The Leadership for Women in Hospitality course will feature lectures and discussion with 12 acclaimed women entrepreneurs, culinary leaders, and industry experts.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Harrah College of Hospitality, and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), in partnership with the Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI) has announced the lineup of acclaimed guest speakers and curriculum topics for its first-ever Bachelor’s degree-level course examining women’s leadership and management, gender disparities, and diversity in the restaurant and culinary industries.
From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Leadership for Women in Hospitality begins its guest speaker series on Monday, September 14, with an appearance by WHI co-founder and Blau + Associates founder and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Blau, who will discuss the “Business Case for Women in Leadership” and how women can demonstrate their value, grow their business, and stay ahead of the industry challenges that up-and-coming leaders face.
The lineup of guest speakers and topics includes:
Sept. 14 – Elizabeth Blau, Blau + Associates and WHI
The Business Case for Women in Leadership
Sept. 21 – Mary Choi Kelly, MCK Leadership Talent Group LLC and WHI
Defining your Personal Leadership Brand
Sept. 28 – Joanna James, A Fine Line director and producer
Conversation with “A Fine Line” Movie Producer
Oct. 5 – Jennifer Murphy, Executive Chef, Caesars Palace Janine Jaffer, Executive Chef, Shiraz Restaurant
Building a Team, Team Dynamics and Transitioning from Peer to Leader
Oct. 12 – Michelle DiTondo, Principal, Avion Consulting
The Importance of Continuous Learning
Oct. 19 – Corrine Clement, Founder, DEI Institute
Understanding Unconscious Bias and EQ
Oct. 26 – Punam Mathur, Executive Director, Elaine Wynn & Family Foundation
Navigating Politics and Power Dynamics
Nov. 2 – Olivia Brown, CEO & Co-Founder, Heritage Consulting by B+R, LLC
Building Relationships, Networks and Allies
Nov. 9 – Daniela Soto-Innes, Partner, Elio Las Vegas, Cosme NYC, Atla NYC Sarah Thompson, Executive Chef, Elio Las Vegas Redefining the Kitchen Culture to Build Inclusion
Nov. 16 – Kathy Merget, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students, CIA
How Self-care, Personal Wellness and Paid Family Leave Impact Women
Nov. 23 – Jean Hagen, Principal, Business Management, Krost CPA
Building a Career in Hospitality
Nov. 30 – Jolene Mannina, President, secretburger.com and WHI; Elizabeth Blau
Entrepreneur Leadership in the Restaurant Industry
