#WhoWeAreWednesday
Jennifer Schlabach
Title: Senior Sales Manager- Wyndham Garden Hotel Austin Co-Chair of Sponsorship and Fundraising 1. Where are you originally from? Born and raised in a small town in South Texas. Moved to Leander in High School and within a few months, fell in love with the “Big City”. 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? In my short time with the organization so far, I’ve been amazed on how everyone pulls together to make things happen as a team. Each individual has been a resource of information and has expressed genuine care in their involvement with the organization. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? In High School I was entertained by Johnson and Whales in Providence RI for college. My family and I traveled to Providence and toured the area and school. There was a strong emphasis on the culinary field and based on my severe lack of skills in the kitchen, I concluded that it was not the right move for me. After deciding to go to UT (hookem’) I met an HR Director at a downtown hotel who then offered me a job as an HR Intern. Sixteen years later I’m eating my own words (and not even cooking). I’m fortunate enough to have developed through the ranks of HR, Front Desk Management, Catering, Sales, Sr. Sales and DOS. I often attribute my love for the industry as a result of my diverse experience. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? I’ve been at the Wyndham just since April 2015 and feel at home with the brand, management, and ownership. 5. One fun fact about you is? I believe anything is possible with passion. Even Unicorns. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Dancing to Americana Live music anywhere with my daughter. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. Or the Pub Crawler around downtown. Because exercising and drinking at the same time sounds like an adventure! 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Keep your mind open and don’t let our weirdness faze you. 9. Life tip you live by? Don’t sweat the small stuff! This book by Richard Carlson was given to me by my very first hospitality mentor and I try to live by it every day. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? This list is endless! So how about everywhere? 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Michael Jackson, Edgar Allen Poe and my Mom. 12. The best part about being in Austin? I thoroughly enjoy how each part of our city is a different world. We often ‘nest’ in our own areas but if you venture 5 miles in any direction, you’ll have a new experience and meet good people. 
Marta López
Title: ACC Student 1. Where are you originally from? Before permanently moving to McAllen, Texas, at the age of 6, I resided in both Mexico and McAllen equally. 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? I love that the scope of work within the hospitality industry is so varied and that every event is unique. The hospitality industry provides wonderful opportunities for an individual to express their creativity, talents, and gifts. My favorite thing about the hospitality industry is that I enjoy meeting, socializing and working with some of the most vibrant people who represent a wide range of cultures and nationalities and come from all walks of life. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry? I can’t remember a time when I was not organizing family outings, parties/celebrations, or travel excursions. Planning and organizing has always come very naturally to me. As an adult, I organized and managed events in the corporate world and in my personal life. It was no accident that when both my son and daughter graduated from college, I chose to continue my education and enrolled at ACC to pursue a degree in Meeting and Event planning. 4. How long have you been working with current employer? For the past 5 years, I have done freelance work as an event coordinator, event planner, and managed transportation logistics for airport arrivals, tours and ground transportation. 5. One fun fact about you is…….. Spanish was my first language. Being bilingual has provided me with interesting job opportunities that include: courtroom interpreter, voice-over for a local radio station, and a constituent liaison for a member of the Texas House of Representatives. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Enjoying a full day of pampering at Lake Austin Spa with my mom, daughter, sisters and girlfriends and ending the evening at The Continental Club listening to some wonderful jazz and blues. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Although many visitors enjoy the traditional barbecue and Tex-Mex while visiting Austin, no visit is complete without eating at one of the famous food trucks or exploring other delicious dining options. 9. Life tip you live by? “We rise by lifting others.” There is true power when we uplift, encourage and support those around us. I feel much gratitude and great joy when I help someone, even if it’s in the most insignificant way. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? New Zealand. 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner in Austin, who would they be? My maternal grandparents and my paternal grandmother (all deceased). 12. The best part of being in Austin? The funky and weird vibe and dynamics are like no other place. It is the mecca for art and music. It is also a tech town that has a unique country charm. The well-respected food culture and fun activities are a wonderful way of life for those of us fortunate enough to live in Austin 
Tyler Carwell
Title: Area Sales Manager – The Hotel Indigo / Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown 1. Where are you originally from? I was born and raised right here in Austin! It’s funny, everyone I meet in the Austin hospitality world is surprised to hear that. 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? Definitely the people. Before coming to work with Interstate, I was the Hotel Services Coordinator at Circuit of The Americas and I got the chance to meet so many great people in the Austin hospitality community, so I knew it would be a great experience working on the other side of the hotel world. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? After I graduated college, I worked as The Head of Guest Services at a guest ranch in Wyoming and it really blew the hinges off the door to the hospitality world for me. I got to really connect with the guests and rest of the staff in a really unique place. I was also a sporting clay shooting instructor and our range looked across 100,000 acres of Wyoming mountain range, so it’s pretty tough to beat an office like that. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I’ve been with Interstate at Hotel Indigo & Holiday Inn Express for about a month, and the team has been absolutely wonderful. My colleague Kaitlin is new to Austin, so it’s been fun showing her our city and proving she made the right decision to move here. 5. One fun fact about you is… My family raises miniature cattle up in Liberty Hill, Texas. They don’t make enough meat for regular burgers, just appetizer sliders. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be…A run through Zilker, a skip into Barton Springs, and a bar hop down Barton Springs Road. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I’ve always wanted to go two-stepping at Broken-Spoke, but I’ve rolled my ankle just brushing my teeth before so I don’t know how well that would go. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Brave the line at Franklin’s, it’s worth it and one of the most fun lines you can wait in if you do it right. Other cities tailgate sports, we tailgate our sports and our barbecue. 9. Life tip you live by...? Life’s a garden, you gotta dig it! 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. You can actually get a kangaroo burger at Bubba’s Wild Game Grill out near the Formula 1 track (it’s really good!), and so far that’s about the closest I’ve gotten. 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Arnold Schwarzenegger now, Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the future (post robot uprising). 12. The best part about being in Austin? Working downtown! 
Michelle L. Kee
Title: Student at Austin Community College 1. Where are you originally from? I'm a military brat. I was born in Guam and last stationed in Puerto Rico. Have lived in Upstate New York, Cocoa, FL and now for the past 17 years in Elgin, TX 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? As a student, my favorite thing about the hospitality industry is meeting many people who already work in this field and the Special Events class I took this past spring where we got to work with actual clients. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? My youngest son is a student at ACC taking Game Development and I decided to look into what classes ACC had that I might be interested in taking and I found a great fit with Meeting and Event Planning. It fits great with my more than 30 years in Floral Design experience. My instructors at ACC are always mentioning all the different event associations available to us to join, so I decided to join a few, 3 to be exact HSMAI, MPI & ILEA. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI or current employer? I am currently an intern at the Frank Fickett Scout Training and Conference Center. I started on June 1st. I will be interning through the ACC International Study Abroad in Sorrento, Italy in July for a company called Inedito Events. 5. One fun fact about you is… I always have to be doing something, whether it is a new craft, researching genealogy or learning to Belly Dance. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… A chance to spend a day visiting all the unique and different shops that can be found all across Austin. I have only managed a small sample. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? A visit to Zilker Botanical Gardens, that's the horticulturist in me. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Get out there and see and experience all you can. I need to take my own advice. I know Bastrop County better than I know Austin. 9. Life tip you live by...? Learn or try something new everyday. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Santa Fe, New Mexico, been there once and was just enchanted by the whole feel of the city. 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? I would invite my mother, Judine D. Yaples, I would love to see her again, Condoleezza Rice as I have found her to be an inspiration to me and John D. Rockefeller to find out if it was true that my family used to own land next door to his family. 12. The best part about being in Austin? It's great being in a place that has so much variety and diversity. 
Rona Dulay
Title: ACC Student/Waitress at Mikado Ryotei 1. Where are you originally from? I was born and raised in the Bay Area of California. 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? I love meeting new people and hearing the different stories they have to tell! I’ve worked with tons of people and have also had plenty of guests that have very interesting backgrounds. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? I actually got into the industry on accident. My friend needed somebody to wait tables at their restaurant and I needed the extra money so I went for it. I kind of fell in love with it from there! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI or current employer? I just recently became a member of the student board about a month or two ago as their Treasurer. As for Mikado Ryotei, I’ve been there for about 2 years now and counting! 5. One fun fact about you is… I actually lived in the Philippines for 7 years before moving to Texas and it was definitely a life changer. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Eating at all the great places that Austin has to offer, going kayaking and maybe enjoying a tasty adult beverage while listening to some live music. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I have yet to go paddle boarding or zip lining. I’ve also never been to Blues on the Green so that’s definitely on my list! 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Make sure you plan out your visit here and try to stay as near as possible to what it is you’re doing. Traffic can get pretty bad sometimes and you don’t want to spend half your time sitting in it. 9. Life tip you live by...? I know it’s a cliché but I’m a big believer in “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” I’ve met SO many people that turn out to be the complete opposite of what you would think they were like. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? In America, definitely Hawaii. I would also love to go to Italy or Japan. I wouldn’t mind going back to the Philippines as well! 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Audrey Hepburn, Michael Bublé and my deceased Auntie Noemi 12. The best part about being in Austin? The food! No, the music! The people? It’s a combination of all of that! I also love the fact that it’s a busy place but it’s laid back at the same time. 
Anna Marzett
Title: Owner of Lula Mae’s Catering &Bar-B- Q 1. Where are you originally from? Austin, Texas 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? The People. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? I own a small catering business. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI or current employer? I Serve as President of hospitality for my district church. 5. One fun fact about you is… I love pit bulls. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Attending an outside function. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Being an active participant in one of Austin’s Biggest Events. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Take your time, there is a lot to look at and do. 9. Life tip you live by...? Treat all people well. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Jamaica 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? My mother, and my best friends. 12. The best part about being in Austin? The fact that Austin is a Booming city, the food, the people and my roots are here. 
Emily Zinn
Title: Director of Sales and Marketing HSMAI Title – Director of Hospitality and Registration 1. Where are you originally from? Fannett, TX (near Beaumont) 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? Making connections with such wonderful people in the industry 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? My degree was in Hotel & Restaurant Management; it just sounded fun! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? HSMAI – 2 years 5. One fun fact about you is? I always root for the underdog because I don’t have any favorite sports teams (my college didn’t have football) 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Sunny and 65 degrees, spending the day outside then a concert at ACL Live 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Chicken sh*t bingo at Ginny’s Little Longhorn 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Don’t try to drive anywhere 9. Life tip you live by? Stay calm and things will fall into place 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? New Zealand 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Aniston, and Jimmy Fallon 12. The best part about being in Austin? Raising my kids in a city with diverse experiences where we feel safe and in the biggest, best state! 
Jamie Frazier
Title: Corporate Sales Manager 1. Where are you originally from? St. Louis 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? I love having the opportunity to meet and network. Being hospitable is in my personality, so when I have the opportunity to help someone or make someone smile, it makes me really happy. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? My mom and dad both work in hospitality. When my mom started working at the Hilton, she convinced me to apply, and now I have been here for 8 years! I guess you can say that I like it! My boss, Kendra, was a member of HSMAI, at the end of the past year, she let me take over! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I have been at the Hilton Austin Airport going on 8 years. 5. One fun fact about you is… I love to cook! No matter how long of a day I have, I will always go home and cook a nice dinner for my fiancé and I! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… I love to go out on the water, whether it is on the lake on a boat, or kayaking. Taking my nephew to the park or any other activities is something I truly enjoy as well. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I have always wanted to go zip lining at Lake Travis and go on the Austin Duck Tour. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Be open minded and try something you have not been able to experience. 9. Life tip you live by...? Life is what you make of it, try and find the good out of every situation. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Travel Europe for a month! 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? 12. The best part about being in Austin? Everyone has such a positive attitude. I love walking in HEB and everyone just smiles at you, says hi and holds the door open for you. Southern Hospitality at its finest! 
Susan Greenberg CMP, CASE
Title: Sales Executive, Darling Promo HSMAI- President Elect 1. Where are you originally from? “I got to Texas as fast as I could!” Born in NYC, lived all over most of the East coast – Got my first pair of real cowboy boots at 16 and was destined to be in AUSTIN! 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? As a lifelong learner, being part of an Industry Association that focuses on personal and professional development is destiny. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? During college at Tufts University there was always a focus on being part of the community. Un-be known to me, my first meeting planning job was as an Intern to Senator Paul Tsongas planning town hall meetings in Massachusetts. Next I focused on food and became the cook for Sigma Nu fraternity; I had so much fun cooking and creating special events upon graduation I switched from law school to WESTIN hotels apprentice opening the Washington DC property on 24th & M Street in 1985. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? In 2015 I became the HSMAI VP of Education and moved into President Elect in 2016. In March of 2016 I had the pleasure of making an amazing career change. As a meeting planner and promotional products sales consultant I get to work with all my colleagues and meeting clients crating infinite possibilities for them to brand and advertise their business and events. 5. One fun fact about you is? I am a Certified Executive Chef; in my past life in Miami I had 3 restaurants, a catering business and pastry shop. In Austin, I have an AMAZING QUALITY OF LIFE! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Live music in one of our many parks or outdoor venues, walk along Lady Bird Lake & Sunset dinner at Hula Hut! 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Duck tour! 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Enjoy our 300 days of sunny weather by wandering outside and stopping when you hear the music you like and trying as many restaurants as possible. 9. Life tip you live by? Give everyone you meet a SMILE it will come back to you. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Tour the classic seven wonders: Great Pyramid of Giza. Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Statue of Zeus at Olympia. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Colossus of Rhodes. Lighthouse of Alexandria. 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Eleanor Roosevelt, Leonardo DaVinci, Thomas Jefferson and Julia Child to cook! 12. The best part about being in Austin? Always so much to do: incredible music, great food, lakes, hills and a great Capitol. 
Lerin Van Buren
Title: Program Manager at Kennedy DMC HSMAI- Vice President of Programs and Education 1. Where are you originally from? Alvin, Texas 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? Meeting and surrounding myself with members of the community who are as passionate about Austin as I am! 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? I work for a DMC Event Management Company and have a great partnership with many of the hospitality members 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? I have been on the board for (1) year and I have been with my current employer for (1.5) years 5. One fun fact about you is? I have a degree in Nutritional Science and certified as a Sports Nutrition Consultant. I love making food enjoyable and healthy! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? A run around Lady Bird Lake followed up by some yummy food and cocktails on Rainey Street 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Austin Panic Room 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Make sure to spend time on South Congress and the East side – Downtown is awesome but you will see more of Austin’s true, eclectic style by visiting those areas. 9. Life tip you live by? People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Thailand 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? My grandparents and Beyoncé 12. The best part about being in Austin? We have the best of both world’s - a great downtown atmosphere with the lake and hiking right next to the city. 
Regina C. Aubuchon
Title: Association Sales Manager at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton 1. Where are you originally from? Fitchburg, Massachusetts 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? I like that the hospitality industry requires a lot of coordination between members of a team as well as working closely with clients on their vision of an event. I am a people person and love bringing people together to accomplish their goals. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? I started out as a Travel Agent working for American Express, then moved to New York City as a Meeting Planner for Prudential Securities. I joined HSMAI to network and learn more about the hospitality industry. I think most would agree, once it gets in your blood, it's hard to leave the industry! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I joined HSMAI last summer and plan on renewing my membership again in July. I'm hoping to join a committee to help in the Chinese Auction Fundraiser this summer. I have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, where I moved from Cape Cod, MA to Austin, Texas ten years ago and just recently joined this wonderful team at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton. I am excited to be their Association's Sales Manager, located conveniently across the street from the State Capitol, it keeps me busy! 5. One fun fact about you is… I love to sail, cycle, hike and scuba dive. When I'm not in the office you can find me in the great outdoors! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Hiking River Place Nature Trail or cycle the car-free Walnut Creek Trail with the many active Meet-Up groups Austin has to offer. Enjoying queso, chips and a frozen margarita at Hula Huts on Lady Bird Lake and then watching the bats take flight during sunset from the Four Seasons hammocks. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? The one thing I really want to do in Austin is tour the State Capitol Building. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Well, it depends on the time of year they're coming. During this time of year I would recommend a sunrise yoga/hike at 360 bridge,Stand Up Paddle Board on Lady Bird Lake or hike the newly opened Violet Crown Trail. A Wed.night & Blues on the Green Concert; or drive out to Fredericksburg to see wild flowers and sip on Texas wines at one of the many wineries along the way. Oh, and of course anytime of year get some delicious Texas BBQ... don't like BBQ... try one of the many hip Food Trucks on South Congress and then buy a pair of cowboy boots at Allens Boots to take back home with you. 9. Life tip you live by...? Do what you want to do or do what makes you HAPPY. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesian Islands and Bali. I LOVE to travel ; ) 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Jesus, Madonna and Lewis Carroll 12. The best part about being in Austin? The people! The weather, food, live music and outdoor recreation... and to always stay weird! 
Rich Weider
Title: President, Team Craft, Inc. 1. Where are you originally from? Rochester, New York: where the sky can be cloudy all month. But on a sunny day it can be quite beautiful, as in the Finger Lakes. But the summers are too short. 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? Well, I work as a provider to industry clients for Corporate Team Building programs of all sorts. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? Well, in adult experiential learning, as presented through Organizational Team Building: primarily through my involvement with the Outward Bound Schools. In particular, The Colorado Outward Bound School. We pioneered much of the way people get engaged in learning about themselves and others by doing exciting and provocative activities way back in the 1970s and 1980s. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I started my own company, Team Craft, in Austin in 1989. I’m still at it. The new website at teamcraft.com should be up and running by the middle of May. Check it out to learn more about us. I am wanting to expand my collaboration with Austin area hotels, resorts, and conference centers with a dedicated page on the site. Contact me if you are interested. 5. One fun fact about you is… I design and play games for a living. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… IS - a run/hike in the Barton Creek Greenbelt behind my house. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Eat Franklin Bar-b- que. I can’t stand still to wait in a line for hours. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Don’t overlook the small details. Some of the best fun facts are hidden before your very eyes. We bring this fact to life in our City Sleuths program. We have six program areas for doing this in Austin. 9. Life tip you live by…? Stop, Look, and Listen. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Bhutan. You need an invitation to go there. That is so cool. Does anyone have an in? 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Well, other than the obvious Jesus Christ, Mohammad, Moses, and Buddha (that’s 4 so doesn’t count), Let’s go with Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglas, and Dorothy Day - the 20th century social activist. I’m sure it would be a meal they wouldn’t forget either. 12. The best part about being in Austin? Living alongside the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and otherwise being less than 15 minutes (sans traffic) from most persons, places, and things that make Austin Austin. 
Kathy Sawyer
Title: Area sales Manager for Drury Inn & Suites Austin TX 1. Where are you originally from? Atlanta, Georgia 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? Meeting new people, relationship building. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? Moved to Austin, and Monster.com contacting me and I went through the interview process at Drury Inn& Suites. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? 3 and ½ years at Drury Inn & Suites Austin 5. One fun fact about you is… Love to laugh at myself and sing in the car between appointments! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… sitting out by the pool/ lake enjoying the perfect sunny weather. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Paddle boarding 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Try to experience live music and make sure you eat bar-b-que! 9. Life tip you live by...? Do what you love. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Italy 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Jesus Christ, My Grandmother-RIP, Willie Nelson, got to have someone from Austin. 12. The best part about being in Austin? Nice weather, Music 
Susan Richardson
Title: Director, Content &Publishing for Austin CVB HSMAI- Director of Student Development 1. Where are you originally from? Houston, Texas 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? The people – some of the best around! 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? I interned for a meeting planner in Austin during college and fell in love with the industry. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I’ve been on the HSMAI board for close to two years and with the Austin CVB for almost 10 years. 5. One fun fact about you is… My guilty pleasure is YA literature 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Brunch on a patio, followed by lunch on a patio, then dinner on a patio, and a nightcap on a patio. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I’ve never been to the Hot Sauce Festival and would love to check it out one year. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Check out Austin CVB’s website (www.austintexas.org) and follow our social media handles for great tips from locals about planning your trip. 9. Life tip you live by...? You get what you give 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Next on the wish list is Peru 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? My 70 year old self and my maternal and paternal grandmothers 12. The best part about being in Austin? Living in a town that other people consider a great vacation destination 
Necah Cannon
Title: Senior Sales Manager- City of Austin, Austin Convention Center HSMAI- Managing Director 1. Where are you originally from? AUSTIN 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? DIVERSITY IN MY DAY 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? Worked in a movie theater (which is now the Cheesecake Factory in North Austin.) 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? On the board since December 2014. Been with City of Austin for 4.5 years. 5. One fun fact about you is… On both hands, I can pop out my pointer finger bones 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… A sunny 75-degrees overlooking the lake, chilling on a patio with a glass of Prosecco and some chips, salsa, queso and guac. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Voodoo doughnuts on E. 6th 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Don't move here. 9. Life tip you live by...? It is, what it is. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Kandinsky (painter), Dolly Parton, Jennifer Aniston 12. The best part about being in Austin? It is my home-town 
Jenny Liang
Title: Director of Sales & Marketing - DoubleTree by Hilton Austin University HSMAI- Director of Administration 1. Where are you originally from? Born in Taiwan, Taipei, left at 3 years old and lived in Houston for over 40 years 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? Networking with professionals and meeting new people 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? My mom worked at Bering's hardware in Houston and met the F&B Manager at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow, it was my first job out of college I started as a Sales Assistant at the Sheraton. I joined HSMAI because I love working with LeeAnne Medford, she is unique and a one of a kind professional in our industry! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? With HSMAI, going on my 2nd year, with the DoubleTree by Hilton University this is my 6th year. 5. One fun fact about you is… I love to shock people by my remarks and see their reactions. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Sunny days! 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Stand in line at Franklin's BBQ, but not sure I have the patience. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Try the Segways, it is fun, fun & fun! 9. Life tip you live by...? Always treat people with kindness and walk away if needed. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Fiji 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Madonna, Cher and Marilyn Monroe 12. The best part about being in Austin? There is always something to do. 
Alex Lemmers
Title: Moonlight Manager @ W Austin HSMAI Vice President of Student Development 1. Where are you originally from? Wisconsin 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? Being able to show the students the power of networking and giving back what I gained during my college career from being involved in HSMAI 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? I went to school for Hospitality Management and was a founding board member for our collegiate chapter and I stayed involved after college ended 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? It’ll be 2 years in April for my current position at the W and a little over a year and a half for my position on the board 5. One fun fact about you is? I don’t drink coffee! Tea is my game. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake during the day and hitting up Rainey Street at night 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Hiking the Green Belt 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Know what you want to do ahead of time. There are so many things to do that you can get lost in everything! 9. Life tip you live by? Don’t sweat the small stuff 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Greece 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Meryl Streep, my Grandma Ag, Ian McKellen 12. The best part about being in Austin? The weather! I surely don’t miss the Wisconsin winters and snow! 
Liz Alexander Title: Hospitality Professor at Austin Community College Co-Owner of l&m Hospitality Consulting 1. Where are you originally from? Dallas, Texas 2. What is your favorite thing about educating future hospitality professionals? I enjoy seeing the excitement and professionalism of the industry increased through dedicated and enthusiastic students! 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/ HSMAI/ Etc.? I worked in the industry in college and was a hospitality student through the University of Houston's Hilton College for Hospitality Management 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I have been full-time with the ACC Hospitality department for 4 years and was an adjunct for 8 years prior to becoming a full-time instructor. 5. One fun fact about you is… I was a Kilgore College Rangerette (ha! You'll have to be a Texan to know what that is) 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be… Rowing down the river in the sunshine 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Haven't been to Odd Duck yet... 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Get on a bike! It makes experiencing Austin more fun- 9. Life tip you live by...? If it makes you think hard or breath hard, it is probably good. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? The US Open in New York (Tennis) 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? My mother, my maternal grandmother, and Eleanor Roosevelt. 12. The best part about being in Austin? The river 
LeeAnne Medford Title: Owner of Travel Key Consulting HSMAI- President 1. Where are you originally from? That's a tough one - I'm a military brat....born in Albuquerque, NM, but have spent most of my time in South Texas.....San Antonio and Austin! 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? (can change this one as applicable for students or HSMAI board members.) The education and friendship I gain from my comrades and colleagues! 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? My mother was watching the show "Hotel" with Connie Seleca and James Brolin, and thought it looked like a "fun" job - my first job was as a Front Desk agent at the Embassy Suites Austin "North" - on 290 and I-35 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? I've been on the Board for four years, and President for three - LOVE IT! and I started my own company, Travel Key Consulting, back in November. 5. One fun fact about you is… I was a world champion Wu Shu Kung Fu Champion......don't mess with me! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be…taking my dogs on a long hike around Lady Bird Lake - with no other people on the trail..... 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I've never rowed on Lady Bird Lake...only canoed and paddle boarded... 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Enjoy the outdoors - get some food from a trailer, and head outside - anywhere. Then hit some live music one evening - don't try to do it all - you'll miss it. 9. Life tip you live by...? don't sweat the small stuff - life is short 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ireland and Scotland - my "homeland" 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? My mom, my dad and my maternal grandmother - all are in Heaven. 12. The best part about being in Austin? The people - we are so fun, diverse, and eclectic. 
Joshua Coquillard
Title: Sales Manager at the Hyatt Place Austin/Downtown HSMAI- Director of Communications 1. Where are you originally from? South Bend, Indiana 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? Connecting with the local Austin hospitality community as well as keeping up to date on Industry trends. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? Hard work and timing, came across my current employer at a career fair and became a board member at the end of 2015 for my first time with HSMAI. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? I will be going on 2 years with my current employer in June and my first full year with HSMAI 5. One fun fact about you is? I have broken 3 bones, my right arm twice and my left hip once. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Waking up early for a morning workout at Golds Gym, followed by a day spent on Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Make hay while you can! There is too much to see; you have to hit the Salt Lick and catch the sunset at the Oasis. 9. Life tip you live by? Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Paris, France 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Seth Rogan, Michael Jordan and Jennifer Aniston 12. The best part about being in Austin? The music, weather, people and of course the food! 
Loulu Lima
Title: Owner of Book Here, Give Here HSMAI- Vice President of Revenue Management 1. Where are you originally from? NYC 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? The family/networking aspect 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? Hospitality School 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? Austin Board this is my 2nd year - I was on the Board in NYC before my move 5. One fun fact about you is? My dream is to have a canine hotel 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Everyday I wake up 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Taking the dogs to the barking springs pool 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? 9. Life tip you live by? No regrets 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? My grandmother, my sis and brother 12. The best part about being in Austin? The weather & the people 
Lisa Butler-Giamporcaro
Title: Associate Director of Sales HSMAI- Vice President of Sponsorship 1. Where are you originally from? Everywhere and Nowhere - Military Brat! 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? The fantastic knowledge base of all the HSMAI partners and the infinite growth opportunities they provide. 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? By accident - but my background as daughter of a diplomat made it the perfect accident! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? 4 years for Horseshoe Bay Resort - new to the HSMAI board this year. 5. One fun fact about you is? My thumb is double jointed 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Lunch on South Congress and then browsing through Uncommon Objects. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? See a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse. 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Throw off your pre-conceptions and wander like a free spirit. You can't go wrong! 9. Life tip you live by? The Universe is ultimately a creative entity - approach everything as an opportunity and harbinger of good things to come. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Peru or Chile 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Carl Jung, Mary Oliver, Derek Sivers 12. The best part about being in Austin? The creative crackling spirit that is Austin. 
Angie Yeo
Title: Senior Sales Manager at AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center HSMAI- Director of Membership 1. Where are you originally from? Saskatchewan, Canada 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? Meeting great people and staying connected 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? I started in the hosp.industry 12 years ago at the Hyatt on Lady Bird Lake; got into HSMAI through Linda Maurer 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? On the board – 3 years; current employer almost 5. 5. One fun fact about you is? I was once a certified fire fighter 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? On a boat on the lake 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I’ve never tubed down the Guadalupe River 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Stay at my property! 9. Life tip you live by? No more a victim; always a survivor 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Jesus, my deceased brother and my deceased father-in-law 12. The best part about being in Austin? The weather and great people 
Katarina (Kate) Staley
Title: Sales and Marketing Coordinator at the Marriott Residence Inn/Courtyard Austin Downtown/Convention Center Austin Community College Student- Travel and Tourism 1. Where are you originally from? Cary, North Carolina 2. What is your favorite thing about working in the hospitality industry? Working with people from all walks of life. It takes all kinds to work in our industry! 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI/Etc.? I began working at a hotel, which inspired me to go to school for travel and tourism. I joined HSMAI after learning about the student chapter at ACC. 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or current employer? 1 1/2 years. 5. One fun fact about you is… I've lived in 4 different countries in both hemispheres. 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be…Swimming in Lake Travis and lounging on a boat. 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Hiking Mt Bonnell 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? Pack for every season. You never know what the weather will do. 9. Life tip you live by...? Don't be afraid to try something new. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Patagonia 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Django Reinhardt- there would be a lot of story telling! 12. The best part about being in Austin? The weather! 
Tracy Terrell Title: Director of Sales and Marketing for the Courtyard Residence Inn Austin Downtown Past President & Chair of Chinese Auction & Dinner Committee 1. Where are you originally from? Houston, Texas 2. What is your favorite thing about being a part of HSMAI? Getting to know the members and helping them to grow/develop; Raising money for the Terrell William Abbott Educational Scholarship Fund 3. How did you get started in the hospitality industry/HSMAI? My father was the owner representative for the Hyatt Regency Houston and General Manager for Columbia Lakes Resort. I just grew up around the business and it was just in my blood. I also put together the inaugural fundraiser for the Rice Women’s Tennis Team as a student athlete and I think asking people for money also just was in my blood! 4. How long have you been working on the board for HSMAI/ or for your current employer? I was part of the founding board that starting meeting as a group back in 2008 and the first meeting was at the Four Seasons in April 2009. Was 6 years at The Driskill and celebrating 7 years with CYRI & WL on June 15th! 5. One fun fact about you is? I am a non-runner that has ran three marathons - all in San Francisco. Would love to do it again with a group of friends, but just the half-marathon this time! 6. Your perfect day in Austin would be? Me and Hector taking our Rotties, Max and Maya, for a swim and walk on Red Bud Isle! 7. What’s one thing in Austin you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Paddle Boarding on Lady Bird Lake 8. What is the best advice you can give a visitor to Austin? You have to take the free tour at the State Capitol – makes you proud to be a Texan! 9. Life tip you live by? A positive attitude and an inquisitive mind helps you to leave places and people in a much better state than you found them. 10. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? New Zeeland 11. If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner Austin, who would they be? All deceased, but what I wouldn’t give to have dinner with mom, dad and Terrell, again. 12. The best part about being in Austin? Lucy’s Fried Chicken & Royer’s Pie Haven |