Born and raised in Loudoun County, VA, with parents who owned restaurants throughout Northern Virginia, I grew up immersed in the hospitality industry. After earning my bachelors degree in Communications from George Mason University, I worked for a marketing firm where I gained skills in digital media strategy, CRM database management, and social media content creation. Ultimately, hospitality called me back, where I currently serve as the Events and Digital Media Manager at my family’s flagship restaurant, The Bungalow Lakehouse, a 500 seat, full service restaurant. In this role, I manage all aspects of our events, from planning and budgeting to BEO’s and execution. I also lead and advise on the restaurant’s marketing strategies and social media presence. No two days are ever the same, and that’s exactly what keeps it so exciting.

This past year, I was fortunate to be recommended by my department director, Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, for an internship with the Prosper Forum, a hospitality leadership conference often described as the “Davos” of the industry. Hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, the Forum brought together the most influential leaders in hospitality and food & beverage. Being selected as an Event Intern & Catalyst Student was an incredible honor and gave me the chance to gain hands-on experience at one of the most impactful gatherings in hospitality.

The highlight for me was being a part of the team with supporting conference operations, shadowing event directors, and seeing firsthand the level of precision it takes to execute an event of this scale. An unforgettable moment was touring the Ritz-Carlton’s back-of-house and watching how a luxury hotel operates seamlessly while simultaneously hosting more than 700 C-suite executives. That experience left a lasting impression I will carry forward in both my studies and career.

The networking was truly one-of-a-kind. Prosper facilitated rare access to top executives whose stature in the industry is undeniable, yet each person I met was approachable, welcoming, and genuinely excited about mentorship. I’m especially grateful to be continuing with Prosper at their next event, Accelerate, in Dallas.

I first learned about Virginia Tech’s MSBA in Hospitality & Tourism Management through my research into graduate programs that would allow me to strengthen both my business knowledge and my passion for hospitality. What stood out immediately was the reputation of the program’s faculty and the way the curriculum blends strategy, analytics, and real-world application. It felt like the perfect path to grow both academically and professionally.

One of my favorite classes so far has been Competitive Strategy. I’ve enjoyed how it pushed me to think critically about market positioning, innovation, and long-term decision-making in hospitality. The case study approach made it very practical, and I found myself applying what I learned directly to my role at The Bungalow Lakehouse.

My advice to anyone considering this program is to fully embrace the opportunities outside the classroom whether that’s networking with professors, joining industry events, or connecting with peers. The more you engage, the more rewarding the experience will be.

After graduation, I see myself continuing to grow within the hospitality and events industry, ideally in a leadership role where I can combine my passion for creating meaningful experiences with my business and strategy background. In five years, I hope to be in a position where I can oversee large-scale programs and contribute both creatively and strategically to an organization’s success.

Long term, I’m drawn to opportunities that blend events, brand development, and the business side of hospitality. My goal is to use my expertise to deliver experiences that not only delight guests but also create lasting value for the companies I represent. Ultimately, I want to help shape the future of hospitality and events by being part of work that inspires connection, innovation, and community on a broad scale.

I’m incredibly grateful to Virginia Tech, my professors, and this program for the opportunities it has opened for me. Between my role at The Bungalow Lakehouse, the chance to represent Virginia Tech at Prosper, and the support I’ve received in the classroom, I’ve been able to grow in ways I never imagined. What excites me most is knowing that this is only the beginning. I’m passionate about continuing to elevate the hospitality and events industry, and I look forward to carrying the Hokie spirit with me as I take on new challenges and opportunities ahead.