JWU College of Hospitality & Business

Hey Graduating Seniors, what’s next?!

As the sun starts setting on our JWU COHB journey’s we’d love to know where you’re heading, what you’re up to, and your sage advice. Tap the link in the bio, in the story, or find this post on JWUlink!

The faculty and staff see our student’s passion, resilience, and potential everyday. oneJWU is our opportunity to show them that we believe in what’s next…for them AND for JWU! We’re proud to support the people and programs that make the COHB and all of JWU special, and hope you’ll join us in supporting.

Follow the link in the bio or click the story post to participate in oneJWU: 24 Hours of Giving!!

Meet Aaliyah! Rounding out our Wildcat to Workforce Panel next week, Aaliyah will bring some awesome perspective. Get to know her a bit more here:

A Class of 2025 graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Aaliyah Dias earned her B.S. in Business Administration (minor in Finance) and graduated early! She now serves as a Workplace Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, helping individuals build financial confidence and align decisions with their long-term goals.

Holding her SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses, Aaliyah pairs technical expertise with a client-first mindset shaped by her early banking experience. As a first-generation college graduate, she’s passionate about mentoring students on career navigation, corporate culture, and the power of initiative, proving that leadership starts with ownership of your path.

Register today to hear more from Aaliyah and all the other panelists on Wednesday, March 11th!!

Meet Grace! She will be joining us next week for the Wildcats to Workforce panel at The CONNECT, but before you hear her career insights, here is a little about her:

An alumni of Johnson & Wales University, with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising & Retail, she now serves as an Assistant Sourcing Manager driving trend-forward, customer-focused strategy.

Working closely with merchants, mills, and vendors, she helps lead sourcing initiatives that align with company values while balancing innovation, relationships, and cost strategy. Students will gain insight into how fashion leadership blends market awareness, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to bring products from concept to customer.

Meet Alex! He’ll also be a panelist next week for the Wildcats to Workforce panel at The CONNECT. Here’s a bit more about Alex:

A proud 2025 graduate of the Johnson & Wales University College of Hospitality Management, Alex Farmer is already making an impact as a Revenue Manager with Marriott International’s Revenue Management Advisory Services (RMAS).

Supporting pricing and demand strategy across a 12-hotel portfolio, Alex blends analytics with real-world hospitality operations. Students will gain insight into how data-driven decision making fuels profitability and how early-career professionals can step confidently into strategic leadership roles.

Register today and see you next week!!

Meet Mikael! He’ll be speaking on the Wildcats to Workforce panel at CONNECT…and before we learn about his journey, here’s a chance to get to know him more:

Mikael Wallace-Boahin serves as Operations & Administrative Supervisor for the New England Revolution Academy, where he oversees program logistics, camp compliance, and brand activations that elevate the Academy’s presence across New England. Blending operations, marketing, and community engagement, he ensures both behind-the-scenes excellence and front-facing impact.

A proud graduate of Johnson & Wales University and former JWU Men’s Soccer student-athlete, Mikael pairs his MBA in Marketing with hands-on leadership experience from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Students will learn how operational discipline, brand strategy, and mentorship come together to create meaningful community impact on and off the field.

If you haven’t yet, make sure to register for sessions on 3/11 today!!

Meet Amy! She will be bringing a wealth of knowledge to The CONNECT during the Data Analytics and AI session. Before next Wednesday though, here’s a bit more about Amy:

Amy Santopietro is a leader in human-centered insights and currently serves as Director of Market Research and Consumer Insights at Mass General Brigham, where she helps shape marketing, patient experience, and digital strategy through data-driven decision making.

With prior experience at The TJX Companies and major research agencies, Amy brings cross-industry expertise to every challenge. As President of the Insights Association North Atlantic Chapter and a contributor to the IDEA Council, she champions inclusive research practices. Students will learn how to turn data into meaningful action and how thoughtful insights leadership can drive real organizational impact.

Grab your seat for the session by search for The CONNECT on JWULink!!

Meet David - he’ll round out the opening panel at The CONNECT! Get to know him a bit:

A champion of lifelong learning and global partnership, David Riederman serves as a Global Account Director with Omni Hotels & Resorts, managing a portfolio of 60 multinational corporate and nonprofit clients. He builds strategic relationships that drive growth while helping organizations navigate the global hospitality landscape.

A frequent guest speaker at New York University and the University of Rhode Island, and a proud alum of SUNY Old Westbury, David is deeply committed to mentorship and service. Students will gain insight into global account strategy, relationship-driven leadership, and the power of staying connected to your community.

If you haven’t signed up for The CONNECT yet, search for the registration like on JWULink Today!!

Last week students in our Sustainable Tourism MS Program explored the Blackstone Valley — America’s birthplace of industry and environmental lessons.

From the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center to the Slater Mill National Historical Park with National Park Rangers, they traced the rise of water power, the loss of a sustainable landscape, and today’s efforts to restore it.

They saw how history meets the future at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Train Station, the Narragansett Bay Commission’s CSO Project, water-powered dams, and the Blackstone River Bikeway.

They connected with mill developers, visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s boyhood home, and wrapped up with sustainability insights from Tim Holtz & Paul Berne at Centreville Stadium.

A hands-on journey into how past choices shape today’s sustainability challenges and solutions for tomorrow.

Throwback Friday? Last week a group of students were hosted at the by the university recruitment team for a day of immersion and learning about all of the programs they offer to connect students to career opportunities.

For more information check in with the team at Experiential Education, the Marriott team at the career fair, or send us a DM and we’ll connect you!

Big shout out to Alli, Ashley, and Michael from the Marriott URR Team and for some great word of advice!

Looking back at the Dean’s College Welcome Event!

COHB students had a great time connecting before the first day of classes — a day full of fun games, laughter, and meaningful moments.