Mosaic Hospitality Association Holds Inaugural Launch Event and Celebration at Marriot International Headquarters

Ithaca, New York Oct 16, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - The Mosaic Hospitality Association, a groundbreaking national initiative dedicated to cultivating the full mosaic of talent that powers the hospitality industry, hosted its two-day Launch Celebration and Leadership Symposium at Marriott International headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland late last week. More than 40 current and aspiring industry leaders came together to celebrate Mosaics mission to advance education, mentorship, and leadership development for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Dr. Sharonda Bishop, Advising Director of Mosaic, highlighted the significance of the launch: This was more than an event it was the beginning of a movement. We came together in a shared commitment to create a world where leadership in the hospitality industry reflects the full mosaic of talent and experiences in the workforce.

During the launch event, Dr. Bishop also announced Mosaics first university chapters: Were thrilled to launch our inaugural chapters at Cornell University, North Carolina Central University, San Diego State University, the University of the District of Columbia, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.  We anticipate and welcome additional Mosaic Chapters in the coming months.

Evan Frazier, Mosaics Advisory Board Chair and President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), provided opening remarks and recognized Mosaics Founding Partners: Aramark, Encore, Marriott International, and MGM Resorts for their vision and early support of Mosaic. Victor Younger, Mosaics Advisory Board Vice Chair and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Cornells Noland School of Hotel Administration, addressed the audience and recognized members of Mosaics Founding Advisory Board.  And a special congratulatory toast was provided during the reception by Carl Winston, Mosaic Advisory Board Member and Founding Director of the Payne School at San Diego State University.

Sarah DAngelo, Marriott Internationals Director, Talent Acquisition + University Recruitment, hosted the event and said: Marriott is pleased to be a Founding Partner of Mosaic. We share Mosaics commitment to building a pipeline of leaders who represent the full mosaic of talent that will shape our industry for decades to come.

Leaders of other Mosaic Founding Partners taking part in the two-day event were Fenimore Fisher, Vice President, Global Inclusion, Aramark; Kevin Wanamaker, Divisional Vice President, Encore; and Ted Teng, former CEO of Leading Hotels of the World. DAngelo and these leaders shared candid insights from their own leadership journeys as part of an Executive Fireside Chat moderated by Stacy Delapenha, Treasurer of the Mosaic Advisory Board and Vice President, Apprenticeship & Employer Engagement at the Strada Education Foundation.

With Mosaics focus on education, it was notable that there were 20 students in attendance with representation from students and faculty of nine universities Cal Poly Pomona, Cornell University, Morgan State University, New York University, North Carolina Central University, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, San Diego State University, and Virginia State University. These students heard directly from industry leaders about standing out, building resilience, and creating meaningful careers in hospitality.

The two-day event also featured a keynote address by Calvin Stovall, Chief Experience Officer for Iconic Presentations LLC and Director of Executive Programs at TALI. In addition to sharing an inspiring message about hospitality service and leadership, he also shared insights about his  upcoming book Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners, which launches in bookstores on October 21. Stovall urged participants to embrace Mosaics mission to ensure that the next generation of hospitality leaders reflects the richness of talent and perspectives that drive the industry forward.

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Building a Strong Foundation for Long-Term Impact

In closing the event, Frazier emphasized Mosaics long-term vision: Mosaic is built on a strong foundation of collaboration and vision. We are connecting students and educators at colleges and universities with leading employers across hospitality. This launch is just the start of a national movement to provide education, mentorship, leadership training, and professional development to prepare students to lead the future of hospitality and related fields.

A Movement to Expand Access and Opportunity

Mosaics work is guided by four core pillars:

• Expanding Access Opening doors to leadership training, powerful networks, and career opportunities.
• Building Connectivity Strengthening collaboration between universities and employers to meet emerging talent needs.
• Driving Mentorship Connecting students with experienced professionals who can guide their growth.
• Investing in Research Delivering data and insights that support a strong and sustainable talent pipeline.

About Mosaic Hospitality Association

The Mosaic Hospitality Association is a pioneering nonprofit initiative dedicated to preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Through education, mentorship, leadership training, and professional development, Mosaic empowers students and alumni from all backgrounds. Its mission is to unlock opportunity for the full mosaic of hospitality talent, and its vision is a future where leadership reflects the breadth of talent and experiences in the workforce.

Mosaic currently operates under fiscal sponsorship from the Center for Transformative Action, a charitable organization located in Ithaca, New York. To learn more or get involved, please visit  www.mosaichospitalityassociation.org or contact us at Email: office@mosaichospitalityassociation.org.