{"id":3581,"date":"2024-12-30T12:02:40","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T12:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hlg-testing.co.uk\/ioh\/?page_id=3581"},"modified":"2025-04-19T18:16:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T17:16:15","slug":"meet-the-ioh-youth-council","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hlg-testing.co.uk\/ioh\/meet-the-ioh-youth-council\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth Council"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Meet our Youth Council<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
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The Institute’s Youth Council are a vibrant group of young professionals at the start of their hospitality careers, poised to become the leaders of tomorrow<\/h3>\n

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Since 2021, they have provided valuable insights, helping us evolve the future of the Institute while helping to inspire and support thousands of young people to choose hospitality as a career.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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IoH Youth Council Chair Katariina Reissaar MIH and Vice Chair Marco De Simone MIH interview our IoH President The Rt. Hon. The Viscount Thurso FIH MI about what achieving Chartered Status for the Institute would mean to our members, and the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n

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Follow the link to access the webinar<\/a><\/p>\n

Please enter the passcode when asked:\u00a0d*3rDUW^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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\u00a0<\/strong>Chair –\u00a0<\/strong>Bradley Dorrington AIH<\/b><\/p>\n

After jumping into hospitality in my working life, I completely fell in love with the versatility and challenges that we face every day. Meeting guests, getting to know them and their journeys, sharing stories and memories whilst forging new connections and futures is just one of the many things I love about this industry.<\/p>\n

After completing the Concord Hotel Management Training Scheme, I launched The Wine Cellar BSE in 2022, a relaxed wine bar in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. In 2024, I was recognised in the Harpers Wine & Spirits\u2019 List \u2013 30 under 30 and won an Acorn Award the same year.<\/p>\n

I joined the IoH to share networks and connections with other industry professionals whilst ensuring that we are promoting the positive pathways in our industry and supporting one another throughout the process. In my role I aim to help grow the visibility of the IoH to younger members and the next generation of our beloved industry.<\/p>\n

Current Role:<\/strong> Director and Co-Owner of The Wine Cellar BSE, UK<\/p>\n

Favourite Quote:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cSuccess is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts\u201d \u2013 Sir Winston Churchill<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Vice Chair<\/strong> – Lizzie Grundy AIH<\/b><\/p>\n

My hospitality journey started at a young age, having parents who worked in the industry, I grew up immersed in a hospitality environment. I quickly learnt in my working life that I enjoy working with people and making people happy. This led me to complete a BSc in International Hospitality Management at the University of Surrey.<\/p>\n

I joined the IoH to meet like-minded hospitality people who share the same passion and love for the industry as myself. Through being part of the IoH Youth Council, I\u2019d like to help the next generation of hospitality professionals enter the industry and thrive in their careers as we see hospitality develop and change for the better.<\/p>\n

Current role:<\/strong> Senior Accounts Assistant at Pennyhill Park Hotel, Surrey, UK<\/p>\n

Favourite quote:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cPositivity is contagious\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Sian Rann MIH<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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I am a Falmouth University graduate with five years\u2019 experience in live events and luxury hospitality. My passion for meeting people and the hospitality industry prompted me to join the IoH.<\/p>\n

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Being an avid learner, I completed several training courses during the 2020\/1 pandemic, including a Mental Health First Aid course and a Legal Secretaries Diploma. As an AIH council member I hope to inspire more young people, women and those with mental health diagnosis to pursue careers within hospitality.<\/p>\n

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I joined the IoH for various reasons. It visibly champions mental health and promotes camaraderie. Both crucial for the longevity of our industry.\u00a0It allows me to add value to one of the most fun and vibrant industries in the world and meet some incredible professionals who are generous with their wisdom and advice.<\/p>\n

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As I am also part of the IoH\u2019s Mentor Me programme, Rob Hood, my mentor embodies the values that the Institute stands for; generosity, knowledge and kindness.<\/p>\n

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Current role: Multi-Hotel Revenue Manager \u2013 Accor, London<\/p>\n

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Favourite quote: \u201cTell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?\u201d \u2013 Mary Oliver<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Marlyn Brunke AIH\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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My passion for hospitality began at an early age, when I travelled to various countries immersing myself in their cultures and hospitality. To me, excellent hospitality is a personal commitment to providing unparalleled service through creating meaningful connections and experiences.<\/p>\n

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I have naturally incorporated this passion in my career thus far through my extensive foundational education and knowledge I gained from my international experience in both luxury and lifestyle hospitality, as well as my studies.<\/p>\n

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Over the past seven years, my journey has been leveraged by significant milestones, including an intensive apprenticeship, an accelerated Hospitality Management bachelor\u2019s programme at Hotelschool The Hague, and a Graduate Management Traineeship.<\/p>\n

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As an ambassador of the Youth Council, I am honoured to be able to shape a sustainable future of hospitality alongside ambitious and inspirational professionals.<\/p>\n

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Current role: House Manager at The Lanesborough, London<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Sofia Mayr AIH<\/b><\/p>\n

Born in a small region in northern Italy heavily reliant on tourism, I have been passionate about the hospitality industry since I was a little girl. I was always fascinated by the fact that while I was on holiday, there were people around me working hard to make my and other guests\u2019 stays perfect.<\/p>\n

I entered the industry at 14 when I decided to attend a vocational high school for Tourism and Hospitality studies, during which, I was working part-time in different restaurants and hotels in the area.\u00a0I then moved to the UK to join the University of Surrey to study International Hospitality and Tourism Management as a Bachelor\u2019s Degree when I decided to enrol in the first one, and then a second Sommelier course in London to consolidate my wine knowledge. I worked part-time in a restaurant, and, among many other things, I joined the Institute of Hospitality in my first year of university.<\/p>\n

I was amazed by the inclusivity and diversity of the Institute and impressed by the many new things I managed to learn from wonderful people I was lucky enough to meet. I joined the IoH and its Youth Council to be able to support new and young talent coming into hospitality, especially international students like myself, and help them find their path and passion in our amazing industry.<\/p>\n

Current role<\/strong>: Cluster Revenue Manager at Hilton, London<\/p>\n

Favourite quote<\/strong>: \u201cI am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday\u201d \u2013 Eleanor Roosevelt<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Harsh Sodhani AIH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Born in India, I embarked on my hospitality journey at 18. My professional wanderlust led me to live and work in three diverse countries, igniting a passion for connecting with people and unravelling their unique tales wherever I roamed. My work took me from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, working in operations with Hilton, back to my homeland in India, where I contributed to my family\u2019s hospitality enterprise before starting an MSc in International Hotel Management at the University of Surrey. Before returning to the Hilton in London to explore different facets of the business.<\/p>\n

Hospitality is my joy; it\u2019s the source of my inner contentment. The simple act of making someone happy through genuine connections is its essence, and it fuels my spirit. Now, as a proud IoH Youth Council member, my focus remains to infuse the industry with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unwavering support for emerging talents. This opportunity humbles me, and I\u2019m wholeheartedly committed to learning and making a lasting impact. Let\u2019s embark on this exhilarating journey together, brightening the future of hospitality, one memorable connection at a time.<\/p>\n

Current Role:<\/strong> Cluster Sales Manager,\u00a0 The Clermont Hotel, London<\/p>\n

Favourite Quote:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cIf you don\u2019t ask, the answer is always no!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Daniele Ferraioli AIH #imin<\/b><\/p>\n

My passion for hospitality was instilled in me by my parents, whose dedication and enthusiasm for the industry inspired me from an early age. Their influence nurtured the core values I carry in all aspects of my life: humility, commitment, and a relentless drive for growth. These principles underpin my professional aspirations to build a thriving career in luxury hospitality. I am dedicated to advancing the industry\u2019s innovation and excellence while preserving its cherished traditions and esteemed reputation.<\/p>\n

I joined the Institute during university where the IoH\u2019s extensive library tools were instrumental in completing my dissertation in hospitality management. Since then, the IoH has continued to inspire me, offering a supportive community that upholds the highest standards.<\/p>\n

Current role<\/strong>: Night Manager, Hotel Caf\u00e9 Royal, London<\/p>\n

Favourite Quote<\/strong>: \u201cSuccess is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm.\u201d \u2013 Winston Churchill<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>

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Maevelline Umayam AIH\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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From my first role age 16 in a 5 star Hotel, I immediately felt comfortable working in hospitality. Gaining fulfilment, interacting with different types of people, and having a positive impact in someone\u2019s day, felt like the perfect fit I\u2019d always longed for. Hospitality allowed me to express myself and develop the skills I desired to have.<\/p>\n

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Channeling this passion I studied, then graduated in Hospitality Management with Tourism in University of Portsmouth 2021. With my great interest of travelling, I aspire to work in different hotels in various countries to gain exposure to the diverse cultures that the hospitality world offers.<\/p>\n

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I joined the IoH as I believe it will continue to fuel my drive for the industry, provide resources and opportunities that will help me push myself to grow further, as well as put myself forward for new challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I\u2019d like to be an inspiration to the younger generations and show the wide opportunities and great, humbling career path that Hospitality has to offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Current position: Meetings Co-ordinator, London Hilton Park Lane, London<\/p>\n

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Favourite Quote:\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThe past is kind enough to give you lessons. The present is kind enough to give you opportunities. The future is kind enough to give you both.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jake Cameron AIH\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

I was uncertain about the career I wanted to pursue and began my journey in a small restaurant, then moved to a larger establishment where I transitioned into a role as a barista and quickly progressed to Caf\u00e9 Supervisor.<\/p>\n

During the pandemic, I worked on my family\u2019s farm, but two years later, I found my true calling in the hotel industry as a receptionist. This role brought a deep sense of belonging and fulfilment, and through determination and self-development, I have continued to grow ever since.<\/p>\n

Hospitality has always been my passion and mentoring others brings me great joy. I place great value on my own learning journey, guided by a mentor who inspires and challenges me every day.\u00a0For me, it\u2019s not just about what we do\u2014it\u2019s about how we do it. Approaching each day with genuine care and positivity is key. The hospitality industry is filled with incredible opportunities. I am dedicated to shaping a bright future for new talent and future generations. If we don\u2019t inspire the next wave of professionals to choose this dynamic and rewarding career, who will?<\/p>\n

Current role:<\/strong> Duty Manager \u2013 Braid Hills Hotel, Edinburgh \/ 7 Hospitality Management, Scotland<\/p>\n

Favourite Quote:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cThe only way to do great work is to love what you do.\u201d \u2013 Steve Jobs<\/p>\n

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Emily Clark AIH<\/b><\/p>\n

With over eight years of experience in the hospitality industry, including casual dining and luxury hotels, I made the difficult decision to transition out of operational roles due to health challenges. This shift led me back to the Edge Hotel School at the University of Essex, where I had previously earned my BA (Hons) in Hotel Management. Now, as an Industry Engagement Officer, I dedicate my career to inspiring and guiding the next generation of hospitality, events, and tourism professionals.<\/p>\n

My passion for the hospitality sector drives me to advocate for young people to explore its diverse career opportunities. As a member of the Youth Council, I am eager to continue motivating and supporting future professionals. The skills I developed during my time in the industry \u2013 attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and the ability to perform under pressure have not only shaped my career but also reinforced my belief that hospitality is an inclusive field with opportunities for everyone, regardless of personal challenges.<\/p>\n

Current role<\/strong>: Industry Engagement Officer, Edge Hotel School, University of Essex<\/p>\n

Favourite Quote<\/strong>: \u201cObstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.\u201d \u2013 Henry Ford<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rizwan Khan MIH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Born in India and raised by parents in the hospitality industry, I\u2019ve always been surrounded by inspiring individuals. After moving to the UK, I joined the hospitality industry at 16, working in roles in some of London\u2019s finest dining establishments, becoming the youngest General Manager at 21.<\/p>\n

I take pride in pushing myself out of my comfort zone, earning accolades such as a finalist of the Gold Service Scholarship 2024, the Annual Awards of Excellence, and the R\u00e9union des Gastronomes Award. I\u2019ve also completed a diploma from \u00c9cole h\u00f4teli\u00e8re de Lausanne and am a proud Member of the Institute of Hospitality.<\/p>\n

Hospitality has shaped me into who I am today, and I\u2019m passionate about giving back by coaching and inspiring others. As a member of the Youth Council, I am committed to promoting our industry to younger generations and guiding them toward rewarding careers in this diverse field.<\/p>\n

Current role:<\/strong> General Manager, Junsei, Marylebone, London<\/p>\n

Favourite quote<\/strong>: \u201cYou cannot cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.\u201d \u2013 Rabindranath Tagore<\/p>\n

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Rishabh Vaish AIH\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Born in India, raised in Singapore, and educated in Australia, I have had the privilege of growing up immersed in these diverse cultures. This global upbringing instilled in me a love for connecting with people from all walks of life and learning from their unique experiences, sparking my passion for hospitality. To deepen my understanding of this dynamic industry, I pursued both a Bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degree in hospitality.<\/p>\n

Being a part of the Institute of Hospitality and the Youth Council allows me to learn from industry experts while sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation. I am excited to actively contribute to shaping the future of this important industry.<\/p>\n

Current role<\/strong>: Sales and Booking Associate, Blue Orchid Hospitality, London<\/p>\n

Favourite quote<\/strong>: \u201cYou miss 100% of the shots you don\u2019t take.\u201d \u2013 Wayne Gretzky<\/p>\n

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