The Evolution Continues: Reflections from the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders
The 29th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show, hosted by the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD), once again brought together industry leaders, investors, developers, and aspiring professionals for an energizing week of connection, insight, and transformation. Held in vibrant Miami, this year's summit was centered around the theme "The Evolution Continues," with a special emphasis on mentorship, generational progress, and the educational pathways shaping the future of hospitality.
The 2025 NABHOOD Student Delegates were warmly welcomed as rising leaders in the hospitality industry. At the heart of this year's summit was the NABHOOD Student Program, a hallmark initiative that invests in the next generation of hospitality professionals and potential hotel owners. This year's student cohort comprising 40 delegates from a diverse mix of colleges and universities across the U.S. and the Caribbean represented a vibrant, multicultural tapestry of ambition, intellect, and leadership.
As Education Committee Co-Chairs, Shawn Murray and Greg DeShields expressed sincere gratitude to the deans, professors, and program directors who accompanied their students to the summit, recognizing their critical role in cultivating the talent that will lead tomorrow's hospitality sector.
Participating institutions included:
• Montgomery County Community College
• North Carolina Central University
• Northern Caribbean University
• Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
• Temple University – School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
These bright minds came to Miami ready to engage and they did just that. From investment seminars and one-on-one mentoring sessions to immersive workshops and networking events, students were fully integrated into the NABHOOD experience. This blend of student-specific programming and access to general sessions allowed them to connect with seasoned professionals and absorb real-time lessons in leadership, ownership, and innovation.
The journey from the classroom to the boardroom began as students transitioned into real-world industry engagement at the NABHOOD Summit. For many students, the experience at NABHOOD was symbolic of their broader path from academia to industry.
The student delegates from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, a private university located in the Dominican Republic, collaborated with students from the United States, creating a pipeline for Caribbean-based hotel investment. Team lead Isabela María Miranda González shares “Attending this year's NABHOOD Conference provided the opportunity to expand my perspective beyond the culinary arts and immerse myself in the broader hospitality industry, especially in areas like commercial real estate and hotel development, which has sparked a new interest in me for the business and structural side of tourism a career track I had not been fully exposed to previously.”
The summit offered powerful learning in action, highlighting key moments that deepened students' understanding of the hospitality industry. A key component of the student program was access to high-level summit events, where students gained direct exposure to the industry's biggest trends, challenges, and opportunities. At the 12th Annual International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show, students were immersed in discussions on the intersection of culture, heritage, and global tourism development.
One of the most memorable moments came during the NABHOOD Awards and Scholarship Luncheon, presented by Hilton, which featured a robust roster of public and private sector leaders. The distinguished lineup included:
• David Whitaker, President/CEO, Greater Miami CVB
• Geoff Freeman, President/CEO, U.S. Travel Association
• Kamalesh "KP" Patel, Chairperson, AAHOA
• Norm Jenkins, President, Capstone Development (MC)
• Rosanna Maietta, President/CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
These influential voices reinforced NABHOOD's mission: to diversify hotel ownership, promote economic empowerment, and close the racial wealth gap through education, advocacy, and opportunity.
One of the program's most engaging moments came during the 7th Annual Thomas J. Baltimore Jr. Distinguished Speaker Series, where NABHOOD President & CEO Dr. Andy Ingraham sat down with Stephen P. Joyce, Executive Chairperson of Aimbridge Hospitality. Joyce, whose storied career includes leadership at Choice Hotels, Re/Max, and Dine Brands, offered students a candid view into the mindset of a top executive.
He shared lessons about resilience, innovation, and relationship-building reminding students that while the industry is evolving, foundational leadership values remain constant. Joyce also encouraged students to explore nontraditional career pathways, including opportunities with management companies, franchise operations, and independent properties, noting that the era of direct corporate ownership is shifting.
Students had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and were recognized for their leadership and engagement throughout the summit. Each evening, students gathered for a daily reflection session, creating space to process, share, and connect. These reflections provided valuable insight into their evolving perspectives and affirmed just how deeply the summit experience had impacted them.
Montgomery County Community College tourism & hospitality management student Darren Pierce summarized the relationships and importance of career pipelines, culminating and developing, stating “This year’s NABHOOD Conference was an eye-opening and inspiring experience, which provided a deeper understanding of the landscape of hotel ownership and commercial real estate development, I also realized that success in hospitality doesn’t have to be limited to operational roles; there are opportunities in ownership, investment, and executive leadership as well.”
Students built community beyond the ballroom through meaningful networking opportunities, including a scenic boat cruise and social events. In addition to formal programming, students participated in a variety of networking events that blended education with social engagement. From luncheons and receptions to a picturesque boat cruise along the Miami shoreline, students connected with executives and peers in an atmosphere of celebration and collaboration.
The 2025 NABHOOD Student Experience was more than a program it was a launching pad. From the insightful workshops to the final farewell, students were immersed in a world of opportunity, inspired by those who came before them, and empowered to see themselves as future leaders and owners in hospitality.
Together, we are not just shaping careers; we are shaping an industry.
The Evolution Continues.
