SHAWANO, WIS.—NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), the industry’s leading organization dedicated to scholarship, education, mentorship, and professional networking, announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarship awards in early November. A total of $80,000 was presented to outstanding students pursuing careers in hospitality during a series of recognition events held in conjunction with BDNY, November 9 to 10, 2025.
The scholarships underscore NEWH’s continued commitment to cultivating the next generation of hospitality professionals and investing in future industry leadership. Recipients were selected for their academic excellence, creativity, and demonstrated potential to make meaningful contributions to the field.
“Our scholarship recipients exemplify the exact drive and creativity that keep the hospitality industry moving forward,” said Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc. “Their passion highlights the potential of the next generation of hospitality leaders, and NEWH is proud to stand behind them as they continue to grow into the professionals who will define what excellence looks like in the years ahead.”
Founded in 1984, NEWH recognizes the talent and ability of students and encourages involvement in all areas of hospitality, food service, and related fields through scholarships, seminars, and educational programs. The following recipients represent the next generation of innovators, designers, and leaders who will shape the future of hospitality:
Platinum Circle
- NEWH Interior Design Scholarship – $15,000 (sponsored by P/Kaufmann Contract): Caroline Vinci, Graduate Interior Design, New York School of Interior Design
- NEWH Deborah Herman Legacy Scholarship – $10,000 (sponsored by Deborah Herman): Lauren Maese, Graduate Hospitality Management, Cornell University
- NEWH Tarkett Hospitality Design Achievement – $10,000 (sponsored by Tarkett Hospitality): Eyerusalem Hagos, Interior Architecture, Columbia College Chicago
- NEWH Clifford R. Tuttle Scholarship – $5,000 (sponsored by ForrestPerkins/Perkins Eastman): Michaela Simon, Interior Design, Moore College of Art & Design
Green Voice Design Competition Presentation
- $7,500 Scholarship (sponsored by Amtrend, Culp Hospitality, Florida Seating, Posh Textiles, Royal Thai):
- Undergraduate students: Trey Phillips & Reagan Vaughan, Interior Architecture + Design, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- $7,500 Scholarship (sponsored by Amtrend, Culp Hospitality, Florida Seating, Posh Textiles, Royal Thai):
- Graduate students: Alexa Jaspan & Katia Rodriguez, Graduate Interior Architecture, Florida International University
Women Leaders Breakfast
- NEWH BrandED Scholarship – $7,500 (in the name of IHG Hotels & Resorts): Cheyenne Hamilton, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management, Monroe University
- Diversity in Hospitality Scholarship – $5,000 (a partnership between HDAC and NEWH, and underwritten by Emerald): Margaret Thompson, Graduate Global Hospitality Management, New York University
- NEWH Women Leaders Scholarship – $5,000 (sponsored by Boutique Design Group): Taylor Sackella, Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida
Gold Key
- NEWH ICON of Industry Scholarship – $7,500: Kevin Schenkel, Interior Design, University of Cincinnati.
About NEWH: NEWH is the international nonprofit community connecting the hospitality industry, providing scholarships, education, leadership development, and recognition of excellence. Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, NEWH strives to foster leadership development and facilitate meaningful connections among industry professionals. For more information, visit https://newh.org/.
