Carnival Gold Scholars

Scholars

• Cohort 8 (2021-2022)
  

  Madai Mendoza

  My name is Madai Mendoza and I am a proud incoming freshman to FIU. Despite some obstacles during my senior year, such as having to attend school online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned how resilient I am and how I am able to work under pressure. One of the most valuable lessons my high school career taught me is that I am a student who is responsible, hardworking, creative, and much more. While I study at FIU, I know I can look forward to enhancing these traits. I am excited for the next four years of my educational career as I begin to focus and pursue a career in the hospitality and tourism industry. The aid I receive from the Carnival Gold Scholarship will open doors for me and allow me to achieve goals that once seemed unattainable.

  Miami is a hub for hospitality and tourism that I have been fortunate enough to experience and grow up in first hand. My interest in this industry, however, blossomed after joining the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) in my freshman year of high school. Throughout my years of being part of this academy, I was able to learn more about the inner workings of the industry and the importance of human interactions in this trade. The combination of these factors increased my interest and inspired me to pursue a career in this field. As a part of AOHT, we were able to visit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management on multiple occasions, which solidified my passion for hospitality and tourism and helped me create a realistic plan to achieve my goals. Additionally, during my four years in AOHT, I was given the role of Treasurer for the Class of 2021, enhancing my responsibility in the Academy and teaching me important leadership skills. Along with being extremely dedicated to my schoolwork, I was able to participate in other clubs like MAO, or the math club. High school has had a profound influence on my life. It has shaped my vision for the future and taught me important lessons that I can carry into my future profession.

  I am extremely thankful to be recognized as a Carnival Gold Scholar. Ever since I learned about the scholarship on a visit to the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, it became a personal requisite to attain it during my college application journey. As a first-generation college student, I am proud and excited to accomplish goals that my parents have set out for me with Carnival’s help. This opportunity allows for my family and me to be unbound from financial constraints regarding my future and education. Obtaining this scholarship is a major motivator in transforming my dream of working in hospitality and tourism into a reality by helping me access a higher level of education at FIU. I am beyond excited to work alongside other people with the same interests, goals, and passions as me, working together to go above and beyond.

   

  

  Kelly Quiroz

  My name is Kelly Quiroz, and I am so proud to finally call myself a freshman at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. I would describe myself as independent, trustworthy, persistent, and kind. I have always liked being involved and helping others in any way I can. I love to learn, and I am eager to learn everything and anything I can during my next four years at the Chaplin School as I did throughout high school. I am extremely honored and grateful for this opportunity to study at the Chaplin School and to represent the Carnival Gold Scholars in a field that I have loved since I was eight years old.  

  I knew from a very early age that I wanted to study hospitality management all thanks to my beautiful mother who works in the hospitality industry for a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico. Having visited this resort plenty of times and being able to see and hear about the behind-the-scenes of it opened my eyes to the world of hospitality and I fell in love. My mom became my number one role model as I looked to her to tell me everything about the industry and to teach me all about her job and some trade secrets about the resort. This is why I have decided to pursue a career in hospitality management hotel and lodging. 

  I decided early on in school that I wanted to dedicate myself to learning and trying my absolute best to make not only my parents proud but also to be able to achieve my dreams. In high school, I decided to join an advanced academic program in my school called Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, which consists of pre-university and university courses that are taken throughout four years of high school. I also decided to join another program in my school called Pathway 2 College, which is a dual enrollment program where I took classes at Miami Dade College during the summer and school year. This rigorous schedule between both programs taught me a lot about time management and balance as I had to learn to manage the huge workload, clubs, home life, and social life. Although it was very difficult and stressful in the beginning, I was able to get hold of it all and give time to everything that was on my plate, even having enough time to participate in school clubs, sports, and extracurriculars.

  In my sophomore year, I decided to join the Health Information Project, which is a club where members lead peer health discussions to ninth-grade classes about mental health, drugs, alcohol, and sex. I got to do this during my junior and senior year of high school, and I became the historian of the club in my senior year. This club taught me a lot about public speaking and teamwork and as a result made me more confident in my skin. In addition to this, in my sophomore year as well, I joined my school bowling team. I quickly fell in love with the sport and would practice and compete all throughout the fall season. I was also very active in the culinary program and got to help cook and set up events in my schools like senior signing and teacher appreciation celebrations. I was also lucky enough to participate in the Taste of Education culinary competition and represent my school. This event in particular was my favorite because I got to plan out everything about it, from the dish we were serving to how our booth was going to look. This opportunity was one I will forever be thankful for as it gave me insight into event planning and management. 

  All in all, becoming a Carnival Gold Scholar is an opportunity that I am beyond grateful for, as now I can enjoy my college experience and make the most out of it without worrying if I was going to be able to afford it. I have always worked so hard to be the first in my family to graduate with a degree from college and do what they were not able to. I now feel very confident in my ability to achieve my dreams as this opportunity will allow me to follow in my mother’s footsteps and go beyond with all the amazing opportunities and open doors that await me in the future.
   

  

  Sofia Araya

  My name is Sofia Araya and I am excited to be starting my journey at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management as a freshman. My love for hospitality sparked my love for serving and touching the lives of others. Throughout my life, I have had certain experiences and opportunities that have developed my passion for the field of hospitality. 

  In high school, I held a variety of leadership positions. Most notably, I served as editor-in-chief of the yearbook and as my school’s Key Club president. Both of these leadership roles have made me realize how much I love being a leader. I found my passion in serving others and being able to provide people with a memorable service and experience. I also learned how to manage my time, which allowed me to balance all my schoolwork with my leadership positions. Public speaking, critical thinking, and working under pressure are all skills I've had to acquire. These leadership positions have molded me into the person I am now and have allowed me to fall in love with hospitality. 

  A quote by Maya Angelou that I have learned to cherish as I embark on this new chapter of my life is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I want to provide people with an experience that makes them feel good, because I know the impact it has. With the skills I have acquired in high school and the skills I will continue to acquire through this program, I plan to continue to touch the lives of others through hospitality. I know that the honor of being awarded a Carnival Gold Scholarship will open many doors and opportunities for me to develop my passion. Once I learned about the program, I knew it was the perfect fit for me because it caters to my interests and needs. I am honored to be here at Florida International University’s Chaplin School and I am proud to be able to represent my University as a Carnival Gold Scholar.

  

  Lillian Garconnette

  My name is Lillian Garconnette, and it is an honor to become a freshman at Florida International University and the Chaplin School. Throughout my high school years, I faced many obstacles—some that would cause others to completely give up. However, with the help of my sister and my culinary teacher, Mr. Andre Franks, I persevered and kept myself busy with extracurricular activities such as Family Career and Community Leaders of America, ProStart, and various competitions. These activities helped showcase my leadership skills alongside my culinary skills. 

  Even though I have not had the privilege of starting my hospitality experience in the classroom, Mr. Franks opened my eyes to the possibilities of this career path through various events throughout my four years at North Miami Senior High School. This, along with working at a coffee shop that valued great hospitality and service from their employees, molded my love for the hospitality industry. I learned how to network with people and I enjoyed having conversations with customers and making them feel welcomed.

  I am honored and extremely grateful to become a Carnival Gold Scholar. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to embark on my journey within the hospitality industry without having to worry about any financial burdens. I would like to thank Carnival for believing in me and investing in me and my education. I am eager to continue my education at the Chaplin School and meet all the amazing people who will impact my life, personally and professionally.

   

  

  Ahn Stéphie Louis

  My name is Ahn Stéphie Louis, and I am honored to be a freshman at Florida International University, majoring in Hospitality & Tourism Management. I have not yet had my first day of college, but I already feel at home! I feel like I belong here and am doing the right thing. I have already been blessed with many opportunities, one of them being the Carnival Gold Scholarship. I am very optimistic and hard-working. I always try to see the good side of things, and if there is none, I create my own. I would describe myself as a “social butterfly,” as I am very outgoing, daring, spirited, and absolutely in love with networking and social events. I believe that networking is the hidden key to success; the people you meet, the relationships you build, the memories you create, and most importantly, the knowledge you gain. For that same reason, one of my favorite quotes is: “What you know gets you to the door, but whom you know opens it for you.”

  Hospitality has always been a part of me, whether consciously or subconsciously—my amiability and conviviality are two of my best attributes. I am very open-minded and have a profound love for people and their interests in general. I love helping others and learning about them. I am very passionate about foreign languages (I already am fluent in Spanish, French, Creole, and English), other people, cultures, foods, history, architecture, etc. I always like for people around me to feel at home and welcome. It allows space for a solid social dynamic and a growing environment. This is very personal for me, as when I first came to this country, I often felt like a stranger far from home who was not welcome. During the past years, I have gained some experience in the hospitality industry, as I have worked in retail, food and beverage, and even event hosting. All I can say is that I loved it, and I am more than ready to be involved, included, and remembered in such a wonderful industry. 

  Receiving the Carnival Gold Scholarship is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I am incredibly thankful. I plan to seize this chance with both hands and make the very best of it. I am determined to be the best version of myself throughout these upcoming years and more motivated than ever. I feel more than lucky to have been given such a chance and see more than a plethora of beautiful outcomes.

• Cohort 7 (2020 - 2021)

  

  Camila Ospina Diez
  has excelled academically during her first semester at FIU. This semester Camila is taking a full load of classes and working full time as an At Your Service agent at JW Turnberry in North Miami. She currently has an overall GPA of 3.19. Camila has had a tremendous year of personal growth despite all obstacles she encountered.

  

  Anelis Esquijarosa's
  year has been a very challenging one. Due to the stresses of COVID-19, she has had to take on a little more responsibility at home. When not taking care of family responsibilities, Anelis has spent the majority of her first year at FIU excelling in her classes. She managed to end the year with a GPA of 3.77. Anelis hopes to be more involved in FIU and is currently working with Katherine Martin on future career opportunities.

  

  Aubrey Lubrano
  has been excelling in her studies at FIU and currently maintains an overall GPA of 3.71. Aubrey recently relocated to Miami and is now an active and contributing member of the Miami community. Aubrey currently works as a front desk agent at the Sonesta Miami Airport. Aubrey recently volunteered at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and is looking forward to getting more involved in events on campus.

  

  Erik Surli
  has been busy during his first year at FIU. Outside of taking a full load of classes this semester, Erik was recently promoted to Manager at Cinemark in Davie, FL. He also found the time to participate in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Erik completed his spring semester with an overall GPA of 3.91 and is looking forward to returning to campus this fall where he can network further with his fellow scholars.

  

  Genesis Torrez
  was very successful both personally and academically. She continued to excel academically and has maintained a 3.95 GPA. Outside of taking a full load of classes, Genesis works part time as an event coordinator for Cutler Bay Banquet Hall. For next semester, Genesis is looking forward to returning to classes on campus and the opportunity to network further with her fellow scholars.

• Cohort 6 (2019-2020)

  

  Danaisy Abascal-Yero
  remains on course to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality this fall 2021 semester. She was recently accepted to our combined bachelor’s/master’s program and began taking some of her master’s classes this semester. Danaisy was able to secure a full-time position with Light Up the Night, an event company. In this role, Danaisy oversees purchases for event decor/event production, records purchases on the corresponding expense sheets, and manages the master expense sheet of all purchases, in addition to a host of other responsibilities. She currently has an overall GPA of 3.97.

  

  Keyshawn Cole
  has continued to excel both academically and personally. After a challenging first year academically, Keyshawn continued to seek therapy from our Counseling and Psychological Services office and managed to raise his GPA to 3.09. This spring, he decided to regroup and work with Kathy Martin on different career options available to him. He hopes to begin working during the summer semester.

  

  Tia Yahnke
  has continued to excel academically this semester. She currently has an overall GPA of 3.39. This semester, Tia was able to secure a job as an Event Coordinator for Logos Capital. In this position, she works directly with Chief Operating Officer Mo Hasan on several events and hopes to apply theories and content from the classroom to the workplace.

  

  Jose Bernal
  made tremendous strides both academically and professionally in spring 2021. Jose recently earned his Community Association Management license and is able to apply this knowledge in his job as a Resident Service Coordinator for KW Property Management. Jose holds an overall GPA of 3.90.

  

  Celesse Temes
  continues to be an active and contributing member to the FIU student community. This semester Celesse received the FIU Student Life Most Spirited award for her various involvements on campus. Celesse currently serves as the Hospitality Senator on the Student Government Association. Outside of FIU, Celesse successfully received a lifetime professional wedding planning certificate and is currently completing an internship with Divine Tours. Celesse currently has an overall GPA of 3.87.

• Cohort 5 (2018-2019)

  

  Vicky Chapas
  graduated this past spring 2021 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management with a GPA of 3.85. Vicky recently returned to work at the Eden Roc as a spa front desk agent. Vicky recently earned her Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).

  

  Leeanne Grunow
  had a challenging spring 2021 semester filled with ups and downs. Leeanne was one of six students selected for our Bacardi Internship Program, however a car accident required that she push accepting this internship to the upcoming fall 2021 semester. During this time of recovery, she served as the Bartending Guild’s RSO representative, interned with the American Fine Wine competition, and as our FIU Rioja Wine Ambassador. Leeanne was the only Chaplin School student featured in The College Tour, an Amazon Prime special that focuses on the life of a college student. She was recently accepted to our combined bachelor’s/master’s program and began taking some of her master’s classes this semester. Leeanne currently holds a GPA of 3.60.

  

  Ariane Uy
  graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management this past spring 2021 with an overall GPA of 3.86. Ariane recently switched careers and is now a Sales Coordinator for Fairfield by Marriott. In her new role, she hopes to build on previous experiences and expand her knowledge on different areas within the industry.

  

  Sophonie Dantes
  is set to graduate with her Bachelor’s degree this summer and currently has an overall GPA of 3.14. This semester, Sophonie worked full time at Fiola Miami in Coral Gables, FL as the Garde Station Manager. She has made several changes within her personal life to allow her to continue to be successful moving forward. Sophonie is currently applying to our Master of Science in Hospitality Management program and hopes to continue to grow academically and professionally during the next year.

  

  Maria Rivera
  graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management this past spring 2021 with an overall GPA of 3.92. Maria was accepted to the combined 4+1 program and is set to complete her Master of Science in Hospitality Management this upcoming fall 2021 semester. Maria also works full time at the Courtyard by Marriott and was recently promoted to Operations Supervisor.

• Cohort 4 (2017-2018)

  

  Kayla Abad '19
  graduated with her Master of Science in Hospitality Management in spring 2020 with an overall GPA of 3.91. Kayla continues to make strides in her chosen area of concentration and was recently promoted to serve as the Human Resources Generalist for Carnival Cruise Lines.

  

  Tyriq Askew
  graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in spring 2021. Tyriq was able to complete his bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.19. Tyriq currently serves as the Visitor Experience Representative for Artechouse in Miami.

  

  Tameria Benjamin
  is pursuing a career in food science and continues to be an active leader in the hospitality community. Tameria continues to work with Dr. Imran Ahmad on his research with food product safety. This semester, she was tasked with assisting clients to produce nutrition labels for their various food products. Tameria is set to graduate with her bachelor’s degree this summer and currently has an overall GPA of 3.5.

  

  Jorge Gutierrez '19 MS'19
  graduated with his Master of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2019. Jorge is working full time as an AVS Test Specialist with Argo AI.

  

  Tatiana Molina
  graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2020. Tatiana is currently working full time as a Technical Incident Manager for Carnival’s OCEAN Program. Tatiana earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and hopes to continue to grow within the company after graduation.

• Cohort 3 (2016-2017)

  

  Serena Beze '19
  graduated with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management in July 2020. She currently works as a Junior Green Coffee Trader with List + Beisler in Miami. She hopes to connect people to quality coffee and experiences that help create enriching memories.

  

  Taisha Coradin
  graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree in spring 2020. Like many of her peers, Taisha continues to find ways to improve personally and grow as we are able to fully organize in-person events once again.

  

  Leah Esper '19
  graduated with her Master of Science in Hospitality Management in spring 2020 semester. Leah was able to complete her master’s degree with a GPA of 3.91. After serving as a content strategist for a start-up recruiting company called Fetcher, Leah transitioned to work for David Grutman and Groot Hospitality. She is now the Marketing Manager for Groot Hospitality.

  

  Dyani Roberts '19
  graduated with her Master of Science in Hospitality Management in summer 2020. Dyani worked full time at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel as a Catering & Events Coordinator prior to the property’s closure due to COVID-19. Dyani recently moved back home to live with her mom and is currently seeking a full-time position within food & beverages.

  

  Faith Snow
  graduated with her Master of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2020. Faith was able to complete her master’s degree with a GPA of 3.52. Faith is currently working as the Practice Manager at Healthy Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic. Faith has the desire to remain connected with higher education institutions in a teaching capacity. She hopes to one day be able to pass on her knowledge to other students who follow her.

• Cohort 2 (2015-2016)

  

  Destinee Gutierrez '19
  graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in April 2019. Destinee recently relocated to Cincinnati, OH to work as a Design Coordinator for Fischer Homes. In this position, she is able to combine her love for design with a passion for real estate.

  

  Heissel Mayorga '18
  graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in July 2018. Currently, she serves as the Benefits Coordinator for Advanced Roofing, Inc. Here, she continues to apply theories and content from the classroom to the workplace.

  

  Dalila Pineda '19
  graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in April 2019. Upon graduation, Dalila went on a three-month trip to Europe where she was able to gain valuable insights on the hospitality industry. She is currently working as the Front Office Manager at Nobu Hotel in Miami Beach.

  

  Deborah Sanchez '18 MS'19
  graduated with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management in August 2019. Deborah works full time as an Applications Recruiter at TEKsystems and is currently looking to return to the hospitality industry in a marketing role.

  

  John Simpson '18
  graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2018. He obtained his Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) designation and is currently working as Director of Operations for Concord Hospitality Enterprises.

• Cohort 1 (2014-2015)

  

  Price Destinobles '18 MS'19
  graduated with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management in July 2019. Price is currently working full time at Wix.com as a Customer Care Expert. Price continues to be a leader amongst his community. He holds weekly Bible sessions via Zoom for current students who are part of a student club on campus. He uses this opportunity to energize these students and keep them in good spirits.

  

  Marvah V. Benjamin '17 MS'18
  graduated with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2018. Marvah had initially relocated to Atlanta, GA with her husband to work full time as a Spa Concierge at The Spa at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta-Buckhead. Marvah has returned to Miami for the time being and hopes to return to Atlanta within the next few months.

  

  Kristen Ayana Linton '18 MS'18
  graduated with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2018. She obtained her Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) designation and is currently working towards obtaining a master’s degree in speech pathology.

  

  Kandys Adeline Temes '17 MS'18
  graduated with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management in July 2018. She obtained her Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) designation and is currently working full time at Florida International University as a Junior Special Events Manager. Kandys recently participated in an information session organized by the Bridal Society. The Bridal Society is the nation’s leading wedding planning certification program. She continues to find ways to learn and add to her skills.