AHLA Foundation Hosts 6th Annual Gala to Celebrate Hotel Workforce
Industry’s top honor presented to The Nonantum Resort’s Colby Bracy, Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt receives 3rd annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 22, 2024) – AHLA Foundation yesterday hosted its 6th annual Night of a Thousand Stars gala honoring leaders in the hotel and lodging industry – including property-level talent who embody the spirit of hospitality. The event raised nearly $1 million to support AHLA Foundation initiatives aimed at strengthening industry’s workforce and included the Stars of the Industry Awards, commemorating winners for their service to the industry.
“The Night of a Thousand Stars Gala brings our entire industry together to celebrate the work and dedication of the unsung heroes of hospitality – the ones at the heart of our industry,” said Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation.
As part of the celebration, AHLA Foundation introduced the Scholar of the Year Award to recognize outstanding achievement by a hospitality student and demonstrate its commitment to recruiting the next generation of hospitality industry talent. The Foundation also shared the success of Camryn Willis, an AHLA Foundation scholarship recipient. See her story HERE.
During the event, AHLA honored Hyatt President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian with the third annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award for his transformative and empathetic leadership.
“Mark has championed countless initiatives that raise the bar in our industry, with his impact extending beyond the boardroom and into his local community,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “In honoring Mark with the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award, we celebrate a leader whose contributions transcend corporate success and echo in the lives of those he touches throughout the community.”
AHLA’s 2024 Stars of the Industry winners:
North Star Award Winner:
- Colby Bracy, Director of Human Resources, The Nonantum Resort
North Star Award Finalists:
- Alfonso Rauda-Serrano, Chief Engineer, Valley River Inn Eugene
- Bonnie Sager, General Manager, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hazelton
AHLA Foundation ForWard: Paving the Way Award
- Lina Patel, Director, Strategic Franchise Initiative, Red Roof Franchising
Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
- Adrian Adriano III, Director, Premium Brands, Marriott International
Foundation Scholar of the Year
- Olivia Cannella, Hospitality Senior, Michigan State University
About The AHLA Foundation
The AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, works to support the hotel and lodging industry’s greatest asset – our people. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. When the people who work in our industry thrive, the industry thrives along with them. The Foundation is funded by grants and charitable contributions from generous individuals and organizations who want to support individuals seeking opportunities to thrive in the hotel and lodging industry. Learn more at www.ahlafoundation.org.
About AHLA
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
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