Remaining steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Mission
To transform the hospitality industry by intentionally uplifting and amplifying a culture representative of untapped talent.
Our Strategy
AHED's strategy is to catalyze Hospitality DE&I action through recruitment, scholarship, advocacy, mentorship, and partnership - elevating measurable belonging and accountability.
Our Vision
A future where the hospitality industry reflects the richness and diversity of its talent, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience for all.
Visiting Assoc. Prof, NYU
Brian Barker
“Dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity is integral to the positive transformation of our workplaces and society at large.”
AHED's leadership brings extensive experience to address today's crucial challenges. We're outcome-oriented, showcasing a track record of proven successes.
Initiatives
Explore our highly involved initiatives like AHED's Campus Takeovers! These initiatives discover the diverse intersections of hospitality with fields like engineering, accounting, and more. AHED collaborates with colleges to spotlight unique paths in the industry. Click below to discover more about our
Events
Click below to view our scheduled programming for upcoming events, workshops, and initiatives driven to commitment to true DEI inclusion.
Recruitment
AHED aims to establish influence and drive change in hospitality by empowering untapped talent. To achieve this, we'll form our own recruitment team. Learn more below.
Newsletters
Click below to view our complete catalog of newsletters lead by our Executive Director, Brian barker. Giving the latest news and key updates for everything AHED.
Partners
Explore the impactful relationships AHED holds with sponsors, donors, and partners. Join us in advancing our societal mission by discovering the key contributors driving AHED's mission forward.
Want to take the next step?
At AHED, we actively invest in outreach opportunities to advance our DEI inclusion initiative. Discover how you can contribute through donations or becoming a member. Every form of support strengthens our resolve for genuine inclusion in hospitality. Join us on this journey towards a more diverse and equitable future.
Follow the button below to donate or become a member!
Board Engagements
-
![]()
Board Senior Advisor Honored in Cornell Hall of Fame
On Sunday, November 12, the Cornell Hotel Society will induct its 2023 cohort into the Hall of Fame, which includes Evan Frazier. The committee has chosen a very special class of 11 inductees representing many aspects of Hotelie successes. While they didn’t start out with a theme for this class, as they selected the inductees, the theme of “Game Changers” emerged. These Hotelies didn’t just play the game better than others, they literally changed the game for the industry. Congratulations to Evan, Class of ‘92!
-
![]()
Dan Fenton Hosting a Panel
During the annual Cornell Hotelie Super Sunday event, AHED’s board chair, Dan Fenton will be speaking on a panel with board senior advisor and Hall of Fame inductee, Evan Frazier. The panel focuses on “Intentional DEI During the Age of Disruption” asking question: What does it take for companies to advance DEI efforts with intention, moving from merely transactional “window dressing” to truly transformational change?
Spotlights
Yulani Rodgers, Grad. Asst., NYU
Graduate Assistant Spotlight
Meet Yulani Rodgers, our new Graduate Assistant! In her first year of a Media, Culture, and Communication graduate degree at NYU Steinhardt, Yulani hails from Washington D.C. and recently relocated from Columbus, Ohio. With a bachelor's degree from Kent State University, Yulani brings a background in nonprofit communications and marketing, particularly with marginalized groups like the unsheltered and refugees. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
NYU Tisch Center Spotlight
Apprenticeship Program
AHED and NYU's Tisch Center jointly aim to enhance hospitality opportunities. AHED focuses on high school recruitment, guiding students toward immediate careers or college paths. NYU's apprenticeship program targets an Associates of Applied Science for successful graduates.
While the apprentice program is career-focused, AHED prioritizes cultural intentionality, addressing diversity in hospitality. NYU and AHED collectively showcase diverse industry pathways, encouraging students to pursue passions and fostering inclusivity. Brian, in his faculty role at the Tisch Center, will support partner Careerwise, increasing apprenticeship work sites in New York and other markets soon.
Nicolas Graf, Assoc. Dean & Chair, Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality & Tourism.