Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1526693
C reating generational wealth is frequently discussed, but college students often face challenges in accessing mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for growth. This summer, select business and tourism & hos- pitality management students were privileged to participate in the 28th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show Conference in Miami, Florida. This unique conference provided academic and professional development sessions featuring Desmond Alufohai, Protocol & International Affairs, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Joseph Gillin Senior Market Manager, Expedia Group, Andrew Wobensmith, Director of Data and Research, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Rachael Rothman Hotel Research and Data Analytics, CBRE covering asset management and hotel ownership, igniting a spark of inspiration for their future careers. B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 33 BY GREG DESHIELDS, HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL AND SHAWN ANDRE MURRAY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Students from Cornell University, the University of The Bahamas, Temple University School of Sport Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Montgomery County Comm- unity College were represented at the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers Conference. NABHOOD, with its mission to create hotel ownership opportunities and partnerships with hotel firms like Marriott Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hilton Hotels, and IHG Hotels, is a key player in increasing African American representation in hotel ownership, management, and devel- opment. Andy Ingraham, the founder and president of NAB- HOOD and the tourism marketing agency, Horizon's International Group Inc., is leading this positive change in the industry. THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOSPITALITY LEADERS