Hotel Leadership Development Program

We are ecstatic to announce the promotion of Jessica Bizub '27 to Student Sales and Marketing Director!

Jessica is a junior in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, specializing in Services Marketing and minoring in Psychology. She began working at The Statler Hotel during her freshman year with the Meetings and Events team. After joining the Hotel Leadership Development Program, she transitioned into Sales and Marketing, where she developed a passion for building client relationships and supporting group business as she progressed through the roles of Coordinator, Supervisor, and Manager with efficiency and prowess.

Outside of work, Jessica just finished serving as the Promotional Chair for Cornell University’s Program Board and will step into the role of Executive Chair next year.

Congrats Jessica! We are so excited to see what you do next!

The Statler Hotel is hiring both Cornell and non-Cornell students for the summer! Do you have a college student coming home for the summer looking for a job? How about a high school student (aged 16+)?

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University is looking for temporary Meetings & Events Service Staff for Cornell Commencement, with the option to continue during the summer. Several other positions are also available — candidates are asked to submit their applications as soon as possible!

Cornell Students Apply Here (search “Statler”): https://www.myworkday.com/cornell/d/task/1422$8033.htmld

Non-Cornell Students Apply Here: https://jobs.hr.cornell.edu/us/en/search-results?keywords=statler

Congratulations Oluwafunmilade (Funmi) Agboola '27 on your promotion to Sales and Marketing Student Supervisor!!

Funmi, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, is a junior in the Hotel School studying Marketing with a minor in Applied Economics. She began her HLDP journey in the Culinary Department as a banquet chef, then transitioned to Sales and Marketing.

Through her experience across multiple departments at the hotel, Funmi has developed a strong appreciation for the full scope of hospitality and is excited to carry that knowledge into her internship this summer. The Hotel School provides her the space to grow creatively, work independently, and stay grounded in serving her community. She looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact within the hotel and the hospitality industry as a whole.

Outside of the classroom, Funmi currently serves as a course assistant for Restaurant Management and is involved in Hotel Ezra Cornell, Cornell Hotel Society, the Hotel Student Mentorship Program, Cornell Marketing Immersion, Phenomenon Step Team, and First Love Church.

Cheers to Diana Mena '26 promotion to Front Office Student Manager!!

Diana is a graduating senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her journey began her freshman year in the Housekeeping department at The Statler Hotel. After joining HLDP, she eventually transferred to the Front Office where she advanced her knowledge of front line operations, and was promoted to Supervisor. She strived to foster a positive work environment where all could feel safe and encouraged to grow, while supporting staff development, and providing high quality service.

As Diana comes closer to graduating, she seeks to explore opportunities within the hospitality industry while applying her background in agriculture and business administration. Although her path is unclear, she hopes to combine her analytical thinking skills with her hands on experience to help organizations operate efficiently and responsibly. Diana hopes to one day cultivate a collaborative workplace that values diversity and inclusion where everyone contributes to positive team culture.

Congratulations Beverly Kleinman '27 on your promotion to Student Meeting and Events Manager!!

Beverly is a junior at the Hotel School from Long Island, New York, with a strong interest in hospitality design and marketing. She joined The Statler Hotel during her freshman year as a member of the Meetings and Events team and is an active participant in the HLDP program.

Beyond her work at the hotel, Beverly serves as the Philanthropy Director for the 101st Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell and is a teaching assistant for several courses within the Hotel School. She has also gained valuable industry experience through internships at properties across the country, including in Colorado and Hawaii.

Beverly is excited to continue growing in her new role and contributing to the success of the Meetings and Events team.

HLDP recently welcomed back Alexis Sicklick '15 to hear about her culinary journey after graduating from the Hotel School and the Culinary Institute of America, which included spending time in New York City working at L’Artusi, Annisa, Dirt Candy, Aquavit, Balaboosta, and now Hudson Table! She is also chef and founder of Syncopated, where she offers guests the chance to dine to the ‘beet’ of her culinary rhythm through playful, vegetable-forward pop-up dinners and bespoke private events.

HLDP recently welcomed back Alyssa Ravenelle ’13 as a guest speaker during our Monday sessions. Alyssa is the Vice President of Business Development at Zappi, a global B2B SaaS market research company, where she leads outbound strategy and drives global revenue growth. While at Cornell, Alyssa served as an HLDP Front Office Supervisor.

Cornell Giving Day is here! Support the future of hospitality by making a gift to the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP) at The Statler Hotel. Your donation helps provide hands-on learning experiences, professional development opportunities, and real-world training for the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Every gift makes an impact:
https://givingday.cornell.edu/campaigns/hotel-leadership-development-program

Congratulation Lance Zeligson '27 for being promoted to Student Meeting & Events Manager!

Lance is a junior at the Nolan School of Hotel Administration pursuing minors in Law & Society, Psychology, & Moral Psychology. He is interested in cruise line operations, food & beverage, and marketing. Growing up in West Orange, NJ, Lance explored the hospitality industry, gaining industry experience in restaurants and hotels.

Outside of working at The Statler Hotel, he is the Conference Services Director for Hotel Ezra Cornell 101, President of Air + Sea Hospitality, Executive Vice President of the Hotel Student Mentorship Program, a University Tour Guide, Level 1 Member of Cuvee, and a Course Assistant for four Nolan School courses.

Lance looks forward to taking on this new position and continuing his progression within the Meetings & Events department!

Save the date! 🎉 Cornell Giving Day is March 12! Together, we can support students and help Cornell continue to do the greatest good. Please mark your calendars and consider making a gift to the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP). Your support helps enhance the HLDP experience through leadership materials, training sessions, guest speakers, and experiential learning trips. All HLDP supporters, no matter the amount, will be recognized on our Supporters page: https://statlerhotel.cornell.edu/hldp-students/supporters -content

Give Early: https://givingday.cornell.edu/early-give?campaign_id=253232&utm_source=personal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=earlygive

Learn More or Give on Giving Day: https://givingday.cornell.edu/campaigns/hotel-leadership-development-program