invaluable opportunity to connect directly with industry leaders, fostering relationships that can offer mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities crucial for my professional growth and development. It allows me to gain insights into current trends, challenges, and innovations directly from those at the forefront of the field, enhancing my understanding and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the industry upon graduation. scholarship recipient Jessica Duan 

The Celebrating Diversity Scholarship is the result of a special collaboration among NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference (operated by Questex), The AHLA Foundation, ISHC, Marriott International, as well as myself and my co-author Lori Raleigh. We are thrilled that we could bring this group together and offer these students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Rachel Roginsky, ISHC, Owner & Principal of Pinnacle Advisory Group Inc. and co-editor and author Hotel Investments: Issues & Perspectives

Proceeds from Hotel Investments: Issues & Perspectives were used to help fund the Celebrating Diversity Scholarship. Over the years there have been five editions of the book—with nearly 100 leaders and industry experts in the industry having served as contributing authors. The book has been used extensively as part of the Hospitality program curriculum at many leading Colleges and Universities. The proceeds from these books were matched with funds from the ISHC and the AHLA Foundation.

About The AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry’s greatest asset – our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.

About the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality

The NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, now celebrating nearly 30 years of academic excellence, is a leading center for the study of hospitality, travel, and tourism. Founded in 1995, the Tisch Center was established in response to the growing need for hospitality and tourism undergraduate and graduate education. Its cutting-edge curricula attract bright, motivated students who seek to become leaders in their fields The Tisch Center recently launched the Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which will foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions for the industries it serves. For more information, visit sps.nyu.edu/tisch.

About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. https://questex.com/