Hospitality Alums Share Career Journeys and Advice

Author Jennifer Lee '25 is a Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship major and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.

Johnson & Wales University recently welcomed a panel of four alumni from the College of Hospitality Management (COHM) who shared their career paths and advice for success with COHM students. They spoke about the power of education, networking and mentorship in their careers and their lives. Hosting the panel and leading the Q & A for the alums was Dean of the College of Hospitality Management and Associate Provost of Academic Affairs Jennifer Galipeau ’88, ’92 M.S., Ed.D. Topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), facing workplace challenges and strategies for work-life balance resonated with the audience, as the alumni offered tips for navigating today’s professional landscape.

Speakers included:

• Alex Louden ’16, Training and Development Manager, Magna Hospitality
• Michaela Ruffino ’17, Co-Founder, Landmark Educational Tours
• Lydia Tata ’23, Facilities & Event Operations Coordinator, Brown University
• Carolina Villela ’12, Director of Sales & Marketing, HMM Hotels

Alex Louden ’16

How did JWU help prepare you for a successful career?

At JWU I was heavily involved with National Student Organizations [now Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)] and DECA which gave me the opportunity to travel, and that fueled my career. Being a hotel guy, I travel a lot. When I stay at hotels I talk to a lot of people during my downtime. I learned to take advantage of what's in front of me. Get to know the people sitting next to you right now because they will be ose are going to be your connections down the line.

What does a day in your career look like, and do you have a story about a challenge you’ve faced?

My day is never the same. My office is based in Warwick, Rhode Island, but I travel 2-3 times a month to onboard new general managers. I spend a couple of days with them to make sure they're set up for success. My favorite part of my job is the large management and supervisor development program that I fully lead. ATh the end we get them a cap and gown and a certificate. We engage with them, and we have fun and that's the most rewarding part of my job.

Were there any professors that had an impact on you at JWU?

Professor Magnus Thorsson comes to mind. He really brought hospitality to life. I was a continuing education student, so I was always working full time. At the time, he was the owner of an inn in Vermont. I was able to relate and connect with him and see the industry from a different perspective.

Do you use AI in your daily work, does it impact your work and are you concerned about it?

AI gives you the opportunity to be creative. In my field, before I was a training and development manager on the corporate team, I was a general manager on a property. We used AI to send emails. And when people reviewed hotels, we had to respond within 48 hours about anything they said. ChatGPT was a great tool we used I had my office managers use when they didn't know how to respond to a difficult situation.

Michaela Ruffino ’17

What does a day in your career look like, and do you have a story about a challenge you’ve faced?

Every day is something new and there's always something I have to overcome. I'm still new and young in the industry, so I'm still learning, adapting and trying to figure out my way. There's so much that goes on in the background of trip planning, and there are challenges we overcome every day. Travel is always changing, and I'm so excited to see how the future goes.

Do you use AI in your daily work, does it impact your work and are you concerned about it?

I use AI on a day-to-day basis as a tool and a resource. However, AI scares me a little bit in my world, because there is a trend of DIY travel. For example, on ChatGPT you can type in “a three-day itinerary in Washington, D.C.” and it will give that to you in seconds. We'll see where the future leads. It's a good thing and a bad thing.

What are the qualities you look for when hiring someone?

I look for someone who is passionate about travel and about providing a service and experience to others. Our goal is for everybody to have a memorable experience, whether that's at a hotel or traveling to a new destination. I also look for someone who is trying to make an impact in the industry. I want someone willing to learn, because if you're not, how are you going to succeed?

Do you have any tips on what to do when you’re in new situations in your career?

I went from a management internship to a sales rep to a manager, then unemployment and then being offered a managing director position. I had no clue how to manage anybody, but I was thrown into the role. You take it, and you go with it, and you learn day by day. I just hired our 18th employee this week, and I'm training them. Do I know what I'm doing now? A little bit, but you continue to learn and educate yourself, because that's the only way you're going to succeed.

Lydia Tata ’23

What does a day in your career look like, and do you have a story about a challenge you’ve faced?

No day is the same. I work with field hockey, women's basketball and women's lacrosse, helping with anything from locker room renovations to upgrading their graphics, purchasing new lockers and more. On game days, I communicate with security and our Department of Public Safety to get anyone who is needed for the events. I make sure the entire gym is set up the correct way. You never know what will come up.

Were there any professors that had an impact on you at JWU?

One hundred percent. Every professor whose classroom I stepped into had a personality that made the atmosphere welcoming. There was one who saw something in me, and in every one of his students. He wanted every student to thrive, succeed and push themselves. If you were struggling, he would reach out to you. It showed me that kindness goes a long way, whether it's in work or your day-to-day life.

What are the qualities you look for when hiring someone?

We look for soft skills and to see if they are engaged. Are they talking with us? We also look for people who can adapt quickly and problem solve but can also hold a conversation. And we look for people who are passionate about giving the student-athletes the best experience possible — they are ready to come to work, put on their best self and give it their all.

What’s one final piece of advice to leave with students who are graduating soon?

Be engaged and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. I heard this when I first attended JWU. It was during my orientation. You're going to be in uncomfortable situations, such as not wanting to raise your hand in class. You don’t have to do it every time, but just take the leap and try your best to put yourself out there a little more. That's how you're going to grow and keep moving forward.

Carolina Villela ’12

Were there any professors that impacted your time at JWU?

I had a professor that was always there to give career advice to me. And I was already working when I came to JWU as a continuing ed student. But every time I had a career move, I would ask for his advice, and he was always there for me.

Finish this sentence: “If I knew then what I know now …?”

Patience is key. When we start our careers, we want everything to happen very quickly, and I imagine it is even more so now. So, be patient, observe, network and be adaptable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to not know the answer to something. Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are people who will support you and add value to your career.

What are the qualities you look for when hiring someone?

I look for people who want to work at a hotel, that's the most important piece. I have been on teams with people who were miserable, did not want to be there and were afraid to make a move. When I took my current position about six months ago, the first thing I told my team was, if you don't want to be here, I’ll help you find another job. I want people that want to be on my team and are proud to be on that property.

What’s one final piece of advice that you would like to leave with students who are graduating soon?
Learn as much as you can. I started at the front desk at a hotel. I was always curious to learn about all the departments, which set me apart. I had to keep growing my career. Even though I worked at the front desk and wanted to be an event manager, I knew everything I could about housekeeping. Make sure to learn as much as you can; you can never know enough. Also, keep yourself grounded and disconnect. Take your shoes off, go walk on the grass and read a book. Once you get into your career, life really gets busy, and you will appreciate the time when you can connect with your inner self.

Tell Us Your Story

The journey from student to professional is exciting and challenging, and JWU alumni are seizing their moments. If you’re a JWU alum, we’d love to hear what you’re doing now and how JWU helped you get there. Tell us your story at JWU Alumni Class Notes form.

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