College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality Management
High School: Valley High School
Past Mentor:
Current Mentor:
Fun Fact: Crystal Triguero graduated from Valley High School with an impressive 3.89 GPA. “ECF has allowed me to have the opportunity to speak to executives within the hospitality industry, as well as listen to their stories and experiences.” She is working hard to become the next Hotel Manager.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major: Hospitality
High School: Durango High School
Past Mentor: Michael Kennedy
Current Mentor: Kelley Jones
Fun Fact: Erik Tran is a hospitality major who dreams of becoming a chef and opening up his own restaurant, which will be Vietnamese themed so others may experience the unique culture and cuisine of Vietnam. He has graduated from Durango High School with an IMPRESSIVE 4.7 GPA and ranked in the top 2% of his class! His hope is to open up the Vietnamese restaurant of his dreams through the people he meets and the connection he makes, like his previous mentor Michael Kennedy, who is the Vice President of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation and the Director of Food Operations at South Point Hotel,Casino and Spa!
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major / Minor: Hospitality Management
High School: Southeast Career Technical Academy
Mentor: Martha Morales
Fun Fact: Diana loves baking and trying new things!
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality, Concentration in Food & Beverage
High School: Ed W Clark
Past Mentor: Tom Gorball
Current Mentor: Travis Hackney
Fun Fact: I am originally from Chicago.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management
High School: Southwest Career and Technical Academy
Past Mentor: Michael Kennedy
Current Mentor: Jason Wade
Fun Fact: I love studying and learning new hobbies such as personal finance, golf, and fishing.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality
High School: Valley High School
Past Mentor: Kevin Ball
Current Mentor: Marti Winer
Fun Fact: I knew I fell in love with events when I was able to plan and throw my own Quincenera which is a huge celebration in my culture as a milestone and beginnings of womanhood. It was a tough event to put on but it is where I had my first feeling of accomplishment in the event world.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality Management
High School: Southeast Career Technical Academy
Past Mentor: N/A
Current Mentor: Vildan Buric
Fun Fact: Anthony Rodriguez wishes to travel the world to better connect with different cultures through food. Like many others, Anthony is a first-generation student and an example that regardless of your background, you can find success if you pursue it. He wishes to give thanks to the culinary instructors and staff at Southeast Tech for fueling his passion and helping him get to where he is now. One piece of advice Anthony would give is: "take every opportunity you are given, you never know where it will take you".
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality Management
High School: Southwest Career and Technical Academy
Past Mentor: N/A
Current Mentor: Michael Kennedy
Fun Fact: I graduated with a 4.549 GPA and am currently studying Hospitality Management with no concentration. I am still curious about every aspect of the Hospitality industry including hotels, restaurants, marketing, and so much more. I love to cook and bake, as well as paint on canvases and listen to music!
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality
High School: Veterans Tribute CTA
Past Mentor: N/A
Current Mentor: Megan Archambeault
Fun Fact: I am very passionate about equitable education for first-generation students.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Concentration in Restaurant Management
High School: Southwest Career and Technical Academy
Past Mentor: N/A
Current Mentor: Kelley Jones
Fun Fact: I love gardening and I work as a Kitchen Chef at Yui Edomae.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality Management, Concentration of Innovation Restaurant Management
High School: Southwest Career and Technical Academy
Past Mentor: N/A
Current Mentor: Amber Jung
Fun Fact: I am a huge nerd in many fields like anime, Harry Potter and broadway.
College/University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major/Minor: Hospitality Management
High School: Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
Current Mentor: Martha Morales
Fun Fact: Kanaelah Harper plans to be manager of hotel operations due to her love of hotels and seeing eveything come together to form a great and unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Kanaelah graduated from a performing arts school and is multi-talented. Kanaelah can not wait to meet more professionals in the industry, especially the hotel industry, and make lasting connections and friendships that will help her successfully navigate the hospitality industry and reach her goals.
Martha is Epicurean Charitable Foundation’s first alumna board member. She is currently the Director of Hotel Operations for Caesars Palace. In her role, she oversees the hotel division; Bells, Color Salon, Qua Spa, Housekeeping, Front Desk, VIP, In Room Dining, and Weddings.
Martha is an ECF Alum who graduated in 2008. She is our first student to become part of the ECF board.
Las Vegas raised, Ms. Morales, graduated from Rancho High School in only three years with a 3.75 GPA back in 2005. In 2009, she graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a degree in hospitality management. Ms. Morales began her career in the hospitality industry at the age of 16 and utilized both her education and experience to develop her skills. She has work at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Hilton Las Vegas, Arizona Charlies Decatur and for the past 7 years she has worked at Caesars Palace in various roles prior to her promotion to Director of Hotel Operations.
Ms. Morales joined Epicurean Charitable Foundation as a board member to combine her passion for empowering young women and leading others with her knowledge of the hospitality industry.
Ms. Morales enjoys hiking, dancing and participating in community outreach events. She serves as the Community Chair for Vision in Action (VIA – a business resource group for Caesars Entertainment), is an active Board Member for the Hospitality and Tourism Academy at Valley High School and is a member of Toastmasters International. Ms. Morales is the proud mother of her 14-year-old daughter, Jasmin.
Malek, an ECF recipient in 2009, has held multiple roles at resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, all while servicing the community. Malek, is most excited about joining the Associate Board of ECF, to inspire the younger generation of the hospitality industry and to support the students to become more active in the community. In addition to supporting ECF, Malek, also volunteers his time by speaking against bullying, at schools across the Clark County School District.
Cuban born and Vegas raised, Nachely joined The Venetian Resort in June of 2010 as a Front Desk Agent. She was later promoted to Front Desk Manager after completing her Bachelors of Science in Hotel Administration in 2013 from UNLV. She found a passion for learning and development as the Training Manager for the Front Office where she revamped the department training program and trained over 80 new hires in the first year. She took her passion for learning and development further as the Special Projects Manager for the Hotel Operations division where she created, delivered, and administered learning opportunities for over 2,500 team members.
In her role, she supported the divisional projects, financials, and team member engagement. Nachely received her MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
As the Diversity Recruitment Manager – Commercial & Aesthetics for AbbVie, Jasmyn positively impacts lives by innovating talent acquisition. She graduated with honors from Valley High School’s Hospitality and Tourism magnet program serving as Student Body President. As one of ECF's first out-of-state scholars, Jasmyn graduated on the Dean’s List from Penn State in 2014, served as the NSMH National Chair, and was awarded Penn State’s Student Service Award. She is now pursing her PowerMBA in partnership with Harvard Business Publication and anticipates graduating summer of 2022. Her Epicurean awarded mentor Scott Farber instilled to always strive for excellence which she continues to uphold.
Jasmyn has applied her decade of HR experience to an assortment of industries including Hospitality, Manufacturing, Technology, Minerals, Investments, and Commodities across Fortune 500 public and private companies. Pairing her expertise with hours dedicated to uplifting the community, Jasmyn is recognized as P.O.W.E.R’s Woman of Empowerment of 2020.
Starting in high school she exposed herself to several sectors by working for the Las Vegas Convention Center. Throughout college, she worked for MGM Resorts International, Table Ten, Redifer, S.C.O.R.E., the Nittany Lion Inn, and Hilton Worldwide. Post-graduation, she expanded Hilton’s existing programs and launched domestic & international initiatives which lead to 4 promotions within 5 years. Stepping into a global role with Molex/Koch Industries she led harmonization efforts resulting in streamlined efficiencies and leveraging her talents for 3 roles within 2 years.
Jasmyn leads with her heart in and out of the office. She loves singing at church, spending time with family/friends, and riding her motorcycle around Chicago. When visiting Las Vegas, she makes it a priority to connect with ECF because she believes this program provides economic empowerment through education. She is excited to do her part to ensure this is a long-standing organization!
Ciro attended Culinary Institute of America with the help of the ECF scholarship. He graduated as Valedictorian with his Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts Management in 2014. His mentor, ECF President Sean DiCicco he learned the importance of empathy and self-reflection.
Upon graduation from CIA, he went to work as a cook for the Taj Hotel of Boston as well as the Four Seasons. Ciro now works for Capo Restaurant and Supper Club in South Boston and was promoted at just 25 to Chef de Cuisine. Here he oversees a staff of 35 cooks. Ciro’s favorite thing to make is any pasta by hand.
Ciro joined ECF’s Associate Board in 2020 because he is passionate about mentorship and giving back to the next generation of culinary students. In his spare time, he is also an avid Dungeon and Dragons player.
Emily graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2014 with her Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management. While attending Johnson & Wales University, she was a Culinary Teaching Assistant, Private Caterer, and had the opportunity to work at the Master’s Golf Tournament in Augusta.
While Chobani is based in NYC, Emily lives in Charlotte, NC and works remotely, traveling frequently to Chobani’s multiple offices, cafés, yogurt plants, and widespread events. In addition to traveling the country representing Chobani at culinary events and trade shows, she also works closely with the Chobani cafes. She has represented Chobani as a USA sponsor at the Rio Olympics developing recipes for athletes and sponsors; worked at large tradeshows such as National Restaurant Association; and works closely with Chobani’s digital platforms to develop recipes for their social media accounts, website, and brand partnerships.
Emily joined ECF to be able to donate her time in the form of mentorship, culinary demonstrations, and other sort of support for upcoming culinarians. She offers her experiences as an example of the non-traditional path of a chef and what it can offer.
In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, cooking, outdoor activities, dancing, and volunteering.
Jordan Moore is an alumna graduate of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. After spending her undergraduate years in the hospitality industry and graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2014, she received an offer to work for the city of Las Vegas which has allowed her to fulfill her passion to serve her community. In this capacity Ms. Moore would be able to coordinate events for the City while fulfilling her passion to serve the community.
Jordan serves as the Assistant to the Director of the City of Las Vegas Department of Youth Development and Social Innovation established in January 2016 to formalize efforts around educational supports and community based problem solving. Some of her more notable efforts accomplishments include leading efforts for winning the All- America City Award- a first for the State of Nevada, coordinating the October 1 Prayer Vigil with Vice President Mike Pence, serving as a founding board member for Mission High School (one of the nation’s only public recovery high schools) and working with many companies businesses on their corporate social responsibility efforts.
Jordan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Administration and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Claudia, an ECF graduate, completed her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration, at UNLV, in 2014. During her time as an Epicurean Student, she was awarded the Food and Beverage Educational Experience hosted by Avero, New York City. She was accompanied by her Epicuren Mentor and fellow industry professionals. In addition to being a full time student at UNLV, Claudia worked at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and obtain an internship at the Ritz Carlton, ABAMA, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Upon graduating, Claudia took a short leave from the hospitality industry, as she consulted for retail management training. All came full circle for Claudia, as she connected with Mr. Kelly Jones, an Epicurean Board Member, and worked closely with Kelly, as his Executive Assistant and Project Director.
Claudia has since then returned to the hospitality industry, as she is now the Office Manager for Housekeeping Administration at The Venetian Resort. Claudia is extremely excited to continue her partnership with Epicurean Foundation and to give back to an organization that has supported her throughout the years.
As an ECF and Cum Laude Graduate from UNLV, Vildan has continuously achieved milestones, since his first ever Food and Beverage assignment. Currently, Director of Food and Beverage at Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino, Vildan has completed is a level one Sommelier and Cicerone Certifications. Vildan is true leader, that all of our current students can call a mentor.
Vildan is now giving back to the foundation, by serving as an Associate Alumnus Member.
Wendy Cooper acquired her Bachelors of Science in Culinary Management from the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Wendy nurtured her passion for the culinary arts through working in numerous restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip during her undergraduate studies. Mrs. Cooper spent a year living abroad in Australia to cook full-time and cultivate her craft. Upon her early graduation in 2014, she transferred to front of the house operations at the Mirage Hotel and Casino to develop her knowledge and experience. During this time Wendy worked on number special projects and received employee of the month.
Since starting at the Mirage Resort, Wendy has been promoted to Assistant Beverage Manager. In this capacity she oversees the daily beverage operation, inventory and profit and lost statements. Wendy is a proud Epicurean Charitable Foundation Scholarship Alumna and in her free time enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and volunteering at the Animal Foundation.
Mercedes Sanchez is a proud alumna of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation, class of 2015. Mercedes obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Upon graduation, she accepted a position with Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts. Her first role was as a Food and Beverage Manager in Training at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. After completing the MIT program, she transferred into catering sales at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, which is the only 5-star hotel in the Pacific Northwest. During her time in this role, Mercedes earned Top Catering Sales Performer for the Americas, for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2019.
Mercedes is currently serving as Wedding and Social Sales Manager on the opening team for Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos, Costa Palmas, Mexico, opening in November 2019. Ms. Sanchez is honored to serve as inaugural associate board member and give back to the organization that provided her with a priceless opportunity.
Kim is an ECF graduate. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2015. Upon graduation, she became a financial analyst at Excalibur and later Park MGM in Las Vegas.
Born and raised in Sichuan, China, Kim moved to the United States when she was 16.
Kim founded her own boba tea company Ni Hao Tea, located in Tucson, AZ.
As an ECF student, Alexandria spent her undergraduate years at UNLV studying hospitality and working for established gaming companies in the Las Vegas Valley. During this time, she was exposed to the legal side of the hospitality industry, which inspired her to embark on her journey in the legal profession. After completing her hospitality degree summa cum laude, which was possible because of the support she received from ECF, she went on to attend law school at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV.
During law school Alexandria externed at the United States District Court and the Executive Office of Immigration Review, mediated cases in federal and family court, and volunteered at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. Graduating magna cum laude, she has since become a licensed attorney and practices in Howard & Howard Attorney PLLC’s Las Vegas office.
Alexandria currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband, a fellow hospitality graduate. They have each found that despite being in nontraditional hospitality industries, their hospitality experiences have proven to be invaluable. They have also found that they share a passion for traveling around Asia and frequenting Chinatown.
Karen Nava-Robles, an ECF alumnae herself, is now serving as Vice President Alumni for ECF's Associate Board. She has used her past adversities to influence and support other young aspiring leaders, such as her sister Valerie Nava (also ECF recipient) whom she's raised since a young age. Since freshman year of college, Karen has always been involved in organizations that support higher education and leadership. She has held multiple leadership roles such as President of UNLV’s Chapter of National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH), Presidential Student Ambassador for UNLV, and has been awarded various honors, including Vegas Seven Magazine’s 1 out of 25 “Most Intriguing Person” in the Vegas Valley.
In addition to dedicating her time to organizations, she has worked in the Hospitality industry since high school gaining over 10 years of experience in various departments. Most recently, Karen worked in Hotel Operations at The Venetian | Palazzo and has since accepted an opportunity to return to her roots. Karen is now an instructor at Valley High School's Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, where she graduated from the program in 2012. Karen is excited to share her knowledge, experience, and connections with the future leaders of Hospitality.
Meet our newest Associate Board Member, Candace Kozell, Front Desk Rooms Coordinator at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. As a former ECF student, Candace completed her undergraduate degree at UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. During this time, she received valuable hospitality experience through a semester internship with ECF and summer internship at a small boutique hotel in Western New York.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, Candace began a position with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as a Front Desk Agent and has worked her way to become a Rooms Coordinator.
Candace currently resides in Las Vegas with her husband Derrick. She enjoys cooking, dancing, spending time with family, and travelling, especially cruising in the Caribbean. She loves being able to give back to her community and can’t wait to be a part of ECF’s Associate Board.
Mia Salomon was born and raised in Las Vegas. She is an ECF graduate who graduated in 3 years from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2018 with her bachelors in Hospitality Management.
During her time with Epicurean and being a full time student at UNLV, Mia held a position as a Front Desk Agent at Caesars Palace. She then went on to complete an internship at Nobu Hotel. She then held a position at Encore Resort as a Front Desk Agent, Rooms Coordinator, and Head Cashier until she was promoted to the Front Office Supervisor. Mia is the first Front Office Supervisor to supervise all 4 front desks at Wynn & Encore. This includes Wynn Resort, Encore Resort, Wynn Tower Suites, and Encore Tower Suites, all of which are 4 & 5 star Forbes rated. During her career in hospitality, Mia has also completed internships with Texas Station & Cirque du Soleil.
Mia is extremely passionate about ensuring that every guest she encounters has a 5 star experience & she is excited to see where the growing hospitality industry in Las Vegas takes her. Mia is passionate about ECF because she understands how life changing being a member of the foundation is. Her mentors played an integral role in her successful college career, and she one day hopes to do the same for future ECF students. In her free time, Mia enjoys traveling to new places and dining all around Las Vegas.
Ben Sison is an ECF alumni who graduated from UNLV with a degree in Hospitality Management in 2019. Benjamin is currently working as a Supervisor for the Premium Clubs at Allegiant Stadium.
Ben joined the ECF board because of their mentorship and impact they have in all aspects of college student’s lives, whether it be personal, professional or educational. “I want to help contribute to the life change ECF promotes and executes year after year. I have felt from first-hand experience how big of a role ECF plays in aspiring student’s lives, and I want to do anything I can to help progress and continue their amazing work.”
When not working at Allegiant Stadium or volunteering in the community, Ben loves being involved with sports, his family and people!
Anna Tymoshevska, originally from Ukraine, is an ECF graduate that completed her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at UNLV in 2019. During her time as an Epicurean & UNLV student, she held various positions at The Venetian Resort. Anna started as a Front Desk Agent and after a year was promoted to a Group Hotel Services Ambassador. Upon completion of her BS degree, Anna joined SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand as a Hotel Operations Manager.
Anna is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Economics and Data Intelligence and hopes to switch her focus to data analytics in the hospitality industry.
During her time with ECF, Anna had a number of strong, talented, and supportive mentors that guided her through her school & career paths. Anna is thrilled to continue being a part of Epicurean Charitable Foundation and to be able to influence our students’ lives just like hers was once influenced by ECF.
Maria is an Epicurean Charitable Foundation alumnus who graduated in 3 years from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. While completing her degree Maria completed a culinary internship with the former Caesars Entertainment. Her love for the hospitality industry has always been around, but it flourished when she completed an internship in high school for the Golden Nugget Las Vegas.
Maria is extremely passionate about the hospitality industry and is always eager to learn and grow, she is excited to see where her career will take her. In her down time Maria enjoys exploring new coffee shops and loves to paint.
Cameron Keenan is an ECF alumni who graduated from UNLV with a degree in Hospitality Management in 2021. Cameron is currently working for MGM Resorts Event Productions as a Event Supervisor and Project Manager.
While she was with Epicurean she volunteered with many nonprofits to help orchestrate and run their events. During this time she became part of the opening team for the Allegiant Stadium as an Event Representative as well as working in their Guest Experience. Keeping her full-time class schedule and current job she also held the position as Concierge for the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Upon graduating from UNLV she continued with Concierge where she gained incredible knowledge about everything in and around Las Vegas.
