Thursday, February 26, 2009

The UNT chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) attended the NSMH National Conference held in Greensboro, NC in February. The UNT chapter was represented by Sandra Benavides, Lauren Banchetti, Dee Wilson (Chapter Advisor), and Melissa Portocarrero (President). The group attended the regional meeting, Go South!, sharing their experiences with other chapters. They also had an opportunity to attend numerous workshops, networking suites, and the annual NSMH career fair, where Banchetti received an offer on the spot from Sodexo for a summer internship.

The NSMH Awards Gala served to showcase many deserving chapters and their impressive work. The UNT chapter was honored with the New Chapter of the Year Award.  "It is with great pride that we received this award; we feel challenged to work harder in achieving all our goals for this year," Portocarrero stated. NSMH member, Viridiana Benitez, was awarded a $1,500.00 scholarship by the Four Seasons Resort and Club, further demonstrating UNT's strong presence at the conference.