2025 Honorees

Emilie Leyva

Marketing

Emilie Leyva

Emilie Leyva's parents left Cuba months before completing their undergraduate degrees. They sacrificed their education for a chance at freedom. Because of them, education is a top priority for Leyva. 
 
Her time at 小黄鸭视频 is defined by academic rigor, leadership, and a commitment to professional and community development. 
 
Leyva graduates in May with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Marketing. Future plans include getting a graduate degree to solidify a career in sustainable hospitality management. 
鈥&苍产蝉辫;
Leyva discovered her love for hospitality management as a student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Her capstone project was a 40-page thesis on leadership ethics in the hospitality industry.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
鈥&苍产蝉辫;
Beyond academics, she was co-president of the American Marketing Association at 小黄鸭视频. One of her proudest projects was serving as director of the 20th Annual ScramBULL Golf Tournament. That event raised over $26,000 in sponsorships and donations. 
鈥&苍产蝉辫;
She also works as the assistant social media and brands coordinator for Hi Hospitality Group where she manages the social media accounts for five restaurants.  
 
鈥淭hese hands-on experiences have prepared me to take on leadership roles in hospitality. They have solidified my desire to pursue a career in sustainable hotel management,鈥 she said. 
鈥&苍产蝉辫;
Her future goal is to combine sustainability with employee-centered management practices in hospitality. She wants to ensure businesses are not only profitable, but also ethical and socially responsible.